Colorful years

Before dawn, the father and son embarked on their journey to Pipa Village to transport timber. The night had not yet completely faded, and the stars twinkled faintly in the sky, as if guiding the hardworking father and son.

In the cold wind, the father and son stood out with unwavering determination. Their steps were steady and powerful, each one reflecting their hope and aspirations for the future.

Pipajie is located in the northwest corner of the forest farm, bordering Huanshanpo. Starting from Diaolan Village, the route passes through Yejipu, then goes up Huanshanpo, and finally arrives at Pipajie.

The road to the world of pipa is rugged and fraught with unknowns and hardships. However, for the Zhang family, father and son, it is a road to hope and dreams.

They traveled along the winding mountain path, sometimes climbing steep slopes, sometimes traversing dense forests. Although the journey was long and arduous, their hearts were filled with strength and faith.

After climbing the hillside and traveling five li south, you will arrive at Pipajie. This is a dense forest area, a place with a high concentration of timber trees.

In that lush, dense forest, an important initiative is underway—thinning out some of the young trees.

This was not done arbitrarily, but with profound significance: its purpose was to create a more ideal growing environment and space for the surviving timber forests.

In this way, these timber trees can bask in the warm and abundant sunshine, absorb the rich nutrients from the soil, and thus grow rapidly, eventually becoming useful timber.

Although the thinned timber is still somewhat slender, it is not entirely useless. Each thinned log is roughly the size of an adult's arm, a size that is perfect for use on construction sites, as a plank or for making building components such as doors and windows.

However, transporting these timbers to the forestry station was no easy task. Because there was no road connecting Diaolan Village and Pipajie, transportation was extremely inconvenient, so all the moving work had to be done entirely by hand.

This undoubtedly posed a huge challenge to the workers responsible for transporting the timber. They had to carry it on their shoulders and backs, walking step by step along the rugged mountain road, to transport the heavy loads of timber to the designated location.

This task not only tests the porters' physical strength and endurance, but also requires them to have perseverance and a strong will.

They did not back down because of this. On the contrary, they cherished this opportunity even more because it meant they could bring more income to their families through their own efforts.

When the father and son finally arrived at Pipa Village, the sky was already beginning to lighten. Without taking a break, they immediately threw themselves into their demanding work.

Although Congcong was still young, he showed extraordinary courage and strength. He imitated his father, using ropes to tie the wood into a carrying pole, and then carefully hoisted it onto his shoulders.

Although his shoulders were chafed and aching, he didn't utter a sound and persisted in carrying loads of timber to the designated location.

Zhang Zhong carried a 120-pound load on his shoulder, but the heavy weight seemed to have no effect on his steps. He knew that this opportunity to move timber was hard-won, and he had to do his best to bring more income to his family.

Congcong, though only fourteen years old, has already demonstrated extraordinary courage and perseverance. He carried an 80-pound load, which, although much lighter than his father's, was still a considerable challenge for a child his age.

Congcong gritted his teeth and followed closely behind his father, taking steps forward.

It was early winter, and the weather was dry and cold. Pedestrians would feel cold if they weren't carrying heavy loads.

However, the Zhang father and son were carrying heavy loads on their shoulders, and the mountain road was rugged, so they were bound to be very tired. Before long, they were both covered in smoke.

As time passed, the sun rose higher and the temperature began to rise. However, for the Zhang family, this was an even more difficult time.

As the temperature rose, sweat began to pour down their bodies, soaking their clothes.

During the carrying process, Congcong wanted to put down the load and rest for a while many times. However, whenever he saw his father's resolute eyes and tired figure, he mustered his courage again. He knew that he could not become a burden to his father.

Instead, he should have become his father's right-hand man and shared more of the family's responsibilities. So he gritted his teeth and continued to carry loads of timber to their destination.

As night fell, the Zhang father and son began their journey home.

Back home, Congcong's mother had already prepared a hot meal for them. Although it was just some simple home-cooked dishes, it was the most delicious dinner for the Zhang father and son.

They knew this meal was earned through their hard work. As they ate, they chatted about their experiences and gains of the day. Although physically exhausted, their hearts were filled with happiness and contentment.

Finally, winter vacation arrived, and Congcong could accompany his father to Pipa Village every day to transport timber. They worked tirelessly from dawn till dusk, striving for the future of their family.

Although the process was full of hardships and challenges, they never gave up on their dreams and pursuits. They firmly believe that as long as they do not give up their efforts and struggles, they will surely be able to create a better future.

As time went on, the efforts of the Zhang family father and son gradually paid off. They earned a considerable income by moving timber, which not only improved the family's financial situation but also provided better conditions for Congcong's education.