Colorful years

So Dali quickly got to work. He first carefully gathered the scattered firewood together, and then tied them tightly with rope.

Next, he found a thick, sturdy carrying pole and firmly inserted the bundled firewood into it. Once everything was ready, he easily lifted the heavy load of firewood and strode forward with steady steps.

Congcong followed closely behind, chatting and laughing with Dali as they walked. Dali excitedly recounted his recent hunting adventures in the mountains, while Congcong shared his unforgettable experience of gathering firewood. The two chatted and laughed all the way, as if the heavy burden on their shoulders had become much lighter.

Before long, they arrived at the village entrance. It was evening, the sun was setting, and the villagers were finishing their day's hard work and preparing to return home for dinner.

When they saw Congcong return with such a large load of firewood, they all looked at him with surprise and admiration. Some villagers even stopped to greet Congcong warmly and praised him, saying, "Congcong! You're really amazing! You managed to carry such a big load of firewood back! You're truly a promising young man!"

Hearing the villagers' praise, Congcong was overjoyed. Despite his injured left hand, he felt incredibly proud and satisfied. He knew this was the result of his hard work and the selfless help he had received.

"I am also a kind person," Congcong thought. "If I have the opportunity in the future, I will definitely help those who need help."

When they were almost at their own yard, Congcong asked Dali to put down the firewood. He wanted to complete the last kilometer by himself.

So, he resolutely picked up the firewood and strode towards his family's farmhouse. He wanted to prove to his family that he too was capable of gathering a large load of firewood from the mountains! He gritted his teeth, his steps faltering but his eyes exceptionally determined. Every step seemed to proclaim his growth and resilience to his family.

Finally, Congcong reached his own yard. He put down the bundle of firewood, panting heavily but with a happy smile on his face. His family members were astonished to see him return with such a large load of firewood.

They all gathered around him, asking about his condition with concern and praising his courage and strength.

Congcong's mother stroked his head tenderly, tears welling in her eyes. She knew that this child had sacrificed so much for the family.

That evening, Congcong's house was bustling with activity. The whole family sat together enjoying a sumptuous dinner and excitedly discussing Congcong's heroic deeds.

Congcong excitedly shared his experience and feelings about climbing the mountain. He felt as if he had grown up a lot overnight, becoming more confident and stronger.

Dali arrived at Congcong's house as promised. He savored the steamed rice cakes he had been longing for, praising Congcong's mother's excellent cooking skills as he ate, and said that he would like to come and help again if he has the opportunity in the future.

Looking at Dali's satisfied expression, Congcong felt grateful and respectful.

He knew that in this vast world, there were many kind-hearted and helpful people like Dali. It was these people who transmitted positive energy, making society so beautiful and harmonious.

Gazing at the distant horizon, Congcong secretly resolved to accelerate his growth. He wanted to repay the society that had given him so much love and warmth with even greater kindness and concrete actions.

Time flies by like flowing water, and another Sunday has arrived in the blink of an eye. Congcong was not afraid because of the injury he suffered while collecting firewood last time. Instead, he resolutely faced the first rays of sunlight in the morning and set off again on his journey to collect firewood deep in the mountains.

The road to growth is never a smooth one; it is inevitably accompanied by countless hardships and obstacles, as well as a series of challenges.

However, how could true heroes be easily defeated by adversity? They would only become stronger with each setback and keep moving forward.

As the saying goes, "A fine sword is forged through tempering, and the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from bitter cold." Only rainbows that have weathered storms appear truly magnificent; and only steel that has undergone countless trials can be forged into an indestructible blade.

Congcong sat quietly by the window, his gaze fixed on the distance, his thoughts drifting to the distant horizon. He began to imagine himself several years from now: he would have grown into an adult, entered the complex society, and begun a brand new journey in his life.

When he looked back, the unforgettable experience of chopping wood involuntarily welled up in his mind. Back then, he would get up before dawn every day, carrying a heavy axe and rope, and venture into the deep mountains and forests to find suitable firewood. The road was full of thorns and the mountain path was rugged and difficult to travel, but he never backed down.

After each round of chopping firewood, he was always exhausted, panting and aching all over. But what he couldn't forget were the crisscrossing scars on his hands and feet. Some were cut by sharp branches, some were from accidental bumps while carrying heavy loads of firewood, and many were left by a sharp wood-chopping knife.

These scars bear witness to his hard work and resilient growth.

Looking at these scars, Congcong felt a mix of emotions. Perhaps he would reflect on the hardships and difficulties he had faced back then; or perhaps he would feel incredibly proud of himself for having persevered...