Colorful years

As if by some strange twist of fate, on this bright and sunny morning, Zhang Cong had just finished a set of exhilarating aerobics exercises.

However, for some reason, his steps seemed to be drawn by a mysterious force, and he involuntarily walked towards the familiar yet slightly old-fashioned gatehouse at the school gate.

You should know that long before the 21st century, whether it was a solemn and dignified party and government organ, a bustling factory and mine enterprise, a school of all levels and types filled with the sound of students reading aloud, or other various enterprises and institutions, without exception, they all had such an eight-square-meter guard room at their main gate.

It acts as a bridge connecting the inside and outside, shouldering a vital mission: to warmly welcome every visiting guest and to carefully send and receive all kinds of mail—from a dazzling array of newspapers and magazines to letters and packages carrying emotions and information.

It can be said that the gatehouse had become an indispensable standard feature of many government agencies in China at that time.

Just then, a friendly call reached Zhang Cong's ears: "Zhang Cong, come here quickly, there's a package for you here!"

It turned out that Old Wang, who was on duty in the gatehouse, had sharp eyes and spotted Zhang Cong walking towards them from afar. As Zhang Cong drew closer, Old Wang couldn't wait to call out loudly.

Hearing the call, Zhang Cong quickened his pace, walked briskly to the window of the gatehouse, and asked with a puzzled look, "Master Wang, what package is it? Why was it delivered so early?"

Old Wang replied with a smile, "I guess it's something like clothes. The package actually arrived last night, but you didn't come to pick it up then, so it had to wait until this morning."

What's going on? Who could be sending me a package at this time? Zhang Cong pondered this with a heart full of doubt, while reaching out to take the package from Old Wang's hand.

He held the package in his hands, his eyes scanning every word on the shipping label like a scanner. Finally, in the "Items" section, he found two striking words written on it—"Clothes"; then he moved his gaze to the "Sender" section, where it was clearly written: Ah Ling.

Oh! It was a new outfit that Sister Ling sent him! Thinking of this, Zhang Cong felt a warm current well up in his heart. Unable to contain his excitement and joy, he rushed back to the dormitory as if he had wings on his feet.

As soon as he entered the dormitory, he couldn't wait to tear open the outer packaging of the package. Upon closer inspection, he found a set of the most fashionable denim outfit at the time, along with a letter.

Seeing this, Zhang Cong quickly reached for the envelope, gently tore open the seal, and eagerly pulled out the letter to read. Instantly, lines of delicate and incredibly familiar handwriting came into view:

Dear Congdi:

By the time you read this letter, the clothes your sister sent you should have already arrived. And judging by the dates, it's almost your birthday! Your sister couldn't think of a better gift for you, so this outfit was the only one she could give you. She hopes it will be a happy and satisfying birthday present!

I wonder if your studies have been very demanding lately? Remember to balance work and rest, and don't overwork yourself. By the way, how are you feeling? Are you taking good care of yourself? If you encounter any unhappiness or worries, remember to tell your sister right away. I'll always be your strongest support and warm harbor…

Dear younger brother:

I have some exciting news to share with you! I've successfully transferred from the supply and marketing cooperative in our hometown to the district supply and marketing cooperative in Jiaoziya!

Before leaving my hometown, I made a special trip to visit your dear father and mother. Seeing them made me incredibly happy. They were both in excellent health, full of energy, which was very comforting to see. Moreover, their lives have improved considerably compared to before; they're living a much better life!

So, little brother, you can rest assured and focus on your studies. Make sure you're very diligent, and don't be lazy or try to slack off!

You should know that studying hard is far more important than anything else! Only by studying diligently and acquiring more knowledge and skills can you have better opportunities for development in the future and realize your dreams.

As for me, everything is fine, so you don't need to worry about me at all. I hope you continue to make progress at school, learn something new every day, and grow a lot.

I believe that as long as you persevere and work hard, one day you will be able to achieve your goals and return to us in glory.

Finally, I wish my younger brother continued academic success and happiness every day!

Love, my sister, Ah Ling

August 1981, 9

As Congcong slowly unfolded the letter from his sister, he seemed to feel her warm presence emanating from the paper. With each line of sincere words, his sister's love and concern flowed like a clear spring, nourishing his heart. Every word was filled with deep affection, every sentence so sincere and earnest, enveloping Congcong in a profound sense of kinship.

Gradually, this emotion transformed into a warm current, welling up from the bottom of his heart and quickly flowing through his entire body. That warm feeling was like the gentle sunshine of spring, making him feel incredibly comfortable and at ease.

At this moment, Congcong's face was filled with a happy smile, and her heart was filled with gratitude for her sister.

Immersed in this feeling, Congcong couldn't help but recall the beautiful moments he had shared with A-Ling. Their first encounter unfolded before his eyes like a vivid picture: it was an afternoon after receiving his university acceptance letter, and he went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy a quilt for school. The person who greeted him was none other than A-Ling, who had recently been assigned to work there…