Colorful years

Immersed in this feeling, Congcong couldn't help but recall the wonderful moments when he met Aling.

The scene of their first meeting unfolds before my eyes like a vivid picture: It was an afternoon when he received his university admission notice, and he went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy a quilt for school. The person who greeted him was Ah Ling, who had recently been assigned to work at the supply and marketing cooperative.

Upon first meeting Ah Ling, Cong Cong was deeply attracted by her fresh and refined temperament. Ah Ling shared the same surname as Cong Cong, and was as beautiful as Wang Zhaojun, with skin as smooth as jade, and eyebrows and eyes as exquisite as a painting. Her smile was like a peach blossom blooming in spring. She was slender, and every move she made carried an indescribable charm.

Congcong was only sixteen years old at the time. Facing such a beautiful woman, he couldn't help but feel a little shy. A strange sense of intimacy welled up in his heart, as if there was already some kind of mysterious connection between the two of them.

When Ah Ling saw Cong Cong walking towards her from afar, an inexplicable sense of familiarity welled up inside her. This feeling filled her with curiosity and anticipation for the boy she was about to meet.

Before this, rumors about this student from a poor family had already spread throughout the fields and villages. It was said that this year, their commune had produced a remarkable person—a child who was admitted directly to university from an ordinary middle school in the village.

This is quite a rare thing! Everyone was talking about it, their words full of praise and envy for the child.

When Ah Ling finally saw the person's face clearly, her heart seemed to skip a beat. The young man was tall and slender, with delicate features, clear and bright eyes, and an air of intelligence and wit.

Ah Ling composed herself, a radiant smile blooming on her face like spring flowers. She took light steps towards Cong Cong and said in her sweet, kind, and warm voice, "Little brother, are you Zhang Cong?"

Hearing someone call his name, Congcong was taken aback at first, then his gaze fell on the beautiful and charming woman in front of him. He felt that her smile could melt ice and snow, making him feel incredibly comfortable.

For a moment, Congcong was at a loss for words, and a blush involuntarily crept onto his cheeks. He scratched his head shyly and replied in a low voice, "I...I am Zhang Cong, do you know me?"

Looking at the slightly shy young man in front of her, Ah Ling's smile deepened. She explained softly, "I don't know you, but a lot of people have been talking about you lately, saying that our commune has produced such an outstanding college student like you, so I'm just making a guess. Congratulations on getting into your dream university!" As she spoke, Ah Ling blinked gently, looking incredibly cute.

Hearing Ah Ling's words, Cong Cong felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He smiled gratefully and said, "Thank you for the compliment, sister. Actually, I was just lucky. But this is my first time leaving home to study so far away, and I really have no idea what to prepare."

Seeing his shyness, Ah Ling felt even more affection for him. She patiently helped him choose a quilt and carefully reminded him of some things to note about university life.

During their conversation, Congcong learned that Aling was four years older than him, twenty years old this year, and had only recently been assigned to work at the supply and marketing cooperative. Her gentleness and kindness warmed Congcong's heart, as if he had found an older sister he could rely on.

After learning that Congcong didn't have many clothes, A-Ling took the initiative to recognize Congcong as her younger brother and said she would make him a new set of clothes. Congcong was a little surprised, but then a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

He knew that this was Ah Ling's care and love for him, and it was the first time he had felt such sincere kinship outside of his family.

Ah Ling immediately took Cong Cong to the fabric counter and picked out a soft, brightly colored fabric for him. She took out a ruler and carefully measured Cong Cong's height and shoulder width, saying with a smile as she did so, "Little brother, you have a really good figure, you look good in anything."

Congcong was amused by her and laughed heartily, and the tension and shyness in his heart gradually dissipated.

A few days later, Ah Ling sewed a new set of clothes for Cong Cong by hand. The stitches on the fabric were fine and even, and every detail revealed her care and meticulousness.

Wearing this new outfit, Congcong looked completely transformed, as if he had become more confident and cheerful.

On the day Congcong went to university, Aling made a special trip to his home to see him off.

She not only brought carefully prepared gifts, but also took out two brand-new ten-yuan bills and handed them to Congcong: "Little brother, this is your pocket money from your sister. It's not easy being away from home, so you must take good care of yourself."

Congcong took the money, his eyes slightly moist. He knew that A-Ling had just started working and only earned 27 yuan a month.

Twenty yuan might have been a considerable sum for Ah Ling, but she gave it to him without hesitation. This kindness was like a cool summer breeze, bringing immense comfort and comfort.

With Ah Ling's blessings and gifts, Cong Cong boarded the train to university. Gazing at the scenery rushing past the window, his heart was filled with anticipation and hope for the future.

He knew that he had a loving older sister, and wherever he went, there was always a sense of care and warmth accompanying him.

University life was vibrant and fulfilling, and Congcong spent each day happily and meaningfully. He never forgot Aling's care and love, frequently writing to her to share his studies and life. Aling always replied promptly, offering encouragement and advice. Their correspondence deepened over time.

Every winter and summer vacation, Congcong would eagerly return to his hometown to visit Aling. Every time they met, they seemed to have endless things to talk about. Aling would prepare a sumptuous meal for him and listen to him tell stories about his school days; Congcong would also accompany Aling shopping and to the movies, enjoying their rare leisure time together.

During his sophomore year winter break, Congcong decided to visit the supply and marketing cooperative where A-Ling worked. He wanted to experience A-Ling's work environment firsthand and understand her daily routine.