Colorful years

Zhang Cong is a happy bachelor, living a carefree life. As the saying goes, "If one person is full, the whole family isn't hungry," this unrestrained situation allows him to focus more intently on his career development.

After enjoying a simple yet delicious dinner in the cafeteria each day, he did not rush home like the others.

On the contrary, he always resolutely chose to return to the office, continue to work hard, work overtime to complete official document writing tasks ahead of schedule, and then carry out news planning or literary creation.

He deeply understood that only by investing more time and energy could he achieve more outstanding work results. Therefore, he often worked diligently in the office until midnight before dragging his tired body back to his dormitory.

Since his house was only used for sleeping, there was naturally no need to light a fire for heating. Therefore, he would send all the charcoal distributed by his work unit back to his hometown without hesitation.

As fate would have it, the county government distributed fresh pork to its staff as a Spring Festival bonus. Zhang Cong immediately called his father, who lived in the countryside, inviting him to come to the city and transport the pork back to their hometown.

For Zhang Cong, it is difficult to be by his parents' side often, but being able to promptly return the benefits distributed by his workplace so that they can enjoy them is a way of fulfilling his filial duty.

My son has achieved great success! After years of hard work and perseverance, he has finally realized his dream and become a civil servant with a stable job and a fixed monthly salary.

Zhang Zhong and Shi Daya have worked tirelessly to raise their child over the years, and all their efforts are now paying off. Their beloved son, Cong'er, has only recently started working, but has already achieved remarkable results, bringing unexpected joy to the family.

As the family sat around the fireplace, enjoying the warmth emanating from the burning charcoal, a knock came at the door.

Zhang Zhong went to open the door and found that the visitor was Secretary Liu from the commune. "Uncle Zhang, your son Zhang Cong called and wants you to come to town to pick up the pork as soon as possible."

Upon hearing the news, Zhang Zhong was overjoyed. Without taking a break, he hurriedly changed his clothes and ran all the way to the county town.

……

Just as he was about to arrive home, he happened to run into his distant nephew, Zhang Xinzhi. Seeing his uncle carrying dozens of kilograms of pork on his shoulders, Zhang Xinzhi asked curiously, "Uncle Zhong, didn't you slaughter your own pig for the New Year this year? Why did you buy so much pork?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhong grinned from ear to ear and quickly explained, "This isn't meat we bought; it's pork that our Cong'er's company distributed to its employees as year-end bonuses."

Zhang Xinzhi suddenly realized what was going on and couldn't help but praise, "Oh my, Congcong's workplace is truly wonderful! Not only is the job stable, but the benefits are also so good. His filial piety is even more commendable; he always thinks of you two elders. You two are truly blessed!"

Zhang Zhong responded to his nephew with a broad smile as he quickened his pace. His heart was filled with pride for his son. He knew that this pork not only represented his son's filial piety but also symbolized the honor earned through his hard work.

When she returned home, Shi Daya was sitting by the stove, busy knitting a sweater, a faint smile on her face, clearly contemplating something pleasant. Hearing the door open, she looked up and saw Zhang Zhong carrying pork into the house, her face immediately breaking into an even brighter smile.

“My dear husband, look, this is the pork Cong’er’s workplace allocated, quite a lot!” Tears welled up in Zhang’s eyes. “Cong’er is truly capable; our years of hardship are finally over.” She murmured softly, her voice slightly choked with emotion.

The two young women, Chunlan and Juxiang, both unmarried, were so astonished by the sheer amount of pork that their mouths gaped open. They were filled with admiration and envy for their second brother, Congcong.

"My second brother is getting more and more amazing; the benefits from his workplace are so good!" Chunlan exclaimed.

"Yes, Second Brother is our role model. I also want to work hard like him so that Mom and Dad can live a good life in the future," Juxiang echoed.

The third brother, Liangliang, is ten years younger than Congcong and is still in elementary school. Although he is still young, he understands the significance of his older brother's achievements to the family.

He ran to the pork and gently touched it with his little hands, as if he could feel his second brother's presence. "Second brother is amazing! I want to learn from him!" His childish voice was full of determination.

Looking at the children, Zhang Zhong felt a warm current welling up in his heart. He knew that all of this was the result of his son Zhang Cong's hard work, and also the reward for their family's joint efforts.

He patted Liangliang's shoulder lightly and said with a smile, "Liangliang, your second brother is our pride. You should also work harder and become as outstanding as your second brother in the future."

The family sat around the fireplace, enjoying the warmth of the burning charcoal and the joy of Zhang Cong's success. They talked about Zhang Cong's work, discussed his future, and envisioned their family's hopes.

A happy smile bloomed on everyone's face, as if all the hardships and difficulties had vanished without a trace at this moment.

However, even in that moment of joy, Shi Daya felt a strange sense of loss. Although her husband had happily brought home the fresh, succulent pork, her son Zhang Cong, the figure she had been longing for, had not returned with her.

Half a year has passed since Zhang Cong graduated and was assigned a job. During this time, he hasn't stepped foot in his home once. As the saying goes, a mother's heart is connected to her son's, and Shi Daya's deep concern and longing for him lingered in her heart at all times.

Gradually, Shi Daya could no longer remain seated. She abruptly stood up and paced anxiously back and forth in the room. She muttered to herself, "My Cong'er, when will he come home? The New Year is almost here; will he come home for a family reunion this year?"

Seeing this, Zhang Zhong felt uneasy and anxious. But as the head of the family, he knew he had to offer his wife enough comfort and reassurance.

So, he forced himself to remain calm and said, "Don't worry too much, my dear. Our Cong'er has always been a well-behaved and sensible child. I believe he will definitely come back to us for the New Year and enjoy the happiness of family life."