Colorful years

After doing all this, Zhang Cong, with a heart full of trepidation yet hope, walked with firm yet somewhat hurried steps toward the entrance of the county committee.

The green mailbox stood there quietly, like a faithful messenger, waiting to receive this special letter.

When Zhang Cong arrived at the mailbox, he paused briefly, took a deep breath, and then gently dropped the envelope into it. With a soft "thud," the letter disappeared into the darkness of the mailbox, but the anticipation in Zhang Cong's heart burned ever brighter, like a blazing flame.

After mailing the letter, Zhang Cong didn't leave immediately. Instead, he stood there staring at the mailbox, reluctant to leave. It was as if simply looking at it would make the letter reach Xiaoling's hands faster.

Finally, filled with anticipation and hope, he turned around and slowly walked back to his dormitory. Along the way, his mind kept replaying the various reactions Xiaoling might have when she saw the letter, and his emotions fluctuated accordingly.

A day later, the sunlight still shone through the thin clouds, falling softly on the streets and buildings.

On this seemingly ordinary day, Xiaoling, who works at the Jiaoziya Supply and Marketing Cooperative in the countryside, received a letter from Zhang Cong.

When she saw the familiar handwriting on the envelope, a sense of anticipation and curiosity welled up inside her.

Gently opening the envelope and unfolding the letter, the words, brimming with sincere emotion, seemed to leap into view as if they had come alive. Zhang Cong's penmanship was fiery and passionate; each word was like a burning flame, intense and fervent.

Xiaoling's heart began to race as she read, and an indescribable feeling welled up inside her.

She was moved by Zhang Cong's deep affection, and her eyes welled up with tears. The thought that her sworn brother had always kept her in his heart and had never forgotten her filled her with warmth and gratitude.

However, at the same time, a sense of unease rose deep within her. After all, she was a few years older than Zhang Cong, and the age gap always seemed like an invisible chasm between them.

More importantly, Zhang Cong is exceptionally talented, has risen to prominence in the industry, and is at the peak of his career with a bright future ahead. In contrast, Xiaoling feels that she is just an ordinary sales clerk behind a counter, unremarkable and unremarkable. This difference in status makes her full of doubts and worries about this relationship.

She couldn't help but wonder if Zhang Cong's courtship was genuine or just a passing impulse. If she immediately responded and accepted his affections, would it cause more trouble or even harm to both of them? A flurry of thoughts rushed through her mind, leaving Xiaoling hesitant and unable to make a decision.

Finally, after some struggle, Xiaoling decided to remain silent for the time being. She wanted to observe Zhang Cong's subsequent behavior and reactions to see if he could withstand the test of time and whether their relationship could withstand the impact of reality. So, she carefully put the letter away and placed it back in the drawer, as if temporarily hiding her conflicted and restless heart.

Meanwhile, Zhang Cong silently counted the days in his mind: one day, two days, three days, a week, a month, but there was still no reply.

Normally, the distance between the county seat and Jiaoziya is only about 30 kilometers, and mail between the two places can be received within a day.

It's indeed unusual that Zhang Cong hasn't received a reply to his love letter after more than a month.

The proud Zhang Cong was very disappointed. Did Sister Ling not have any romantic feelings for him? Every time the night was quiet, Zhang Cong would toss and turn, unable to fall asleep.

Those times he had spent with Xiaoling replayed in his mind like a movie, every detail as clear as yesterday. He remembered Xiaoling's gentle eyes, the smile on her lips, and the country lanes they had walked together. Those beautiful and warm memories had now become the deepest pain in his heart.

Zhang Cong began to doubt his decision, wondering if it had been too impulsive and if he hadn't considered Xiaoling's feelings. He recalled the moment he wrote that letter, his heart filled with trepidation and unease. Yet, his deep affection for Xiaoling was genuine and undeniable. He was willing to give everything for her, even in the face of societal prejudice and obstacles.

As time went on, Zhang Cong's sense of loss grew stronger. He began to doubt whether he should continue to wait, whether he should take the initiative to find Xiaoling and express his feelings to her.

However, whenever he thought that Xiaoling might not be willing to accept his love, that courage would instantly dissipate.

During these long and agonizing days, Zhang Cong became taciturn, and his usual smile faded. He threw himself into his work, interviewing people in one commune one day and conducting research in another village the next, never stopping his pace, trying to forget the pain in his heart by keeping busy.

However, no matter how hard he tried, Xiaoling's image could never be erased from his mind.

In the blink of an eye, several months had passed. Zhang Cong's work had yielded remarkable results, and his reputation in the industry was growing. However, these achievements brought him no joy, because there was always an unfillable void in his heart—Xiaoling.

One evening, Zhang Cong was walking home alone, his heart filled with endless loss and confusion.

He didn't know whether he should continue waiting, or give up on this relationship that might never have a happy ending. Just as he was lost in thought, he suddenly heard familiar footsteps behind him.

He turned around abruptly and saw a graceful figure slowly walking towards him.