Colorful years

That person was Xiaoling! Zhang Cong's heart pounded like a drumbeat, his eyes widened in disbelief at what he was seeing.

Xiaoling was dressed in a simple casual outfit. Although the clothes were plain, they were well-tailored and perfectly complemented her temperament.

A faint smile graced her face, a smile as warm and pleasant as a spring breeze. Her eyes sparkled with a gentle light, like the glittering stars in the night sky, captivating all who beheld them.

She slowly walked up to Zhang Cong and said softly, "Brother Cong, it's been a long time." Her voice was as clear and melodious as a mountain spring.

Zhang Cong stood there, stunned, his mind blank, unsure how to respond. He stared blankly into Xiaoling's affectionate eyes, his heart churning with an indescribable surge of excitement and emotion.

His lips trembled slightly, as if he wanted to say something but didn't know where to start.

He finally understood that the long wait of the past few months had not been in vain; Xiaoling always held a place for him in her heart.

This realization brought him immense happiness and satisfaction, as if the whole world had become a better place at that moment.

Xiaoling continued, "Congdi, I received your letter. I am very touched and grateful for your deep affection. I know I am a few years older than you and our statuses are different, but I have never looked down on your feelings because of that. I have been thinking about how to define our relationship and how to face the challenges of the future."

Her eyes were full of seriousness and determination, making people feel how much she valued this relationship.

Upon hearing this, a warm feeling welled up in Zhang Cong's heart, and that warmth quickly spread throughout his body, making him feel incredibly warm.

He held Xiaoling's hand tightly, as if it were the most precious treasure in his life. He said affectionately:

"Sister Ling, I love you. I am willing to give everything for you, even in the face of worldly prejudice and obstacles. Please believe me, my feelings are sincere and eternal."

His voice was full of determination and persistence, making it impossible to doubt his sincerity.

A tear flashed in Xiaoling's eyes, glistening in the sunlight like a crystal-clear pearl.

She nodded gently and said, "I believe in you, Congdi. I love you too, and I'm willing to face the ups and downs of the future with you. However, we need more time to adjust to each other and adapt to one another, and we need more courage to face the judgment of the world."

Zhang Cong held Xiaoling tightly in his arms, his arms wrapped around her tightly as if he wanted to meld her into his own body. He felt Xiaoling's warmth and tenderness, and his heart was filled with happiness and contentment.

At that moment, he felt like the happiest person in the world. He had finally found the love of his life, the woman who was willing to spend her life with him.

Xiaoling's parents both worked at Yuanda Textile Factory. Every weekend, she would take the earliest bus back to the city to meet Zhang Cong. Those were the times they looked forward to most, as if the whole world had shrunk down to just the two of them.

In the days that followed, Zhang Cong and Xiaoling's relationship quickly blossomed. They strolled hand in hand through the bustling streets, enjoying the city's hustle and bustle; they went to the movies together, immersing themselves in the world of film and sharing each other's joys and sorrows; they sat together in a restaurant, savoring delicious food and enjoying a warm atmosphere.

They thoroughly enjoyed each other's company and care, as if time had stood still at that moment.

Every night, they would snuggle together, sit on a park bench, gaze at the starry sky, and express their longing and affection.

The worldly prejudices and differences in status that once troubled them are now insignificant. In their eyes, there is only each other, only that deep love.

However, their happiness was short-lived. After Zhang Cong and Xiao Ling's relationship was made public, they faced pressure and obstacles from all sides.

Some people ridiculed their relationship as an unrealistic fantasy, believing that the gap between them was too large and that a bright future was impossible; some accused them of being irresponsible and selfish, believing that they only cared about their own feelings and did not consider the opinions of those around them; even worse, some used their relationship as gossip, spreading all sorts of rumors and trying to ruin their relationship.

Faced with these pressures and obstacles, Zhang Cong and Xiaoling did not back down. They held each other's hands tightly, stood firmly together, and used their love to resist external interference. They knew that as long as there was love in their hearts, nothing could stop them from moving forward.

They believed that their love was unbreakable and that they could overcome any difficulties together.

However, reality is often harsh. As time went on, Zhang Cong and Xiaoling gradually developed differences in their work and life. Zhang Cong's career was booming, and he faced various work challenges every day, requiring him to invest more time and energy. Xiaoling, on the other hand, hoped that they could spend more time together, enjoying each other's company and care.

This disagreement gradually escalated into conflict and arguments, plunging their relationship into crisis.

One evening, Zhang Cong and Xiaoling had another argument over a trivial matter. This small incident acted as a fuse, igniting their long-suppressed dissatisfaction and grievances.

They were both exhausted and disappointed, unsure whether the relationship could continue.

Zhang Cong sat on the sofa, silent. His eyes were filled with confusion and helplessness; he didn't know how to resolve their problems or how to salvage their relationship.

Xiaoling lay in bed, tears streaming down her face, her heart filled with pain and struggle. She didn't know what to do. She loved Zhang Cong, but she couldn't bear this life of infrequent meetings. She felt she was about to be crushed by this pressure, and she didn't know how much longer she could hold on.

Just then, Zhang Cong's phone rang, as he received a note. The note read: "I am Xiaoling's ex-boyfriend. I hope to meet you at the South Gate Wharf tonight."