Colorful years

And so, Zhang Cong sat by Ling's bedside, watching over her for the entire night. He didn't close a single eye, afraid of missing any change in Ling's condition.

His heart was filled with worry and concern, but also with determination and courage. He knew that as long as he stayed by Ling's side to accompany and protect her, she would definitely be able to overcome her illness and regain her health and vitality.

Finally, after a long wait and vigil, the sky gradually began to lighten with the first light of dawn.

The first rays of sunlight streamed through the window, bringing a touch of life and energy to the quiet night.

Looking at the gradually brightening sky outside the window, Zhang Cong felt a surge of inexplicable emotion and relief.

This is not only because a new day has arrived, but also because Sister Ling's condition has finally shown signs of improvement.

He gently turned his head and looked at Sister Ling lying on the bed. She was now sleeping peacefully, her breathing steady and strong. Her cheeks were no longer burning hot, but flushed with a healthy blush.

Zhang Cong knew that this was the result of the medication and his own efforts in protecting her. He felt incredibly gratified and proud because his hard work and perseverance had finally paid off.

He gently covered Sister Ling with the blanket, then sat by the bed and quietly waited for her to wake up.

He knew that when Sister Ling woke up and saw him beside her, she would feel incredibly safe and warm. So he waited patiently, his heart filled with anticipation and joy.

Finally, after waiting for several hours, Sister Ling slowly opened her eyes. She looked at Zhang Cong sitting by the bed, a hint of surprise and gratitude flashing in her eyes.

She knew that she must have worried Zhang Cong a lot that night, and her heart was filled with guilt and remorse.

"Congcong, didn't you sleep all night?" Sister Ling asked in a weak and hoarse voice.

"It's alright, Sister Ling. Are you feeling better?" Zhang Cong asked with concern, reaching out to touch her forehead.

Sister Ling nodded slightly, indicating that she was feeling much better. Looking into Zhang Cong's tired but determined eyes, a warm feeling welled up in her heart.

She knew how happy and warm it was to have Zhang Cong by her side to accompany and protect her during her difficult time of illness.

"Congcong, thank you for always being by my side," Sister Ling said softly, tears welling in her eyes.

Zhang Cong smiled and shook his head, saying, "Sister Ling, don't say that. I'm your brother, and protecting you is what I should do."

Hearing this, Sister Ling was even more moved and gratified. She knew that Zhang Cong was not just a younger brother, but someone she could rely on and trust.

On this stormy night, his companionship and protection made her feel incredibly safe and warm.

They smiled at each other, as if all their worries and pain had vanished in that moment. They knew that as long as they supported and protected each other, they would surely be able to overcome all the difficulties and challenges in life.

As the sun rose higher, the indoor light grew brighter. Looking at the sunlight and blue sky outside the window, Zhang Cong's heart was filled with hope and anticipation.

He knew that there were still many wonderful things in this world waiting for him and Sister Ling to explore and discover. As long as they maintained their faith and courage, they would surely be able to create a wonderful life of their own.

In the days that followed, Zhang Cong stayed by Ling Jie's side, taking care of her daily needs and her recovery. He constantly encouraged and supported her, making her feel endless warmth and strength.

With Zhang Cong's companionship and care, Sister Ling regained her health and vitality.

This experience brought them closer and deeper into each other's lives. They realized how rare and precious it was to meet someone in this world who was willing to give everything for you. Therefore, they cherished their bond and their feelings for each other even more.

As time went by, their lives gradually returned to normal. They continued to be busy with their respective work and studies, but always maintained close contact and care for each other.

Whenever they encounter difficulties or setbacks, they support and encourage each other, giving each other boundless strength and courage. This experience will become their most precious memory and treasure, forever etched in their hearts.

Time flies, and before we knew it, it was 1984. This year was a significant turning point in Liu Ling's life.

Because her father was promoted and transferred to a directly affiliated agency of the state government, Liu Ling also benefited from this. Not long after, she successfully joined the state audit bureau thanks to her outstanding abilities and good performance.

During this period, Liu Ling not only made steady progress in her career, but also ushered in a new chapter in her personal life—she built her own happy little family.

However, this change put Zhang Cong, who had always maintained a close relationship with Liu Ling, in a dilemma. After careful consideration, the rational Zhang Cong realized that in order to avoid causing unnecessary trouble and misunderstandings for Liu Ling and her family, he should appropriately reduce his contact with Sister Ling. Therefore, he began to deliberately control the frequency of his interactions with Liu Ling.

As time went by, the two worked hard in their respective positions. Later, through his unremitting efforts, Zhang Cong successfully transferred to work at the prefectural party committee; at the same time, Liu Ling, with her outstanding professional skills and remarkable performance, rose through the ranks and eventually transferred to work at the provincial audit department.

And so, they each shone brightly in their respective fields, and although they were in different places, their deep friendship remained in their hearts.

In the years that followed, for various reasons, the two did not contact each other for ten years.

Despite the constant changes in the world and the vicissitudes of life, this sincere friendship has never faded in the slightest due to the barriers of time and distance. It is like a jar of aged wine, becoming more fragrant and mellow with time.

Whenever Zhang Cong went to the provincial capital on official business, if the news reached Liu Ling's ears, no matter how busy or stressed she was, she would put everything aside without hesitation, squeeze out precious time, and invite her younger brother to have a meal together.

Similarly, whenever Liu Ling occasionally returned to Jiangshan City for business or to visit relatives and friends, as long as Zhang Cong knew about it, even if his schedule was already full, he would adjust his plans without hesitation and resolutely make time to accompany Sister Ling.

This tacit understanding and concern, even after the test of time, remains as firm as a rock and shines brightly.