Colorful years

On that land, weathered and scarred by time, Zhang Hou's words were like a gentle breeze, lightly brushing against my heart, bringing a touch of coolness and reflection.

He spoke slowly, suggesting, "How about this, I think it would be best if my mother could try to persuade my brother. After all, my mother's words might carry more weight with him." His words were full of longing for family harmony, as well as a deep understanding and respect for his brother.

After Zhang Hou expressed Chen Chunong's wish and his own thoughts, Xiong Qiao'er nodded gently, her eyes flashing with complex emotions.

She knew that this suggestion was not a magic bullet that could easily solve the complex problem at hand.

But in this vast sea of ​​people, it seemed that only this glimmer of hope existed, like the brightest star in the night sky, guiding the lost soul forward. Though she felt a thousand regrets, she had to face reality; after all, Congcong's future touched the hearts of everyone.

Xiong Qiao'er knew Zhang Zhong's character well; he was a stubborn man, as unyielding as a rock, who would never easily give up his own flesh and blood, no matter how difficult life was.

However, Wu'er's situation also worried her. She didn't want to see the two brothers develop a rift because of this, and she didn't want Wu'er to be put in a difficult position in front of Team Leader Chen.

So she gritted her teeth and decided to take matters into her own hands, even if she was unwilling, she would give it a try for the sake of her family.

"Si'er, I heard that Team Leader Chen wants to adopt Congcong as his son. What do you think?" Xiong Qiao'er's words were tinged with a hint of probing and caution. She looked at Zhang Zhong's weathered face, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhong frowned, as if a huge boulder was pressing on his heart. He remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking, "Mom, don't get involved in this. I won't agree to it." His tone revealed an unwavering determination.

Hearing this, Xiong Qiao'er sighed helplessly. She knew her son's personality; once he made up his mind, nothing could change it. But she still couldn't help but advise him:

"Fourth son, I don't want to get involved either, but Fifth son works under Team Leader Chen, and we can't make things difficult for him." His words were full of helplessness and compromise.

However, Zhang Zhong's stance was exceptionally firm. He shook his head and said resolutely, "Mom, what's wrong with my fifth brother working under Team Leader Chen? No matter how difficult life is, I will never sell my son!" These words were like a vow bursting forth from the depths of his heart, resounding and deeply moving.

Looking into her son's resolute eyes, Xiong Qiao'er felt a surge of warmth in her heart, mixed with a touch of bitterness. She knew she couldn't change her son's decision, but as a mother, all she could do was silently support him, and walk with him no matter how difficult the road ahead.

"Si'er, think about it again. Team Leader Chen genuinely likes Congcong, and perhaps this is a good way out for Congcong." Xiong Qiao'er tried to persuade Zhang Zhong in another way, but Zhang Zhong's eyes were resolute and unwavering.

At that moment, the air seemed to freeze, and time slowed down considerably. Xiong Qiao'er knew that saying anything more would be useless, so she could only silently pray that everything could have a happy ending.

However, fate seemed to be unkind to this family. Chen Chunong, that narrow-minded woman, harbored deep resentment towards Zhang Zhong because of his stubbornness.

She felt that Zhang Zhong's long tenure as production team leader was an act of oppression and domination against those of lesser surnames and other surnames, and she had long harbored the idea of ​​replacing him. Now, because of Congcong's matter, Zhang Zhong had completely offended Team Leader Chen.

Chen Chunong was a complex and vengeful woman. Using unclear production team accounts as a pretext, she removed Zhang Zhong from his position as team leader. To further crush him, she even went so far as to review his personnel file and label him with a "problematic past." This made Zhang Zhong's already difficult life even worse, plunging his family into further hardship.

Zhang Zhong had already explained that period of history clearly to the organization, and the organization had approved it. However, Chen Chunong was still resentful about it and insisted on pinning this fabricated charge on him.

Zhang Zhong tried to communicate with her many times, but she refused each time. In the end, Zhang Zhong was forced to accept this unfair decision.

He was sent to Zaoguowan, more than 20 miles away from the production team, to reclaim wasteland and plant corn.

It was a desolate and remote place. Xiong Qiao'er and Shi Daya were worried for Zhang Zhong about whether he could clear the land and grow corn.

This spring seemed a little different from usual, carrying an indescribable abnormality.

The spring chill lingered, and a damp coldness permeated the air, as if the lingering power of winter still lingered, unwilling to leave easily.

The continuous drizzle made the sky seem shrouded in a thick gray veil, preventing sunlight from penetrating and bringing a sense of oppression and gloom to the land.

The cold wind whistled through the trees, making a mournful sound, as if it were telling of winter's lingering affection and reluctance to leave, and casting a shadow over the agricultural production activities that were about to begin.

In the fields, the soil has become soft and sticky due to days of rain, posing a great challenge to the sowing and growth of crops.