Colorful years

As the magnificent sunset, as splendid as brocade, unfolded its breathtaking beauty across the sky like a graceful dancer, it gradually faded away, leaving behind a deep, ethereal blue hue.

Night fell like a vast, soft black velvet blanket, gracefully and calmly enveloping Lanxi Town. The entire town seemed like a weary traveler, quietly entering the preparatory stage of night, ready to drift into a peaceful dream.

At this moment, apart from the brief noise caused by the No. 7 bus stopping from time to time to pick up and drop off passengers, the once bustling streets and alleys have become deserted.

The daytime hustle and bustle receded like the tide, leaving only silence. Few hurried passersby were seen, their footsteps echoing clearly in the empty streets.

The once bustling and lively street was now shrouded in a mysterious force, all the noise and commotion vanished in an instant, as if time had been paused here.

The shops lining both sides of the street remained the same, but there were no more customers coming and going at their doors; the food vendors were still in the same place, but their movements had stopped. Even the colorful flags that used to flutter in the wind had stopped swaying. Everything had become so quiet that you could even hear the rustling of leaves in the breeze.

"Finally home!" Accompanied by a clear and melodious shout, a bus slowly slowed down and smoothly drove into Lanxi Station.

Wang Li, who had been sitting quietly by the window, could no longer contain her excitement. She suddenly stood up, her face beaming with undisguised joy. She waved her hands and shouted, "I'm back!"

The cheerful sound, like the first ray of sunlight piercing through the clouds at dawn, easily broke the silence of the night, bringing a touch of life and vitality to the entire station.

Her bright, jewel-like eyes were now brimming with joy, a dazzling light like twinkling stars in the night sky, radiating captivating brilliance. Each ray of light seemed to carry her deep longing for her hometown and her fervent anticipation of returning home.

Before she could finish speaking, she was already eager to rush out of the car and into the warm embrace of her hometown. Like a bird about to take flight, she leaped lightly from her seat, brimming with boundless energy and passion.

However, out of courtesy and for the sake of order, she patiently waited for the other passengers to disembark in an orderly manner.

Finally, it was Wang Li's turn. She first looked up at the overhead luggage rack, then stretched out her right hand and carefully grasped the luggage handle.

She carefully took the luggage off the shelf, afraid of accidentally damaging its contents. As soon as the luggage landed safely on the ground, she immediately bent down and gripped the handle tightly with her left hand, as if the luggage would slip away from her if she let go.

At the same time, Zhang Cong, who was traveling with her, also quickly took action. He first laboriously moved the entire fifty pounds of pork, which was placed next to the seat and tightly wrapped in a burlap sack, to the outside of the car door.

The sack felt incredibly heavy in his hands, but his eyes were filled with determination and resolve. Then, he skillfully hoisted the load onto his shoulder, placing it steadily. The load seemed to become one with him; his steps were firm and powerful, and he quickly caught up with Wang Li, who was walking towards Lanxi Town School.

The winding alley, like a coiled dragon, lies quietly in the embrace of the town. Its ancient stone slabs bear the marks of time, as if telling stories of the past. This alley led the sweet couple slowly forward, eventually leading them to a stone bridge.

"Zhang Cong, look!" Wang Li exclaimed excitedly, pointing to the stone bridge ahead. Her voice was filled with pride and joy. "This stone bridge is called Fenglin Bridge, and it's a landmark of our Lanxi Town! The entire bridge is like a magnificent rainbow, gracefully spanning the shimmering Lanxi River."

As Zhang Cong listened to Wang Li's story, his gaze lingered on the ancient stone bridge. The stones that formed the bridge structure appeared exceptionally smooth, polished by the passage of time.

The carvings on the bridge railings are exquisite, showcasing the superb skills of the craftsmen. Furthermore, at each end of the bridge stands a pair of majestic stone lions, guarding this ancient and beautiful bridge day and night. The lions' eyes are dignified and solemn, as if telling the history and stories of this bridge.

As Zhang Cong gazed at it, his eyes filled with admiration and wonder, as if he were appreciating a precious work of art. Just as Wang Li had said, this Fenglin Bridge bore a striking resemblance to the covered bridge in the painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" by the Northern Song Dynasty painter Zhang Zeduan. The similarly crescent-shaped bridge body and arched openings, along with the exquisite railing decorations, made one feel as if they had traveled back in time to the prosperous Northern Song Dynasty.

The two walked across the stone bridge one after the other, their moods light and cheerful, and then together entered a quiet, narrow alley.

The walls on both sides of this alley are old and mottled, bearing the deep marks of time. The moss on the walls, like memories of bygone years, grows quietly.

The stone path beneath our feet is uneven, each slab bearing the weight of history. Tenacious little grasses grow from the gaps between the slabs, swaying gently in the breeze, exuding a rustic charm.

As they walked step by step to the end of the alley, Lanxi Town School finally came into view.

The school gates were tightly shut, but lights could still be seen through the cracks. Night was slowly descending from the sky, but not completely enveloping it; a faint ray of light still pierced through the clouds, allowing the faint outlines of faces to be discerned nearby. The light seemed like nature's paintbrush, gently sketching their figures.

Wang Li walked briskly, as if stepping on a cheerful melody, each step full of energy and anticipation.

She stepped onto this land that she knew all too well. Every blade of grass, every tree, every brick and tile here carried her memories. This place had been her companion through countless moments of laughter, sorrow, and contemplation.

At that moment, an indescribable excitement surged through her heart like a tide, making her heart beat faster involuntarily. Her steps quickened, as if an invisible force was guiding her forward—the warmth of home, the call of family.

As she crossed the wide, empty playground, the cold night wind howled past, stirring her hair and the hem of her dress. Her hair danced in the wind like black silk. The hem of her dress fluttered in the breeze, making a soft rustling sound.

However, the chill did nothing to diminish the warm emotions surging deep within her heart. Those emotions burned like a blazing flame in her soul.

As she drew closer, the three-story dormitory building gradually came into view. Like a kind and gentle elder who had weathered the years, it stood silently. Its walls were slightly worn, yet exuded a resilient spirit. The glass in the windows shimmered faintly in the moonlight.