Colorful years

Silently watching over the comings and goings of students, it has witnessed every moment of their learning and life here, carrying the dreams and hopes of their youth. Those dreams are as bright as stars, and those hopes are as warm as the sun.

Overwhelmed with excitement, Wang Li shouted at the top of her lungs, "Mom, we're home!" Her clear and bright voice echoed throughout the dormitory building. Like a joyful little bird, her voice broke the silence of the night, bringing the warmth and joy of home.

Just then, Ms. Guo, who was busy cooking in the second-floor corridor, heard the familiar call and involuntarily stopped what she was doing, peeking out to look. The sound of cooking stopped abruptly, and a faint smell of cooking oil filled the air.

When she saw that it was indeed her eldest daughter returning, a joyful smile instantly bloomed on her face. That smile was as radiant and beautiful as a spring flower.

However, when her gaze fell upon the young man carrying a load behind her daughter, a thought struck her. The young man was tall and slender, with a handsome face and an extraordinary air about him.

His eyes were firm and deep, as if they contained endless wisdom and strength. His skin was slightly dark from working, but it radiated a healthy glow.

Ms. Guo thought to herself, "Judging from this situation, this young man must be the man my daughter brought home." Her heart was filled with curiosity and anticipation.

Thinking of this, she smiled broadly and hurriedly called out to the house, "Old Wang, our eldest daughter, whom we've been longing for, is finally home! Not only that, but she's also brought back a distinguished guest with an extraordinary background and outstanding demeanor! Don't dawdle, hurry downstairs and go greet her!"

Her voice was filled with joy and excitement, echoing in the room and conveying her inner happiness.

Mr. Wang, who was busy in the room, immediately stopped what he was doing when he heard his wife's urgent and excited call. The pen he was grading fell to the floor with a crisp sound. He walked out of the room quickly, his footsteps hurried and powerful, as if his heart was also filled with anticipation and joy.

He moved with incredible speed, rushing downstairs in an instant, where he unexpectedly met Wang Li and Zhang Cong, who were about to go upstairs. Their eyes met instantly. Their eyes were filled with surprise and emotion, as if time had stood still at that moment.

"Dad, we've come home to see you and Mom!" As soon as Wang Li saw her father's familiar figure, a bright smile, as radiant as spring flowers, immediately bloomed on her face, and she called out cheerfully in a clear and melodious voice.

Her voice was filled with longing and love for her father, and her smile was as warm as sunshine, illuminating the entire corridor.

"Oh my, my darling daughter is finally back! I'm so happy! It's wonderful that you're back in time for dinner, so we can have a lively family reunion meal together!"

Looking at his graceful daughter and the well-mannered young man beside her, Mr. Wang smiled broadly and responded with heartfelt joy. His eyes were filled with fatherly love and satisfaction, and his smile was as warm as a spring breeze, making everyone feel the warmth of home.

"Uncle Wang, hello! It's a pleasure to meet you. Please take good care of me!" Hearing Wang Li affectionately call this middle-aged man "Dad," the clever Zhang Cong immediately understood that this kind and amiable elder was actually his future father-in-law!

Without hesitation, he stepped forward, smiling and politely greeting them. His voice was full of respect and sincerity, and his smile was like the warm winter sun, making one feel incredibly comforted.

Teacher Wang answered happily and quickly took the load from Zhang Cong. The load seemed exceptionally light in his hands, as if he were taking not just a burden, but a responsibility and a trust.

It was dinnertime, and the two hurriedly stepped into the house, gently placing their heavy luggage aside. They then rushed to the washroom to wash away the fatigue from their journey. Once everything was settled, they slowly moved to the dining table, ready to enjoy the long-awaited sumptuous dinner.

At that moment, Teacher Guo caught sight of the distinguished guests arriving and was overjoyed. She quickly turned and went into the kitchen, where she specially prepared a signature dish for the dinner party—Kung Pao Sausage—that was both visually appealing and delicious. In no time, the steaming hot and fragrant Kung Pao Sausage was served, instantly becoming the focus of everyone's attention at the table.

After a long day of travel, Zhang Cong was starving. At that moment, when he smelled the enticing aroma, his taste buds began to stir as if ignited, and his appetite was greatly stimulated.

However, when he thought that these were all Wang Li's family members whom he was meeting for the first time, he still tried his best to restrain his inner impulses and dared not be too unrestrained. He could only force himself to put on a refined and courteous appearance.

Speaking of Teacher Wang and Teacher Guo, they have five children together, two sons and three daughters. Their second daughter is now married and enjoying a happy life; their eldest daughter, Wang Li, has entered the workforce and is making a name for herself in the workplace through her own efforts.

The eldest son, Wang Shu, is in high school and works hard despite his heavy workload; the third daughter, Wang Dan, has just entered the third year of junior high school and is youthful, lively, and full of energy; as for the youngest son, Wang Lei, he is still in the fourth grade of elementary school, and his innocent smile often brings endless joy to the whole family.

At this moment, the entire family of eight sat around the square dining table, their laughter and chatter creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

Everyone's face was beaming with a warm and friendly smile, which made Zhang Cong, a newcomer, quickly feel the warmth and harmony of this family.

Under the influence of such a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, Zhang Cong, who was initially a little reserved, gradually relaxed and naturally integrated into this gardener's home full of love and care, and happily chatted with the family members.

Zhang Cong took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind, and began to recount his past experiences in a long and detailed manner. He started with his impoverished background, how his parents worked hard to raise several children, and how, although life was difficult, the family supported each other and lived in warmth and harmony.

He then described in detail his family's specific circumstances, the personality traits of each member, and the difficulties and challenges they each faced. Finally, he frankly told his parents about his current work situation. Although his income was not high and his position was ordinary, he had been working hard in the hope of improving his family's financial situation.

After listening to Zhang Cong's words, the two elders exchanged a glance, a hint of relief in their eyes. They did not look down on Zhang Cong because of his poor family background; on the contrary, they highly praised his honest and upright character, as well as the extraordinary talent hidden beneath his ordinary appearance.

Teacher Guo smiled at Zhang Cong and said earnestly, "Little Zhang, when our family chooses a son-in-law, we don't just look at those external things, such as his background or whether he is poor or not. These are not the most important things."

We value a person's character and talent more. Like you, being upright, kind, and ambitious—these are the most precious qualities.” As she spoke, Teacher Guo gave Zhang Cong a gentle look, expressing her approval.