Colorful years

However, the wheels of life never stop turning, and the pace of the times will not slow down due to the changes in nature.

This year, the team issued clear instructions to vigorously produce corn in order to meet the growing demand for food.

This is an arduous yet glorious task, concerning not only the basic needs of every member but also the stability and development of the entire brigade.

On this vast land, one man has been given a special mission—Zhang Zhong. He, a tough guy who once served in the army and was a team leader, now faces an unprecedented test.

Chen Chunong had specifically instructed the new production team leader to exercise appropriate control over Zhang Zhong.

So, Zhang Zhong became the team's first choice to go to the unmanaged wilderness to reclaim land, plant corn, and complete this arduous task.

The production task assigned to him and Zhang Erniu was 15,000 jin of corn, a staggering number and a challenging goal.

The reward and punishment system, which rewards completion and punishes failure, makes this task particularly urgent and important.

Zhang Zhong's family had many complaints about being sent to a remote, barren mountain to reclaim land and farm. They worried about his health, as he was over forty and no longer young; they were concerned about his safety, as that desolate mountain was full of unknowns and dangers. However, Zhang Zhong remained unusually firm and calm in the face of his family's dissatisfaction and worries.

He convened an emergency family meeting, and looking at the family members, young and old, he said in a gentle and calm manner: "I know you all have grievances. However, the rice yield is not high now, and the rice produced is not enough for the commune members to eat. Clearing land to plant corn is a good way to supplement the food supply."

"As someone who has served in the army and been a team leader, I have no reason not to do even the most difficult production tasks." His words were full of determination and confidence, as if he could already see that barren mountain being cultivated into fertile fields, with corn seedlings growing strong under the sun.

He paused for a moment, then continued, "We can't just think about our own interests; we also have to consider the entire brigade. If everyone thought like you, who would take on these arduous tasks? Besides, this is also an opportunity for training and growth."

His gaze swept across each face, a gaze filled with trust and expectation that silenced the family members. They realized that while the task was indeed difficult, as members of the group, they too needed to contribute to the overall good.

Finally, Zhang Zhong concluded, "We must unite as one and overcome difficulties together. I believe that as long as we work hard, we will definitely be able to complete the mission and bring more benefits to the team." His voice was firm and powerful, like a warm current flowing into everyone's hearts, inspiring their fighting spirit and determination.

Following this family meeting, the entire family expressed their understanding and support for Zhang Zhong's decision. They knew that this was his responsibility and duty, as well as their pride and honor.

So Zhang Zhong began to prepare intensively. He got up early every day to observe the weather changes and prepare seeds and farm tools.

Time was of the essence, and he had to race against time to complete the sowing work within the limited time available.

The heavy task weighed on his shoulders, but he did not flinch in the slightest. He understood that this was not only about his own honor and interests, but also about the grain yield of the entire production team and everyone's livelihood.

He was keenly aware of the heavy responsibility he bore and the arduousness and difficulty of the task. However, he had even greater faith in his own abilities and wisdom, believing that as long as he put in the effort and hard work, he would surely reap the joy of a bountiful harvest.

After several days of intense preparation, Zhang Zhong and Zhang Erniu, carrying their luggage on their shoulders, hurried to Zaoguowan, covered in dust from their journey.

It was a place that inspired fear, its harsh environment a series of tests set up by nature. The mountains there were extremely steep, like a giant dragon winding and terrifying; the peaks soared into the clouds, and the steep cliffs were as straight and cold as if they had been cleaved by a giant axe.

Standing at the foot of the mountain and looking up, I felt dizzy and terrified, as if the mountain peak would collapse at any moment and crush me to pieces.

However, Zhang Zhong showed no fear or hesitation. Gazing at the desolate and mysterious mountains, a surge of inexplicable pride and ambition welled up within him.

He knew that this was an untapped treasure trove, and that with effort and wisdom, he could surely bring it to life.

The jagged rocks are a major feature of Zaoguo Bay. These rocks are of various shapes and sizes: some look like ferocious monsters baring their fangs and claws; some look like giant mushrooms about to fall; and some look like sharp blades gleaming with a cold light.

During the climb, one must carefully avoid these strange rocks; a slight misstep could result in tripping or scratching. However, Zhang Zhong paid no heed to these difficulties and dangers. With unwavering will and extraordinary courage, he pressed forward step by step.

The dense bushes and weeds added endless difficulties to the work here. The bushes intertwined to form insurmountable obstacles; sharp thorns stretched out recklessly, as if warning people not to approach easily; the weeds grew to waist height, making it difficult to move among them. However, Zhang Zhong was not discouraged at all.

He wielded a sickle and hoe, diligently clearing paths. Sweat soaked his clothes, and mud clung to his feet, but he paid no heed. He knew he was fighting for the livelihood and well-being of the entire brigade.

Working in such an environment is fraught with danger. The steep terrain poses a constant risk of slipping and falling; strange rocks may suddenly roll down and injure the workers.

However, Zhang Zhong never feared these dangers. With his rich experience and extraordinary wisdom, he turned peril into safety time and time again. He knew that only by bravely facing difficulties and challenges could he overcome them and achieve final victory.

In order to devote themselves fully to the reclamation, they decided to set up camp near the wasteland.