Colorful years

In addition, Zhang Zhong must remain highly vigilant at all times, guarding against various other potential dangers, such as traps hidden deep in the grass or the occasional poacher.

Every day, he felt like he was walking on a tightrope, and the slightest misstep could lead to utter ruin.

To ensure the safety of the ducks, Zhang Zhong would survey the release route in advance every day, avoiding areas that might be dangerous.

He would also set up some simple protective measures in the area where the ducks roamed, such as making a temporary fence with branches and ropes to prevent the ducks from getting lost.

Under Zhang Zhong's meticulous care, the ducks thrived. Although releasing ducks into the wild was fraught with risks, Zhang Zhong, with his wisdom and courage, repeatedly averted crises, allowing the ducks to live freely in nature.

Zhang Zhong recalled one time when he took the ducks out, the sun was shining brightly, but in the afternoon it suddenly started pouring rain. He quickly led the ducks to find shelter, but unfortunately the fields were open and there was nowhere to hide.

In the end, he could only take off his coat and cover the ducks with it, using his own body to shield them from the wind and rain.

At that moment, he deeply understood the difficulty and hardship of raising ducks.

In addition to the challenges posed by the natural environment, Zhang Zhong also faces problems caused by human factors.

Sometimes, criminals will sneak in under the cover of night to steal ducks.

To prevent this from happening, Zhang Zhong had to stay by the duck shed every night, remaining vigilant at all times.

He often heard noises outside late at night, and would immediately get up to check.

He was deeply afraid that his momentary negligence would cause irreparable harm to those innocent ducks.

The long hours of work and the constant tension put Zhang Zhong under immense pressure, both physically and mentally.

At dawn, before the first rays of sunlight pierced the darkness, Zhang Zhong hurriedly got up. After a quick wash, he led his flock of ducks on a journey to find food.

He carried a heavy bag of feed on his back, his steps faltering, each one seemingly incredibly difficult.

The cold wind cut his face like a knife, leaving stinging marks, but he paid no heed to it. He had only one thought in his mind: to find a place with abundant food for the ducks as soon as possible.

The ducks ran happily ahead, with Zhang Zhong following closely behind. They crossed vast fields, babbling brooks, and rugged mountain paths.

Along the way, thorns and stones frequently blocked their path, and Zhang Zhong's feet were cut and bleeding, but he still gritted his teeth and moved forward resolutely.

By noon, the sun had become scorching, and Zhang Zhong's forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat. He found a shady spot to sit down, quickly ate a few bites of dry rations, and then got up again to continue leading the ducks on their foraging journey.

As evening fell and the sky gradually darkened, Zhang Zhongcai led his flock of ducks, who had eaten and drunk their fill, slowly home. By this time, he was utterly exhausted, but he still made sure to prepare clean water and plenty of food for the ducks first. Only after everything was arranged did he drag his weary body to rest.

At night, Zhang Zhong lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep due to the aches and pains in his body. Images of his wife and children floated into his mind; to create a better life for them, he had to grit his teeth and persevere.

As the days went by, the bond between Zhang Zhong and the ducks grew stronger.

However, as the weather gradually turned colder, food in the fields became increasingly scarce. Zhang Zhong had to lead his ducks to search for new foraging grounds.

Sometimes, in order to find a suitable place, he has to travel a long way, even crossing mountains and valleys, and going through all sorts of hardships.

If the place he went to was far enough that he couldn't return on the same day, he would also bring dry food and a duck shed and camp in the wild.

During this long journey, he encountered raging storms and threats from ferocious beasts, but he never retreated or showed any fear.

Zhang Zhong knows that every effort he makes is for the healthy growth of the ducks and to bring a better life to his family.

He firmly believes that as long as he doesn't give up, he will be able to overcome all difficulties and obstacles.

He never complained, because he understood that this was for the survival and growth of the ducks, and also for his family's fervent hope for a better life.

During the cold winter, Zhang Zhong would also prepare ample warming measures for the ducks. He would line the duck shed with thick straw and light a fire at night to ward off the cold and provide them with warmth.

Although doing so would increase his burden and stress, he never expressed any dissatisfaction or complaints.

Because he knew that these ducks were not only the fruits of his labor, but also his hope and aspiration for the future.

Finally, after countless days and nights of hard work, Zhang Zhong's ducks ushered in the harvest season.

In the early morning, when the first rays of sunlight fall on the duck house, the entire duck house is bathed in a golden light.

The ducks swam happily in the pond, their feathers shimmering with iridescent colors in the sunlight, like dazzling gems.

Zhang Zhong stood on the shore, smiling as he watched these adorable creatures, his heart filled with immense excitement and joy.

He quietly entered the duck house and carefully observed each duck. Their bodies had become plump and strong, and their feathers were as shiny as silk, making them as pleasing to the eye as carefully crafted works of art.

Zhang Zhong reached out and gently stroked the duck's feathers, feeling their warmth and softness.

At the market, buyers flocked around, praising Zhang Zhong's ducks.

They carefully selected their favorite ducks, their eyes revealing satisfaction and joy.

Zhang Zhong enthusiastically introduced his ducks to the buyers, telling them their fascinating growth stories...