Colorful years

Then, Grandpa led the cow by the rope, taking Congcong step by step towards the riverbank on the west side of the village. The two chatted and laughed along the way, enjoying this wonderful time.

Finally, they arrived at their destination. Grandpa gently lifted Congcong off the cow's back, looking around as he searched for the ideal meadow.

At dawn, the soft sunlight struggled to penetrate the thin, sparse clouds, dappling the winding riverbank like golden fragments.

These tiny, bright spots of light seemed to add a touch of warmth to this otherwise quiet and peaceful morning, making the whole scene appear exceptionally warm and serene.

By this time, many villagers had gathered along the riverbank to graze their cattle. Each of them seemed to be a unique character on this stage of nature, having found their own little world.

Some people sat casually on the ground, while others lay leisurely on the grassy embankment.

Meanwhile, the gentle and docile cattle graze freely in the area chosen for them by their owner, chewing on the tender and juicy grass, occasionally letting out a few contented moos.

Congcong and his grandfather were no exception; the two quickly found a flat, open meadow with an excellent view.

Grandpa skillfully tied the cow rope firmly to a small, seemingly thin but very sturdy tree nearby, ensuring the cow wouldn't get lost.

Then, the lively and active Congcong, like a freed colt, couldn't wait to run to the crystal-clear riverbank.

He quickly squatted down, stretched out his chubby little hands, carefully scooped up a pool of cool, refreshing river water, and gently splashed it onto his rosy little face.

In an instant, a refreshing coolness spread throughout Congcong's body like an electric current, causing him to shiver and feel instantly refreshed.

Overjoyed, he could no longer contain his excitement and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Wow, this feels so good!"

Hearing his grandson's joyful shouts, the grandfather, who had been sitting quietly on the grass, turned his head slightly and looked lovingly at Congcong's cheerful and lively figure.

At this moment, Grandpa's heart was overflowing with love and doting on the innocent little guy in front of him. The sense of satisfaction and happiness derived from family affection was almost overflowing.

After Congcong finished washing his face, he ran back to his grandfather's side like a gust of wind, tightly clutching the sleeve of his grandfather's slightly worn but clean and tidy shirt, shaking it playfully and saying:

"Grandpa, Grandpa, please tell me some stories from the past! Please?"

Faced with his beloved grandson's earnest request, the grandfather's smile grew even brighter. He nodded cheerfully, cleared his throat, and slowly began to recount his wonderful past as a tailor and a suona player in his youth...

The stories about tailoring clothes and playing music to support the performers became vivid and interesting as Grandpa told them.

Congcong listened intently, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and longing.

"Grandpa, I want to be a hardworking person like you when I grow up!" Congcong said earnestly.

Grandpa smiled with satisfaction, patted Congcong's head and said, "Good job, our Congcong can definitely do it."

Time slipped away quietly amidst the grandfather and grandson's laughter. The sun gradually rose higher, and the temperature on the riverbank began to increase.

The cows, having grazed their fill, began to roam leisurely. Congcong and his grandfather also packed their things and prepared to go home.

On the way home, Congcong held his grandfather's hand tightly, as if afraid that if he let go, he would lose this warmth and companionship. His grandfather also held Congcong's little hand tightly, his heart filled with anticipation and hope for the future.

"Grandpa, I want to come with you to herd cattle every day from now on!" Congcong said firmly.

“Great! Our Congcong loves herding cattle so much, of course Grandpa will bring you here every day,” Grandpa replied with a smile.

And so, the grandfather and grandson continued their cattle-herding life day after day, from dawn till dusk.

Their friendship deepened through this simple companionship.

One day, Congcong suddenly had a brilliant idea. He said to his grandfather, "Grandpa, let's build a house for the cow so it won't have to sleep outside every day."

Grandpa found Congcong's idea both interesting and adorable. He smiled and agreed, and the two began preparing the materials.

They gathered wood, bamboo, straw, and other materials and began to get busy.

After several days of hard work, a simple but cozy cowshed was built. Congcong looked at the fruits of his labor and danced with joy.

He took his grandfather's hand and walked into the cowshed together. Watching the water buffalo leisurely eating fodder inside, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

"Grandpa, look, the cow seems to really like its new house!" Congcong said excitedly.

Grandpa smiled and said, "Yes, of course Niu'er will like the house that Congcong built."

From then on, every day after the cattle were herded, Congcong would lead the cattle back to the cowshed with his grandfather and prepare hay and water for it for the night.

Watching the cows sleep peacefully in the warm cowshed, Congcong felt a great sense of accomplishment.

As the seasons change, the scenery along the riverbank also constantly changes—