Colorful years

Zhang Cong's actions amazed the guests present.

They gazed at the tiny baby, marveling at his courage and determination.

The fact that this little guy was able to take such a brave first step in his life deeply touched everyone present, filling their hearts with warmth.

For Zhang Zhong and Shi Daya, this moment was filled with endless surprise and emotion.

Their eyes widened in disbelief as they stared intently at their son, their hearts overflowing with indescribable joy.

"Honey, look! Congcong can walk now!" Shi Daya's voice trembled with excitement as she called out to her husband with tears welling up in her eyes.

Zhang Zhong was equally excited and could hardly contain himself. He held his wife's hand tightly, a happy smile spreading across his face, as if the whole world had become brighter because of it.

"He walks early, which means he is not afraid of difficulties and dares to take responsibility. Cong'er will definitely have a bright future." Zhang Zhong said with pride and satisfaction, as if he could already see his son's brilliant achievements in the future.

He firmly believes that this small beginning will become an important milestone in Zhang Cong's life, leading him step by step to the other side of success.

In the afternoon, sunlight filtered through the clouds, gently illuminating every corner of the courtyard, adding a touch of warmth and peace to the banquet.

Zhang Cong was carefully held in his father Zhang Zhong's arms as another significant commemorative ceremony began—the first birthday celebration.

In a dimly lit room, Zhang Zhong gently placed Zhang Cong on a table covered with bright red silk, and then lit a series of bright candles.

The faint candlelight instantly illuminated the entire room, as well as the dazzling array of items displayed on the floor.

These items were carefully selected and include books, pens, abacuses, weights, rulers, coins, and so on. Each item carries a different meaning, representing different professions and futures.

According to traditional customs, whatever a child grabs signifies the profession he may pursue or the personality traits he may possess in the future.

This ceremony not only embodies the hopes for the child's future, but also represents a profound embodiment and continuation of family traditions.

With Zhang Zhong's shout of "Start!", the once silent room instantly became bustling with activity.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Zhang Cong's small hand moved slowly and finally firmly grasped the exquisite calligraphy brush.

Seeing this, everyone applauded and congratulated them, their faces beaming with joy. Shi Daya was so moved that her eyes reddened, and tears welled up in them.

She knew that this was not just a simple ceremony, but also a beautiful wish and expectation for the child's infinite possibilities in the future.

"This child is truly a literary genius descended from heaven! He will surely be learned and eloquent in the future!" An elderly gentleman stroked his beard and said with a smile, his eyes full of admiration and expectation.

Others echoed this sentiment, expressing their high hopes for Zhang Cong's future.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhong was secretly pleased, but still humbly said, "I hope so. We don't expect him to be very successful in the future, we just hope he can grow up safely and happily."

However, Shi Daya disagreed, firmly believing that her son would excel and become a dragon among men.

After all, in her eyes, Zhang Cong was a clever, quick-witted child with unlimited potential and possibilities.

Shi Daya quickly thanked everyone, secretly praying that Zhang Cong would grow up healthy and happy, live up to everyone's expectations, and become a person with both knowledge and virtue.

As the sun gradually set in the west, and the evening glow spread like a tapestry, the banquet gradually came to an end.

But the guests' enthusiasm remained undiminished; some sat together to continue chatting about everyday matters, while others prepared to leave with smiles of lingering enjoyment.

Shi Daya and her husband Zhang Zhong stood at the entrance of the courtyard, seeing off the guests one by one, their hearts filled with gratitude and reluctance.

As night fell, the courtyard returned to its usual tranquility and peace.

Shi Daya carried the sleeping Zhang Cong back to the room. The moonlight was like water, gently filling the entire room, and the starlight twinkled, making it seem like a dream.

She gently stroked Zhang Cong's face, her heart overflowing with endless tenderness and happiness.

She knew that every moment of this day would become one of the most precious and unforgettable memories of her life.

In the days that followed, Shi Daya and Zhang Zhong devoted themselves even more to raising their son, Zhang Cong.

It turns out that their eldest son, Zhang Ming, has always held the most important place in their hearts. Because he was born in 1950, the year the people were liberated, he represents light and hope, and embodies the whole family's beautiful aspirations for the future.

Now, they have even higher hopes for their second son, Zhang Cong.

Congcong was indeed different from others. With his keen observation and deep perception of the world around him, he quickly learned what life was like for farmers in the collectivization era from the conversations of the adults.