Colorful years

Upon hearing his mother's familiar and gentle voice, Congcong, like a cheerful little bird, instantly became full of energy and dashed into his mother's arms.

He blinked his bright eyes, nestled obediently against his mother's warm chest, gently closed his eyes, and happily suckled at his mother's sweet milk.

The room was filled with a warm and peaceful atmosphere, and Shi Daya's face was beaming with a satisfied and happy smile. She gazed lovingly at her son in her arms, her heart filled with boundless anticipation and hope for the future.

Despite her poverty and hardship, she knew that as long as her son was by her side, all the hardships and sacrifices were worthwhile.

Outside the window, a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, as if whispering secrets.

Sunlight streamed through the windows into the courtyard, creating dappled patterns of light and shadow, like a beautiful painting.

In the distance, the cheerful chirping of birds rose and fell, as if they too were celebrating this heartwarming and happy scene.

In this small room, Shi Daya and Congcong create a touching scene. The affection between them is like warm sunshine, illuminating the corridor of time and warming each other's hearts.

Congcong, who was lying in his mother's arms, greedily suckling at her breast, suddenly remembered his mother in the intelligent society. Although that mother loved him deeply as well, compared to the mother in front of him, that love seemed to lack some purity and authenticity.

Because that mother was always busy with work and rarely had time to spend with him, and her love was more often out of a sense of responsibility and obligation.

Therefore, when Congcong felt the selfless and profound love of his mother, he truly understood the essence of maternal love.

After a hearty meal of sweet milk, Congcong stretched and let out a loud burp. Then, he raised his chubby little hands and said in his childish voice, "Mommy, you're so good!"

Hearing her son's praise, Shi Daya's face lit up with an even brighter smile. She hugged her son tightly, gently stroked his hair, and whispered, "Congcong is such a good boy!"

Then, she gently put her son down and carefully instructed him, "Congcong, be a good boy at home and listen to your sister, okay? Don't run around everywhere, okay?"

After saying that, she gave her son a sweet kiss on his tender little face, and then, filled with joy and anticipation, she went out to work.

"There's only one mother in the world who's good / A child with a mother is like a treasure / Nestled in mother's arms / Happiness I'll never forget..."

Although this folk song is not yet popular in Congcong's world, the concept of "There is no one better than Mom in the world" has been deeply imprinted in his heart.

Congcong grew up in such a poor but loving environment.

Watching Congcong grow up day by day, Shi Daya and Zhang Zhong were filled with joy and satisfaction.

However, the couple also worried about their child's safety. Congcong was lively and active, and would always disappear from the caregiver's sight in the blink of an eye.

Of his three older sisters, the eldest was deaf and mute and barely able to take care of herself; the second and third sisters were too young and ignorant to keep an eye on him.

Grandpa was too busy herding cattle to watch over him all day. Reality is cruel and helpless; risks are always lurking around them.

Time flies, and Zhang Cong grows stronger day by day.

As he grew older, his young heart became increasingly filled with curiosity and a strong desire to explore this vast world.

The child who used to play and frolic at home is gone forever. Now, Zhang Cong is no longer satisfied with that small family world.

He longed to step out of his home and experience firsthand the vibrant and unknown world outside, and the surprises and challenges it brought.

Whenever she saw the fervent longing for the outside world shining in her son's eyes, Shi Daya would feel a complex mix of emotions.

On the one hand, she felt deeply gratified and proud of her child's intelligence, quick wit, courage, and fearlessness;

On the other hand, a deep sense of worry lingered in her heart like a shadow.

She clearly remembered that the child's godfather, Liu Shiqing, once said something like, "This child's childhood is likely to be filled with many hardships!"

This statement, which seemed to carry some kind of prophetic power, was like a heavy curse, constantly tormenting Shi Daya's fragile nerves.

From that time on, she was constantly worried, always concerned about her child's safety, fearing that one day, if she wasn't careful, her child would suffer an unexpected disaster.

However, Zhang Zhong calmly comforted his wife, saying, "Da Ya, didn't Shi Qing say that these disasters are God's trials and tribulations for the children? They will get through it. Don't worry too much. Children inevitably stumble and suffer as they grow up; it's part of growing up."