Colorful years

However, regardless of the form the disaster takes, it will be an important trial and test for Congcong and his generation as they grow up.

That summer of 1970 seemed to be blessed with an exceptionally hot spell, making it all the more special.

The blazing sun, like a ferocious fireball, mercilessly scorched the vast land with its intense light and heat, like a raging inferno.

The scorching sun seemed to melt everything, whether it was hard rock or lush vegetation, all of which seemed to lose their former resilience and vitality under its baking.

The momentous Great Revolution was like a massive storm that swept across the country, plunging the entire nation into chaos and turmoil.

Seeing that the situation was too chaotic, the Great Leader swung his hand and slammed on the brakes. The frenzied "mass rallies and mass struggle sessions" and other stormy movements came to an end, and the movement shifted to the stage of "grasping revolution and promoting production".

The school that Congcong attended stood out from the rest of the world amidst that turbulent wave of change.

It is like a quiet, isolated island, seemingly unaffected by the noise and turmoil of the outside world, and thus receives very little impact.

The familiar campus scenes remain unchanged, teachers are still sticking to their posts, classrooms are orderly, and students are attentively listening to the transmission of knowledge.

Congcong, this curious boy, did not notice anything unusual in the seemingly peaceful school atmosphere.

He moved between the teaching buildings as usual, laughing and joking with his classmates, completely unaware that a storm that would change his destiny was brewing.

It wasn't until much later, when he looked back on that special time, that he realized that the school was able to maintain such peace and tranquility perhaps because some hidden forces were silently protecting it.

However, how could he, being so young, have understood these complex reasons?

He simply enjoyed the ordinariness and beauty of campus life, attending classes and leaving school on time every day, and occasionally sneaking out of the school gate with his friends to explore the unknown world outside.

Summer vacation arrived right on time, just as promised, and it undoubtedly became Congcong's favorite and most wonderful time.

The reason for this is that in the sweltering summer, people can dress as they please without any restrictions.

Especially in the countryside, children his age can freely disregard worldly opinions and express their most primal selves.

Naked, I immerse myself completely in the invigorating sunshine, letting the warm sunlight gently caress every inch of my skin, as if the whole world has become exceptionally peaceful and comfortable.

They can call upon their friends and play together to their heart's content. Whether running and chasing each other in the fields or playing hide-and-seek in the village lanes, their laughter seems to pierce the clouds and echo throughout the entire countryside.

Everyone was chasing each other, their faces beaming with innocent smiles. Their carefree demeanor evoked the most beautiful memories of childhood.

Moreover, they can happily go down into the river to bathe and catch fish.

The river water was crystal clear, and fish swam happily in it, as if waving to the children.

The children eagerly jumped into the river, splashing water everywhere and instantly dispelling the heat.

As they frolicked and played in the water, they carefully reached out to catch the nimble little fish, their focused expressions as if they were completing a great mission.

The lush green trees along the riverbank provide them with a cool and shady haven, allowing them to play freely while also feeling the gentle care of nature.

Because of the unusually hot weather, the entire village seemed to be shrouded in a heatwave, making it hard to breathe.

Congcong was no exception. Apart from needing to eat and sleep at home to maintain his strength, he spent almost all his time outdoors.

During the day, he always liked to climb that ancient osmanthus tree, seeking a rare moment of coolness. The osmanthus tree was tall and sturdy, its branches and leaves so lush that they resembled a green cloud, shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight.

Congcong lay on the thick tree trunk, feeling the breeze on his cheeks, feeling completely at ease.

However, as the sun gradually rose higher and the temperature continued to climb, the osmanthus tree could no longer withstand the scorching sun, and its original cool fragrance gradually dissipated, no longer able to bring Congcong a moment of coolness.

So he had no choice but to leave the osmanthus tree and stroll along the riverbank, eventually arriving at the crystal-clear Tiaomen Pool.

The little river in my hometown has two pools within the territory of Diaolan Village. One is called Houmen Pool, which is located upstream of the village. The water in the pool is emerald green and deep, and few people go swimming there.

Another place is called Jumping Rock Pool, located in the middle of the village, only 800 meters from Congcong's home. Although the water is several meters deep, it is crystal clear and is Congcong's favorite place to soak and swim.