One of the officers spoke first: "Are you Li Baolong?" Li Baolong hesitated for a moment, then replied, "Yes, that's me. What do you want?" The officer continued, "We need to talk to you about something concerning your parents. Can we come in and talk?" Li Baolong stepped aside: "Come in." After the three entered the room, they subtly looked around.
The officer spoke again: "My surname is Wu, and I'm the head of the armed forces in our county. These two are also comrades from the military. Today, we need to tell you something. Your parents worked at the Malan Flower Base for over ten years. They were always conscientious and dedicated, truly outstanding comrades. Unfortunately, during an experiment last month, a serious accident occurred, resulting in a massive leak of exhaust gas. In that critical moment, to save state property, your parents resolutely went to shut off the fuel chamber valve. However, due to excessive pressure, an explosion occurred, and they tragically both perished. Their remains were never recovered."
Li Baolong's face turned deathly pale instantly, and his lips trembled slightly. The officer continued, "After a meeting of higher-level leaders, it has been decided to posthumously award your parents the title of martyrs. Furthermore, the military will be responsible for raising you until you turn eighteen, and you will receive a stipend if you are admitted to university. From now on, you will receive one hundred yuan per month for living expenses. There is also a ten thousand yuan death compensation and two honorary certificates. We hope you will not be overly saddened; if you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can contact the comrades in the Armed Forces Department."
Upon hearing this, Li Baolong was struck dumb, tears streaming down his face. He collapsed onto the table, sobbing uncontrollably, as if he had lost all support. His cries contained grief for his parents' passing, pride in their heroic actions, and fear of a future filled with loneliness. It took him a long time to calm down, but the sorrow in his eyes lingered like a dark cloud.
Summer vacation was drawing to a close. Li Baolong's mood, which had been turbulent during this time, had gradually returned to calm. He began to leave his home and often came to the riverbank. The gently flowing water seemed to have a magical power, drawing him to sit on the bank and quietly daydream. His gaze followed the ceaseless flow of the river, but his thoughts drifted far away, carefully planning his future.
The next day, the sun shone brightly, and Ah Jun and Yuan Yuan came to find Li Baolong. Their faces were beaming, their eyes sparkling with excitement, as they told Li Baolong that they would be heading to the county high school to register the following day. The three also planned to check out their new dormitory. They were filled with curiosity about the new school, as if it were a castle filled with mysterious treasures, waiting to be explored and discovered. This anticipation of the unknown burned like a flame in their hearts, illuminating their path towards a new journey.
They registered at the county high school in the morning and also saw the dilapidated school dormitories. The three of them spent a leisurely afternoon in the county town, with Li Baolong strolling through the streets with Ajun and Yuanyuan. As the sun set, they went to the small square to wait for the tractor that would take them back to the town. The tractor bumped along for a full hour before finally bringing them back to the town.
That night, Li Baolong lay in bed, unable to fall asleep for a long time. His thoughts raced wildly through his mind like a runaway horse. For some reason, he suddenly felt a resistance to going to school; a sense of aversion to learning quietly began to grow. The junior high school environment made him feel oppressed; the familiar classrooms, the busy teachers, and the noisy classmates all became objects he wanted to escape. In endless turmoil and frustration, he gradually drifted off to sleep, perhaps finding a sliver of solace in his dreams.
Three days later, Li Baolong and Ajun, each carrying their own bags, staggered towards the town center. There they waited for the tractor to take them to the county seat, their essential means of transportation to leave this familiar place.
It was already afternoon when they arrived in the county town. Under the teacher's arrangement, the two went to a dilapidated dormitory. The moment Li Baolong pushed open the door, a wave of musty stench hit them, almost making them nauseous. The dormitory already housed more than a dozen people, with a row of old bunk beds taking up most of the space. They found an empty bed, made their bedding, and went out to find food, as the school cafeteria hadn't opened for business that day.
In his new environment, Li Baolong tossed and turned, unable to sleep. A wave of homesickness washed over him, and he thought of his father. His father's tall, thin figure kept appearing in his mind, lingering like a deep imprint.
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