Closing his thoughts, Li Baolong's eyes were full of doubt. He asked, seemingly understanding but not quite, "Dad, you haven't understood this tattered book all these years. You only know that the old Taoist priest studied it for over ten years and only just began to grasp the basics. Doesn't that mean ordinary people can't learn it at all?" His father smiled and said, "You little rascal, it's not time for you to learn yet. You haven't even learned all the characters. Learning this celestial book requires a great opportunity. Although I was destined to obtain it, I can't understand it. I suppose my opportunity hasn't arrived yet. I remember everything you told me. I'll take good care of this celestial book, as well as the family's money and tickets."
His father's gaze turned earnest: "Tomorrow is New Year's Day, you're another year older, and you'll be graduating from junior high soon. You must learn to take care of yourself, think independently, and strive to become a useful member of society." Fatherly love is like a towering mountain, silent yet steadfast. His father spent three days with Li Baolong in the small town before leaving. Li Baolong watched his father's receding figure, standing there for a long time, unwilling to leave. At that time, he didn't know that this farewell would be his final goodbye to his father.
Li Baolong's gaze remained fixed on the direction his father had gone until the figure completely disappeared. Only then did he snap out of his reverie and look away. An unprecedented sense of emptiness spread through him, as if a crucial piece of a puzzle had been forcibly removed, leaving his world incomplete.
He couldn't understand why his father's departure was so sudden; just a few days ago, his father had been by his side, giving him advice. "Go to university...become a useful person..." His father's words echoed in his ears, each one like a hammer blow to his heart. He began to feel afraid, afraid of the days without his father. The unknown challenges and difficulties seemed like menacing monsters, ready to devour him at any moment.
At the same time, a stubbornness was growing deep within him. He knew that his father's departure was an obstacle in his life, one that he had to overcome. He clenched his fists and secretly vowed to learn to be independent and grow up as his father had hoped. The mystery of the book his father couldn't understand and the reason for his father's departure became knots in his heart that he wanted to untie, inspiring him to forge ahead on this lonely path of growth.
On winter nights, darkness always arrives so suddenly. Li Baolong finished his day's activities and returned home. His movements were practiced and natural; he went straight to the stove, picked up two pieces of coal, and added them in. The fire instantly burned brighter, illuminating his young face. Then, he carefully buried a few potatoes in the scalding ashes. After half an hour's wait, Li Baolong skillfully dug the potatoes out of the ashes. The steaming potatoes emitted an enticing aroma, and he ate them with relish, enjoying this simple satisfaction.
As winter fades and spring arrives, nature awakens from its slumber, all things revive, and life abounds everywhere. In this changing of the seasons, Li Baolong is also quietly growing. He has grown taller, now approaching 1.7 meters, only slightly shorter than the average adult. Among his peers, he stands out like a crane among chickens, his tall stature a striking feature of his growth.
A new semester has begun. In the town's school, there is a boy named Li Baolong, who is exceptionally bright. Every day, he goes to school on time, his small figure always full of energy. However, what is remarkable is that he never reviews his textbooks after school, yet even so, when the exam results are announced, he always ranks among the top, either first or second in the class.
Every weekend was the time Li Baolong looked forward to most, when he would meet up with his good friend Ajun. They would run in the fields and along the streams, catching fish together, the fish darting about in the water amidst their laughter; they would collect bird eggs together, leaving their innocent footprints in the trees and under the trees. This carefree childhood was like a babbling brook, flowing quietly by unnoticed.
Now, their junior high school years are drawing to a close, and the graduation bell is ringing. The students in this class, including Li Baolong and Ajun, will bid farewell to their familiar small town. They will carry their hopes for the future to a more distant county town to begin their senior high school studies, to embrace new challenges and unknown wonders.
Summer vacation arrived as scheduled, and Li Baolong bid farewell to his middle school years. At only sixteen years old, he displayed a mature and steady demeanor compared to his peers. On this day, he and his friend Ajun strolled through the bustling bazaar market, carefully selecting a piece of mutton. With longing for delicious food and leisurely time, they decided to go to the banks of the Tarim River to fish and enjoy the pleasure of grilling meat.
The two rode their bicycles briskly towards the riverbank. The dust kicked up by their wheels, reflecting the sunlight, seemed to mirror their exuberant spirits. The Tarim River flowed quietly before them, its surface shimmering like a magnificent painting laid out by nature. They skillfully prepared their fishing gear, cast their bait, and as they waited for the fish to bite, laughter echoed along the riverbank.
Time slipped by unnoticed until the sun set, painting the sky a vibrant orange-red. They had a bountiful harvest; their bicycle handlebars were laden with crucian carp and common carp of all sizes. The fish shimmered silver in the afterglow, a testament to their joyful day. Li Baolong and Ajun's faces beamed with contentment, smiles as radiant as the sunset, reflecting their innocent and beautiful childhood.
One midday, sunlight streamed through the window into the room where Li Baolong was taking a nap. Suddenly, a rapid knocking broke the silence, and someone called his name. Li Baolong jerked awake, groggily opening the door. There stood a military jeep, and three serious-looking men.
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