After a month of studying, Li Baolong gradually adapted to the rhythm. Although he had a strong aversion to studying and struggled on the edge of resistance and acceptance countless times, his restless heart would find some relief whenever he recalled his father's words.
Over the weekend, Li Baolong and Ajun boarded a tractor back to their small town, embarking on their journey home. That home, which he longed for, was a haven for his soul. As he unlocked the door and pushed it open, a letter fluttered down like a withered leaf. Li Baolong bent down to pick it up, turned and went inside, gently opening the letter to read.
The letter was from his father's hometown. It turned out the army had relayed news of his father's death to the local armed forces department, and also informed his father's only remaining relative—his lame younger brother. He had heard that this uncle worked as a veterinarian in rural Jianzhou, barely making ends meet by breeding swine fever pigs. This letter was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake; Li Baolong's fate might soon be in turmoil.
After reading the letter, Li Baolong finally understood the intentions of his uncle, whom he had never met. The letter contained the devastating news of his elder brother's unexpected death, and his uncle hoped he could help his only nephew, Li Baolong. However, his own abilities were limited, so the uncle pleaded with his cousin in Jianzhou City—his father's and brother's cousin—for help. The uncle hoped to bring his nephew, Li Baolong, to Jianzhou City to study, as the city offered a better learning environment. This was all he could do, and to show his sincerity, the uncle even sent his cousin a large pig's head. His cousin had agreed to help find a suitable school, and Li Baolong expected to return to Jianzhou City to start school next month.
Li Baolong lay quietly on the small bed that had been his companion for so many years, enveloped in the stillness of the night. He gazed at the familiar ceiling, his thoughts racing like wildfire. In this place where he had lived for over a decade, every inch of air was filled with the fragrance of memories, every corner bearing the footprints of his growth. Now, however, he had to say goodbye, and a deep sense of reluctance entwined his heart like vines, leaving deep marks.
The new learning environment he was about to face was like an unknown realm shrouded in mist, filling him with unease. His future seemed to be placed on the scales of fate, swaying uncertainly. His uncle's words still echoed in his ears, an undeniable expectation. His uncle hoped he could return to his hometown and restore the glory of the Li family. In his uncle's view, even if Li Baolong had to give up his studies, it would be better than him living alone in the Gobi Desert of the Western Regions. After all, it was full of too many risks, and the previous accident had already left his family with lingering fears; his uncle didn't want him to be placed in such danger again. Li Baolong knew his uncle's good intentions, but his inner struggle was like a surging tide, one wave after another. He didn't know if his choice was right, nor did he know where the future lay, and could only struggle with his thoughts during these sleepless nights.
The next day, Li Baolong, Ajun, and Yuanyuan met at a small eatery in the county town. Li Baolong treated them to a bowl of wontons each. During the meal, he told them that he would be returning to his hometown in Jianzhou, Sichuan Province in a few days. Upon hearing this news, Ajun and Yuanyuan were filled with disappointment. The three of them had grown up together since childhood and were inseparable playmates. After this separation, they didn't know when they would see each other again.
Back at the dormitory entrance, Li Baolong gave Yuanyuan a newly bought diary and wrote his name in it as a keepsake. He also handed Ajun a folding knife. These items carried the sentiments between them, serving as a memento of their parting.
For the past two days, Li Baolong has not attended classes, but has been busy with matters related to transferring schools. Once everything was settled, he returned to his home in the small town and began packing his important belongings. His satchel contained more than 12,000 yuan in cash from his family, as well as half of the "Heavenly Book" and a silver hairpin that his father had mentioned. His beloved digital watch was also among them; it was a gift from his mother last Spring Festival, which he had treasured and was reluctant to even wear.
Early in the morning, Li Baolong meticulously packed his important belongings, giving away the rest to his neighbors. He left all his fishing gear, including his nets and rods, to Ajun, hoping he would also have a good catch. The house belonged to the government, so he didn't need to worry about it. Afterward, he dragged a large bag alone to the county bus station. This small county didn't yet have a train station, and he was heading to a more distant place—formerly Dihua, now Urumqi—to catch a train. Ajun wanted to see him off, but Li Baolong politely declined, as he never liked farewells. Li Baolong boarded the dilapidated bus bound for Urumqi, and after three days and three nights of travel, stopping and starting along the way, he finally arrived in the renowned metropolis.
Near the train station, Li Baolong found a hotel and went inside. The owner, a man around fifty years old, saw a young man enter and asked in a local accent, "Young man, what can I do for you?" Li Baolong replied, "Uncle, how much is a room here for one night?" The man answered, "Three yuan for a double room, five yuan for a single room." After thinking for a moment, Li Baolong said, "I'll take a single room."
The boss then led Li Baolong to the backyard and opened a room. Inside, there was a large bed, which looked fairly clean, and a thermos in the corner.
After slinging his bag over his shoulder, Li Baolong went out to find something to eat. He found a restaurant and ate a plate of mutton pilaf. The mutton was rich and flavorful, its aroma filling his mouth, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Satisfied, he returned to his hotel.
Back in his small hotel room, Li Baolong didn't take off his clothes and went to sleep fully clothed. After all, he carried all his savings, and in this unfamiliar place, he had to be cautious, as he needed to catch his train the next day and couldn't afford the slightest mistake.
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