A few days later at dusk, when Huang Wenbin returned from Grandpa Qi's house and stepped into his own yard, he seemed to carry an unusual aura.
The setting sun was like a kind old painter, spreading soft golden light all over the courtyard, and the mottled walls were dyed with a warm and deep color. However, this tranquility was soon broken by Huang Wenbin's words.
"Dad, Mom, Grandma, I have something to tell you all... I've decided to sign up for the army."
Huang Wenbin's voice was soft, but every word carried weight, a determination that could not be ignored. His eyes were like two newly lit lamps, gleaming with boundless longing for the future and the passion unique to youth.
Huang's father paused slightly as the pipe in his hand slowly rose, interweaving with the setting sun to create a mottled picture. He gazed at his son, his eyes filled with both reluctance and pride:
"Wenbin, you have grown up and have your own ideas. But this road is not easy to walk." His voice was low and powerful, revealing the deep worry of a father.
Huang's mother's eyes were red, and the needlework in her hands unconsciously stopped. She looked up at her son, her eyes full of confusion and worry.
Grandma Huang was in tears and held her grandson's hand for a long time, unwilling to let go.
"Wenbin, why do you want to join the army? Your family is doing well, why do you have to endure such hardship? You are the only son your parents have!"
There was a hint of reproach in Grandma Huang's voice, hoping that her grandson would change his mind.
Huang Wenbin felt the concern and anxiety of his family. He slowly squatted down, held his grandmother's hand, his eyes full of sincerity:
"Grandma, I know you all can't bear to let me go. But I've been thinking a lot these past few days. My family has been doing this for generations. My grandfather was a soldier, and my father is also a veteran. If I don't try, I always feel like something is missing."
"My eldest cousin is a college student and plans to be a doctor. Jinliang and Yinliang are still young, and I'm their only son. But I've been naughty and mischievous since I was little, causing trouble for the family. My grades are much worse than Wenrong's and the others. This time, I want to do something that will make my family proud. I want a chance to prove myself!" His tone was firm and sincere.
Huang's father listened to his son's words with mixed feelings. He took a deep puff of cigarette, his voice slightly hoarse amidst the smoke:
"Wenbin, joining the army is no joke. You have to think it through. It's a difficult road."
Huang Wenbin stood straight and looked at his father with a firm gaze: "Dad, I know you are worried that I can't endure the hardship, but I have really thought it through, and I also believe that I can become an excellent soldier and bring honor to our family!"
In the days that followed, he demonstrated his resolve through action. He rose before dawn every day to exercise, and his desk was piled high with military theory books, eagerly absorbing all he could about the military. Gradually, his family members saw his perseverance and were moved by his dedication. Huang's father even began privately paving the way for his son's future.
He dug out his long-forgotten address book and used the connections he had made in the army to fight for his son's life. He called those faded phone numbers over and over again, reminiscing about the past and discussing the future with his former comrades.
Finally, one sunny afternoon, he received exciting news: a rare position in the Shandong Provincial Armed Police Force was waiting for Huang Wenbin's arrival. This news was like a spring breeze, blowing away the gloom that had been lingering in his family for days.
Afterwards, the father and son walked side by side into the armed forces department of the mining area to sign up for the army. After a series of rigorous political review procedures, Huang Wenbin was only one step away from his dream of wearing a military uniform.
On the day of the physical examination, Xu Mengyao specially brought him the letter of commendation for being injured while bravely doing something righteous to prove the reason for the scar on his arm. She had seen her brother's recent efforts and was very pleased. He had finally gained the support of the whole family and could not let down at the last hurdle. Fortunately, everything went well and the new recruits could set off in December.
Seeing that there were still two months left before he left for the army, Huang Wenbin decided to take advantage of this time to work hard to earn money to make up for the losses he had brought to his family. He went to Pengcheng alone and carefully selected a batch of popular Hong Kong and Taiwan pop music tapes.
He took out a small speaker at the park's skating rink and the entrance of a busy dance hall, playing popular Hong Kong and Taiwan music, attracting passers-by to stop and listen. His efforts paid off, and in just over a month he earned more than 5,000 yuan.
He solemnly placed the hard-earned money on the table and promised Huang's father: "Dad, time is limited. I can only pay back this much now. I will pay the rest after I get my allowance from the army. I will bear the consequences of my own mistakes."
Huang's father's eyes flashed with surprise when he heard this, but then turned into deep relief. He patted Huang Wenbin on the shoulder and said nothing, but the trust and support he showed were beyond words.
After paying the money, Huang Wenbin also relaxed visibly, humming a song over and over again in his cheerful mouth every day:
"When one loses one's will, one cannot help but lament
It's hard not to be frightened when you're down and out
Lost hope
Drunk every day
Soulless body like a scarecrow
Life can be compared to the waves on the sea
Sometimes up, sometimes down
Good luck and bad luck
You have to do the work as per the instructions
Three points destined
70% depends on hard work
Only by working hard can you win~"
Finally, on that cold winter morning in 1989, Huang Wenbin, wearing his brand new military uniform, the big red flower on his chest swaying gracefully in the cold wind, stood at the village entrance with his family and said goodbye.
Huang's mother's tears welled up in her eyes, but she tried hard not to let them fall; Huang's father's eyes were complicated, with both reluctance to part with his son and expectations for his future:
"Wenbin, when you get to the army, you must be obedient and abide by the rules. Perform well and don't bring shame to our family."
Grandma Huang held his hand and repeatedly reminded him to take care of his health and remember to write home.
The three sisters held back their tears and handed over an amulet that contained blessings. Their eyes were filled with reluctance and expectation for their eldest brother.
The moment the truck started, Huang Wenbin waved goodbye, and the familiar village scene slowly faded from view. A complex mix of emotions surged within him: excitement for the unknown challenge and a deep attachment to his family. He knew that on this journey, he carried not only his own ideals but also the hopes and dreams of his entire family. Thus began a new journey.
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