In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Sunday arrived in the blink of an eye. Around 10 a.m., Grandpa Tong, who lived in the front yard, was off work today and was carefully tending to his wilted rose bushes in the bright sunlight in front of his house.

He took a small pair of scissors and carefully trimmed away the yellowing leaves, humming an off-key Bangzi opera tune.

I had just straightened up, intending to stretch my aching arms, when I looked up and saw two people walking into the courtyard.

Leading the group was a middle-aged man in his fifties, with an upright posture and wearing a crisp grass-green military uniform. Judging from his shoulder insignia, he was clearly a senior colonel.

Behind him followed a young soldier, equally impeccably dressed, carrying a net bag containing two cans of fruit.

Upon seeing strangers enter, especially two soldiers, Grandpa Tong naturally paid close attention.

Although the compound is a mixed community, most of the people coming and going are familiar faces. So when two strangers suddenly arrive, especially a high-ranking official, this long-time resident can't help but ask a few questions.

He hesitated for a moment, put down the scissors in his hand, put on a polite and cautious smile, and went to meet them.

"Sir, which company are you two looking for? They look a bit unfamiliar." Grandpa Tong's tone was respectful, with the tactful manner typical of old Beijingers.

The middle-aged officer stopped in his tracks, his face amiable, showing no displeasure at being questioned.

His gaze swept over Grandpa Tong, then looked at the neat yet lively front yard, and he replied in a gentle tone, "Hello, sir. We've come to visit Comrade Yang Jianxiong's family; they should be living in the east wing."

"They really are guests of the Yang family!" Grandpa Tong thought to himself, his smile becoming even more genuine. He quickly stepped aside to lead the way: "Oh, oh, they are guests of Chief Yang's family! That's right, that's right, they are in the east wing of the central courtyard. Please come with me, this way, this way."

As he led the way, he couldn't help but think to himself that the Yang family was indeed extraordinary, as they associated with such distinguished individuals.

Yang Guangming, with his sleeves rolled up, was watering his grandmother's two newly cultivated vegetable plots in his own little courtyard with a gourd ladle.

Hearing footsteps and Grandpa Tong's voice, he looked up and saw Grandpa Tong leading Political Commissar Yang and the guard through the moon gate.

"Uncle Yang? What brings you here?" Yang Guangming was a little surprised. He quickly put down his gourd ladle, wiped his hands on his trouser leg, and hurried forward to greet him. "Uncle Tong, thank you for your trouble."

"No trouble at all, it's just on my way." Grandpa Tong waved his hand with a smile, knowingly not to linger. "You two chat, I'll go back and continue tending to my flowers." With that, he turned and went back to the front yard.

"Guangming, did I disturb you?" Yang Zhenhua asked with a friendly smile, his gaze sweeping over the tidy courtyard. When he saw the newly cultivated vegetable patch, a hint of approval flashed in his eyes. "I was off today and thought I'd come and see the old lady and your mother. Are they getting used to living here?"

"I'm fine with everything, thank you for thinking of me. Please come inside and have a seat." Yang Guangming led Political Commissar Yang and his guard into the main room, while calling out to them, "Mother, Grandma, Political Commissar Yang has come to see you."

Tian Yufen and the old lady were doing needlework in the main room. Hearing the shout, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law both put down their work, their faces showing surprise and a little unease.

Tian Yufen quickly stood up, tidied her sideburns, and went to the door to greet him: "Political Commissar Yang, you've arrived. Please come in, please come in."

The old lady tried to stand up, but Yang Zhenhua quickly took two steps forward and offered a helping hand: "Auntie, please sit down, don't get up. I just happened to be passing by and came to see you. How are you feeling?"

"Great, great! Thanks to the organization, we're eating and staying well in Kyoto, and we feel at ease." The old lady smiled so much that the wrinkles on her face smoothed out, and she repeatedly invited Political Commissar Yang to sit down.

Yang Guangming invited Political Commissar Yang to sit in the main seat at the octagonal table, while the guard gently placed the two cans of food he was carrying on the corner of the table and then quietly stepped aside to stand.

"Comrade, please sit down, don't stand," Yang Guangming said to the guard, taking out a few clean teacups from the cabinet.

"Listen to Guangming, don't just stand there like an idiot." Yang Zhenhua waved to the guard, then looked gently at Tian Yufen and the old lady. "You're not having any difficulties at work or in life, are you? If there's anything you need help with, don't hesitate to ask."

Tian Yufen rubbed her hands together and replied somewhat awkwardly, "No, no, everything is fine. Guangming has taken good care of things at home, and we don't lack anything. I'm also happy with my work at the Women's Federation; my superiors and colleagues take good care of me."

The old lady chimed in, "Yes, Political Commissar Yang, thank you for your trouble. We're living the life of a blessed man now, we should be content, we should be content."

Yang Guangming deftly took out a tea canister. This was tea he had specially taken out from his spatial storage; it contained top-quality pre-Qingming Longjing tea.

He carefully used a teaspoon to scoop out some tea leaves, put them into a white porcelain teapot, and poured in hot water. A refreshing and pleasant aroma of chestnuts immediately filled the room.

"Uncle Yang, please try this. My classmate brought it from home, and I heard it's quite good."

After a moment, Yang Guangming poured the brewed tea into a cup and handed it to Yang Zhenhua with both hands.

Yang Zhenhua took the teacup, first observing its color. The tea soup was clear and emerald green, and the tea leaves were tender and uniform. Then he smelled its aroma, which was refreshing and delightful. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He gently blew on the hot tea and took a small sip.

The tea soup is sweet, mellow, and refreshing, leaving a lingering fragrance on the lips and teeth.

"Excellent tea!" Yang Zhenhua couldn't help but praise. He was a connoisseur of tea, and this tea was definitely not the kind of tea commonly found on the market. "Guangming, your classmate's family is quite impressive. This pre-Qingming Longjing tea is top-notch in both appearance and taste."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "If you like, I have two unopened boxes here. Take them with you when you leave, and make yourself a cup when you have some free time."

Upon hearing this, Yang Zhenhua didn't stand on ceremony and laughed heartily: "Then I won't be polite! This is indeed a rare find."

The group chatted for a while longer, mainly with Political Commissar Yang inquiring about the old lady's life in Kyoto, whether she had adapted to the climate, how she got along with her neighbors, and whether she lacked any daily necessities.

The old lady and Tian Yufen answered with smiles, their words filled with gratitude and satisfaction.

As lunchtime approached, Tian Yufen and the old lady exchanged a glance, and Tian Yufen said, "Political Commissar Yang, you absolutely must have lunch at home before you leave today. It's your first time visiting, so we haven't prepared anything special; it's just some simple home-cooked food. Please don't mind."

The old lady also grabbed Political Commissar Yang's arm, warmly urging him to stay: "That's right, Political Commissar Yang, you must eat before you leave! If you don't eat, then you're treating me like an outsider."

Yang Zhenhua had only intended to visit and hadn't planned on having a meal, but seeing the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law's sincere and enthusiastic attitude, and with Yang Guangming also extending a warm invitation, he hesitated for a moment before readily agreeing.
"Alright, since the old lady and Comrade Yufen are so hospitable, then I'll trouble you for a meal today."

Seeing that Political Commissar Yang agreed to stay for dinner, Tian Yufen and the old lady both smiled happily. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law quickly got up, told Yang Guangming, "Keep talking to Political Commissar Yang," and then went to the kitchen to prepare the meal.

Only Yang Guangming, Yang Zhenhua, and the guard sitting quietly at the door remained in the main room.

Yang Zhenhua took another sip of tea, put down the teacup, and his expression became slightly more formal.

He took an envelope from his briefcase, pulled out a ticket and a small stack of money, placed them on the octagonal table, and pushed them in front of Yang Guangming.

“Guangming, this is what your father asked me to give you,” Yang Zhenhua said. “It’s a bicycle ticket and a hundred yuan.”

Yang Guangming's gaze swept over the ticket with the words "Bicycle Purchase Certificate" printed on it and the ten brand-new black bills, and he reached out and picked them up.

"Is my dad... afraid I'll feel embarrassed to accept it, or does he think I'll refuse?" He said in a relaxed tone, with a hint of teasing. "He's mistaken. I'm a very practical person. If the family needs something, I'll take it. I'm not afraid of having too much stuff."

Looking at his open and honest demeanor, Yang Zhenhua smiled and explained, "Jianxiong has recently gone to the military training base. There's an important training mission there, and he has to keep an eye on things. He probably won't be back for at least a week."

He knew I was coming to visit the old lady today, so he gave these to me beforehand, asking me to make sure I delivered them.

He pointed to the bicycle ticket: "Jianxiong said that the family may not need his 100 yuan right now, but they definitely need a bicycle."

Even though Comrade Yufen's commute to work is short and she doesn't need a bicycle, having one would be much more convenient for buying groceries, grocery stores, and going to the grain and coal stations. He's very thoughtful."

Yang Guangming nodded and carefully examined the precious bicycle ticket.

These days, bicycles are in high demand; you can't buy one even if you have money, as long as you don't have the necessary permits.

My father really went to great lengths to get this ticket. We have a bicycle at home; my mother could walk to work for exercise, but having a bike would definitely save her a lot of effort when it came to buying groceries.

"I'll take the ticket; I really need it."

Yang Guangming carefully slipped the bicycle ticket into his pocket, then picked up the hundred-yuan bill, weighed it in his hand, but didn't put it away immediately. Instead, he looked at Yang Zhenhua and asked:

"Political Commissar Yang, my dad... this money, he didn't borrow it from someone, did he? Last time when he accompanied us to look at houses, he told Engineer Zhao that even if he had to scrape together a hundred yuan, he would have to borrow it from someone."

Yang Zhenhua hadn't expected Yang Guangming to ask so directly. After a slight hesitation, he felt there was nothing to hide and told the truth:
"Jianxiong... didn't specifically ask anyone to lend him the money. He just borrowed fifty from me first, saying he would pay me back next month when he got his salary."

Hey, it's nothing. We do this all the time. Everyone has times when they're short on cash, so helping each other out is perfectly normal.

After listening, Yang Guangming understood.

If it's because his father is extravagant and spends all his money without being able to save any, then he would feel no guilt about accepting the hundred yuan.

But he knew that his father, Yang Jianxiong, spent most of his monthly salary on helping his comrades who were struggling financially or the families of fallen comrades. He himself lived a very frugal and even somewhat impoverished life.

During these meetings, he noticed a detail: his father's leather shoes had many repair marks.

Under these circumstances, it would be unreasonable for him to take away from his father's already meager salary.

He pushed the hundred yuan back to Yang Zhenhua and said sincerely:
“Uncle Yang, please take this money back. You know my family's situation. I'm capable of taking care of Grandma and the others now, so I don't need this hundred yuan. Keep my dad's money for him to do things he should be doing.”

Yang Zhenhua looked at the money that had been pushed back, then glanced at Yang Guangming, whose eyes were clear and whose attitude was resolute, and couldn't help but feel moved. This child was not only sensible and upright, but also understanding of his father's difficulties.

He didn't touch the stack of money, but sighed and advised, "Guangming, I understand your intentions, and Jianxiong will surely be pleased to know. But you should still accept this hundred yuan."

His tone became somewhat somber: "Your father and I have been comrades-in-arms for many years, we've been through thick and thin together, I know him best."

He values ​​responsibility above all else.

He felt he had let his family down in the past, and he always felt a sense of injustice, as if he had let down his mother, his grandmother, and his siblings.

Now that things have finally eased up a bit, he has a chance to do something for the family, even if it's just a little bit of effort. If you don't let him do it, he'll feel even worse, even more ashamed.

Yang Guangming listened silently, understanding the meaning behind Political Commissar Yang's words.

Yang Jianxiong, the father, is a man who values ​​responsibility and commitment to his work. Years of estrangement and guilt have put him under tremendous pressure.

This mere hundred yuan, perhaps in his eyes, is not just money, but also a symbol, an effort to make amends and reconnect with the father-son relationship.

If even this small effort were rejected, it would likely make him even more disappointed and guilty. Thinking this, Yang Guangming stopped insisting. He reached out, picked up the hundred yuan again, and carefully put it away.

“Alright, Political Commissar Yang, you’re right. I’ll accept the money. It will put my father’s mind at ease.” He nodded and said.

Seeing that Yang Guangming had been persuaded, Yang Zhenhua smiled with satisfaction.

He relaxed, then took out a more exquisitely printed ticket from his briefcase and handed it to Yang Guangming again.

"Oh, by the way, there's this."

Yang Zhenhua spoke casually, as if he had only taken out an ordinary item, “I’ve had this camera ticket for a while now.”

I'm just a roughneck; I can't handle these fancy gadgets. Keeping them would be a waste. I wouldn't even be able to give them away; most people wouldn't know how to use them, and they couldn't afford them either.

I figured you're a college student, an educated person, and might need this, so I brought it over for you.

As Yang Guangming clearly saw the words and images on the ticket, he felt a slight jolt in his heart.

This is nothing like a bicycle ticket. In those days, cameras were extremely rare, and tickets were incredibly hard to come by.

Cameras are expensive to begin with; even the Seagull camera, which is considered relatively inexpensive, still costs over a hundred yuan. For everyday use, film costs are also considerable, so most people simply don't know how to use them and can't afford them.

"Political Commissar Yang, this is too precious!" Yang Guangming quickly waved his hand to refuse. "I can't accept this. The bicycle ticket is indeed needed at home, so I'll accept it even though I'm feeling a bit embarrassed. But this camera ticket... you should keep it for your children at home, or give it to someone more suitable. This gift is too much."

Yang Zhenhua smiled nonchalantly and shoved the ticket directly into Yang Guangming's hand:
"Take it! What's so precious about it? It's just a piece of paper I can't use."

My kids are all roughnecks like me. Give them a camera? They'd probably smash it to pieces in no time.

Who can afford this? They can't even afford film. I think it's perfect for you. You're a college student, quick-witted, and good at planning; you'll definitely find a useful use for it.

He paused, then added, "Besides, if we leave this ticket unused, it will expire and become worthless, which would be a real waste."

Looking at the camera ticket in his hand, Yang Guangming was indeed tempted.

He had previously thought of taking more photos of his family, to record the changing appearances of his grandmother and mother, to capture the moments of his sister's growth, and to document the changes in his family.

However, cameras are rare, and tickets are even harder to obtain. He also had many expenses recently, so he temporarily put aside the idea.

Now, Political Commissar Yang has delivered the ballot directly to my hand, and his reason is quite convincing—it would be a waste not to use it.

This gave him a perfectly logical reason to buy a camera.

Even if the mother and grandmother felt that the money was too much, they probably wouldn't say much in the face of these precious tickets that were "too wasteful".

To refuse again would seem pretentious.

Without further hesitation, Yang Ming carefully put away the camera ticket, a sincere smile of gratitude on his face: "Uncle Yang, then I won't stand on ceremony. Thank you! I will definitely make good use of this camera and take many photos of Grandma and the others to remember them by."

"That's right!" Yang Zhenhua slapped his thigh in delight.

With the business concluded, the atmosphere between the two became more relaxed and harmonious. Yang Guangming refilled Political Commissar Yang's tea, and the two began chatting about all sorts of things.

With his experience spanning two lifetimes and a vision far beyond his time, Yang Zhenhua was often surprised by Yang Ming's unique perspective and insightful views when he occasionally discussed current events, the economy, or future development.

The last time they met at the guesthouse, it was a rushed meeting. Yang Zhenhua only felt that Yang Guangming was calm, sensible, and more mature than his peers.

After today's in-depth conversation, he truly felt the extraordinary nature of this young man. His clear thinking, broad vision, and the composure and insight revealed in his words and actions were completely unlike those of a nineteen-year-old college student.

"Guangming, how did you develop such a brilliant mind?" Yang Zhenhua couldn't help but exclaim, his eyes full of admiration. "You see things so clearly and think so far ahead. No wonder you're a top student from Peking University, you truly live up to your reputation. Old Yang... Jianxiong, having such an outstanding son is truly... truly enviable!"

He said it from the bottom of his heart.

At their age and position, their children's achievements are one of the things they care about most and are most proud of.

Yang Jianxiong had been troubled by family relationships before, but now it seems that his son has not only resolved the family conflicts but is also so outstanding. How could his old comrade-in-arms not be envious?

Yang Guangming smiled modestly: "Commissar Yang, you flatter me. I just like to think things through and read a lot of miscellaneous books. Don't take it too seriously."

Just then, Tian Yufen and the old lady came in carrying the prepared food. Although time was short, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law still did their best to prepare four dishes.

A plate piled high with glistening slices of cured pork and vibrant green beans; a plate of stir-fried cured sausage with garlic sprouts, its aroma irresistible; a large plate of golden, glistening scrambled eggs, looking incredibly tempting; and a refreshing smashed cucumber.

The staple food is white steamed buns, each one soft, white, and steaming hot.

In these days of extremely tight food supplies and rare meat, such a lunch is definitely considered a feast.

Seeing that such a meal could be prepared in such a hurry, Yang Zhenhua was both surprised by the abundance of the Yang family's "stock" and, more than anything, moved by their warm hospitality.

"Political Commissar Yang, there's nothing fancy to eat, please make do with what you have," Tian Yufen said somewhat embarrassedly.

"Comrade Yufen, you're too kind! How can you say we don't have good food?" Yang Zhenhua pointed to the dishes on the table, his tone sincere. "In these times of year, many families don't even see a single piece of meat for a month. You've prepared cured pork, sausages, and so many eggs—it's like celebrating the New Year! This is too much of a waste, truly too much!"

The old lady greeted him with a smile, "Political Commissar Yang, please sit down and eat while it's hot. It's all homemade, so please don't mind."

Yang Guangming took out the bottle of Moutai his father had brought last time from the cabinet; there was still half a bottle left. He took two small wine cups and poured one for Political Commissar Yang and one for himself.

"Uncle Yang, let me have a drink with you." Yang Guangming raised his glass.

"Alright, a couple of drinks, just right." Yang Zhenhua was in a good mood, and gently clinked his glass with Yang Guangming's.

The rich aroma of wine mingled with the fragrance of food, filling the small main room.

The group sat together, eating and chatting in a warm and harmonious atmosphere. Yang Zhenhua, no longer reserved, took a bite of the cured meat and nodded repeatedly in praise of its delicious taste.

Seeing that he was eating heartily, Tian Yufen and the old lady were also happy and kept putting food on his plate.

The meal lasted almost an hour. Afterwards, Yang Guangming brewed a new pot of tea, and everyone sat and drank tea for a while, chatting idly.

Yang Zhenhua glanced at his watch, deciding it was about time, and stood up to say goodbye: "Auntie, Comrade Yufen, Guangming, thank you for your hospitality! The meal was delicious, and the conversation was enjoyable. I have some things to do this afternoon, so I'll head back now."

Tian Yufen and the old lady quickly got up to see them off.

"Political Commissar Yang, please wait a moment." Yang Guangming said, turning and going into the inner room. A moment later, he came out carrying several items.

He first took out a pair of brand-new three-piece leather shoes. The uppers were made of high-quality cowhide, shiny and glossy, and looked sturdy and durable.

"Uncle Yang, please give these shoes to my dad." Yang Guangming handed over the shoes. "I noticed that the shoes he wore last time he came had been repaired several times. These shoes should fit him."

Yang Zhenhua took the leather shoes; they felt heavy and of excellent quality. He thought of Yang Jianxiong's old leather shoes, which were almost worn through, and looking at these brand-new cowhide shoes in front of him, he couldn't help but sigh, feeling happy for his old comrade-in-arms.

“Okay, I will definitely deliver it.” He nodded solemnly. “Jianxiong will be very happy to see it.”

Next, Yang Guangming took out four more glass bottles filled with dark brown, glossy, and tempting sauces, with shiitake mushrooms and beef chunks vaguely visible inside.

In addition, there were two boxes of beautifully packaged tea.

"These are four bottles of homemade mushroom and beef sauce, perfect for eating with rice or mixing with noodles. And these two boxes of tea are for you."

Yang Guangming handed all these things to Yang Zhenhua, adding, "These are for you. You can keep them for yourself and don't need to share them with my dad. If he needs anything, he can just take them from home next time he comes."

Yang Zhenhua stared blankly at the beef sauce and tea leaves in his hand for a moment, then burst into laughter, a truly hearty laugh:
"You're something else, Guangming! Fine, I'll take this! Let me tell you, if Lao Yang knew I'd hoard all these good things, especially this tea and beef sauce, he'd be green with envy and wouldn't be able to resist me!"

His words carried a hint of jest, but also revealed the deep camaraderie he shared with Yang Jianxiong.

He knew that Yang Guangming was intentionally repaying him for the camera ticket and his previous kindness, and he was pleased with himself, so he readily accepted it without any hesitation.

Yang Guangming laughed: "Then you shouldn't tell him, or... you could give him a bite of the beef sauce to taste."

As they chatted and laughed, the atmosphere became increasingly relaxed. Yang Guangming, carrying the things, along with his mother and grandmother, escorted Political Commissar Yang to the moon gate of the east courtyard.

"Alright, stop seeing me off, go back now." Yang Zhenhua stopped at the door and said to Yang Guangming's family, "If you need anything in the future, you can contact me anytime."

"Thank you, Political Commissar Yang. Please take care." Tian Yufen and the old lady thanked him repeatedly.

Yang Guangming watched as Political Commissar Yang and his guards passed through the second courtyard and disappeared behind the hanging flower gate before turning back to his own courtyard.

Back in the main room, Tian Yufen looked at her son and couldn't help but mutter softly, "That Political Commissar Yang is too polite. He even made a special trip and brought such valuable gifts..."

As Yang Guangming tidied up the teacups, he casually replied, "Political Commissar Yang and my dad are on good terms, so it's only right that he comes to see Grandma. Mom, don't overthink it."

The old lady sat in the chair, squinting her eyes, her face showing a satisfied weariness: "They are all honest people, that's good... Our family's life is getting more and more promising."

Yang Guangming smiled but didn't reply.

He was already planning to buy a bicycle and a camera tomorrow. With a bicycle, grocery shopping would be much more convenient. As for the camera, he couldn't wait to take the first group photo of his grandmother, mother, and sister in their new home.

Looking at the bright sunshine outside the window, he thought to himself that when his father returned from the training base and saw the new bicycle and the photos taken by his family, he would feel very at ease.

Life was indeed moving in a better direction. This feeling of gradually building a stable life with his own hands filled him with a sense of security and a quiet joy. (End of Chapter)