A young boy from the 1970s, separated from his family, fled famine and led his younger brother into

"No! This is too thin! Although it's warmer in the capital than here, the autumn winds are strong, and it gets chilly in the mornings and evenings!"

"And this one! It's all pilling. Our Niannian is a college student now, a top student in the province, how can she wear such old clothes to school? We need to buy new ones! The best-looking ones!"

"I need to bring this enamel basin too, and towels, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste... Oh dear, I have to buy all of these again, everything I have at home is old!"

Over the next few days, Zhou Yayun completely transformed into a spinning top that couldn't stop.

She works almost 24/7.

During the day, she dragged Su Nianci to all the department stores and supply and marketing cooperatives in Harbin, buying back a bunch of things in big and small bags.

From clothes and shoes to daily toiletries, and even school supplies and books, she had everything she could think of.

Spending money is like water flowing away.

She took out all of her family's savings without batting an eye.

In her words, "Our Niannian is going to university to do great things! We absolutely cannot let her be looked down upon in these small places!"

That night, she sat in front of the brand-new sewing machine, pedaling the pedal "clack clack clack," working through the night to make new quilts and sheets for Su Nianci.

Under the dim light, her figure swayed gently on the wall.

The "da da da" sound was like a never-ending, loving lullaby, accompanying Su Nianci through one night after another when she was about to part ways.

Su Nianci woke up several times in the middle of the night and saw that the light in her mother's room was still on.

She knew that her mother wasn't rushing to finish the work.

She just couldn't sleep.

She just wanted to use this busy way of life to dilute the sadness of the impending farewell.

She wanted to sew all her love as a mother into every stitch, so that she could accompany her to that distant, unfamiliar city.

Su Nianci felt a mix of emotions: sour and swollen, sweet and bitter.

Two lifetimes.

This was the first time she had experienced the feeling of being cherished and lovingly pampered by her mother.

This feeling made her crave it, and even more so, made her...reluctant to let it go.

Besides Zhou Yayun, Lu Zhenguo, a usually serious and unsmiling iron-willed soldier, also became somewhat different.

He no longer throws himself into his work every day, leaving early and returning late as he used to.

He started leaving get off work on time and even took several days off.

He did nothing but sit on a small stool in the yard, watching his wife bustling around and his daughter reading a book beside him.

He spoke very little, spending most of his time silently smoking.

But his gaze almost never left Su Nianci.

His eyes held pride, relief, reluctance, and above all, a father's deep, mountain-like worry for his daughter who was about to embark on a long journey.

Su Nianci knew that her father had a lot to say to her.

I wanted to tell her to take good care of herself in the capital.

I wanted to tell her that if she felt wronged outside, she should go home.

I wanted to remind her that the capital city was a dangerous place, full of complex people, and that she should always be careful.

However, he didn't know how to bring it up.

This man, who had commanded thousands of troops on the battlefield, was as clumsy as a child when faced with the departure of his daughter.

Finally, on the night before I left.

Lu Zhenguo called Su Nianci into his study.

The study was dark, with only the cool moonlight streaming in through the window.

Lu Zhenguo handed Su Nianci a small package wrapped in cloth.

The package was very heavy.

When Su Nianci opened it, she found a thick stack of 100-yuan notes inside.

She roughly counted them and found there were at least a thousand yuan!

In the 1970s, this was an absolutely staggering sum of money!

"Niannian," Lu Zhenguo looked at her, his voice a little hoarse, "take this money."

"This is all of Dad's possessions."

"I know you're not the type to spend money recklessly. But it's never a bad thing to carry extra cash with you when you're out and about."

"Don't skimp on yourself while you're away. Eat what you need and wear what you need. If you run out of money, write home and Dad will send you more."

Su Nianci looked at the stack of money and her nose suddenly stung with tears.

She knew what this money meant to an ordinary military family.

This is probably most of my father's life savings.

"Dad, I don't want it." Su Nianci pushed the money back. "I have money. The Gu family gave me before, and the money I earned myself, that's enough."

"You take it!" Lu Zhenguo's tone left no room for argument, carrying the domineering air unique to soldiers.

"You earned your success through your skills, and I gave you my heartfelt gift; these are two different things!"

He paused, and his voice softened.

"Consider it... your dowry prepared by your father."

dowry……

These two words made Su Nianci's heart tremble violently.

She could no longer hold back, and tears welled up in her eyes.

"dad……"

"Silly child, why are you crying?" Lu Zhenguo stretched out his rough, calloused hands and clumsily wiped away the tears on his daughter's face.

"It's a fantastic thing that you got into university, you should be happy."

"Once we arrive in the capital, you'll be an adult."

"You need to learn to take care of yourself and also learn to protect yourself."

"The capital is not like here. You must be careful in everything you do and don't trust others too easily."

"Of course," Lu Zhenguo patted his chest, his voice full of confidence, "Don't be afraid of trouble. Although our family isn't some top-tier wealthy family, we're not pushovers that anyone can bully!"

"If anyone dares to bully you, tell Dad! Dad will risk his old life to get justice for you!"

"And...and your brother..."

When Lu Xingzhou was mentioned, Lu Zhenguo's voice became dry again.

"He...he's on a mission right now, so we might not be able to contact him immediately."

"But remember, he will always be your support."

"You two siblings need to support and look after each other while you're out there."

"When he comes back, tell him to visit you at school more often."

Lu Zhenguo talked on and on, pouring out all the things he had been holding back for the past few days.

Su Nianci didn't interrupt, she just listened quietly.

She remembered every word her father said.

This is a father's deepest and most sincere love for her.

……

Late at night.

Su Nianci lay in bed, but couldn't fall asleep no matter what she did.

Her mind was filled with what her father had just said and the image of her mother busy taking care of her these past few days.

and also……

That figure, far away in the southwestern border region, with no return date in sight.

She took out the Hero brand fountain pen and gently stroked it in the moonlight.

elder brother.

What are you doing right now?

Is it very cold where you are?

Have you been eating on time?

Do you... miss me?

Longing surged like a tide, engulfing her entirely.

She suddenly felt a strong urge to write him a letter.

Tell him that she passed the exam.

Tell him that she is going to the capital soon.

Tell him that she misses him.

Su Nianci jumped out of bed and turned on the desk lamp.

She spread out the letter paper and picked up the fountain pen that held their boundless affection.

She thought about it for a very, very long time.

But I don't know how to begin writing.