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

Chapter 108, Section 107: Obstacles Dissolved and Entertainment of the Era

What Yang Guangming is saying is all about real-world neighborhood wisdom.

As Lin Shunan listened, her eyes flickered uncertainly, and her fingers unconsciously twisted together, her knuckles turning slightly white.

He knew that Yang Guangming's words were all reasonable and meant well for him. However, long-standing habits, the heavy shadow cast by family changes, and the deep-seated inferiority complex made it extremely difficult for him to take this step, as if an invisible abyss lay before him.

He rubbed his hands together, his voice hesitant, uncertain, and tinged with embarrassment:
"I...I understand. Ming-ge, you're right. But...what should I give him? I...I don't usually have anything nice to give him..."

He glanced subconsciously at the pitiful amount of pickled cucumbers and greens on the table, his face flushed again, and his voice was almost inaudible.

Yang Guangming smiled, his smile conveying encouragement and a sense of composure as if he were "well prepared."

He pointed to the open bag of plump walnuts on the table, which emitted a delicate nutty aroma:

"Isn't this ready-made? These walnuts are of good quality and very fragrant."

Find a clean bowl, divide it into small portions for each family, and say that your classmates came to visit and brought a little too much, so you're sharing it with everyone to have a taste.

"I'll go with you to say it, and help you get started."

His arrangements were thoughtful and dignified.

"Yes! Guangming's idea is great! It's both respectable and practical!" Wu Hongtao immediately clapped his hands in agreement. He was a man of action and had already stood up, rubbing his hands together eagerly. "Walnuts are something that both the elderly and children love to eat! Come on, Shunan, stop dawdling, I'll go with you! It's a good opportunity to meet your neighbors!"

His eagerness to visit others eased Lin Shunan's nervousness.

Yang Guangming could clearly see that Lin Shunan's hesitation and nervousness were almost tangible. He stood up, his tone steady, carrying a reassuring strength:

"Let's go, Shunan. Everything is difficult at the beginning. I'll go with you to familiarize yourself with the place."

"I'll talk to Master Lu. You just follow along. Hand things over when needed, and smile when appropriate. Don't be afraid."

His words were like a reassuring pill.

Looking into Yang Guangming's encouraging and unwavering eyes, and then at Wu Hongtao's eager and carefree demeanor, Lin Shunan finally mustered her courage and nodded vigorously, as if she had made a firm decision: "Okay... alright."

He turned around and rummaged through the old wooden box that served as a wardrobe, taking out several clean, rough porcelain bowls. There was a slight chip on the rim of each bowl, revealing the traces of life.

Yang Guangming grabbed a handful of plump walnut kernels and poured them into a small bowl, filling it to the brim. Then he filled the other two small bowls as well.

Lin Shunan held the bowl of walnuts that exuded a nutty aroma, took a deep breath, as if she were holding not a snack, but a heavy weight of courage and the determination to take the first step.

Yang Guangming and Wu Hongtao each carried a small bowl of walnuts. Lin Shunan followed behind Yang Guangming and walked down the creaking, seemingly groaning, narrow staircase again.

Wu Hongtao, carrying a small bowl, followed behind with great interest, like a bodyguard.

Yang Guangming first walked toward Lu Jianmin, who was tidying up his car repair tools in the courtyard.

When Lu Jianmin saw them come down, especially Lin Shunan carrying a bowl, a hint of surprise appeared on his face.

"Master Lu, are you all ready?" Yang Guangming greeted him with a beaming smile, his familiar and natural manner breaking the brief silence.

"Hey, Secretary Yang! It's alright, it's just a minor problem." Lu Jianmin quickly put down the wrench in his hand, straightened up, and looked at the bowl in Lin Shunan's hand with a smile on his face.

"Master Lu, we've come to visit Shunan's home today and brought some walnuts from our hometown. They're of very good quality."

Yang Guangming naturally stepped aside to let Lin Shunan pass, gently but firmly pushing him from behind, signaling him to come forward. "Shunan was thinking of sharing some with the neighbors to try, and also to thank everyone for their usual care for him."

He specifically emphasized "thank you for your care," giving Lin Shunan's actions a more positive and socially savvy meaning.

Pushed by Yang Guangming, Lin Shunan mustered her courage and stepped forward, offering the bowl with both hands. Her voice was soft, but she tried her best to remain clear and calm:
"Master Lu, here's some walnuts, please... please try some."

His gaze held a hint of tension, yet he made a concerted effort to meet Lu Jianmin's eyes, no longer looking away.

Looking at the plump, glistening walnuts in the bowl, then at Lin Shunan's somewhat flustered but trying-to-remain calm face, and then at Yang Guangming beside him with his gentle smile and distinguished demeanor, Lu Jianmin's face immediately broke into a warm, slightly flattered smile, and he said repeatedly:

"Oh my! Xiao Lin! You're too kind! I can't accept this! Thank you so much!"

He quickly wiped his hands vigorously on his oil-stained work pants before solemnly taking the bowl, his face beaming with joy.

"Look at you, you've been here for so long, we work at the same factory, we see each other all the time, and I haven't even invited you over for a visit, but I'm already eating your good food!"

If you ever need anything, just let me know! Don't be shy! A close neighbor is worse than a distant relative!

As he spoke, he extended his cleaner hand and patted Lin Shunan's slightly thin shoulder affectionately. The pat was light, but it conveyed a genuine sense of acceptance and goodwill. His address of "Little Lin" also sounded particularly warm.

"Of course, Master Lu." Lin Shunan felt a warm touch on her shoulder, and the tension in her heart dissipated like a punctured balloon. A sincere, slight smile appeared on her face as she responded.

Then, Yang Guangming took the empty bowl from Lin Shunan, handed his full bowl of walnuts back to him, and accompanied him to the Ningbo old woman who was vigorously washing a work uniform with a washboard by the sink.

When the old woman saw them coming, she straightened up, wiped her wet hands with her apron, her face full of kind smiles, and her eyes full of curiosity.

"Grandma, washing clothes? That must be hard work!" Yang Guangming greeted her with a smile, his tone warm and natural.

"Oh, yes, yes, the old man's work clothes are so shabby." The old woman replied with a smile, her gaze falling on the bowl in Lin Shunan's hand.

"Grandma, I am Yang Guangming, a classmate of Shunan, and I also work at Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill."

Yang Guangming gave a brief self-introduction before getting to the point, his voice gentle, "I brought some walnuts from my hometown to share with everyone. Shunan said you've always been very kind to me." He then gave Lin Shunan a meaningful look.

Lin Shunan understood and quickly handed over the bowl, her voice more steady than before: "Grandma, please try it."

"Oh my! Little Lin, you're too kind! Thank you!"

The old woman's face immediately lit up with a smile, her wrinkles smoothing out. She took the bowl, looked at the plump walnuts inside, and praised them in her thick Shanghainese accent:

"These walnuts are really good, they smell delicious! The kernels are thick and plump! Xiao Lin is a nice little boy, but he's a bit quiet. He should come out and talk more in the future, it'll be more lively!"

She chatted enthusiastically, her tone full of elder's care and encouragement, and her "little girl" was full of affection.

Next, we visited the young couple in the three-story pavilion.

The husband's name is Chen Weidong. He is an honest-looking young man who works in a small hardware factory run by the neighborhood committee. His hands are still covered in metal shavings.

Li Hongmei, the wife, held her toddler son, looking somewhat shy.

The two seemed somewhat surprised and even a little bewildered by Lin Shunan's sudden visit.

But when he saw the composed and steady Yang Guangming, and received this bowl of walnut kernels, which was a rare treat, he accepted it very politely, repeatedly expressing his gratitude: "Thank you, Comrade Lin! Thank you, Comrade Lin! You've gone to so much trouble!"

Chen Weidong rubbed his hands together, a little embarrassed, and said, "If you need anything in the future, just call me." His words were filled with simple and warm-hearted concern.

Finally, there was Old Man Wang, who lived in the kitchen.

The old man had gray hair, a thin frame, and didn't talk much. He was wearing a faded blue vest.

He opened the door and saw Lin Shunan holding a bowl. He glanced at Yang Guangming and Wu Hongtao, looking somewhat bewildered.

Lin Shunan explained his purpose in a low voice, still sounding somewhat reserved.

Old Wang nodded silently, took the bowl, and gave a gentle, somewhat distant but kind smile. His voice was a little hoarse and low: "Thank you, Comrade Xiao Lin." Then he gently closed the door.

After walking around the circle, Lin Shunan's bowl was empty, her forehead was slightly sweaty, and her shirt on the back was a little damp, but she felt strangely relaxed, even relieved.

The neighbors' enthusiastic, polite, respectful, gentle, and warm responses were like gentle streams of warmth, washing away the hard, cold shell in his heart.

Yang Guangming was always by his side, helping him with introductions, responding to conversations, and resolving his occasional speechlessness, so that he wouldn't feel isolated and helpless.

For the first time, he clearly felt that integrating into this small "Shikumen" community was not as difficult as he had imagined, and was even... somewhat warm.

Back in the small pavilion, the atmosphere was noticeably more lively and relaxed than before.

Yang Guangming and Wu Hongtao are both quick and efficient workers.

Yang Guangming took a multi-purpose knife from his keychain; the blade was gleaming. He skillfully cut open the oil paper, revealing a large pork knuckle inside, its skin and flesh glistening like amber, trembling slightly, and exuding a rich aroma of meat.

He skillfully sliced ​​off pieces of marbled, translucent pork hock with a small knife, arranging them evenly and neatly on a clean enamel plate, the sauce rich and glistening.

Wu Hongtao couldn't wait to tear open the oil paper wrapping the roast goose. The rich aroma of goose meat, a blend of fruitwood smokiness and succulent fat, burst forth instantly, domineeringly filling the entire low-ceilinged space.

He didn't use a knife, but directly used his hands, with a bold spirit, to tear the plump, oily, and tempting reddish-brown roast goose into appropriately sized pieces. The goose skin was crispy, making a slight cracking sound.

Lin Shunan busied herself reheating the steamed buns on the coal stove, and then brought out a plate of glossy, savory pickled cucumbers and a bowl of light, green salted vegetables.

The small square table was filled to the brim, leaving almost no gaps:
A large plate of glistening, tempting braised pork knuckle with a tantalizing aroma; half a roast goose with a deep reddish-brown color, crispy skin, and tender meat; a bowl of smooth, white rice noodles freshly cooked in Lin Shunan's only small aluminum pot; a dish of savory pickled cucumbers; a bowl of lightly salted greens; and several yellow and white steamed buns with a wheat aroma that are hearty and filling.

In an era of extreme scarcity of resources and rationing of meat, especially in Lin Shunan's simple and almost shabby attic room, the lavishness of this meal was nothing short of extravagant, enough to make any passerby turn their head in amazement.

Looking at the "feast" that seemed particularly out of place in the cramped space, and then at her two old classmates who were engrossed in their food and eating with great relish, without a trace of disgust on their faces, Lin Shunan felt her last bit of embarrassment replaced by a huge wave of warmth and gratitude.

He picked up his chopsticks, his voice filled with sincere apology and deep gratitude: "Ming-ge, Hongtao, please eat. I... I really don't have anything good here, I'm sorry to have troubled you."

"What's there to complain about? You call this a lack of good food?"

Wu Hongtao couldn't wait any longer and grabbed a large piece of pork knuckle meat with the tendons still attached, stuffing it into his mouth and mumbling indistinctly:

"Delicious! It smells damn good! Shunan, your steamed buns are really well made, they're chewy!"

He picked up another piece of glistening roast goose leg. The skin was crispy, making a "crunch" sound when he bit into it. The meat was juicy and fragrant. He squinted his eyes in satisfaction and let out an exaggerated sigh, "Mmm! This roast goose is authentic! Crispy skin and tender meat! It's so fragrant it goes right to the bone!"

Yang Guangming also picked up a piece of roast goose breast, savored it carefully, and nodded in praise:
"It's really good. The cooking time and spices are just right. Shunan, don't overthink it. When friends are together, what we eat and where we eat isn't important."

What's important is this friendship, the fact that we can sit together, chat and laugh.

He pointed to the dazzling array of dishes on the table, "Besides, isn't this food impressive enough today? Let's dig in!"

He picked up a mouthful of snow-white, smooth rice noodles with his chopsticks, then ladled some thick, glossy braised pork knuckle sauce over it. The rice noodles instantly took on an enticing sauce color, absorbing all the essence.

The three of them stopped being polite and started eating heartily.

The pork knuckle is fatty but not greasy, melts in your mouth, and has a rich soy sauce aroma that fills your mouth, along with the fragrance of star anise and cinnamon.
The roast goose has crispy skin and tender meat, with a savory and delicious flavor, and a unique blend of fruitwood smoke and spices.
The smooth rice noodles soaked up the thick broth from the braised pork knuckle, making the taste even more exquisite.

Even simple pickled cucumbers and green vegetables taste exceptionally refreshing and less greasy when paired with the flavor of meat.

The two-ingredient steamed buns are substantial and filling, perfectly balancing the richness of meat.

In the small pavilion, only the crisp sounds of bowls and chopsticks clattering, the satisfied chewing sounds, the slurping of rice noodles, and the occasional exclamation of praise could be heard.

The air was filled with the aroma of meat, rice, and the salty and savory flavors of pickled vegetables.

This small space is now filled with a long-lost liveliness, energy, and a pure, unrestrained joy belonging to young people.

As Lin Shunan ate, the corners of her mouth unconsciously curved upwards, her smile becoming more and more natural and relaxed. Finally, she even imitated Wu Hongtao, reaching out to tear off a glistening roast goose wing and taking a big bite without any restraint. Her mouth was smeared with oil, and her face was filled with a long-lost, heartfelt, relaxed and carefree smile, her eyes sparkling.

Yang Guangming looked at him, a relieved and warm smile appearing in his eyes.

After the meal, the dishes were in disarray, with only scraps of food left on the table.

The three of them patted their round bellies, leaning against the wall or huddled together on the edge of the bed, all looking rather lazy and content.

The afternoon sun shone through the small window, casting a square patch of light on the cement floor. The air still stubbornly held the aroma of meat, rice noodles, and a faint smell of oil.

"Now that we've eaten and drunk our fill, what's next? Just sit there and let it digest?"

Wu Hongtao sprawled unkempt on the edge of the bed, picking his teeth with a matchstick he'd found somewhere, his eyes darting around, brimming with an excess of boredom.
"How about... we go back to school and play ping-pong? It's the holidays now, and it's Sunday, the ping-pong room will definitely be empty! I know Old Zhang, the gatekeeper, pretty well. I can just offer him a cigarette and say hello, and I can go in and play! What do you think?"

This suggestion, imbued with his unique energy and nostalgia for familiar places, seemed to transport him back to his carefree student days.

The proposal was met with an immediate response.

In an era of extreme scarcity of entertainment, playing table tennis is one of the most popular and easily accessible forms of collective recreation among young people, as it can both exercise their muscles and strengthen their bonds.

Yang Guangming, who was wondering how to kill the afternoon, immediately nodded in agreement: "Great! I haven't touched a racket in ages, my hands are itching! It's a good opportunity to stretch my muscles and aid digestion."

He looked at Lin Shunan with encouragement, "Shunan, how about we go do some exercise? It'll feel good to work up a sweat!"

Looking at the expectant eyes of the two, and feeling her full stomach, Lin Shunan hesitated for a moment, then nodded, her face showing a shy eagerness: "Okay. It's just... I'm afraid I won't play well and will drag you down."

"Hey! Who's born knowing how to fight? It's just for fun! Having fun is the most important thing! It's not a competition!" Wu Hongtao jumped up, full of energy, as if he hadn't been lying there just moments before. "Let's go, let's go!"

They set off without hesitation. The three of them hurriedly packed up, locked the flimsy wooden door of the pavilion, and left the Shikumen with great enthusiasm.

The middle school they were familiar with was not far from Lin Shunan's residence.

The campus was indeed quiet on the weekend, with only the cicadas chirping tirelessly among the dense sycamore tree branches, adding to the languid feeling of summer.

Old Zhang, the gatekeeper, was a thin, frail old man, and he was indeed acquainted with Wu Hongtao.

Wu Hongtao handed over a Pegasus cigarette with a grin and explained his purpose in a few words.

Old Zhang squinted at Yang Guangming and Lin Shunan, probably thinking they both looked like students, and readily took out his key to unlock the ping-pong room door, instructing them:

"Have fun, but make sure to close the doors and windows and turn off the lights when you leave! Don't touch any other equipment!"

"I know, I know! Don't worry, Master Zhang! I guarantee I'll return it exactly as it was!" Wu Hongtao patted his chest and made a loud promise.

The room was empty, and only the three of them were there.

The tall windows let in plenty of light, and tiny dust particles floated in the air, like countless tiny sprites dancing silently in the slanting beams of light.

Two dark green standard ping-pong tables stood quietly in the center of the room, like soldiers awaiting inspection.

The rackets were the school's public "Double Happiness" brand, the rubber was worn and shiny, and the wooden handles were worn smooth and oily, obviously handled by countless hands, but this did not affect their enthusiasm in the slightest.

Wu Hongtao has an aggressive playing style, characterized by wide, sweeping strokes and a penchant for aggressive attacks, especially powerful smashes that often score points in one go. He swings his racket with tremendous force, accompanied by shouts of "Hey!" and "Ha!"

However, his error rate was also alarmingly high. He often hit the ball out of bounds or into the net because he used too much force, which made him yell and slap his thigh or the table in frustration.

Yang Guangming's technique is more comprehensive, his basic skills are solid, his chop shot has strong spin, his topspin shot is well-executed and has tricky landing points, his defense is solid, and his footwork is agile and quick. He has obviously received some training, and he has a calm and confident smile on his face.

Lin Shunan's hobby is playing musical instruments. He rarely played table tennis before, so he seemed particularly rusty. His movements were a bit stiff, his grip on the racket was not quite standard, and his footwork was slow. However, he played very seriously, trying his best to return every ball with focused eyes.

Yang Guangming and Wu Hongtao tacitly fed him some easy balls to receive, encouraging him to play more and build confidence.

"Good shot! Shu Nan, that was a beautiful chop!" Yang Guangming encouraged with a smile. He deliberately slowed down the pace and returned a high and slow ball to a position that was easy for Lin Shu Nan to handle.

Lin Shunan swung his racket with all his might and actually managed to return the shot, a hint of surprise on his face.

"Oops! I'm offline again..." He slapped his thigh in frustration, but a smile remained on his face. Fine beads of sweat glistened on his forehead in the light. The back of his shirt was quickly soaked with sweat.

Soon after, Wu Hongtao replaced Lin Shunan.

"Hongtao, watch this!" Yang Guangming executed a beautiful side-step attack, sending the white ball tracing a graceful arc before landing precisely in the corner of the opponent's table.

"Great shot!" Wu Hongtao cheered loudly, praising the ball generously, even though he missed it.

The small ping-pong ball bounced, spun, and collided on the dark green table, making a crisp and rhythmic "ping-pong" sound that echoed and collided in the spacious and tall room, sounding particularly loud.

The sounds, along with the three men's shouts, laughter, frustrated sighs, and rapid breathing, intertwined to form a symphony full of youthful energy.

Sweat quickly soaked their shirts, clinging to their backs and outlining their youthful figures.

Lin Shunan's smile became more and more natural and relaxed, and her movements gradually became more unrestrained, no longer so reserved.

He ran, jumped, and swung his racket, sweat streaming down his temples and neck, glistening in the slanting sunlight streaming through the high window.

Those heavy burdens and invisible shackles seemed to be temporarily cast aside in this intense and pure physical activity, and in this exhilarating camaraderie among classmates.

He laughed loudly, shouted, cheered for every good shot, and excitedly clenched his fist and growled when he occasionally hit a beautiful return, his chest heaving violently and his breathing hot and smooth.

That was the long-lost, vibrant energy and unrestrained joy of youth, like a thawing stream, surging forth again within him.

Before we knew it, the sun was already setting in the west.

The bright orange glow of the setting sun slanted in through the tall windows of the ping-pong room, casting long, elongated shadows of the three running and jumping figures onto the smooth, dark floor, where they danced and shifted like shadow puppets.

Several empty "Zheng Guang He" orange soda bottles were scattered around the table. Yang Guangming had run out halfway through the game and bought them at a nearby shop. Fine water droplets had condensed on the bottle walls.

The three of them were so exhausted that they collapsed onto the long wooden bench next to them, panting heavily, their chests heaving, their faces flushed from the intense exercise and filled with satisfied smiles.

Sweat soaked his hair, strands of it clinging damply to his forehead. Wu Hongtao grabbed a towel and wiped his face haphazardly.

"That was awesome! That was fucking awesome!" Wu Hongtao wiped the sweat off his face haphazardly with a towel, which quickly became soaked. He shouted, still feeling unsatisfied.

His voice echoed in the empty hall, "Shunan, the place you're living in now is really great! It's quiet and close to the school, it's a real gem!"

He slapped his thigh suddenly, his eyes lighting up as if he had discovered a new continent. "I think we should hold our class reunions here from now on! Let's invite Wu Kai, Yan Jun, Xie Feiyang, and the others who stayed in the city."

Let's chip in some money and tickets, buy some groceries, and cook for ourselves to have plenty to eat and wear!

A lively meal, some chatting, some playing sports—it's much better than eating out! And it's more relaxed! Nobody's watching you!

He became more and more excited as he spoke, gesturing wildly as if he could already see the lively and bustling scene.

Yang Guangming tilted his head back and finished the last sip of soda, letting out a satisfied sigh and a pleasant sound from his throat.

He smiled and nodded in agreement, his breathing still not fully calm: "Hongtao's idea is great! I think it's a good idea. Shunan, what do you think? From now on, we old classmates will be coming to bother you often. Don't find us annoying or noisy."

He spoke in a joking tone, but his eyes were serious as he looked at Lin Shunan, filled with inquiry and expectation.

Lin Shunan was carefully wiping her sweaty neck and arms with a towel when she heard this and stopped.

His smile faded slightly, and the light in his eyes dimmed a little. A familiar worry and hesitation surfaced, like dark clouds obscuring the sunlight.

His voice lowered, carrying uncertainty and a hint of barely perceptible bitterness:

"That...of course it's great. I'm happy to get together with my classmates."

But...would Wu Kai, Xie Feiyang, and the others... mind my background? After all..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.

The changes in his family and his identity as a stevedore are like an invisible, cold label, a shadow that he can never shake off, making him unable to let go and worrying that it will become a reason for being rejected or pitied.

"Shu Nan, you're overthinking it!"

Wu Hongtao immediately sat up straight, his playful smile vanished, his brows furrowed slightly, and his tone became resolute, carrying an unquestionable certainty and a brotherly protectiveness:
“We’re all old classmates who grew up together and studied together for so many years. Who doesn’t know about each other’s family affairs? Who would look down on you because of this?”
Yan Jun's family isn't that well-off; who's much better off than whom? As for Wu Kai and Xie Feiyang…”

He curled his lip, a hint of disdain in his expression. "Wu Kai is alright. Xie Feiyang may be a bit arrogant and sometimes his words are unpleasant, but he's not the kind of snob who's opportunistic. I can guarantee that! Besides..."

He patted Lin Shunan's shoulder hard, the force carrying an affectionate and protective meaning, "If there are any people who are clueless and look down on others because of this trivial matter, Guangming and I will be the first ones who don't want to play with them!"
"Let's not bother with that kind of person! Let's just have fun! It's all about having a good time! Who cares about all that!"

His last sentence was delivered with conviction, carrying the unique righteousness of a young man.

Yang Guangming put down his soda bottle, leaned forward slightly, and looked at Lin Shunan with a gentle yet firm gaze, as steady and reliable as a rock.
"Shunan, Hongtao is right. The value of classmate friendship lies in its purity and in knowing each other well. We all had a good relationship before, and we still do now."

What we value is you, Lin Shunan, as a person, your character, and the bond we share from growing up together.

Other things, like background or job, are external and unimportant.

Don't feel burdened; don't confine yourself to a limited space.

His words were clear and powerful, each word carrying a comforting force and an undeniable affirmation.

The last rays of the setting sun cast a warm golden glow on Lin Shunan's profile, and his long eyelashes cast soft shadows in the light and shadow.

Looking into the sincere yet protective eyes of his two old friends, and listening to their resounding and righteous words, the last bit of lingering doubt and heavy shackles in his heart finally melted and disintegrated completely in this warm and steadfast embrace.

A surge of scalding warmth rushed to his heart and spread to his limbs, making his eyes slightly hot and his nose tingle.

He nodded vigorously, as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. A smile returned to his face, a smile filled with relief, deep emotion, and a renewed sense of anticipation. His voice brightened, tinged with a barely perceptible sob.

"Great! As long as you don't mind, you're welcome to come anytime! The more people, the more lively it will be, and I'll be happy too!"

He spoke his last few words with a certain force, carrying a determination to break free from his cocoon and the courage to open his arms.

"That's more like it! Great!" Wu Hongtao slapped his thigh happily, as if he had solved a huge problem, his smile beaming. "Then it's settled! Once I've contacted them and set a time, we'll get together again! I promise it'll be lively! Let Shunan's little pavilion get some life too!"

With the matter settled, the three rested on the bench for a while until the sweat dried and their breathing calmed down before carefully putting the rackets back in their original positions.

He checked that the doors and windows were closed tightly and the lights were off, then locked the heavy door of the ping-pong room and solemnly thanked the old man Zhang who guarded the room again.

As I stepped out of the school gate, the setting sun had completely sunk into the city skyline, leaving only a sky full of magnificent sunset clouds, like a spilled palette, painting the sky with gorgeous orange-red, gold powder and pale violet.

The three stood at the familiar school gate, gazing at the streets bathed in the gentle glow of the sunset and the hurried people returning home, before bidding each other farewell.

"Guangming, Shunan, I'm off!" Wu Hongtao casually hopped onto his slightly worn "Forever" bicycle, put one foot on the ground, and waved.

The evening breeze ruffled his sweat-dampened hair that clung to his forehead and lifted the corner of his open shirt.

"Let's go!" Wu Hongtao pushed off the pedal hard, and the bicycle quickly merged into the evening traffic and crowds of people returning home, its bell jingling.

"Drive carefully! Watch out for cars!" Yang Guangming and Lin Shunan said at the same time, their voices filled with genuine concern.

"Shunan, you should go back and rest early too. See you at the factory tomorrow." Yang Guangming gently patted Lin Shunan's arm, his gesture natural and friendly.

“Okay, Ming-ge.” Lin Shunan looked at him, the sunset glow reflecting in his clear eyes, making them appear exceptionally bright and captivating. His smile was sincere and warm, carrying an unprecedented ease. “Thank you for coming today… I’m really happy today.”

These words came from the bottom of my heart; every word carried weight, reflecting the emotions and feelings of the day.

Yang Guangming nodded to Lin Shunan, revealing a gentle and reassuring smile, then turned and walked steadily and powerfully toward home.

Lin Shunan stood still, not leaving immediately.

At the end of the day, my body was exhausted, and the muscles in my arms and legs were slightly sore. But the huge rock that had been pressing on my heart for so long seemed to be pried open by a warm and firm force, and most of it melted away.

He straightened his once habitually slightly hunched and somewhat thin back, as if he had unloaded an invisible burden.

He started walking towards the small, low pavilion.

The streetlights lit up one by one, casting long shadows behind him in their dim yellow glow.

Those steps were lighter and more determined than ever before, filled with the courage to move towards the future.

(End of this chapter)