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

The train roared and finally slowly pulled into Kyoto Station.

With a long, weary whistle, the vehicle shook violently before finally coming to a complete stop.

"We're here, Mom, Grandma, we're here." Yang Guangming stood up, stretched his limbs which were stiff from sitting for a long time, and said to his mother and grandmother, who still looked a little dazed.

Tian Yufen and Qin Lanying seemed to wake from a dream. Through the train window, they looked at the huge, noisy platform outside, which was completely different from the small Yingxian Station. Their eyes were filled with an undisguised bewilderment and a trace of barely perceptible fear.

The platform was teeming with people, bustling with noise, and a cacophony of accents created a massive wave of sound.

People dressed in blue, gray, and green clothing, carrying and dragging all sorts of luggage, surged towards the doors of each train carriage like a tide.

"Stay close to me, don't get separated." Yang Guangming lifted the heavy travel bag with one hand, carried the bundle on his back, and held tightly to Yang Shanshan, who was looking around curiously and nervously, with the other hand.

Tian Yufen carried another bundle and helped her mother-in-law. The family carefully followed the flow of people and slowly moved off the train.

With their feet firmly planted on the solid concrete of Kyoto Station, Tian Yufen and Qin Lanying took a deep breath in unison, as if to confirm that they had truly set foot on this land that they had only ever imagined.

"Brother, this place is so big, and there are so many people!" Yang Shanshan looked up at the towering platform roof and the endless stream of people, and exclaimed softly.

"Yes, this is Kyoto." Yang Guangming responded, his eyes quickly scanning the surroundings to determine the direction of the exit. "Let's get off the train first, and then find a place to stay."

The process of leaving the station was another struggle.

With his strength and quick wit, Yang Guangming led the way, carefully protecting his family, and finally squeezed through the crowded ticket gates to the even more bustling station square.

In July, the afternoon sun in Kyoto is scorching, and the square reflects a dazzling white light.

Looking at the bustling traffic and towering buildings before them, Tian Yufen and Qin Lanying felt dazzled and their heads were spinning.

This was a completely different world from the peaceful village where they had lived for decades.

"Mom, Grandma, let's take the bus to the military area." Yang Guangming, referring to his memory and the road signs, led his family to the bus stop.

After changing buses twice, the scenery outside the window gradually changed from bustling streets to a large area with a slightly solemn atmosphere and high walls.

Finally, they got out of the car on a clean and quiet street lined with tall poplar trees.

Across the street, you can see soldiers standing guard with guns and a solemn gate; that's the military headquarters.

Yang Guangming led his family into a three-story building not far away that had a sign that read "Military Region Guesthouse".

The guesthouse lobby wasn't very big, but it was clean and tidy, with the cement floor gleaming from being mopped.

Red slogans and posters hung on the walls, and behind a dark wooden counter sat a waitress wearing a military-style uniform with two braids.

Seeing Yang Guangming and his group enter with large bags and looking travel-worn, especially with an elderly woman with bound feet among them, the waiter looked up, his face displaying a calm, businesslike demeanor.

"Hello, comrade, we would like to check into the hotel." Yang Guangming walked up to the service desk and said in a calm tone.

"A letter of introduction," the waitress said succinctly.

Yang Guangming took out the letter of introduction prepared by his second uncle, Tian Yuzhu, from his inner pocket and handed it over.

The waiter took the letter of introduction and looked at it carefully.

The letter was stamped with the bright red official seal of Yangzhuang Production Brigade, clearly stating that Tian Yufen, Qin Lanying, Yang Guangming, and Yang Shanshan had come to Beijing to visit relatives and handle other matters. The relationship between them was clear, and the reason for their visit was reasonable.

She nodded and took out a hotel registration book: "How many rooms do you need?"

"Let's book two rooms," Yang Guangming said after thinking for a moment. "My mother, my grandmother, and my sister will stay in one room, and I'll stay in another."

The waiter skillfully filled out the registration form and then collected the prepaid accommodation fee.

After completing the formalities, the clerk handed me two keys with small white wooden tags attached: "203, 205. Go upstairs and turn left. The hot water room is at the end of the corridor, and the toilet is in the backyard on the first floor. Please keep quiet and take care of public property."

"Thank you, comrade." Yang Guangming took the keys and expressed his gratitude.

The family carried their luggage up the green-painted wooden staircase to the second floor and found their respective rooms.

The room was small and simply furnished.

White walls, cement floor, a wooden desk, two chairs, a thermos, and two hardboard beds with white mosquito nets.

But it was cleaned up very well, and the windows were sparkling clean.

For Tian Yufen and Qin Lanying, this was already the best "house" they had ever lived in.

"Mom, Grandma, please rest in this room for a bit and catch your breath." Yang Guangming put his mother and grandmother's luggage into room 203 and filled their thermos with hot water.

The elderly lady, Qin Lanying, was getting on in years, and it was her first time traveling so far, having spent most of the day on the train. She was clearly exhausted, with a deep weariness on her face.

She sat on the hard bed, leaning against the neatly folded quilt, and let out a long sigh, feeling as if all the bones in her body were about to fall apart.

"Finally...finally we've arrived," the old woman murmured, looking around the unfamiliar room with a complicated expression.

Although Tian Yufen was also tired, she felt more uneasy, as if she were suspended in mid-air with nowhere to land.

She looked at her son, hesitant to speak.

Knowing what they were thinking, Yang Guang comforted them, saying, "Settle down and get some rest. We can talk about other things after we're settled."

He paused, then looked at his mother: "Mom, I need to borrow the guesthouse's phone to... contact them."

Tian Yufen's body stiffened almost imperceptibly, then she lowered her head, softly hummed in agreement, and said nothing more.

Yang Guangming understood his mother's complicated feelings. Without saying much, he turned and left the room, gently closing the door behind him.

He went to the service desk on the first floor and told the female employee that he wanted to borrow the phone.

The waiter pointed to an old-fashioned black crank telephone placed in the corner of the counter: "Local calls are one cent per minute, long distance calls are charged separately."

"Thank you." Yang Guangming walked over, picked up the heavy receiver, and dialed the number.

A clear, crisp voice came from the receiver: "Hello, where would you like to go?"

The newspaper published the office number of Yang Jianxiong's father.

To make it easier to contact him in case of an emergency at home, Yang Jianxiong specifically wrote a letter to Tian Yuzhu with two phone numbers: one for the office and one for the duty room.

The receiver kept ringing with a busy tone, about seven or eight times, but no one answered.

Yang Guangming put down the receiver and paid one cent.

He hesitated for a moment, then picked up the phone again and gave out another number—the duty room number of his father's division headquarters.

This time, the call was answered quickly, and a young male voice came through: "Hello, where is this?"

"Hello, I'm looking for Comrade Yang Jianxiong."

The other person paused for a moment, seemingly assessing his identity, before asking, "May I ask who you are?"

“I am his son, Yang Guangming.” Yang Guangming clearly stated his name.

A longer silence followed on the other end of the phone, as if the name had surprised the other person.

After a moment, the young voice rang out again, its tone much more cautious: "Please wait a moment."

Yang Guangming held the receiver and could faintly hear footsteps and whispers coming from the other end, as if someone was reporting to someone.

The wait wasn't long; about a minute later, a steady, slightly hoarse male voice came through the receiver.

The voice sounded a bit older, carrying an air of authority that came from long-term leadership positions.

"Hello, is this Comrade Yang Guangming?" the other party asked, his tone formal yet gentle.

"I am Yang Guangming. May I ask who you are?" Yang Guangming answered cautiously.

"I am Yang Zhenhua, your father Yang Jianxiong's partner, the division political commissar," the other party introduced himself, then got straight to the point, "Comrade Jianxiong has gone to another city to attend an emergency meeting and is not in the military region. He will probably not be back until the day after tomorrow. What do you need him for? If it is urgent, you can tell me first, and I will see if I can help coordinate a solution."

It turned out to be his father's political commissar. Yang Guangming understood immediately.

He considered his words carefully and said, "Political Commissar Yang, hello. The matter... isn't particularly urgent; it's just some family matters. Since he can be back the day after tomorrow, we can wait a couple of days."

Since this involves family matters such as household registration transfer and job arrangement, it's clearly inappropriate to discuss it directly with the father's political commissar. Since it's only a two-day wait, the timeframe is acceptable.

Political Commissar Yang Zhenhua on the other end of the phone seemed to know Yang Guangming somewhat. He didn't hang up immediately but continued to ask, "Comrade Guangming, I remember you were studying at Peking University, right? You should be on summer vacation now?"

"Yes, Political Commissar Yang, the school just let out for summer break," Yang Guangming replied.

"Are you in Kyoto right now? Where are you staying? Would you mind telling me?" Political Commissar Yang's tone carried the concern of an elder.

"We just got off the train and are currently staying at the military region's guesthouse," Yang Guangming told the truth and gave his room number.

"Okay, I understand." Political Commissar Yang made a note of it, his tone still calm. "Since Jianxiong isn't here, you and your family should settle in and get some rest. If you need anything, feel free to contact us. I'll let him know as soon as he returns."

"Thank you, Political Commissar Yang, for your trouble."

"You're welcome."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming paid the bill and stood there pondering for a moment.

My father's business trip was a minor setback, but it was to be expected. After all, it's normal for a high-ranking military officer to be so busy.

He turned and went upstairs to his mother's and grandmother's room.

Tian Yufen and Qin Lanying both looked at him expectantly, while Yang Shanshan sat quietly beside her grandmother, her little face showing a questioning expression.

“The call went through,” Yang Guangming said calmly. “His work partner, Political Commissar Yang, answered. He said he went to a meeting out of town and probably won’t be back until the day after tomorrow.” “The day after tomorrow?” Tian Yufen was taken aback, a hint of disappointment and even more obvious unease flashing across her face.

She had mustered up the courage to come to a completely unfamiliar place, ready to face the person she hadn't seen for years, only to find that the person wasn't there. This feeling of being adrift made her even more panicked.

The old lady, Qin Lanying, also frowned, her tired face showing a hint of worry: "What bad luck... then... what should we do?"

Her first thought was the most practical problem: "How are we going to eat? Your father isn't here, and we don't know anyone in this place..."

After being reminded by her mother-in-law, Tian Yufen immediately realized the problem. Her face turned pale, and she looked at her son nervously.

In their subconscious, once they arrived in Kyoto and found Yang Jianxiong, he would naturally be responsible for arranging their food and lodging.

Now that the person is gone, they are like kites with broken strings, and they panicked immediately.

Seeing this, Yang Guangming quickly reassured them, "Mom, Grandma, don't worry. I can take care of the meals."

He took out his wallet, pulled out a stack of national food coupons, and showed them to them: "Look, these are the holiday food coupons issued by the school, and they're national food coupons. Adding the ones I saved before, there are over sixty jin (30 kg). That's enough for us to eat for quite a while."

In Kyoto, as long as you have national food stamps and money, food won't be a problem, so you don't need to worry.

Seeing the thick stack of coupons in her son's hand, which were printed with the words "Nationally Valid Grain Coupons," Tian Yufen and Qin Lanying finally felt a little relieved.

They had heard of the "power" of national grain coupons and knew that they were a form of hard currency for traveling all over the country.

"That's good, that's good... As long as there are food coupons..." the old lady murmured, her tense body relaxing a little as she leaned back against the quilt.

Tian Yufen breathed a sigh of relief, but the worry between her brows did not completely disappear.

The anxiety of arriving in a new place and the uncertainty about the future still shrouded her like an invisible fog.

Knowing that their father wouldn't be back until the day after tomorrow, the family could only wait patiently for the time being.

To soothe his mother and grandmother, Yang Guangming didn't go back to his own room but stayed in room 203, talking to them about his experiences in Kyoto and funny things that happened at school, trying to distract them.

Yang Shanshan was still young, and after the initial nervousness, her curiosity gradually took over. She leaned against the window, watching the pedestrians and occasional cars passing by on the street below, and quietly asked her brother all sorts of questions.

Time passed slowly while waiting.

The sun was gradually setting in the west outside the window, and the guesthouse was very quiet.

It was almost dinnertime, and just as Yang Guangming was about to suggest going to the guesthouse canteen for dinner, there was a soft knock on the door.

"Dong dong dong."

Everyone inside the room was stunned for a moment.

Tian Yufen subconsciously looked at her son, her eyes filled with questioning and a hint of nervousness.

Who would it be at this moment?
Yang Guangming stood up, gesturing to his mother and grandmother not to be nervous, and asked loudly, "Who is it?"

"Excuse me, is Comrade Yang Guangming staying in this room?" A slightly aged but strong male voice came from outside the door.

Yang Guangming's heart stirred, and he vaguely guessed what was going on.

He opened the door and saw a tall, middle-aged officer with the rank of senior colonel standing outside.

The officer looked to be in his early fifties, with a square face and skin a bronze tan from years of exposure to the elements. His temples were already somewhat gray, but his eyes were bright and piercing, and he stood ramrod straight, exuding an air of authority that commanded respect without anger.

A young bodyguard followed behind him, standing quietly at a distance.

"Hello, I'm Yang Guangming." Yang Guangming stepped aside. "May I ask who you are?"

"I am Yang Zhenhua." The middle-aged officer smiled gently, his gaze quickly sweeping over Yang Guangming with a hint of scrutiny before settling on Tian Yufen and Qin Lanying, who appeared to be a family inside the house.

A knowing glint flashed in his eyes, and his tone softened further. "We spoke on the phone just now."

It was indeed him, his father's partner, Political Commissar Yang.

Yang Guangming quickly invited the man into the room: "Political Commissar Yang, please come in."

The room wasn't big to begin with, and the sudden appearance of a commanding officer made it feel even more cramped.

Tian Yufen and Qin Lanying stood up somewhat awkwardly, their faces showing obvious restraint and unease.

Although they didn't recognize the military rank, they could tell that this officer was someone of high status.

"Mom, Grandma, this is Political Commissar Yang, he is... he is my dad's work partner," Yang Guangming introduced to his family.

Upon hearing that it was her son's comrade-in-arms, the old lady Qin Lanying quickly stepped forward, her face beaming with a warm smile, and said in a thick local accent, "It's Political Commissar Yang! Please sit down, please sit down! This place is small, please don't mind."

Tian Yufen quickly gave up the only chair and stood by the bed with her head down.

With a warm smile on his face, Yang Zhenhua waved his hand but did not sit down. Instead, he said to the old lady, "Grandma, please sit down. Jianxiong and I are old comrades-in-arms. You are his mother, so you are my elder. Please don't stand on ceremony."

His gaze then turned to Tian Yufen, his tone carrying appropriate respect and a hint of barely perceptible complexity: "This must be Comrade Yufen. You must have had a long journey."

Tian Yufen was surprised that the other party knew her name. Her body trembled slightly, but she forced herself to remain calm and said stiffly, "...It's not hard work."

Yang Zhenhua was clearly very familiar with Yang Jianxiong's family situation. He looked at Yang Guangming and said in a natural tone:
"Guangming, after we talked on the phone just now, I was still worried, so I contacted Jianxiong again."

His meeting is very important, and he can't get away for the time being. He won't be back until the afternoon of the day after tomorrow. He specifically told me to make sure I come and check on you all.

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the simple furnishings and luggage in the corner, before continuing, "He heard you were here and was very anxious, and also... happy. He specifically asked me to ask if you needed anything, if you were settling in comfortably, and if your meals had been arranged."

When the old woman heard the other person mention her son, her eyes reddened slightly, and she quickly said, "I'm used to it, I'm used to it! This place is quite nice, much better than home. As for food... Guangming said he has food coupons and can take care of it, so we won't trouble the organization..."

Although she harbored resentment towards her son, she still habitually defended him in front of outsiders, especially his comrades in the army, not wanting to "lose face" for him or cause trouble for the "organization."

Tian Yufen remained silent, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.

Yang Zhenhua is a man of exceptional talent; his ability to read people and situations is already unparalleled.

He could tell that the old lady was being insincere and that Tian Yufen was silently resisting, and he sighed inwardly.

As a long-time comrade-in-arms, he was naturally aware of the messy accounts in Lao Yang's family.

To take responsibility for what happened back then, Lao Yang ultimately chose to get a divorce.

But Lao Yang's divorce wasn't like some people's, abandoning their elderly, long-suffering wives just to marry a young and beautiful one.

Instead, he took on responsibilities he shouldn't have had to.

Fortunately, God took pity on us, and the situation gradually improved. Now we can finally live a normal life again.

But in the end, Lao Yang's first wife, Tian Yufen, clearly became one of the victims, and the most innocent of all.

Now that Lao Yang's ex-wife, Tian Yufen, has come to his door with her elderly mother and young daughter, she must have something important to say.

Seeing this family, especially Tian Yufen who looked much older than her actual age and had clearly weathered many hardships, he felt a pang of sadness.

"Grandpa, Comrade Yufen, please don't stand on ceremony," Yang Zhenhua said sincerely. "Jianxiong isn't here, so if you need anything, just tell me or Guangming, it's all the same. If you need anything or lack anything, just let me know. I've already spoken to the guesthouse, and they will do their best to make things convenient for you."

He politely inquired about their journey and told them to get some rest.

The old lady and Tian Yufen just nodded repeatedly, saying "It's okay" and "It's fine".

Yang Zhenhua knew that they were newcomers and facing him, an "outsider," so they must be reserved.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, he said to Yang Guangming, "Guangming, come with me for a moment. I have something I'd like to discuss with you privately."

Yang Guangming understood, nodded, and said to his mother and grandmother, "Mom, Grandma, you two rest first, I'll go out for a bit."

Tian Yufen and Qin Lanying both nodded, watching Yang Guangming follow Political Commissar Yang out of the room.

The young guard remained quietly standing guard at the door.

Knowing that Political Commissar Yang had something to say to him, Yang Guang led him to his room, 205.

Yang Zhenhua closed the door behind him, his smile fading slightly, his expression becoming more serious and earnest.

He gestured for Yang Guangming to sit on the edge of the bed, then pulled up a chair and sat down, looking at Yang Guangming with a peaceful gaze.

“Guangming, there are no outsiders here, so I’ll get straight to the point.” Yang Zhenhua’s voice wasn’t loud, but every word carried weight. “Your father… he misses you a lot. He went to the school to look for you twice before, but you avoided him both times. He felt… very bad.”

Yang Guangming remained silent, offering no response. He could neither defend the original owner's stubborn resentment nor immediately appear completely at peace with it.

Yang Zhenhua observed his expression and continued, "I know you have a grudge against your father because of your parents' divorce. So many years have passed, and it's not appropriate for us outsiders to judge who was right and who was wrong. But, Guangming..."

He paused, then his tone became more serious: "You have to believe that there are no parents in the world who don't love their children. Jianxiong... he may not have been perfect in some ways, after all, things can't be perfect in every way, and he has indeed let you down."

But his heart and expectations for you, his son, are absolutely sincere, heavier than a mountain! You are his only son, his greatest pride! This will never change.

Yang Guangming could sense the sincerity in the political commissar's words and the protectiveness he showed towards his father. He raised his head, met Yang Zhenhua's gaze, and said calmly:

"Political Commissar Yang, thank you for telling me all this."

The past... is perhaps somewhat complicated, and I'm not entirely clear on it, so it's too early to draw conclusions. I'm not here to investigate who was right and who was wrong in the past.

His eyes were clear and honest: "My mother was in the countryside. She raised my sister and me, took care of my grandmother, and suffered a lot."

The situation in rural areas is very dire. People rely on the weather for their livelihood and live hand to mouth. They are now facing a survival problem.

As their son, I can't just stand by and watch them suffer like this. My younger sister, Shanshan, is also at a crucial age for school, and the educational resources in the countryside... are, after all, limited.

He didn't say everything, but his meaning was clear. (End of Chapter)