Sharpening the Blade Against the Red Wall: From Hong Kong to Handong

That day, Zhou Jin was reading in her grandfather's study when she happened to come across an internal report about the treatment of wounded soldiers on the front lines. The report mentioned that due to limited medical resources at the front, many wounded soldiers suffered lifelong disabilities or even died because they did not receive timely and effective treatment.

Zhou Jin felt a sharp pain in his heart, as if he were being pricked by needles. He remembered his mother's words in her letter about not sleeping for days and nights, and he thought of the soldiers who fought bravely on the battlefield, who had sacrificed so much for the country and the people.

He suddenly had an idea.

That evening, Zhou Jin found her grandfather, Zhou Jianguo, and looked up at him, saying, "Grandpa, I want to do something for the wounded soldiers on the front lines."

Zhou Jianguo was taken aback: "Jin'er, what do you want to do?"

"I want to donate all my New Year's money and pocket money to buy medicine and medical equipment for the wounded on the front lines," Zhou Jin said earnestly. "I also want to mobilize my classmates to donate together. Although we don't have much money, every little bit helps."

Looking into his grandson's determined eyes, Zhou Jianguo felt a surge of pride. He hadn't expected that a seven-year-old child would possess such a profound sense of patriotism and responsibility.

"Great! Grandpa supports you!" Zhou Jianguo patted Zhou Jin on the shoulder. "Your idea is excellent. We should not only donate money, but also let more people know about the situation of the wounded on the front lines, so that everyone can care about them and support them."

With her grandfather's support, Zhou Jin's fundraising campaign resonated strongly at the school. Students took out their pocket money and New Year's money, and some even sold their old books and toys to donate the proceeds to the front lines.

Chen Panpan also actively participated. She donated the money her father had given her to buy a doll before he passed away, and also mobilized the neighborhood children to donate money together.

In just a few days, the school raised a considerable sum of money. Zhou Jianguo sent the money to the frontline field hospital through the State Council's channels, and specifically instructed that the children's sentiments be conveyed to every wounded soldier.

After receiving the news, Zhou Jin's mother on the front lines wrote a letter back, saying, "Jin'er, I was deeply moved to learn that you and your classmates donated money to the front lines. You've grown up; you've learned to care for others and share the burdens of the country. I'm so proud of you. The wounded soldiers on the front lines were greatly encouraged by your donations. They said they would definitely take good care of themselves and return to the battlefield as soon as possible, so as not to disappoint their children's expectations."

Looking at his mother's letter, Zhou Jin felt a surge of pride. He knew that although what he had done was a small thing, it could bring a glimmer of warmth and hope to the wounded on the front lines.

Time flies, and it is the summer of 1979.

The fighting on the front lines has finally come to a complete end, and my mother, my eldest uncle, and Uncle Chen are coming back.

The news spread like wildfire throughout the entire military compound. Zhou Jin and Chen Panpan eagerly awaited their loved one's return, going to the military compound gate every day to wait for him.

On the day of their reunion, Kyoto Station was packed with people.

When Su Weidong and Chen Dashan, dressed in military uniforms and wearing first-class merit medals, their faces weathered but still full of energy, and Su Qinghe, wearing white coats and wearing third-class merit medals, looking slightly haggard but with bright eyes, appeared at the exit, Zhou Jin could no longer hold back. She broke free from her father's hand and ran towards them.

"Mom! Uncle! Uncle Chen!"

Upon seeing her son, Su Qinghe burst into tears. She knelt down and hugged Zhou Jin tightly, exclaiming, "My good son, Mommy's back!"

Zhou Jin buried her face in her mother's arms and cried out, "Mom, I missed you so much!"

Su Weidong and Chen Dashan also came over, smiling. Su Weidong patted Zhou Jin's head: "Jin'er, your uncle is back, and he brought you some spoils of war."

Chen Panpan rushed into her father's arms, crying, "Dad, you're finally back!"

The family embraced and wept, all their longing, worry, and torment vanishing in that moment.

Back home, Su Qinghe made Zhou Jin his favorite braised pork. At the dinner table, everyone listened to Su Weidong and Chen Dashan recount their combat experiences on the front lines—how the two collaborated to formulate battle plans, how they led their soldiers to break through enemy lines, and how they rescued their comrades amidst a hail of bullets; they listened to Su Qinghe recount stories of treating the wounded, sometimes tense, sometimes moved, and sometimes laughing.

Zhou Jianguo raised his glass and said with emotion, "You are all outstanding! You have made great contributions to the country and brought honor to your families. From now on, you must continue your efforts and contribute your strength to the construction and development of the country."

"Yes!" Su Weidong, Chen Dashan and Su Qinghe responded in unison.

Looking at her family members, at the shining medals on their chests and the determination in their eyes, Zhou Jin secretly vowed: she must take them as her role models, study hard, train diligently, and become a useful person to the country and the people in the future.

The bright, warm sunlight streaming through the window illuminated the entire room. Zhou Jin knew the war was over, but new challenges awaited them. The tide of reform and opening up was sweeping across the country, ushering in a new stage of national development. And he, too, would continue to grow and accumulate strength in this new era, waiting for the day he could spread his wings and soar.

This era of constant warfare not only forged the soldiers on the front lines but also instilled in the young people left behind a deep understanding of national responsibility and taught them resilience and commitment. The Zhou family's story will continue to unfold in the tide of reform and opening up.