Chapter 640 Returning to Familiar Land
The warm winter sun lazily shines on every corner of the train station, giving the cold platform a faint golden glow.
The crowd was bustling, and the passengers were in a hurry. The large and small bags of luggage were dragged on the ground, making a dull sound that intertwined with the noisy voices, forming a farewell picture full of fireworks.
Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo stood on the platform with their postures upright, but their eyes revealed a relaxed and comfortable look that was completely different from the people around them.
This ease was not without reason. A few days ago, Cheng Hai, together with two other capable partners, set out on the journey of transporting supplies early, like warriors on a mission.
They were well aware of the importance of the supply and marketing cooperative's materials to the Jianye Farm Commune. They were indispensable supplies to maintain the farm members' daily lives and production work, so they kept going all the way.
When the train roared to life, Cheng Hai and the other two quickly moved in the shaking carriage.
The narrow aisles became their "battlefield". They carefully carried and stacked boxes of heavy materials, ranging from farming tools and building materials to daily necessities, oil, salt, sauce and vinegar. Each item was related to the operation of the farm commune.
During the long journey, they did not dare to slack off at all. They took turns on duty, keeping their eyes on these precious supplies at all times, for fear that they would be accidentally bumped or damaged, or encounter any accidents.
In this way, after many days and nights of bumpy ride, the train crossed mountains and rivers and finally stopped steadily at the platform of Jianye Farm Commune.
Cheng Hai and his two companions were exhausted but relieved to have delivered all the supplies to the destination intact, successfully completing this difficult task.
Because of this, Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo, who were standing on the platform preparing to set off for the Great Northern Wilderness, felt the burden on their shoulders suddenly lightened a lot.
This time on their return trip, they no longer have to worry about the transportation and storage of the supply and marketing cooperative's materials as they did in the past.
They only need to take care of their simple luggage. The packages filled with clothes, books and some small personal items lie quietly at their feet, as if silently announcing the ease of this journey.
Wang Jianguo raised his head slightly, enjoying the sunshine on his face, with a faint smile on his lips, and said to Zhao Shuzhuo:
"Brother Shuzhuo, this is a rare relaxing time, all thanks to Cheng Hai and the others' hard work in the early stages."
Zhao Shuzhuo also smiled and nodded in agreement:
"Yes, if it weren't for them, we would be much busier right now."
The two smiled at each other, their hearts full of gratitude towards Cheng Hai and others. At the same time, they were also full of anticipation for the upcoming journey to the Great Northern Wilderness. They walked briskly towards the train that was about to stop, ready to embark on a new journey.
Clank, clank, the train sped along, and the rhythmic sound of wheels colliding with rails made it seem like a tireless march.
Carrying Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo to the Great Northern Wilderness they had longed for, the rest of the journey passed slowly and pleasantly.
During the day, sunlight pours in through the gaps in the windows, casting bright spots of light on the aisle of the carriage.
Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo leaned lazily in their seats. Since there was nothing important to do, they just passed the time by looking at everything around them with interest.
Not far away, a few travelers sat together playing cards, the cards flying in their hands, accompanied by bursts of laughter and occasional arguments and shouting.
Some people are so happy because they got a good hand of cards that they slap their thighs with excitement; others are so regretful because they got a wrong card that they slap their foreheads.
Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo looked at this lively scene and couldn't help but smile at each other. Occasionally, they would interject a few words and comment on the trend of the game.
At the other end of the carriage, a small dispute over seats attracted everyone's attention.
An old lady put her hands on her hips, her face flushed, and spoke loudly in a thick rural accent:
"I saw this seat was empty when I got on the bus, and I put my bag there to take it up. Why are you insisting that it's yours now?"
The young man on the other side was not to be outdone, he took out his ticket and waved it:
"Auntie, please look carefully, the seat number is clearly written, I am sitting right in the right seat!"
The passengers around gathered around and tried to persuade the driver one after another, and the place was filled with noise for a while.
Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo shook their heads slightly, lamenting these trivial yet life-filled episodes during the journey.
Night fell quietly, and the lights in the carriage were dim, as if covering the space with a hazy veil.
Most of the passengers gradually fell asleep, including Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo. They reclined their seats to a comfortable angle, and put on their old cotton-padded clothes as a simple blanket.
After a while, the sound of even breathing could be heard between the seats. The two of them slept very soundly. The rocking of the train seemed like a gentle cradle, accompanying them to sleep.
When the eastern sky just started to turn pale, the faint morning light carefully penetrated through the car window and gently woke up the two sleeping people.
Wang Jianguo rubbed his sleepy eyes and stretched, while Zhao Shuzhuo began to pack his simple luggage in high spirits.
The train slowly stopped at the platform and they followed the crowd, walking briskly off the train.
As soon as he stepped onto the platform, a familiar atmosphere hit him. Zhao Shuzhuo looked around, his eyes full of nostalgia and joy.
The traces of time are clearly visible on the bricks and stones of the old but familiar platform building; on the distant ridges, the snow that has not yet completely melted is gleaming, as if covering the earth with a layer of silver.
There is also the familiar local accent, floating in the air and entering the ears, making people feel warm.
This was the first time that Zhao Shuzhuo had been away from the Great Northern Wilderness for such a long time. During his time outside, he had witnessed the hustle and bustle of the bustling city and experienced the customs and practices of a foreign land.
But at this moment, when his feet stepped on this land again, he truly felt what a sense of belonging was.
He took a deep breath, as if he wanted to inhale all the familiar air into his lungs, and his heart was filled with relaxation and joy.
At this moment, he truly felt in his heart that no matter how big the world is, home is still the best.
Every blade of grass, every brick and tile here carries the memory of his growth. The laughter of his childhood and the struggles of his youth flash through his mind like scenes from a movie.
Wang Jianguo looked at Zhao Shuzhuo who was lost in thought and patted him on the shoulder gently, and the two smiled at each other.
The sky in the Great Northern Wilderness is exceptionally blue, like a clear sapphire, pure without a trace of impurities.
Soft clouds float in it like clouds, swaying leisurely, casting shadows of various shapes on this vast land.
The sun pours down unreservedly, covering the earth with a layer of golden gauze, making every inch of land shine with the light of hope.