Chapter 816: Continuously Emerging

Along the way, Qi Tongwei's mind kept replaying his past with Hou Liangping. They were childhood playmates, running and playing together in the countryside, and studying together in the dilapidated classroom. Those innocent days were the most precious memories in their lives. Later, they each took different paths, and their life trajectories gradually deviated, but their deep friendship never changed.

When Qi Tongwei rushed to the hospital, Hou Liangping was lying weakly on the bed, his face as pale as paper, and his once bright eyes had lost their former luster. The moment he saw Qi Tongwei, a glimmer of light flashed in Hou Liangping's eyes, and his lips trembled slightly. Qi Tongwei took a few steps to the bedside, and the two looked at each other. The memories of the past surged into their hearts like a surging tide. They could no longer suppress their inner grief and burst into tears.

"Tongwei, I didn't expect that we would meet again at this time." Hou Liangping said with a sob.

"Liangping, how did you get this disease? You must be strong. Medicine is so advanced now, it can definitely be cured." Qi Tongwei patted Hou Liangping on the shoulder, trying to give him strength.

In the hospital ward, the two began to recall their childhood. They remembered stealing fruits from the neighbor's house together when they were young, and running away in fear after being discovered; they remembered quarreling over a beloved comic book, but finally reconciled; they remembered encouraging each other when they failed the exam, vowing to study hard and get out of this small place. Those days that they once thought were ordinary now seem extremely precious.

"Do you remember our dreams when we were little?" Hou Liangping looked at the ceiling, his eyes full of nostalgia. "You said you wanted to become an outstanding person and change your destiny. I wanted to be an upright prosecutor and fight for justice."

Qi Tongwei smiled bitterly: "Yes, at that time, we were full of longing for the future, thinking that as long as we worked hard, we could realize our dreams. But later, I lost myself in the vortex of power and desire, and almost embarked on a path of no return."

Hou Liangping held Qi Tongwei's hand and said, "Tongwei, the past is in the past. It is enough that you can wake up in time and find yourself again. I believe that the days to come will get better and better."

During Hou Liangping's hospital stay, Qi Tongwei often visited him. Not only did he bring various nutritional supplements, he also chatted with Hou Liangping and told him about the latest news in the village, trying to make him feel better. Every time he saw Hou Liangping receiving treatment in pain, Qi Tongwei's heart was filled with reluctance and helplessness.

At the same time, Qi Tongwei's family was also affected by Hou Liangping's illness. Gao Xiaoqin and Liang Lu saw that Qi Tongwei was worried about Hou Liangping all day long, and they were very worried. They took the initiative to take care of the family affairs so that Qi Tongwei could take care of Hou Liangping with peace of mind.

"Tongwei, don't worry about going to the hospital. We are here for you at home." Gao Xiaoqin said gently.

Liang Lu also nodded: "Yes, Hou Liangping is your good friend, you should accompany him well."

Qi Tongwei looked at them gratefully: "Thank you, I can feel at ease with you around."

While taking care of Hou Liangping, Qi Tongwei also began to reflect on his own life. He realized that life is so fragile, and the power and interests he once pursued are so insignificant in the face of life and death. He cherishes everything he has now, the company of his family and the friendship of his friends, which are truly precious wealth.

As Hou Liangping's condition progressed, treatment became increasingly difficult. The doctor told Qi Tongwei that Hou Liangping's condition was not optimistic and he needed to be mentally prepared. Qi Tongwei felt devastated when he heard the news, but he still suppressed his grief and showed his strength in front of Hou Liangping.

"Liangping, you must hold on. We still have a lot of good things to do. When you get better, let's go back to the village together and see where we lived when we were children." Qi Tongwei said to Hou Liangping with a smile.

Hou Liangping also tried to force a smile: "Okay, I will definitely work hard. Tongwei, thank you, if it weren't for you during this period, I really don't know what I would do."

In the last moments of Hou Liangping's life, Qi Tongwei stayed by his side almost every step of the way. They recalled the past together and faced the upcoming separation together. Every minute and every second seemed so precious.

Finally, that day came. Hou Liangping closed his eyes forever on a quiet night. Qi Tongwei stayed by his bed, tears streaming down his face. He looked at Hou Liangping's face, as if he saw the energetic young man again. They ran together in the sun, chasing their dreams together.

"Liangping, you can go with peace of mind. I will live well with your hope." Qi Tongwei murmured to himself.

Hou Liangping's departure plunged Qi Tongwei into deep grief. He returned to the village, locked himself in his room, and did not go out for three days. Gao Xiaoqin and Liang Lu felt very distressed when they saw his painful appearance, but they knew that Qi Tongwei needed time to heal his inner pain.

Three days later, Qi Tongwei walked out of the room. He looked at everything in the village, his heart full of emotion. Hou Liangping's departure made him understand more clearly that life is short, and we should cherish the present and do more meaningful things for the people around us and for the society.

Qi Tongwei re-dedicated himself to the inheritance of family culture and the development of the village. He incorporated his understanding of life into his work and led the villagers to carry out a series of public welfare activities to help those in need. He also established a scholarship named after Hou Liangping to support students with excellent character and academic performance but poor families, hoping that they can realize their dreams.

In the process, Qi Tongwei also gained more respect and love from the villagers. They saw Qi Tongwei's changes and efforts, and saw his respect for life and responsibility to society. The children in the village all regarded Qi Tongwei as a role model. When they listened to Qi Tongwei's stories, their hearts were filled with longing and hope for the future.

Many years later, Qi Tongwei has become the spiritual pillar of the village. He stood in the village square, watching the children playing and laughing in the sun and the villagers living and working in peace and contentment. He knew that all this was hard-won and was the result of the joint efforts of him and the villagers, and it was also what Hou Liangping hoped to see in heaven.

"Liangping, do you see it? Our village and our dreams are being realized step by step." Qi Tongwei looked at the sky and said softly.

He slowly sat down on the stone bench in the village square, his eyes gently sweeping over the playing children and the busy and contented villagers, immersed in this hard-earned peace.