That distant town

一

It was a small county in southern China in the 1960s and 1970s, called Chengguan Town. However, it has neither city walls nor passes, but it has a unique advantage. It is backed by Zijin Mountain, faces the Xiangjiang River, and is surrounded by green mountains and green waters all year round.

In the center of the city is the Four Archways. The streets extending in four directions with the Four Archways as the center are called east, west, south and north streets respectively. They are the skeleton and backbone of this city, forming the pattern and style of this small town, and supporting the face and pomp of this small town. The small streets and alleys and thousands of households distributed within the four main streets are like the capillaries and body cells of the city. They are constantly surging, flowing, growing and blooming in the streets and all corners of the city. , lives and reproduces, contains infinite vitality and vitality, is the never-exhausting energy source of this small town, and is also the city's eternal driving force and unyielding soul.

The small town is not big, only two or three kilometers in radius, and its population is only twenty or thirty thousand. But it has a long history and a long history. Although there has never been great wealth, prosperity, ups and downs, it has been rich, peaceful, prosperous, peaceful and peaceful for a long time. But it has also gone through many vicissitudes. In history, it has suffered floods, famines, plagues, wars, bandits, and tigers. In 1944, it was occupied by the Japanese, and the town was attacked by Japanese planes. Despite the bombing, the people here depended on this small town for their lives. They endured the adversity and hardships and survived tenaciously, and it continues to this day.

II

The small town is convex in shape, bordering the Xiangjiang River in the east, Purple Mountain in the south, Qingliang Temple in the north, and Lianglu intersection in the west. The streets parallel to the Xiangjiang River are called South Street and North Street respectively. They are the two main roads of the small town. Shops, stores, restaurants, hotels, offices and units are mostly gathered on these two streets. The streets perpendicular to the Xiangjiang River and parallel to Purple Mountain are called East Street and West Street respectively. East Street is the shortest, extending a few hundred meters eastward from the Fourth Archway to the bank of the Xiangjiang River. However, the shortest East Street was also one of the most prosperous areas of the small county at that time. It had the Fourth Archway at one end and the busiest ferry in the county at that time. At that time, there was no bridge in the county, so you had to take a ferry to cross the Xiangjiang River. The Hengshan Station on the Beijing-Guangzhou Line was in Xintang Town on the other side of the county. At that time, people who were on business trips or long distance trips had to go to the train station and travel between the two towns. All travel was by ferry. The ferry terminal in the small town was very busy at that time, and it was also one of the most lively places in the small county at that time. In addition, the only movie theater in the county was also located on East Street. At that time, there were no TVs, mobile phones, Internet cafes, card shops, foot baths, massages, or KTVs. People’s main entertainment activity was watching movies, and the movie theater became the most popular place in the small county. Lively place. Especially on summer nights, more than half of the people in the small county town will gather at the cinema. At this time, the short East Street will be crowded and lively. West Street is the longest, three or four miles long from Sipailou to Lianglu intersection. However, at that time, the long West Street was divided into West Inner Street and West Outer Street. Xi Nei Street is an old neighborhood with urban residents who eat "national food". Xi Wai Street is a suburb with a rural household registration and is engaged in agricultural production, mainly growing rice, vegetables, fish, pigs, etc. Lianglu Intersection is the west gate of the county. It is a traffic port connecting National Highway 107 and Provincial Highway 314. It is the only intersection from the county to Nanyue and Houshan. It is also an important traffic thoroughfare connecting Hengyang, Xiangtan and Changsha. The two intersections have a large flow of people. It was big and very lively at that time.

At that time, in the suburbs of the county, except for a small number of paddy fields and fish ponds in the northwest, the rest were mainly vegetable gardens and orange orchards. In particular, the large area along the foot of Zijin Mountain is full of lush orange trees, and occasionally there are patches of green vegetable fields. Every spring, the entire small county is immersed in the rich fragrance of orange flowers, which makes people feel relaxed and happy. And in autumn, a large area of ??green orange trees is covered with red oranges. It is really beautiful and pleasing to the eye. It is a gorgeous scenery in the suburbs of the city at that time. Not only were they beautiful to look at, Hengshan’s red oranges were quite famous at that time, as famous as the red dates produced in Wuyoupu in the southern end of the county. They were both delicacies at that time and were expensive, adding a lot of income to the residents in the suburbs at that time. In the suburbs in autumn, there are also huge melons and pumpkins hanging densely under the melon sheds, stretching as far as the eye can see. The scene is also spectacular and amazing.

Three

At that time, there were three elementary schools, two high schools, and one junior high school in the county.

There are one primary school each on South, North, and West Streets; there are two high schools, one called No. 2 Middle School, on North Street, and one called No. 3 Middle School, at the two intersections outside West Street; and a junior high school is also at the end of North Street by the Xiangjiang River. , close to the County No. 2 Middle School. There are two hospitals in the county, namely the County People's Hospital and the County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as a Chengguan Health Center. It seems that the hospital at that time was far less busy and noisy than it is now, but a relatively neat and quiet place. The county also had Xinhua Bookstore, library, and cultural center. At that time, people generally liked to read and study, and most of them liked to visit these places. These places were also very popular, and were not as deserted and lonely as they are now. At that time, there was an old theater in the county, but the theater did not have performances every day. The troupe had to rehearse new shows while performing. A new play would be performed for a year and a half, and then a new one would be rehearsed, and the new one would be rehearsed before it could be staged. . Most people who like to watch theater are middle-aged and elderly people, but young people still like to watch movies.

At that time, there were troops stationed in the county, which was a division-level unit. There were many military personnel. There were five or six family areas in the county. There were also many children in the army. I remember that our class Seven or eight of them are children of the military. There are also two municipal enterprises, namely Hengshan Auto Parts Factory and Xianghua Chemical Factory. These two enterprises were very prosperous at that time, especially the auto parts factory, which had good profits and large scale. At that time, it was a large unit in our small county town, with thousands of employees' family members per day. The garrison troops and municipal enterprises also brought a different kind of vitality to the small county at that time, adding a lot of color and vitality to the small town. Such as basketball games, artistic performances and other cultural and sports activities, they are the absolute main force and strong team. Even in our school's sports competitions and recreational activities, students from the army and municipal enterprises are also the main force and backbone. Also, at that time, in addition to movie theaters showing movies in small county towns, the military and municipal enterprises also often showed movies, and they were free. This was a great thing in that era of scarcity, and it was also a good thing for young people at that time. Favorite. Oh, at that time, the most active figures in fights on campus and on the streets were also the children of the military and municipal companies. I remember that there was a period when students from the auto parts industry and students from the army had sex. They were equally matched and did not buy each other's opinions. They fought fiercely and lasted for a long time. For a period of time, there was a commotion on our campus and on the street. All very nervous.

Four

Most of the houses in the small town were low and old. At that time, they were silent and huddled in every corner of the city. Only the Confucian Temple, the Martial Arts Temple, and the Bell Tower in the city stand tall and look majestic. The cultural relics and historic sites such as Hengshan Academy, Kangwang Temple, Qingliang Temple, and Baima Pavilion in the city are also incomplete, dilapidated, and deserted. No one cares about them, and few people visit them. The small streets and alleys in the city are even darker and gloomier, and the lights at night are dim and dull, which makes them unenergetic. At that time, the only lively places on the street were cinemas, theaters, four-archway, three-archway, stations, docks, squares and ice rinks and other crowded public places and entertainment venues. Other places were very deserted. However, at that time, large posters and slogans were often hung on the fourth archway, and large-character posters and cartoons were often displayed on several main roads. This was also the brightest color and the most fashionable sight in the small town at that time. At that time, people's clothes were all black, white, blue, gray or military green (if young people at that time could get a military hat or a military uniform, it would be very honorable and show off) The streets were completely gray, with only the badges and quotation cards on people's chests shining golden and bright red.

五

It was not only difficult for students from rural areas, but life in the county was also very difficult at that time. At that time, every household of urban residents had a food purchase certificate, a coal purchase certificate, a shopping certificate... food stamps, cloth stamps, oil stamps, meat stamps... and other miscellaneous tickets. All the tickets were strictly distributed according to population. Sometimes having a ticket does not necessarily guarantee that you can buy the goods you need. I remember that I went to the grain store with my grain certificate to buy rice. Sometimes the rice could not be supplied in full, but it had to be paired with dried sweet potato shreds and flour. Sometimes it was To be served with tapioca flour. Each person has 2 taels of meat tickets per month. Once he has saved up enough, he can go to the meat company to buy meat. He will have to queue up before dawn. Otherwise, even if he has a ticket, he will not be able to guarantee that he will be able to buy meat. At that time, everyone liked to buy fat meat. When weighing the meat, they all begged the butcher to cut more fat meat for themselves. Fat meat is rich in oil and water.

At that time, our small county did not have running water, so every household had to go to the river or well to carry water for food. To make a fire and cook, you still need coal and firewood. You have to buy coal from a coal company and bring it back to make the lotus root coal yourself.

At that time, making lotus root coal was a hard job. You had to buy coal first, then go to the countryside to haul loess. You also had to carry water and coal, mix it, and then use a lotus root coal tool to smash the coal into the reconciled coal pile one by one to get the lotus root coal. A ton of coal would often take a whole day, even when wearing gloves, and the hands would have to rub out blisters. When the lotus root coal was dried, they would have to move it one by one to the coal hut (every household at that time had A small coal house dedicated to storing lotus root coal). Life was really difficult at that time. After school every day, most of us had to go home to fetch water from the river or well. Some students from poor families had to go to the street to pick up watermelon rinds to feed the pigs in the summer. During the summer vacation, I still carry a popsicle box and sell popsicles on the street to support my family. The clothes people wore at that time were often worn by adults, worn by children, worn by older brothers and sisters, and worn by younger brothers and sisters. A piece of clothing is often patched upon patch, altered again and again, and in the end it is altered beyond recognition. At that time, if you wanted to buy a bicycle or a sewing machine, it was a big deal. Not only did you have to save money from your wallet, but you also had to save money from between your teeth. It took several years to save enough money to buy a bicycle or a sewing machine. Of course, who would want to buy a bicycle or a sewing machine at that time? Having a bicycle, a sewing machine or a desktop radio is also very honorable and honorable.

At that time, life was hard and monotonous. We go home after school, finish our homework and housework, and then visit our classmates’ homes or go for a walk on the street. At that time, we could watch movies, but to go to the cinema, we had to spend money to buy tickets. At that time, my parents’ salary was only a few dozen yuan a month, which basically could only provide food and clothing for the whole family. Watch a movie. At that time, our parents basically had no pocket money to give us. If we wanted to watch a movie, buy melon seeds or roasted sweet potatoes in winter, eat popsicles or buy a bottle of soda in summer, we had to find ways to save money on our own. And at that time we The way to save money is to often clean up the waste items at home, such as used toothpaste cassettes, expired books, newspapers and magazines, scrap copper and iron, etc., and exchange them at the scrap material collection station. We also often go to the river beach to pick up scrap copper. Sell ??rotten iron for money. Life was difficult and monotonous at that time, but people were very simple and simple, and everyone lived naturally and truly. I remember that among our classmates, we all ate a pack of melon seeds and a roasted sweet potato to share. Although it was just a little bit, everyone ate it with gusto. People at that time were very easy to be satisfied, and every little gain There is great joy, a little enjoyment is great happiness, and a small harvest is a big surprise. A new pen, a new notebook, a comic book, a new pair of shoes, a new dress, reading a good book, watching a good movie, watching a wonderful football game, watching a beautiful A show, a meal of meat, a poached egg, etc., all these good things will make us happy for days. At that time, our hobbies were just collecting Chairman Mao badges, stamps and comic strips enthusiastically. We would go to our classmates’ homes to see who had collected more and who had collected better, and we would pass them around, exchange and appreciate them. Everyone was very interested. , never tired of it, which also brought us a lot of joy and pleasure at that time.

Six

Despite the hardships, there is a lot of fun in the small town. Every holiday, the county holds basketball games. During the games, the square is filled with people and joy. The arena was alive with dragons and tigers fighting, and the sides of the arena were cheering and laughing, making it very lively. There were often performances in the auditorium, including the county's literary and artistic propaganda team, and often theater troupes from other places. Most of the programs performed were revolutionary model plays. I have to admit that the revolutionary model plays at that time were also very good to watch. I was deeply moved. and inspired us. Every fifth and tenth day of the lunar calendar, the county town will rush to the market. On market day, villagers from near and far will gather in the county town from all directions early in the morning. They carry or carry, carry or carry, using leather baskets, baskets, back baskets, bamboo baskets, cloth bags, and waist baskets, carrying the agricultural and sideline products and native products that they produce, process, pick, and make, and rush to the county town. Come and buy and sell. At that time, there was no standardized farmer's market in the county. The entire street in the small town was a place for going to the market. The streets were full of bustling people. The streets were lined with various products, food and use; Made in China, picked from the mountains, fished from the river, home grown, handmade... Some are vigorous and fresh; some are brewed, dried and waxed, etc. Although there are no delicacies, it is colorful and dazzling as far as the eye can see. The streets are crowded with people, there are people selling, there are people buying. For a while, the sound of selling and shouting is endless. People get what they need, adjust each other, bargain, and enjoy it endlessly. They are also in high spirits and enthusiasm.

On every market day, not only a large number of goods and items gather in the county, but also a lot of seasonal fruits, wild fruits and game, traditional food, handmade products, snacks, etc. also gather in the small town. Such as watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, plums, Tibetan rice, black buds (the latter two are local wild fruits), jelly... in summer; pears, persimmons, millet, wool millet, gorgon millet... in autumn; roasted rice in winter Sweet potatoes, popcorn, tofu…. There are also various handmade toys, handicrafts, etc.

If the market day coincides with our holiday, we will also run to the street and get into the crowd to find delicious food and fun things. When you encounter your favorite wild fruits and game or interesting toys, you can feast your appetite and satisfy your curiosity for just a few cents or a few cents. I remember that the black sprouts, sheep and Tibetan rice, hairy millet and gordon millet were quite delicious at that time. It would be a very happy thing to have a bowl of jelly on a hot day. Jelly - a hand-made cold product, shaped like jelly, often packed in wooden barrels. Villagers sell it along the street. When eating, use a wooden or copper spoon to scoop a small bowl out of the barrel, add sugar, vinegar, and Stir the licorice water and it is ready to eat. The jelly is sweet, slippery, sour and has a unique flavor. It is delicious and not expensive. I remember it cost five cents a bowl at the time. It was our favorite food in the summer at that time. On the street, you can often see folk artists using small toys made of bamboo, straw, and wool, such as trumpets, whistles, insects, birds and beasts, etc. Although the production is simple and rough, they are also vivid, lively and interesting, and are very popular. We love it. Whenever the show ends at noon, most people leave, but the folk craftsmen still carry their burdens, shouting and wandering in the streets and alleys, soliciting business. For example, those who repair shoes and umbrellas, those who mend pots and socks, those who sharpen scissors and kitchen knives, and those who pop popcorn, etc. They are still very busy in the alleys and alleys. Life was difficult at that time, and people had to live frugally. The items and objects in the home were used again and again, and when they were broken, they were repaired, and again when they were repaired, they were used again. At that time, craftsmen who were tinkering would gather in the county town to do business on market days. There were often craftsmen tinkering under our building. We found it interesting and magical to watch their skillful and dexterous craftsmanship. , I often have to squat aside and watch for a long time.

Seven

At that time, materials were scarce, conditions were limited, and work and production were very busy. People’s rare leisure time could only be to visit bookstores, libraries, and occasionally watch movies. Movies or plays, sometimes watching football games or performances, and then going hiking in the Purple Mountain, going for a walk in the suburbs, or going fishing in the Xiang River. The occasional love affairs between men and women in the small town can only happen on Purple Mountain, along the Xiangjiang River, or in Mao Zejian Park. Our leisure time at that time included walking on the streets, picnics in the suburbs, or going to Purple Mountain to read books and enjoy the scenery. Summer is the best time. We can bathe and swim in the Xiangjiang River every day. The Xiangjiang River in summer was the most lively place in the small town at that time. Whenever the heat was unbearable, all the men, women, and children in the city would basically flock to the Xiangjiang River. People would cool off, bathe, swim, and wash clothes in the river. People were enjoying themselves. Happy, never tired of it, for a while, the Xiangjiang River was full of laughter, playing and playing, and the Xiangjiang River at this time seemed to be a paradise for the people in the small town.

At that time, there were no televisions, no household appliances, and the homes were simple and cramped. There were no other entertainment facilities or entertainment venues. People's activity space was mainly outdoors. I remember that at that time, Sipailou was a place where young people liked to gather and stay. They would gather in groups to chat, play, chat and watch the excitement. Sometimes when the weather is nice, or there is a new movie showing in the cinema, the Sipailou will be crowded with people, a lively place filled with young people. The Sanpailou is a place where middle-aged and elderly people, old neighbors, and small business people like to stay. They sit in groups of three or three, with a few benches or chairs, and gather together to smoke, drink tea, play chess and cards, or eat melon seeds and chat about household matters. Sometimes a small square table is set up with a bag of sunflower seeds, a few taels of peanuts, a few taels of orchid beans, a few taels of flower slices, a plate of dried braised incense, and a few taels of Laobaigan or Erguotou, for a group of people to snack and drink. The sky is vast, the sky is vast, the gods are chatting and talking nonsense, the clouds are in the fog, but it is happy and leisurely. However, there were also people who were often drunk at that time, and they took different forms when they were drunk. Some would cry, some would curse on the street, and some would be moody, dissolute, crazy, staggering, dancing, and talking nonsense on the street. If we encounter them, we will follow them to watch the excitement and find them interesting and entertaining.

At that time, there were many interesting people and things in the small town. The most interesting thing is that at that time, there was a fool in the small town nicknamed "Qiuyue Guai". He was about forty or fifty years old at the time. He had a stooped figure and a hunched back. He wore a blue cloth hat with a drooping brim all year round. He wears black coarse cloth, a sweat towel around his waist, and leggings on his legs. He has thick eyebrows and small eyes, a concave mouth, and a protruding chin. He often drools and makes a living by carrying water and selling it all year round. A load of water cost five cents. What’s interesting is that at that time he only accepted coins, not banknotes, not even dime and one-yuan bills. Someone deliberately teased him and offered him a one-yuan banknote in exchange for a five-cent coin. He refused. He may feel that the coin is strong, solid, shiny, and makes a jingling sound. It feels very reliable and weighty. He also has a small cloth bag to hold coins, which he often ties in his waistband. In addition to carrying water to sell, he often likes to go to the streets to watch the excitement, especially women. If he sees someone he likes, he will always follow her, and sometimes even drag her. When she is angry, he will smile playfully, raise his body, and tease her. He opened his clothes, patted his cloth money bag full of coins hard, making a clattering sound, and said cheerfully: "I have money, I have a lot of money, you have to be my guest." (Wife) Okay?" If the woman got angry and left, he would giggle again and kept scolding: "Stupid woman, stupid woman... big stupid woman... I have a lot of money, but she still doesn't have it. Ken, Guo Jia (this) stupid woman is good..." Every time this happens, the people watching can't help laughing. At that time, people in the small town often teased him, sometimes teasing him to exchange coins, sometimes coaxing him to see women. When it came to women, he would be very interested and emotional, but when it came to coins, he would keep silent and keep silent. At that time, in the small county town, you could often see his rickety figure, either in a hurry to carry water, or wandering around on the street with nothing to do, or being surrounded by a group of people making fun of him. Not only was he often teased and entertained, he also became the most recognized and well-known figure in the small town at that time. He could also be said to be one of the most colorful and interesting people in the small town at that time. A unique imprint, a unique symbol, it was even integrated into the urban culture of the small county town at that time. I remember that during that period, the popular curse mantra in the small town was: "You are the first Qiuyue Be good!", "You Guo Jia (this) Qiu Yue is good!" or simply "Qiu Yue is good!" This shows his deep impression, vivid image and wide influence among the people of the small town.

Eight

In addition to the interesting people and things in the small town, the boring time we spent in the small town was actually quite interesting. Time in the small town was slow and the days were long. At that time we had a lot of time to waste. With our unlimited energy, we can visit every corner of the small town countless times, and we can also visit every place on the outskirts of the city countless times. We had a lot of time at that time and the town was very small. We played around on the main street, Purple Mountain and Xiangjiang River. During summer vacation, we can go to Purple Mountain to escape the heat, play, read books and enjoy the scenery. You can go to the Xiang River to bathe, swim, cool off and have fun. On summer nights, we will stay in the Xiangjiang River for a long time. We can soak in the river until the moon rises, or sit by the river until the moon falls. The wish is not over yet, we will linger by the river for a long time. Sometimes in the dead of night, we will untie the small fishing boat tied by the fishermen by the river, and a few people will push the fishing boat into the river to drift and wander. I feel so happy at that time, so good Stimulate.

After playing, we go ashore. If anyone has money in his pocket, we will go to the ice room to drink a glass of ice water or mung bean paste. If no one has money, we will still wander around the streets. We know that as long as we don't go home, there might be something thrilling and fun. Among the classmates we often played with at that time, there was a boy from the army nicknamed "Little Four". He was tall, courageous, and smart, and he often had many strange ideas and crooked tricks. At this time, he took us to the street lights of the Fourth Archway, where a melon farmer was sitting in front of a pile of watermelons selling melons (in small towns in the summer at that time, melon farmers often sold watermelons on the street. If they were not sold out during the day, they would be sold at night. He continued to sell, and sometimes even slept on the street guarding the watermelons.) He pretended to buy melons, squatted next to the watermelons, and signaled a classmate to squat behind him. He asked us to pick melons with him, and he took the watermelons one by one. Knocking and patting, he bargained with the melon farmer. After a while, it seemed that the price had not been reached. He stood up, waved his hand and left. We followed him to the ice room again. At this moment, we saw the man who was squatting next to him. The classmate behind him was cutting watermelon on the table with a fruit knife.

Looking at the cut watermelons that filled the table, it was really shocking and incomprehensible, and I couldn’t figure it out. Later I figured out that when he was picking melons, he took advantage of the melon farmers not paying attention and rolled the watermelons on the ground from his crotch to the hands of his classmates behind him. I really admire how smart and courageous he is. Although he was a little scared at the time, it was indeed very interesting and fun. We had a lot of fun together at that time, and we also had a lot of pranks when we were bored. Thinking about it now, it is both funny and embarrassing. I think these things were inevitable for most young people of that period.

Nine

The summer in the small town is sultry and impetuous, but it is also atmospheric and open, the sky and the earth are open, and everything is full of vitality and aura. No matter day or night, there is enough space for us to play and play, and there are many scenes for us to interact and blend. We can play as we like, have fun, and play with ease and ease. In winter, it seems deserted and desolate because of the cold. The world has shrunk a bit, the air has become stiff, the space for us to play and entertain has been greatly reduced, and the fun of play has also been reduced a lot. Still, we were happy to get outside and play. Sometimes I play until late at night, and I am exhausted, cold and hungry. Walking on the deserted streets on cold winter nights, everyone can't help but feel downcast and disheartened. In the cold air, I suddenly smelled the warm aroma of roasted sweet potatoes. It was like discovering a new world. Some students pointed at the dim street lamp in front and shouted: "Roasted sweet potatoes"! ?"Roasted sweet potatoes"! Everyone cheered up and ran towards the dim streetlight ahead. At this time, everyone gathered around the oven, scrambling to pick out their pockets and look for coins, while enjoying the warm fire and smelling the sweet fragrance wafting out of the oven, all smiling happily. When we finally collected enough money, everyone ate delicious roasted sweet potatoes, and everyone was even more elated and overjoyed. The old man roasting sweet potatoes also looked happy and had a silly smile on his face when he saw us looking like this.

Later we learned that on cold winter nights in the small town, there were often two fixed roasting places. One was the roasted sweet potato that we discovered for the first time. It was fixed in a corner of West Street near the fourth archway. Under a street lamp; one is fixed in front of a shop on the third archway. It is an old couple who specializes in baking Shaokezi pancakes (a traditional pancake in the small town, with a thin and crispy skin and brown sugar inside)

, sweet and delicious). In the days that followed, we could often find the three thin old men working around the oven under the dim street lights in those two places, whether it was the coldest month of winter or the middle of the night, whether it was ice and snow or heavy snowfall, Whether business is booming or deserted, they stick there. It seems that there is some kind of agreement, some kind of commitment, a kind of mission, a kind of belief, it is there, it sticks to it, and it is always the same place. Ever since we made this discovery, we often visit these two grilled spots on cold winter nights, sometimes unknowingly and involuntarily. Here, you are baking under the warm fire, looking at the rising heat, smelling the elegant fragrance, eating fragrant roasted sweet potatoes or crispy roasted shell cakes, and feeling the kindness, simplicity, enthusiasm and kindness of the old man. Very sweet and cozy. At that time, in the cold and empty winter night, we were walking on the cold and dim streets. As long as we saw those two warm lights, saw those two familiar figures, breathed in the thick roasting aroma, and heard Their melodious cries will make you feel very friendly and warm. It seems that the whole street and the whole town have become warm and sweet, the cold winter nights have become warm, the stiff streets have become gentle, the cold air has become sweet, and our hearts have become open, stretched and bright. , Soft. For this kind of feeling, sometimes we will deliberately take a detour and pass by them, as if there is some kind of satisfaction and gain in this. Sometimes, just to take a look, we will run to the street to have a look at them, which is also a very happy and enjoyable thing. If you see the empty streets and their lonely figures, you will feel deep loss and sadness.

Now I think about it, how much money can these old people earn by guarding the deserted streets on cold winter nights? It’s not just about making money to make ends meet, there’s also some kind of watchfulness, persistence and expectation involved, right? Is it watching time and days? Watching yourself, your life, and your family? Or is it a watch over this small town and the people in it? Or is it the dedication to craftsmanship, heritage, the past, and emotions? Or maybe there are expectations for tomorrow, the future, beauty, and happiness? I don’t know, but I know that in fact we all have a lot of unknowns, including the people and things around us, which we know very little about. It is precisely because there are many unknowns that the world is so colorful and wonderful; life is so mysterious and fascinating.

The small town at that time had gradually become distant, and the people and things in the small town gradually became hazy and blurred in the dust of time and in the long river of time. Now when I think about it occasionally, there will still be a little bit of light and wisps of warmth, but the feeling of forever passing away and never coming back makes people sigh and sigh.

Ah, that distant town!

?Zhou Yifu?2019.12.09 Hengshan