This separation could mean another ten years, or perhaps they will never meet again in this lifetime. When the sweltering July summer came, Zhang Guoqing not only bid farewell to his companions who either joined the army or went to the countryside, but also to the young 16 or 17-year-olds whom he regarded like younger siblings.
Each time he accompanied them to the train station, he would see the young people dressed in blue, green, or gray under the sun. Despite their dull yellowish and tired faces, they were filled with hope for life.
In contrast to them were the parents in the farewell crowd, some helping to carry big bags of luggage, others holding just a single burlap sack containing bedding.
Some mothers brushed away tears, chattering with earnest instructions, and some fathers had red-rimmed eyes, watching their children intently with tears in their eyes.
Of course, there were also those who set off alone, and those who left without looking back.
