Monday, October 7, 1996, 7:30 p.m.

Yichang Gezhouba No. 6 Middle School student dormitory.

In the hallway, a group of sweaty, shouting boys ran back, full of energy, as if they still had endless energy. The one who was still shooting with a basketball was Hu Haitao, and the back were all senior high school students from Gezhouba Cement Factory. They 'took time' out of their intense study time and had just gone to play a game of basketball.

"***, I haven't played for a long time, I owe it to death!" Hu Haitao roared in a rough voice.

"You can't do it, the technology has regressed too much!" A boy with curly hair in the back sneered.

Hu Haitao turned around and scolded: "Damn! The loser is embarrassed to despise Lao Tzu? ”

"If you have the ability, just have a fight with Wang Zhiwen and them?"

Hu Haitao was a little wilted, stiffened his neck and said, "Yes!" They are stronger than Lao Tzu now, but you have to figure it out, these guys were all brought out by Lao Tzu, don't you say, Hao Xia, what are you laughing at? ”

'Mao' Huan, who had naturally curly hair, suddenly said: "I don't know how their game went?" ”

"Yesterday was the eight-in-four game," Hao Xia said, he is familiar with the leaders of the sports department, and there is always a lot of inside information, "I think since they can beat a super team like Xiangfan No. 4 Middle School, there should be no big problem......

"You can't say that," Hu Haitao said, "There are also highs and lows in basketball, and if the team is very violent, then it will be difficult for them to carry it." However, even if you lose, I rely on it, that's enough glory, in the third round of the National League, I got rid of Xiangfan No. 4 Middle School, and I will be glorious for a lifetime! Now our Ge Liu can be the leading boss of Yichang City with his head held high! ”

"Huh!" 'Mao' Huan suddenly stopped, his eyes staring ahead.

"What's wrong? What the hell? Hu Haitao followed his gaze and was also startled.

The 204 bedroom, which had always been dark, turned on the lights!

"Holy! They're back! Why is there no sound at all! Hu Haitao felt cold behind him.

"Let's go," Hao Xia was the most daring, he took the lead and walked over, and pushed the 'door' of bedroom 204, and the hidden 'door' immediately opened, and bright lights sprinkled all over the corridor. "Holy! You're really back! Heroes! Hao Xia couldn't help but shout!

"Quick! Fast! I want to sign! Hu Haitao got into it as soon as he could, and a group of high school juniors all rushed into the 204 dormitory, yelling to see the group of "heroes" who came back from Wuhan, and the entire dormitory building was noisy!

"You guys ......" Hu Haitao finally realized that something was wrong. The returning Rangers were all sitting or lying at their desks or 'beds', without a smile on their faces. They obviously lost the fourth round and were very tired, but how did it feel so depressing?

Wang Zhiwen looked up at Hu Haitao and squeezed out a smile.

"Did something happen?" Hu Haitao asked, then patted his head, "Hey!" It's normal to lose, it's already great that you can win Xiangfan No. 4 Middle School, don't be like this, there will be a chance next year......"

Wang Zhiwen shook his head and sighed deeply.

"Is there something else?" 'Mao' Huan found a bench and sat down. The high school juniors also quieted down.

"How did you play yesterday?" Hao Xia asked.

"Lost more than 30 points." Deng Liang replied.

"Huh!" 'Mao' Huan suddenly asked, "What about Cheng Fei?" Did he go to the bathroom? He found that there were seven people in the entire bedroom, but only Cheng Fei was missing. There might be something wrong with that......

Yang Cong calmed his face and said, "He went home." ”

"He didn't come back with you, he went home by himself?" Hu Haitao asked.

There was silence in the bedroom for a long time, and Wang Zhiwen said: "He left the day before yesterday, and he didn't play ...... yesterday's game."

"What the hell is going on?" Hu Haitao was anxious, "Don't grind and chirp, ask one by one, what happened?" Why didn't Cheng Fei play yesterday? Why did he come home? ”

"Hu Haitao!" Hao Xia glared at him, "Don't make any noise!" ”

Wang Zhiwen took a deep breath and said in a low voice: "His parents were in a car accident. The person is gone. ”

Bedroom 204 fell into a terrible silence. No one spoke, only the sound of heavy breathing. Hu Haitao, who could speak well, immediately became mute and couldn't say anything. He couldn't believe that this was true, but the facts were in front of him, Wang Zhiwen and they didn't have such good acting skills to joke.

"When?" 'Mao' Huan asked.

"It was the afternoon of Xiangfan No. 4 Middle School," Wang Zhiwen said, "his parents were on a business trip in Wuhan for a few days, and they also met with Cheng Fei. Later, Cheng Fei went to Hankou to look for them that day, but he heard that they had to return to the factory because they were in a hurry, so they left early and did not see them. Shortly after the game, before we had eaten, the news came. Cheng Fei followed at that time. ”

"How's he feeling?" Hu Haitao asked.

"You're stupid, aren't you?" Hao Xia reprimanded, "You still need to ask him how his mood is for this kind of thing?" ”

"People...... Is it really gone? Not going to the hospital? "Mao' Huan asked again.

"Yes......" Wang Zhiwen said, "the person who came didn't make it clear." But later, someone called Wang Baojiang and said that Cheng Fei would not return to school for a while and a half, and he would ...... Funerals. ”

"I ...... I don't even know what to say. Hu Haitao sighed and stood up, "If Cheng Fei contacts you, just tell him, we miss him very much, care about him very much, if there is anything you need help, just say it." What I can do Hu Haitao will never say a word! ”

They sat for a while and then slowly talked about the game. The mood of the rangers has always been low, and the ecstasy of defeating Xiangfan No. 4 has become very distant, very far away......

******************

Gezhouba Cement Factory Residential Area of Jing'men' City. North 9 Building 1 Unit 4th Floor Right Holder.

"Knock knock—" There was a soft knock on the door.

The boy half-lying on the couch seemed to be sleeping, but he didn't seem to be asleep. Tired, he stood up and walked over to open the 'door'. Outside the security door, a young man in his thirties was looking at him with concern.

"Cheng Fei, it's me."

"Uncle Zheng." Cheng Fei opened the anti-theft 'door' and let the man in.

"How are you these days?" Uncle Zheng asked, motioning for Cheng Fei to sit next to him, "Have you eaten?" ”

"Eat." Cheng Fei's eyes were dark, and he described him as haggard, "Aunt Liu pulled me over to eat at the 'door'." ”

"You can live in my house, and we are all very uneasy when you are alone at home......"

"It's okay," Cheng Fei shook his head, "I can take care of myself." ”

Uncle Zheng, the driver of Cheng Fei's parents, was silent for a moment, and then asked, "Do you really want to go to them?" ”

Cheng Fei nodded heavily.

"They are your only relatives in the world, I can understand that," Uncle Zheng sighed, "but I still want you to think about it, after all, you haven't finished your studies yet, and you may have to start all over again." Your grades are so good, you can find a good job in the future, as long as you don't reject us, we are all your relatives......"

Cheng Fei shook his head.

Uncle Zheng sighed and said, "Okay. The ticket has been bought, the relevant procedures have been completed, and your uncle and aunt will pick you up over there. According to what you said, I will let them take care of a part of the inheritance, and your expenses over there will be withdrawn directly from it. There is also a part of the bank that stays in the country, and you can use it when you come back later. ”

Cheng Fei nodded and whispered, "Thank you, Uncle Zheng." ”

"Don't be so polite, your parents...... Take care of me, I ......" Uncle Zheng's eyes were red, and he stopped talking, "Alas, forget it, if you don't dislike it today, come to my house for a light meal, watch TV, and let's talk." I'll drive you to the airport tomorrow. ”

Since his parents' accident, Cheng Fei's world has been dark, and it no longer matters what basketball, what dreams, and what life is. He spent more than ten difficult days in tears and pain. In front of others, he pretended to be strong, refused to be accompanied by neighbors, and even cut off the telephone line at home. He didn't want to hear anyone's voice, he just wanted to spend the cold time slowly in this home where he had lived for more than ten years.

Loneliness and fear once again grabbed the young man's heart. In the night sky, only one North Star shines lonely.

The father was an only child and had no siblings; My mother has only one younger brother, and several of her younger siblings have died a long time ago. On weekdays, Cheng Fei's family has no relatives at all, and the family of three always lives in peace and stability. During the New Year's holidays, it is always celebrated by three people. Cheng Fei had always hated this kind of life before, but when he was the only one left in the world, he knew what was called home and what was called warmth.

However, it was too late.

Just as his life was plunged into complete darkness, a transatlantic phone call came. The caller was Meng Wenqiang, the younger brother of Cheng Fei's mother, who went to the United States early and started a family there, without contacting Cheng Fei's family for many years. This time there was an accident, and Uncle Zheng finally contacted Meng Wenqiang through many searches.

Meng Wenqiang said that he was abroad, and he still had business to take care of, so it was inconvenient to return to China, and his previous attitude was very cold, not at all like a dead relative. Later, he became very enthusiastic and wanted to take Cheng Fei to the United States, and promised to arrange for Cheng Fei to study there, hoping that his only nephew could stay by his side.

After all, blood and family affection are constantly parted, Cheng Fei is like a person in the dark who has found a ray of light, and immediately agreed to his uncle's invitation. He is Cheng Fei's only relative in this world.

On October 30, 1996, Cheng Fei left China by plane from Wuhan.

In the thick clouds, Cheng Fei looked down at the vast land through the porthole and couldn't help but burst into tears. A year ago, he left home with great anticipation and took the train to Yichang to study; A year later, he turned out to be *** and was about to become a wanderer overseas. And in the great China, there is no longer a warm home that belongs to him......

The verdant face of Luojia Mountain is in full view, and there is the Wuhan University Gymnasium, the famous building where Chiang Kai-shek once gave his speeches. Cheng Fei once sweated there, united with his brothers in the dormitory, defeated the powerful Xiangfan No. 4 Middle School, and created the biggest cold 'door' in the national league!

The moment of 'agitation', cheers and applause, is still yesterday......

Yang Cong, Wang Zhiwen, Liu Junfeng, Li Lin, Chen Jie, Zhang Yulai, Deng Liang, my brothers, I'm really sorry, I didn't notify you and left. This time, I traveled far, far away, and even I didn't know when I would come back, or even if I would come back...... But I will always remember the time we struggled and the happy days we spent together, because of you, my years are so unforgettable.

Goodbye, my friends, my teachers, my brothers.

Goodbye, my first love, my dream......

*******************

In the blink of an eye, the leaves were yellow, withered, withered, and they were buried in the dirt, and the soil was buried in the thick snow. Autumn is long gone, and the midwinter season is coming. This year's winter was particularly cold, with howling winds and heavy snowfall.

The calendar has been turned to February 6, 1997, and according to the traditional habits of the Chinese, Chinese in the United States will also celebrate the 'Spring Festival'. This day is Chinese New Year's Eve, as long as it is a Chinese family, every household is decorated with lanterns and 'Spring Festival' link, filled with a festive atmosphere.

A home at 185 York Street in downtown New York, a bell rang outside the 'door'.

"Who?" A 'woman' about 40 years old walked over and opened the 'door'. She has yellow skin and black eyes, is obviously Chinese, has an ordinary appearance, an average temperament, and no makeup. Judging from the furnishings of this house, the economic level is only average.

She looked through the cat's eyes, her face suddenly sank, and said, "Cheng Fei? What are you doing here? ”

The 'woman' opened the 'door' and watched Cheng Fei in a thick down jacket walk in. Cheng Fei took off his down jacket and smiled and took out a bag containing three gift boxes. He smiled and said, "Aunt, today is Chinese New Year's Eve, I'll give you a New Year's greeting!" ”

"Hey!" Cheng Fei's aunt shook her head, obviously her face was not very good, "It's Chinese New Year's Eve!" How many years have we been in the United States, and now the Chinese here are not interested in this. Besides, come on, why don't you call first? ”

Cheng Fei said with a smile: "I made a phone call before, but the line has been busy, so I came directly." ”

"Cheng Fei is here!" A thin-faced man walked out of the back room, and he stepped forward to pick up the things in Cheng Fei's hand, "What are the family polite, and carry things!" ”

Cheng Fei smiled innocently and said: "It's been a few months since I came to the United States, and I disturbed my uncle's house, so I always have to bring something over during the New Year's holidays, which is a little bit of my nephew's heart." This is a set of winter equipment for my uncle, which I specially selected, scarves, gloves and hats; This is a mysterious gift for your uncle, you can open it and see it yourself; There is also a red envelope for Xiaoxue...... What about Xiaoxue? ”

"She's studying in the back room, don't bother her." My aunt didn't look at those gifts, "What kind of red envelopes do you still wrap, and you don't have the ability to live independently, and you haven't made any money, so you start to 'spend' money blindly." Are you too much of the zero 'spending' money we give you every month? ”

"Sifen! People Cheng Feilai is a piece of heart! Uncle hurriedly said, "Come, sit!" Sit! ”

Cheng Fei smiled awkwardly, sat down on the sofa, and asked again, "Uncle, aunt, isn't there a New Year here?" Isn't there anything scheduled for today? Like eating dumplings or something? ”

"If you can save a little, you can save a little, the situation at home is not good, and you have to do New Year's goods or something," my aunt said while wiping the TV, "So, everything that can be saved is saved." Anyway, it's not in China, so it doesn't matter if it's not a year. Without waiting for Cheng Fei to speak, she suddenly shouted loudly, "Wen Qiang, everyone from your company is going to come over to play cards today, the family is so small and inconvenient, do you want to call it outside to play?" ”

Uncle walked out, handed Cheng Fei a cup of hot water, glanced at his aunt, and said, "It's okay." ”

Cheng Fei is not an unknown person, he put down the water glass, stood up, and said with a smile: "Uncle, aunt, since you still have arrangements, then I will leave first, there are still some things in my school......"

"Hey, don't go......," the uncle stood up.

His aunt interrupted him and said with a smile on her face: "Okay, okay, you go get busy, you have time to come over for dinner!" ”

Cheng Fei smiled reluctantly, put on a down jacket, and walked out of the 'door'. When he went downstairs, a group of Chinese people wearing red 'color' Tang costumes and carrying large bags and small bags passed by him with smiles on their faces.

Snow 'flakes' were falling outside. Cheng Fei tightened his clothes and walked towards the station lonely.

By the time Cheng Fei arrived at his destination, the sky had already darkened. He slipped into an alley, turned left and right, and came to a small house that was badly damaged in appearance. He was about to step up the iron staircase to his room when he suddenly saw a figure dangling at the door.

“Hi，Chen！” The man was thin and small, with a dark complexion, and spoke a standard American language, "Where have you been?" ”

Cheng Fei smiled, stepped forward, and put his arm on the black man's shoulder, "Bruce, why did you come to me today?" What's the matter? "He also uses American, but it's not authentic, but it's enough to 'communicate' with Americans.

"Today is your Chinese 'Spring Festival', so I'm here!" Bruce bared a mouthful of white teeth. He took out a small box of gifts from his pocket and said, "Cheng, a 'Spring' Day gift for you!" ”

"Thank you, thank you so much!" Cheng Fei's nose was sore, and he almost shed tears, he quickly grinned, and then patted Bruce on the shoulder, "Let's go, come to my house and sit down, and we'll have dinner together in the evening." How about I cook my own meal of your favorite tomato 'chicken' egg noodles? ”

Bruce looked satisfied and laughed, "Oh! It's so 'great'! Tomatoes, he *** (much like tomato pronunciation in English for tomatoes), FuckingEggs, Ilikeit! ”

Both burst out laughing.