Heart fire

There are still three days before school starts, and the campus of Beilin University of Science and Technology has resumed a lively scene.

The snow on the roadside turned into mud overnight, and the five-cornered maple gave birth to spherical winter buds.On the rough tree trunks, there are college students’ recruiting propaganda in the first half of the year, with slogans such as "It is an honor to serve the country with a pen and join the army" and "Help strengthen the army and obey the call of the motherland" printed in black on a red background.

The banner hung for a whole winter, experienced snow, wind and rain, and the color was still dazzling red in the sun.Holding the cardboard box, Zhou Tong stopped to watch, recited the lines of slogans in his heart over and over again, carefully comprehended the pronunciation and meaning of each word, and imagined these words shouting loudly from Zhou Yi's mouth, with the determination and courage to move forward. The courage to die without regret.

In Zhou Tong's heart, he is always so stable, resolute and strong.

The debris in the old house has been cleaned up.Zhou Jian and Zhou Yi's relics are very few, and their own things are only filled with a small suitcase.

Zhou Tong was the first in the class to return to school.After he came back, he was busy cleaning the dormitory and the laboratory, and previewing new courses.At the end of the day, I either change the sheets and do the laundry, or help my classmates carry their luggage up and down. In short, I keep looking for trivial things to do so that I don't think about that weird "suicide note".

The cafeteria has not yet opened, and three meals a day are settled by takeaway.Yu Di called him a few times to ask him out, but he didn't want to go out for fun. He just read books in the dormitory on the pretext of helping the teacher prepare materials.But it seems that he is always distracted, reading a sentence back and forth dozens of times, no matter how hard he is, his attention will still be drawn away by the letter paper.

He hung the envelope and the letter paper on the clothespins in front of the window respectively. After drying, the paper was raw and hard, slightly yellowed.One-third of the content is unclear, and there is no recipient's name or signature. After Zhou Tong read it several times, the only thing he can be sure of is that this letter is definitely not from Zhou Yi's hand, and no matter how you read it, it doesn't look like a suicide note. , rather like a love letter.

It's so strange, who will write Zhou Yi's suicide note?

Zhou Tong tried to find clues in the details.

The letter mentioned Chonghuai, which was where Zhou Yi's troops were before his death.

At the beginning, it reads: "These days when you were away, Chonghuai was very windy, and there was no rain, and it was extremely dry. I bought a lip balm, which is colorless and odorless, but I guess you will definitely dislike it. Think about it or give it to me. Miss Ping."

She must be a very beautiful girl, Zhou Tong thought.

"Actually, I don't look forward to rain. My knee hurts and I can't sleep well."

"Sorry, I don't want to write my last words to you. Even if we are destined to die in the future, I just want to say I love you."

"I have never loved someone so dearly, so much that I want to sing and dance for you."

"Can you let go of your worries, hold my hand and hug me?"

"I will always walk in front of you. The sea of ​​fire, no matter life or death."

......

The lines are full of romance and enthusiasm, full of begging and longing, humble and insignificant.There is only so much that can be seen clearly, and the end of the letter reads: "Next year today, I want to take you back to Yunling."

Yunling, Zhou Tong has never heard of it.The gentle and affectionate Jiangnan water town is full of peonies blooming everywhere.

Counting the time, Zhou Tong judged that this letter should have been written not long before Zhou Yi died, because the next year was the day when he was about to end his compulsory military service.It should be an agreement with the letter writer to buy a suit and return to Yunling.

But Zhou Tong never heard Zhou Yi mention his intention to retire.He took it for granted that Zhou Yi would, like Zhou Jian, take root in the fire brigade and become a volunteer with the army, and this was his unchanging and unwavering wish throughout his life.

After Zhou Yi joined the army, he only went back to Jiangzhou once. He usually asked Zhou Tong and grandma how much he had on the phone, and said he had less.Zhou Tong knew nothing about his life in the army, including the final sacrifice. He only knew that he made a mistake in judgment and disobeyed the orders of his superiors, so he was not posthumously awarded the title of martyr after his death.

This letter made Zhou Tong feel unprecedented guilt.Over the years, he has been living in the comfort zone created by his adoptive father and elder brother with peace of mind. He cannot empathize with the threat of death, nor understand the hardship and pain of being scorched by flames.He can squander as much as he likes, that is the youth and time that Zhou Yi never had, nor could he have.

As a child who has also experienced disasters and was bestowed with kindness, Zhou Yi is only six years older than him, but he resolutely inherits his adoptive father's behest and shoulders a heavy responsibility alone.

As a conscript, he only had a monthly allowance of a few hundred yuan, and Zhou Yi remitted all of it to his family, leaving nothing for himself.He never complained of suffering or tiredness, never enjoyed a moment of freedom and happiness, and even when he fell in love with someone, he didn't dare to let go of love, and he refused to let others know.

That suit was very cheap, and the fabric was very ordinary, but it looked crisp and elegant on Zhou Yi. At the age of 19, he is so young, so radiant and energetic.The person he was going to meet must be very important to him.

Zhou Tong was tossing and turning for several consecutive nights.The letter kept echoing in his mind like a moving poem, and he found that he had never had such a strong desire to know about every detail of Zhou Yi's year in the army, and to be close to him again , Miss him, walk the road he walked, see the firelight he has seen.

What he desires more is to know what the person who loves him looks like.

...

When Wen Yue entered the door, Zhou Tong was lying on the table concentrating on reading the college students' enlistment policy on the national conscription website.

"Ah. Is there any hot water? I'm dying of thirst." Wen Yue put away his luggage, walked behind Zhou Tong with a cup, and glanced at the screen: "What are you doing? You want to be a soldier?"

Zhou Tong swiped the mouse and found that the web page was at the end, then he closed his notebook, picked up the thermos bottle on the table and handed it to Wen Yue.

"Well, I'm a little excited."

Wen Yue didn't take it seriously, and poured boiling water to make coffee for himself. "It's enough to move your heart, don't act, or the teachers and professors in your school will faint from crying."

Zhou Tong turned his head and stared at Wen Yue, seeing him stirring the spoon with his fair and slender fingers, he couldn't help frowning and teasing: "Little Yueyue can be a soldier, why can't I?"

Wen Yue glared at him dissatisfied.Zhou Tong immediately suppressed his smile, and asked very seriously: "The military training is almost overwhelmed. Are you really going to be a soldier? There is no coffee for you to drink when you are a soldier. Have you thought about it?"

"Yeah." Wen Yue said firmly: "My parents have already agreed."

Zhou Tong sighed: "It's a pity that your hands playing the zither will have to dig mines and throw grenades in the future."

Wen Yue kicked Zhou Tong's chair: "I'm not going to Vietnam!"

Zhou Tong smiled and said nothing.In fact, not only did he feel sorry, but he also couldn't figure out why Wenyue insisted on being a soldier.

Wen Yue is also from Jiangzhou, the family's ship business is booming, the young master has no worries about food and clothing, and the conditions are very good.I started to learn guzheng at the age of five, and I didn't read a book with the door open, and I was determined to major in art. I didn't expect to suffer from a serious illness when the exam was approaching, so I decided to come to Beilin University of Science and Technology, and chose an unpopular major. Materials science.

To say it's the second best is going too far.Beilin University of Science and Technology is Gen Zhengmiaohong's 211. Several majors are national first-level key disciplines, and Zhou Tong's School of Physics is among them.

It stands to reason that no matter how cold your major is, you will still get a diploma from a prestigious university, so there is no need to take this difficult road.With his grades and ability, it is not a problem to pursue two degrees or to study for a master's degree.

The students in the same class all know that there is a nest of bullies in Xinyi Building 224.In addition to Zhou Tong and Wen Yue, the other two are either recommended or top picks, one is studying biology and the other is studying optical engineering.

Wen Yue has one thing that is particularly good, that is, he does not have the temper of a young master, he is gentle and easy-going, and can get along with anyone.Zhou Tong's character is also good, not only modest but also warm-hearted, he can play chess and table tennis, his physique and appearance are all first-class, but the disadvantage is that he is a little tone deaf.In the dormitory, he and Wen Yue are more down-to-earth, and they are fellow villagers, so they hit it off very well.The other two are gods who keep their ears to the outside world and only read the books of sages. They go to the dormitory and classroom at two o'clock and one line every day, and at most they go to the cafeteria.

Zhou Tong doesn't have many friends who can talk and make friends in Beilin, and he can count them with two fingers.Wen Yue counts as one, and Yu Di counts as one.

However, Yu Di always teased that he was Zhou Tong's year-end friend.

Wen Yue was originally going to help Zhou Tong with his grandma's funeral, but was temporarily taken away by his parents and came back soon after school started.Thinking of Zhou Tong organizing the funeral alone, he felt sorry, brought a box of delicious food and drink, and forced to buy a meal to compensate.

Before the fairy roommates came back, Zhou Tong hesitated again and again, and told Wen Yue about the discovery of the suicide note.Wen Yue was also shocked. He knew something about Zhou Tong's family. In contrast, his life so far has been so happy and smooth.

But even after experiencing so many hardships, Zhou Tong never showed the slightest dissatisfaction with fate and life.Since he was young, he has been saying goodbye to those around him. Slowly, he has learned to accept it calmly, without becoming numb or resentful.This is a manifestation of the abundance of the spiritual world, and it is the umbrella that Zhou Yi personally propped up for him.

Zhou Tong is sunny, positive, and optimistic. Wen Yue was deeply touched by these qualities, and he was determined to be a friend worthy of deep friendship.His experience also made Wen Yue understand that life is short, and you should hurry up to do what you want to do, because tomorrow is full of too many unknowns, and death always comes uninvited.

"This..." Wen Yue put the suicide note back to its original place, and looked at Zhou Tong in disbelief: "So...you want to be a soldier? Do you want to find this person?"

"Yeah." Zhou Tong lay on the bed, looking at the ceiling with his arms under his pillow. "Part of the reason. I want to find out how my brother died."

So what if you figure it out?Is it forcing the troops to posthumously award him a martyr?Or can he get his life back?And the person who wrote the letter, who can guarantee that he has not forgotten Zhou Yi?It's been five years, what kind of love can survive the passage of time?I don't understand, and I can't bear to say it.

"But have you ever thought that if you do this, can your father and brother feel at ease? Their original intention is to keep you away and live a different life. Besides, the teacher will not let you go, right? "

Zhou Tong stopped talking.Wen Yue guessed that he had probably made up his mind, and it was useless to persuade him, so he sighed softly, picked up the buzzing mobile phone on the table, glanced at it, and threw it to the upper bunk: "Your big sister is looking for you .”

Yu Di is already at the school gate.Zhou Tong got out of bed to get dressed, Wen Yue leaned on the bed ladder holding a cup to watch him busy, and asked him, "Aren't you going to eat tonight?"

Zhou Tong tidied up quickly, took his mobile phone and keys and prepared to go out: "Another day, I will treat you."

"Okay, okay, sex is more important than friends." Wen Yue complained in a low voice while clicking on the takeaway app.

"Xiao Yueyue." Zhou Tong, who had just left the door, turned back suddenly, poked half of his head through the door: "I heard that recruits are easy to be bullied, so I'll cover you."

"Tch, who wants your protection." Wen Yue said.When the door closed again, he couldn't help laughing again.

Wen Yue is younger than Zhou Tong.Although he didn't know him or meet him, he guessed that Zhou Tong must be very similar to Zhou Yi.

...

A white 7-series BMW was parked at the school gate.Yu Di cut a girly bangs, and put MaxMara's new cashmere coat on the back of the driver's seat.She asked Zhou Tong who had just gotten into the car: "There is no one at my house, should we go?"

"Not too good." Zhou Tong fastened his seat belt. "It's too strange to go to your house."

"What are you afraid of? It's not cheating!" Yu Diman didn't care, put the gear on quickly, turned the steering wheel and drove the car away.

As night falls, the lights come on.Zhou Tong looked at the flashing neon lights outside the window and listened to Yu Di chattering while driving.

"What have you been up to these two days? You can't even get an appointment... I thought you had a new love. If you do, tell me, at least you must be prettier than me..."

Yu Di is a native of Beilin, the second generation of a wealthy real estate businessman. He took over his father's sailing club at the age of 26. She is smart, motivated, and ambitious. She is a mature, considerate and perfect girlfriend.

The process of getting acquainted was a bit bloody.Yu Di has a special habit of liking his younger brother when it comes to love.According to her own statement, since the puppy love period, she has never had a boyfriend who is older than herself, not even three days older.

At that time, Zhou Tong had just entered school.One night when Yu Di sent his younger brother back to the dormitory, he was squatted upright by his self-proclaimed real girlfriend.Based on Yu Di's conditions, what kind of younger brother do you want? This one made her think and spend money, turned her head and poured dirty water on her, made her an innocent mistress, and let her girlfriend drive her car , chased and scolded her for being shameless.

This is obviously being played.As shrewd as she is, sometimes when she doesn't know a person, she immediately wants to leave in shame and anger, but is grabbed by the other party.There were more and more people watching, and in the chaos, someone blocked her slap, protected her behind her, and reasoned with the other party with nice words.

The noise gradually weakened in consciousness.Yu Di raised his head against the street light, and saw a tall and handsome boy with a beautiful wheat-colored skin, and the shadow cast by the brow bone covered his deep eyes, which looked deep but could not conceal his innocence and childishness.His lips are full and well-shaped, and every word he utters is low-pitched and sweet, like the thick sound of stepping on snow in the middle of the night, making people feel reliable and down-to-earth.

Later Yu Di asked Zhou Tong: "You never thought that I might really be a mistress? Why help me?"

Zhou Tong smiled shyly: "You are beautiful, and you look kind."

Yu Di wouldn't feel sincere if he said this.The bad mood dissipated, she narrowed her eyes and stared at Zhou Tong, and asked bluntly, "Then do you want to be my boyfriend?"

Zhou Tong scratched his head: "No, it's not suitable. I should go, goodbye."

Yu Di's gifts are always returned intact.

Later, she did not know where to get two admission tickets for the China-Japan High Power Laser Physics Joint Experiment Academic Symposium. At any rate, she invited him out and listened to "Laser Fusion" and "High Power Laser Fusion" with him for three days. "Energy density", "plasma" and "nuclear fusion solid-state laser technology", the cute appearance of yawning and energizing anyone who sees it is impossible not to be moved, willing to lend her shoulders to sleep on.

"Do you have something on your mind?" In the hotel room, Yu Di sat cross-legged on the sofa chair in front of Zhou Tong, holding his chin and looking carefully at his melancholy eyebrows.

"Well..." Zhou Tong paused for a while, and then said, "Sister, let's break up."

Yu Di liked to hear him call himself that, and felt that he was serious, so he asked him, "Do you really have a new love?"

"No." Zhou Tong raised his head and looked at her with gentle and sincere eyes. "I'm going to be a soldier, so I won't delay you."

This was originally a relationship where each took what he needed, and it was not until the end that he realized that there was more reluctance and attachment.Zhou Tong's emotional freedom and generosity are very inconsistent with his age, but this is what Yu Di likes about him very much, including his innocence and straightforwardness.

She didn't ask any more questions, and she didn't say anything, she just sat down and took Zhou Tong into her arms, stroked his back, and heard him say in a hoarse voice, "I miss my brother so much."