Chapter 1, Leaving Home (4)

This excited mindset severely affected his emotions. As a result, when singing rescue songs with newly acquainted companions, he could not express the original feelings of indignation, urgency, and responsibility. On the contrary, it also affected the performance of others, causing his companions to start singing off-key as well

Dafang is correct; indeed, the expression on Xiaozhang's face is quite distant from the sentiment that the song aims to convey. However, his positive attitude towards practice is still commendable. Another team leader, Zhou Jue, noticed that Fang Guoqiang's tone was becoming increasingly severe, so he quickly stood up from his adjacent seat and cheerfully took over the conversation, saying, "How about this? Let's take a break for a while and share our experiences with each other. I will go with Dafang to find the train conductor and arrange the schedule for the upcoming charity performance."

Listen! The air is filled with the lamentations of the masses, look, year after year the loss of our homeland!

Ah, haha, but we can take a break now! Not only is Zhang Songling's feeling far from the essence of the song, but most of the people in the group are merely "forcing a sorrowful expression to sing a new tune." Upon hearing Zhou Jue's suggestion to rest, they immediately expressed their agreement with cheers.

Long before deciding to join, Zhang Songling had already gained some understanding of this team. Listening to the lively chatter and arguments among the group further deepened his insights.

Giant waves, giant waves, continuously rising

Fang Guoqiang was extremely reluctant in his heart, yet he was forcibly dragged by Zhou Jue as they walked toward the next carriage. Watching his figure disappear behind a row of seats, several other young people in the group laughed and gathered around, patting Zhang Songling's shoulder to express their sympathy for his predicament

The Japanese threat in Qingdao did not achieve the intended effect; instead, it ignited the fighting spirit of the Shandong people. Forced to take action, they shifted their troops to the vicinity of Beiping, attempting to pressure Song Zheyuan into breaking away from the central government for autonomy. The core members of the Blood Flower Society, deeply aware of the national crisis, gathered a batch of donations and managed to send them to the hands of the 29th Army in Beiping.

Today we are in a class with the harmony of books, and tomorrow we will raise a great wave of national self-rescue! Someone is keeping the beat while gently patting Zhang Songling's back with the other hand

After discussing for a while, everyone's thoughts returned to the main topic. Regardless of how harsh it may seem, Fang Guoqiang's criticism is not merely nitpicking; the junior's talent in vocal music is indeed not commendable.

Zhang Songling had never been an apprentice, but he had once witnessed how his two older brothers were beaten with fire tongs by their master during their apprenticeship. Therefore, he did not take Fang Guoqiang's verbal admonitions seriously. He simply felt that he should integrate into this team as soon as possible and not give Fang Guoqiang any excuse to send him back home.

Note 1: The Third Army of the Northwest Army, directly under Han Fuju. In 1938, it was expanded into the Third Army Group of the National Revolutionary Army

Note 2: The Graduation Song, with lyrics by Tian Han and music by Nie Er, was written in 1934 and had a significant impact on the youth and students across the nation at that time

Are we to choose 'war' or 'surrender'

The more he remained silent, the more everyone felt that Fang Guoqiang's behavior was excessive. Not to mention the determination the little guy showed yesterday when he refused to go home with his brother, which was quite admirable. Given that he is the youngest and also a junior to everyone, he should not be treated so harshly. Students who graduate from National First High School, even if they are not the brightest, are still smarter than those spoiled children from Seventh and Tenth High Schools. Moreover, he is among the top ten in his grade and has received a personal recommendation letter from the principal. Students who graduate from National First High School, even if they are not the brightest, are still smarter than those spoiled children from Seventh and Tenth High Schools. Moreover, he is among the top ten in his grade and has received a personal recommendation letter from the principal

The song travels along the dilapidated railway, slowly heading north, heading north

The senior brought the junior, which is impeccable both in sentiment and reason. Therefore, despite the deputy leader Fang Guoqiang putting on a poker face, he was still unable to dismiss the opinions of the majority. According to the democratic principles just learned, the core members of the Blood Flower Society allowed the deputy leader to truly experience being in the minority. At the same time, they secretly encouraged the junior, hoping he could deliver an outstanding performance to prove Fang Guoqiang's shortsightedness

Many gentlemen and ladies generously donated money and goods, entrusting students to carry their support for the war effort to Beiping. Many middle school students who took the same train also stepped forward, actively assisting the Blood Flower Society. Even individuals like Zhang Songling took the initiative to request joining the ranks.

Are we to choose 'war' or 'surrender'

The entire team boarded the northbound train singing, traveling from place to place, singing in the carriage and on the platform. They sang during meals and while walking. They sang from Qingdao to Jinan, and then from Jinan to Lucheng and Liucheng. The passengers in the carriage came and went, scattering sparks along the way. Of course, this may just be a one-sided fantasy of the two leaders and most of the members of the Blood Flower Society, but at least so far, every performance has received enthusiastic responses from the passengers.

Close your eyes and think carefully. Consider the students from Northeast and North China, think about how they watch their hometown gradually fall, yet they cannot contribute even a little. What kind of feeling would that evoke in their hearts? When the train stops again, we still have to perform at the next station. If you still cannot find the feeling, just stay in the carriage and do not hold everyone back! Seeing Zhang Songling's confused expression, Fang Guoqiang felt as if his head were as big as a drum. He now regretted agreeing to the proposal of another leader, Zhou Jue, to absorb such a half-grown child into the Blood Flower Society. Wasn't this just asking for trouble? Look at his innocent face; he probably thinks going to Beiping to participate in the war is just a long-distance trip! And someone is covering his meals and accommodation, so he doesn't have to pay! I really don't know how Zhou Jue and the others are considering this. I really don't understand how this foolish and naive child managed to graduate from National First High School!

However, mere financial support is far from sufficient for the Chinese military. The young individuals, filled with passion, are acutely aware of the nation's ailments and the people's apathy. Therefore, they are willing to use their fervent spirit to awaken this country and this nation. Consequently, after a meeting, they voted to organize a group of key members to personally go to Beiping, allowing the soldiers to see and feel firsthand the heartfelt intentions of the Shandong students. They want the soldiers stationed in Beiping to know that they are not fighting alone; the people of Shandong stand behind them, and the entire populace of Huaxia stands with them.

Students! Students! Quickly summon your strength and take on the responsibility for the rise and fall of the world

Do not pay attention to him. That poker face makes it seem like everyone owes him several hundred yuan! The first person to take the initiative to stand up for Zhang Songling was Lu Qing, a second-year student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Shandong University. He had also studied at National No. 1 High School, making him both a senior and an alumnus of Zhang Songling. He has a very fair complexion, with ten long and straight fingers that seem entirely unfit to belong to a man's hands.

The warmth of that hand and the melody of the lyrics were sent into Zhang Songling's heart. He smiled and raised his head, keeping pace with everyone else's rhythm

However, the two leaders, Zhou Jue and Fang Guoqiang, were very proactive in accepting donations but rejected the majority of their classmates' requests to join midway. They believed that demonstrating the support of Shandong students to the garrison in Hebei and Beiping was sufficient with themselves and their companions from the Blood Flower Society. The middle school students were still young and should not spill their youthful passion on the battlefield. Instead, they should reserve it for the future to contribute to the restoration of the Chinese landscape.

Will he really laugh? What do you all think? Will he really laugh? Professor Zhu as well, how could he find such a person to lead us!

"Stop, Zhang Songling, can you be a bit more serious? The way you look, it's as if you've just stolen a large piece of honey; where is the slightest sense of the pain of a nation in ruins and a family in distress!" Deputy Team Leader Fang Guoqiang could no longer tolerate Zhang Songling's smug expression, and could not help but stop the song being practiced once again, loudly reprimanding.

For the first time in his life, he made his own decisions without his father's arrangements, and immediately afterward, he "defeated" his most revered older brother for the first time as well. The sense of achievement was immensely gratifying. As for the sorrow of being away from his family, Zhang Songling had not yet felt it in the short term. At least, before the excitement of his first solo flight wore off, he would not be able to sense it.

Today we are the fragrant peach and plum blossoms, tomorrow we will be the pillars of society Someone hums softly, trying to keep the melody gentle so that Zhang Songling can remember the lyrics and rhythm

Listen! The air is filled with the lamentations of the masses, look, year after year the loss of the homeland!

In his mind, there are many poems about ancient warriors going to battle, such as "The pipa and fine wine in the night-glow cup, eager to drink as the pipa urges on the horse!", and "Why should a man not carry the Wu hook, to reclaim the fifty states beyond the mountains?", as well as "I only wish to return wrapped in my shroud, why must I live to enter the pass?" These poems are either passionate or bold, but they have no connection to the grief and indignation that Fang Guoqiang needs.

As a newcomer, Zhang Songling naturally chose to remain silent in his rational mind. In fact, he did not feel that Fang Guoqiang's attitude towards him was particularly harsh. In the business families of Lucheng, the principle of "exchanging sons for education" is emphasized. Except for a few prominent families, other families, even if they love their children dearly, would not allow them to learn how to do business directly from themselves. Typically, when children are just over ten years old, they are entrusted to a reliable friend to serve as an apprentice, with clear instructions given to the friend: discipline them as if they were your own children, including punishment and scolding as necessary. The entrusted friend would certainly not hold back. Punishments such as hitting the palms, withholding food, and kneeling on a washboard are considered mild; more severe punishments might involve striking the buttocks with a hot chopstick. Even if the child's parents happen to pass by and witness this, they would never intervene. On the contrary, they would feel that the master is diligent in their management and that the child will have a brighter future.

The only exception, I am afraid, is Zhang Songling. This is not only because he demonstrated the most proactive and outstanding performance after meeting the members of the Blood Flower Society. It is also not solely due to his rapid calculations and significant contributions in tallying the donation figures. Another undeniable reason is that he graduated from National First High School this year, and the vast majority of the core members of the Blood Flower Society come from the same school

I, I have never studied before, really never studied! Like a little student who has made a mistake, Zhang Songling touched the back of his head and smiled awkwardly.

We must strive to be masters and fight to the death on the battlefield

You are indeed correct; Dafa is nicknamed 'Block J' in the student council. The second person who stepped forward to speak up for Zhang Songling is Tian Qingyu, a key member of the student self-governing body at Shandong University. He is lively, conducts himself generously, and is aware of many secrets within the school

At the moment when Zhang Youcai's family was feeling sad and depressed about the departure of their third son, Zhang Songling, he was filled with a slight joy of wandering as he boarded a train heading north, which was notoriously unreliable, and made his way to Beiping, stopping and starting along the journey

We are unwilling to be slaves and soar straight to the sky! Someone hummed the graduation song again, signaling Zhang Songling to follow and learn from him.

In March of this year, Japan dispatched over twenty warships to display their might on the waters off Qingdao, which deeply stirred the students of Shandong University, prompting them to shout the slogan "Willing to shed blood for the nation's crisis." The Blood Flower Society organized multiple voluntary performances to prepare a substantial amount of provisions for the Third Army stationed in Shandong.

I see, no wonder I feel uncomfortable in my heart whenever I see him

This team is called the Blood Flower Society, a progressive group within Shandong University. The majority of its members are first and second-year students, while the two leaders, Zhou Jue and Fang Guoqiang, are graduating seniors this year

We must become masters and fight to the death on the battlefield

Upon hearing him expose Fang Guoqiang's background, the other team members also began to speak up. One after another, they expressed their dissatisfaction after feeling "oppressed".

Students, everyone rise and take on the responsibility for the rise and fall of the world

Students, rise up and take on the responsibility for the rise and fall of the world