Chapter 0001: The Era of Beautiful Dreams

You all put it down, otherwise I will call the police

I must be dreaming

The taxi driver seemed to notice that the young man appeared somewhat dazed, so he refrained from chatting with Zhao Fusheng and instead turned on the radio

Once upon a time, Zhao Fusheng would occasionally think back to his youthful days and smile faintly

... ...

And now, he only wishes to drink to his heart's content

Oh dear

Mom

However, at that time, I did not understand the situation and always found ways to ask my parents for money to buy clothes, buy a phone, and buy a computer

And parents have always loved their children silently

Give me the money, hurry up and give me the money, otherwise I will start moving things

Zhao Fusheng is well aware that in the lives of adults, ease is a luxury, a smile is a skill, perseverance is a responsibility, and effort is an obligation

The threshold for happiness is increasingly elevated, and the cost of seeking excitement is becoming greater; this is perhaps one of the prices of growing up

Is it not possible to speak nicely?

As a man in his forties who has not achieved much success, he vaguely remembers the excitement he felt when he bought his first second-hand Nokia in 2004 and called home, a joy that kept him awake all night. However, seven years later, when he purchased the latest model of an Apple phone, that sense of excitement was nowhere to be found

As he reached the school gate and waved his hand, a taxi came to a stop in front of Zhao Fusheng.

Time is like a sieve, constantly filtering the people around us. Some remain in our lives, while others gradually drift away. Nevertheless, in our lives, there will always be certain individuals who warm the spring, summer, autumn, and winter of our existence

Has Zhao Fusheng arrived?

At this moment, Zhao Fusheng seemed to be under a spell, sitting there in a daze.

With a height of nearly 1.8 meters and a weight of over 150 kilograms, he landed directly on the man.

Therefore, no matter how difficult life may be, he endures it with gritted teeth

The tree wishes to be still, but the wind does not cease; the child wishes to care for their parents, but the parents do not wait. Many people may not understand this saying in their youth, but only on the day they truly grow old will they comprehend it

Looking around, this appears to be a university lecture hall

What did I do in the summer of 1999

... ...

Zhao Fusheng glanced at the few people who were stunned by his recent frenzied actions and said淡淡地: "You few, if you want to collect debts, then collect them. But if anyone dares to resort to violence again, do you really think we neighbors are blind?"

Even though it was a dream, he still wanted his parents to know that he had been doing well during the years they had been gone

The victors are kings, while the vanquished are outlaws; this is the lesson that time and life have imparted to Zhao Fusheng, and it has also made him understand what is most precious in this world and what should be cherished the most

One cannot harvest a different future with the same self; to hope for a change in one's future, one must first change oneself

While a sense of justice may compel these neighbors to speak out, reality renders them hesitant to voice their opinions again

After a muffled sound, Zhao Fusheng rose as if he had gone mad, throwing punch after punch at the man's face

The crowd automatically parted to reveal a man with a somewhat fierce appearance, in his thirties. Before he could speak, Zhao Fusheng had already pounced on him like a hungry tiger.

Zhao Fusheng walked while thinking, yet his thoughts became somewhat vague, as too much time had passed, enough for him to no longer clearly remember what had happened

A melodious sound emanated from the broadcast, yet it left Zhao Fusheng momentarily stunned, as he felt that something was amiss, though he could not articulate what it was.

With a cry of surprise, someone fell to the ground

Along the way, peers continuously passed by, and Zhao Fusheng observed everything familiar yet strange before him with great interest. For some reason, this dream was exceptionally vivid, so vivid that things he had almost completely forgotten about were now vividly recalled.

However, Zhao Fusheng did not feel the slightest regret, for just yesterday, he had gotten divorced. Now, he is all alone, unburdened and free.

Then, it was a torrential downpour after stepping outside, and the last memory in my mind was that I seemed to have seen a glimmer of light

It is still the familiar street, it is still everything familiar, although perhaps it is due to being in a dream, the stationery store at the corner has changed its name, and even some of the faces of the neighbors around have become somewhat blurred, but Zhao Fusheng can be certain that this place is the home where he lived for nearly twenty years

Master, Second Hospital

A long time has passed, long enough for Zhao Fusheng to nearly forget those gentle, water-like loving eyes and those broad shoulders as heavy as a mountain

I am here

... ...

In any case, it is just a dream. In Zhao Fusheng's view, even if he were to suffer severe injuries, it would not matter; anyone who dared to lay a finger on his mother would find themselves unable to take care of themselves.

Since ancient times, deep feelings have been hurt by parting. Although separation is indeed a common aspect of life, if physical distance can still evoke the saying, "Though separated by seas, friends are close at heart," how then can we find solace for the distance of the soul?

Yet, within the passage of time, there are many branches of parting at the end of a song, ultimately remaining silent about the words that were meant to be spoken. On some mornings of awakening, I occasionally recall the past, chopping firewood and feeding the horses

And in the next moment, an endless darkness descended

Fortunately, this dream finally gave him the opportunity to reminisce once again

Regardless of the circumstances, it is essential to first gather a large group of people before proceeding

Zhao Fusheng suddenly recalled what Jack Ma said about his greatest regret being the establishment of Alibaba. Perhaps this is not a form of pretentiousness, for for everyone, the limit of struggle may be the day when one no longer feels the taste of happiness.

Indeed, what Fusheng said is correct

Unbeknownst to him, Zhao Fusheng found himself standing at the entrance of his own residential community

It has been proven that Zhao's father's words are indeed very effective; at the very least, Zhao Fusheng has never been bullied by others since he started school. Especially after he single-handedly dealt with three third-year students who were extorting pocket money from him in his first year of junior high school.

However, when he reached the fourth floor, he inexplicably felt a bit nervous

At this moment, Zhao Fusheng felt happiness, perhaps it should be like this

Now, as a sophomore, I have finally managed to shed the identity of a freshman. My greatest pastime each day is to lean against the window of my dormitory, watching the beautiful girls who are clearly freshmen walk by.

The saddest thing in life is probably like this

A gentle breeze stirs a ripple, and the sound of reading drifts from a distance. This is an era where people still retain their last vestiges of innocence. Perhaps a decade later, even this final bastion of purity, the ivory tower, will lose its simplicity

He was dismissed

It is wrong for us to hit someone, but he owes our boss 50,000 yuan. How should we address this matter

Well, next time, respond to your name sooner

Zhao Fusheng, who comes from a less fortunate family, has parents who are merely salaried workers. The wage level of workers twenty years ago may have been envied by all, but the wages of workers twenty years later can only be described as barely sufficient to make ends meet

Reality and dreams are separated by countless rivers and mountains, by the parting of life and death

The gazes of those around were focused on him, the dappled sunlight of summer casting its glow upon his face. Although still somewhat dazed, Zhao Fusheng instinctively raised his hand

When Zhao Fusheng opened his eyes again, he felt a slight itch on his face, as if someone was whispering something in his ear

We do not know what will happen in the next moment, nor do we know whether the person who appears in our lives at this very moment will disappear in the next moment

Shaking his head, Zhao Fusheng resolved not to let his thoughts become entangled in such trivial matters. He began to imagine what he should say when he sees his parents later.

... ...

With an angry shout, Zhao Fusheng charged forward directly

Zhao Fusheng smiled, increasingly feeling that this dream was indeed too real. Could it be that before a person dies, they all have such an experience?

It seems that today someone came to collect a debt, and my mother was accidentally injured while trying to mediate the situation

Zhao Fusheng was secretly contemplating, for he was well aware that he had experienced countless dreams like this before, in which he returned to that era of flowing white garments, back to the time when he recklessly unleashed the fervor of his youth

Stepping into that familiar building, listening to the seemingly familiar clamor coming from upstairs, Zhao Fusheng's footsteps were somewhat unsteady

In the year 1999, in Ninghai, 50,000 yuan is not a small amount of money. In other words, repaying debts is a matter of principle. Although it is gambling debt, it still must be repaid.

The exclamation of his mother finally made Zhao Fusheng stop his actions and release the man who was already covered in blood. The moment he stood up, Zhao Fusheng noticed that the place where his mother had just been pushed down was not their own home, but rather the Fan family's house across the street.

That was a good era, at least when you wanted to be quiet, no one was asking you who Quiet was in your ear

When he bought his first Xiali, he drove his parents around a circle on Central Street in Binzhou. When he bought an Audi, he merely posted a casual moment on his social media. Although the car was eventually sold to pay for his father's medical treatment, it did not evoke much feeling in him.

An aged voice sounded, and Zhao Fusheng raised his head. What came into view was an elderly man with graying hair and glasses, holding a book in his hand

That's right, it's by flying

The only one who looks at him with adoring eyes is the three-year-old girl from the Fan family

Slowly standing up, Zhao Fusheng disregarded the astonished gazes of everyone and calmly walked out of the classroom. After all, it was just a dream. As for that old professor behind him, he could do as he pleased. He remembered that after his graduation, this professor seemed to have been dismissed from his position due to academic fraud.

Lolis are still the best, Zhao Fusheng thought to himself.

"If you are going to collect a debt, then do so; let us speak amicably. What gives you the right to resort to violence?"

What Zhao Fusheng saw as he stepped onto the stairs was the scene of his mother falling down.

In my memory, the Fan family has two daughters. The elder daughter seems to be about the same age as me, while the younger daughter should only be two or three years old this year. Uncle Fan was originally an honest and straightforward person, but later he lost an arm due to gambling excessively. His wife simply ran away with the younger daughter, and they sold the house, after which the two families lost contact.

It is often said that character determines destiny. Many times, people do not realize that before experiencing the trials of life, our character is not fixed. Only after being ruthlessly battered by the realities of life do we come to understand what kind of person we truly are and what actions we should take.

Otherwise, why not go home and take a look? A thought flashed through Zhao Fusheng's mind, and soon this desire became irresistible, like a spark that ignited and quickly filled his entire being

I hope to have someone like you, like the refreshing breeze in the mountains, like the warm light of the ancient city, as long as it ends with you. Today, whom did you pass by, and who lost you? Passing through your entire world, I am Xueyi, and this is Ninghai Radio Station, FM 95 MHz

Zhao Fusheng lived on the fifth floor. The moment he walked up the stairs, he discovered that several people were standing at his door, and a commotion could even be heard from across the street

until the day they grow old

But for some reason, he discovered that the gazes of his mother and everyone around him were filled with horror

Once upon a time, in the third year of junior high, sitting behind the girl he had a crush on, he often wore a silly smile. More than a decade later, sitting next to a young and beautiful woman, he couldn't even be bothered to lift a finger.

Will you remember tomorrow the diary you wrote yesterday... With his hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans, Zhao Fusheng hummed a tune, strolling leisurely along the path of the school. He had seen poetry and distant horizons, yet he also appreciated the mundane present, for behind those mundane moments lay countless human experiences and deep affections.

The box held in hand is the price Zhao Fusheng pays for his actions

... ...

... ...

In an instant, a group of elderly men and women found their sense of purpose, filled with fighting spirit, and united in their efforts to criticize the remaining three debt collectors

Grandfather practiced martial arts, father served in the military, and Zhao Fusheng was forced to exercise since childhood. In his father's words, being in good shape means at least not losing out in a fight

This morning, Zhao Fusheng overturned the desk of his immediate superior. The reason was simple: that fat, pig-like individual, who rose to his position by relying on his sister, shamelessly stole the project proposal that Zhao Fusheng had spent six months developing

Each person's life is a straight line, occasionally brushing past others, akin to intersections at a crossroads

Tracing back along the path, the road is obstructed and long

However, after waking from the dream, he remains that beleaguered office worker relentlessly crushed by the wheels of time, still bound to the nine-to-five routine, commuting between the subway and the bus station for the sake of survival

At that moment, a demand for repayment silenced everyone.

However, Zhao Fusheng did not want his hard-won reunion with his mother to be disturbed by such matters, so he simply waved his hand and said, "Alright, enough with the nonsense. It's just 50,000 yuan. I'll take care of it. Come back in a month to collect the money"

The release of anger naturally comes at a cost

The elder nodded and continued to call out names

Bang

To speak candidly, Zhao Fusheng felt that he must be incredibly handsome at this moment

"Fusheng? How come you are back?"

Zhao Fusheng is very clear that there are too many things he wants to change

When Zhao Fusheng spoke this sentence, his voice trembled slightly

Since the passing of his parents, he has rarely returned to his old family home

The sight of his long-lost mother being pushed to the ground, even if only in a dream, instantly ignited Zhao Fusheng's anger like a volcano erupting

Zhao Fusheng then walked to his mother, embraced her tightly, and wept profusely.

He touched his wallet and looked at the few red bills inside. Zhao Fusheng remembered that this particular hundred-yuan note had seemingly been issued for less than a year.

With a slight headache, Zhao Fusheng vaguely remembered sitting in a roadside stall, continuously drinking one bottle of beer after another. As he became more spirited, he simply went to a karaoke hall, called for a princess, and had her sing that song "The Brightest Star in the Night Sky" for him.

Some people are deficient in zinc, some are deficient in iron, but at this moment, what I lack the most is probably face. With a self-deprecating smile, Zhao Fusheng recalled his somewhat adolescent temperament during his university days