This novel tells the story of a group of rural veterans from the 1980s, represented by Tong Zijun, Yang Jiadong, and Lin Sen. In the early days of reform and opening up, they returned to their hometowns after leaving the army, only to find that they could not get formal jobs. Faced with hardship, they neither complained nor gave up or backed down. They stayed true to their military roots and carried on the army’s proud traditions. Starting out by delivering vegetables in a small agricultural truck, they overcame adversity and built a business through years of hard work. After three decades of determined effort, they founded the renowned Bayi Group. Tong Zijun also continued to grow in his work at an insurance company, eventually becoming a company executive and a government employee. Through the dimensions of work, daily life, love, and friendship, the novel offers a full portrait of their inner worlds and character. The story is moving, compelling, and grounded in reality. In accessible prose, the author celebrates the veterans’ sincere devotion to their country and their homes.
This book is very well written. I really like to read the stories about veterans who worked hard to start a business after returning home.