In a small mountain village in Northeast China in 1985, the cold winter wind blew across my face like a knife, causing pain. Hao Yi was walking on the village road in a cotton-padded jacket that had been washed white, patched and slightly tight. She was fat, and the snow on the ground crunched with every step she took.
Not far away, several children from the village were playing together. When one of the sharp-eyed little boys saw Hao Yi, he immediately poked his friend next to him, pointed at her and shouted loudly: "Look, fat girl Hao Yi is here!" The other children turned their heads, first stunned, and then burst into harsh laughter. While laughing, they imitated Hao Yi's walking style, deliberately twisting their bodies and swinging their arms exaggeratedly.
Hao Yi's face turned red instantly. She lowered her head and quickened her pace, just wanting to escape from this embarrassing scene. But those children refused to give up, running behind her and shouting: "Fat Hao Yi, Fat Hao Yi, take one step and take three breaths." Hao Yi's eyes were filled with tears, and she bit her lips tightly to prevent herself from crying.
At this moment, Liu Jun came out of the village's supply and marketing cooperative, carrying a bag of salt in his hand. When he saw this scene, he frowned, and immediately walked over quickly, blocked in front of Hao Yi, and yelled at the children: "Stop making trouble! If you do this again, I will tell your parents!" The children were frightened by his momentum, and their frolics stopped suddenly, and they ran away dejectedly.
Hao Yi raised his head slightly, with tears still in his eyes, and looked at Liu Tao gratefully: "Thank you." There was a hint of sobs in his voice.
