Set against the social changes of the 1980s and 1990s, the story follows Zhou Bao, known as Bao Zong, a boy from Wutong Alley. From a mischievous “troublemaker,” he gradually grows into a responsible entrepreneur amid family obligations and the tides of the times. Focusing on family bonds, the struggles of ordinary people, and individual lives swept along by the current of history, the story blends the warmth of everyday life with the weight of growing up.
Characters
Zhou Bao (Bao Zong): The protagonist. Born in 1971, he is thirteen when the story begins. Quick-eyed, silver-tongued, and handy, he has a boy’s slyness and stubborn spirit. A troublemaker at first, he becomes steady and resilient after family upheavals and the trials of society. In the end, he opens a small restaurant and protects his family in his own way.
Zhou Jianguo (father): A traditional laborer and temporary worker at a brick kiln. Taciturn, he bears the burden of supporting the whole family. His hands are covered in calluses, and though strict with his children, he hides a profound love for them. After a workplace injury leaves him with a bad leg, he becomes even more stoic.
Li Guilan (mother): A typical Chinese mother. Hardworking and frugal, she knows how to make ends meet. She uses ration coupons and salted duck eggs to resolve quarrels with the neighbors, and her love for her children is hidden in her sigh, “Don’t get into trouble next time.” She is the family’s anchor.
Zhou Xing (eldest brother): Bao Zong’s role model. The first student from Wutong Alley to get into a provincial key high school, he enters Beijing Foreign Studies University in 1986 and later becomes a translator for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Steady and composed, he is both strict and loving toward his younger brother, and is the family’s “light.”
A Ying (second sister): Three years older than Bao Zong. She drops out of school early to help the family with farmwork and sewing. Capable and fiery, she often cleans up Bao Zong’s messes.
The sense of immersion is very strong. I like it very much. It looks good. Come on.
I like articles like this very much. The slow narration is very lifelike
I like this type of subject matter very much, including the ordinary and rugged years.
The rhythm is very good, not exaggerated, and proceeds in an orderly manner.
The characterization is interesting. Worth watching
Very interesting, savor life carefully, looking forward to the follow-up
The author's writing techniques are very ingenious and he has written a description of the characters of a generation. It is very good. Come on.
Very interesting novel, not bad
The character of Zhou Bao is well created, with the domineering attitude of a big boss and the calculation of ordinary people.
The flavor of this era feels so good