The Astringent Olive Retains the Refreshing Green Color

Aqiang and Yang Huahua grew up in the same hometown, and there is only a gurgling stream between the two families. When she was young, Aqiang always liked to squat by the stream and look at the flowers and clothes. The water droplets on her hair were like a string of stars falling. When he was eighteen years old, the red flag for military conscription was planted under the old locust tree at the entrance of the village. Aqiang signed up while clutching the embroidered insoles stuffed with flowers. When the green train started moving, he saw Huahua standing on the platform, her blue shirt bulging in the wind. During the days in the military camp, Huahua's letter became Aqiang's light. She worked as a shifter in a factory run by the town, and her letters always contained numbing incense, saying that the workshop had a new assembly line, and that the peach tree at the entrance of the village was bearing fruit again. At the end, she always wrote, "You have to work hard, I will wait for you." Aqiang carried the letter in his pocket and became more energetic during training. He dared to fight hard during martial arts competitions and was promoted from private to squad leader in three years. He carried a third-class merit medal on his shoulder and a bright red party emblem on his chest. On the day he retired, Aqiang rushed home with a brisk pace, carrying his military medals and the allowance he had saved. But under the old locust tree at the entrance of the village, no one was waiting for him. Neighbors said that Huahua had already left with the head of the supply and marketing section of the cannery, who could arrange a job for her in the city. It was said that when she left, she didn't even take away the last letter sent by Aqiang. Aqiang stood by the empty stream, still holding the red silk he bought for Huahua in his hand. The wind swept over the water and blew it away! The fruity fragrance also blew away the promise hidden in the military green youth.