Chapter 1: The Return to Home
Braving the severe cold, I returned to my hometown, which was separated by over two thousand miles and left behind for more than twenty years.
Since it was deep winter, as I approached my hometown, the weather became gloomy. The cold wind blew into the boat cabin, whistling. Looking out through the gaps in the awning, under the pale yellow sky, several desolate villages lay scattered near and far, without any sign of vitality. My heart could not help but feel desolate.
Ah! Is this the hometown I have remembered constantly for twenty years? The hometown I remember was not like this at all. My hometown was much better. But to recall its beauty and describe its merits, I have no image, no words. It seems it was just like this. My hometown was originally like this—without progress, but not necessarily without the merits I remember.