Even though Amber knew that she and her pups were highly intelligent, she also understood that they were dogs—ultimately different from humans.
In many people’s eyes, when faced with a difficult choice, dogs are often the ones to be abandoned.
So, how could Gu Jianing’s actions not move Amber deeply?
Sheng Zexi and Gu Jianing, along with their children, stayed at the military dog training base for three days before preparing to leave.
On the day of their departure, Xingxing and Yueyue hugged Hongying, Leiting, and the others, crying bitterly.
When Xingxing and Yueyue got into the car, Hongying and the others chased after them, running a long, long way.
Only when the car was completely out of sight did they reluctantly turn back.
In the car, Xingxing and Yueyue pressed their faces against the window, their eyes brimming with tears as they watched Hongying and the others running after them.
It wasn’t until they could no longer see them that they finally sat back down.
Then, the two little ones buried themselves in their mother’s arms and sobbed.
Gu Jianing stroked their backs, comforting them, “Mom knows you’re sad to leave Hongying and Leiting behind.”
“They’re sad to see you go too.”
“But you each have your own path of growth to walk.”
“Some goodbyes are inevitable.”
“However, goodbyes don’t mean forever-there will always be a time for reunion.”
“We must strive to walk our own paths well, to grow and improve, so that one day, we can reunite with our old friends as better versions of ourselves.”
“By then, you’ll all have become the best you can be.”
Listening to their mother’s soothing words, Xingxing and Yueyue’s eyes filled with curiosity. They pondered her words, trying to understand.
Eventually, their emotions slowly settled.
…
After leaving the military dog training base, they headed to the nearest airport.
In this era, air travel was not accessible to ordinary people.
However, at Sheng Zexi’s level, he could apply for permission.
Thus, this time, they were able to fly back to their hometown.
Gu Jianing had ridden on airplanes in her past life, so she wasn’t particularly amazed by the experience.
For Xingxing and Yueyue, however, this was their first time seeing a plane in person—previously, they had only seen drawings of airplanes in picture books.
Now, they were awestruck.
Especially Xingxing, who had always been fascinated by machinery.
Earlier, Sheng Zexi had made model airplanes and fighter jets out of bullet casings for Xingxing.
By now, Xingxing had collected several of them, each one a cherished treasure.
In the picture books, the bullet-casing airplanes his father had given him were tiny.
But the one before him now was enormous—unimaginably huge.
How could Xingxing not be amazed?
His eyes widened as he stared in wonder.
When the plane took off, Xingxing gazed out the window, utterly astonished.
So this was what it felt like to be so close to the sky, so close to the clouds!
“Dad, can you tell me more about fighter jets?” Xingxing tugged at his father’s sleeve.
“Of course.”
Sheng Zexi then selectively shared what he could, explaining the design and purpose of fighter jets to Xingxing.
Yueyue, uninterested in fighter jets, picked up a picture book and began reading instead.
But Xingxing was extremely interested and listened intently, his eyes growing brighter the more he heard.
Then he asked, “Dad, have you ever flown a fighter jet?”
“I have.”
Though not many times, Sheng Zexi had indeed piloted one.
After all, Sheng Zexi was an all-around elite soldier—a small fighter jet was no challenge for him.
“Dad, how do our country’s fighter jets compare to other countries’? I heard other nations have more advanced ones?” Xingxing asked curiously.
Sheng Zexi was momentarily stunned by the question.
Then, he patted Xingxing’s little head and said, “Xingxing, Dad won’t lie to you—that is indeed the truth right now.”
“But our country is developing in every aspect.”
“Our nation is a lion awakening from slumber.”
“And one day, that lion will open its eyes, bare its claws, and stand at the forefront of the world.”
“However, it will take the efforts of countless people, and it won’t happen overnight.”
“But Dad believes our country’s future will be strong and prosperous!”
Sheng Zexi’s eyes burned with fervent determination.
He didn’t know if he would live to see that future, but he was willing to work hard for it now.
Xingxing listened, tilting his head as if carefully considering his father’s words.
Then, as if making up his mind, he looked up at his father with serious determination and said, “Dad, in the future, I’m going to develop even more advanced fighter jets.”
“I’ll fly planes too.”
“And I’ll make sure our country’s planes are way, way better than other countries’.”
The little boy’s eyes shone with ambition.
Sheng Zexi was taken aback for a moment before smiling. He raised his fist. “Good. Dad believes you can do it.”
“I’ll be waiting to see it.”
Xingxing stretched out his hand, forming a tiny fist, and bumped it against his father’s larger one—sealing their father-son pact!
…
What would have taken days and nights by train now took only a few hours by plane.
When they landed, Xingxing and Yueyue were amazed.
After all, they had previously experienced the long, grueling train ride with their parents.
Now, it was clear—flying was not only faster but also much more comfortable.
And Xingxing became even more determined: not only would he learn to fly planes, but he would also develop even more advanced fighter jets!
After getting off the plane, they still had to take a car back to Huaihua Village.
While the Sheng family was on their way, something significant was happening in Huaihua Village—no, in fact, in every village across the country.
It was the implementation of the Household Responsibility System.
Yes, following the earlier “land allocation to households” policy, the government had now issued another directive: the Household Responsibility System.
In simple terms, it meant that farmland, barren hills, ponds, forests, and other state-owned resources could now be contracted out to individuals or families for a set price and period, granting them usage rights.
Once contracted, whatever was cultivated or raised on the land would belong entirely to the contractor.
Recently, since the introduction of this system, the village chief had been urging everyone to take action.
However, many were hesitant.
One reason was that most families didn’t have much savings, and the minimum contract period was five years, with a maximum of thirty.
Even five years required a substantial sum.
To address this, the government had provided solutions:
Farmers could take out loans from banks, and those who contracted early would get priority in land selection as well as additional discounts.
But there were other reasons for their hesitation…
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