重庆回归之际，兄弟伙丁先生的故事再次启幕。昨晚，我们在一家小店里共享了江湖菜肴，听他讲述了从黔江到重庆的岁月。 brothers in arms, originally from the same village, had once been ordinary employees but rose to become CEOs. However, due to various reasons, their company became a "shell". After leaving the company 10 years ago, he returned to the main city for development. Since then, our contact has been limited; we would occasionally meet at street stalls or restaurants for simple meals and drinks. This is because true brothers-in-arms need not say much; their hearts are together as one.
Last year's summer evening found me in low spirits after an unexpected event. I called him on the phone while he was on his way back from Cuiping County to Chengdu Main City and rushed over to my office when he reached Yangchang District. He suggested I eat at home instead of going out with him since he wanted me to sort out my emotions before returning home.
After solving my problem that afternoon near dusk, he hurried off again for a meeting in Chengdu Main City without even taking time for lunch. It was no surprise that few trips back took place afterward; business kept him busy in Chongqing while occasional WeChat messages exchanged between us felt reassuring.
This time around with his return came news of his mother's passing at an advanced age of over 80 years old. Learning about it without being consulted made me upset enough to visit him personally with condolences upon realizing that night's dinner plans were cancelled by accident.
Over dinner later on, brotherly concern filled his eyes amidst grief still fresh from losing his mother. A cup of wine downed later opened up conversation where they shared two difficult tasks: showing respect and care towards parents well into one's life and finding true friends like them both experienced throughout their lives.
I thought about sharing how we differed financially but didn't get far before brotherhood prevailed saying there should be no unnecessary talk among such close bonds. Upon learning about recent successful business ventures by Mr.Ding himself during this mealtime discussion - akin to receiving good fortune as if earned by myself - deep within I felt immense joy mirrored through shared experiences between us:
"Good tea leaves refreshing clearness,
Brotherly friendship plain yet unassuming,
Wishing you prosperity this year."
A New Year message sent last spring now saved on my phone untouched till today captures these sentiments perfectly — just like reading a collection of short stories detailing different people offering unique perspectives without requiring intense focus nor seeking closure like novels often do but rather allowing leisurely reading whenever desired amid happiness or sadness alike.
Ordinary days pass doing what needs doing so don't worry even after many long years have passed – simply pick up where left off; its essence remains unchanged despite time gone by.
The story continues anew as Mr.Ding returns home amidst memories entwined through every step taken along life’s journey...