Shi Kai lived in a happy family and felt joyful every single day. His father was the commander of the Huaxia military district. Whenever he had time to return home, he would lift little Shi Kai into his arms and rub his stubbly chin across the boy's face, making Shi Kai squirm and giggle from the ticklish sensation, snuggling in his father's arms with laughter.
His mother was the epitome of a diligent and loving wife and mother. She cared for Shi Kai with great attention. Since he was born to them later in life, they cherished him all the more.
His sister adored pinching Shi Kai's chubby cheeks. Every day after coming back from school, the first thing she did was pick him up, kiss him, and give his cheeks a playful squeeze. The whole family wanted the little guy to live a happy life—so they named him "Kai," which means "open" or "joyful."
Children are naturally lovable—their innocence, their charm, the way they waddle as they learn to walk—it all brings joy from deep within. Shi Kai quickly became the beloved treasure of the entire family.
As a child, Shi Kai loved grabbing his father's military cap and wearing it around. His father would always laugh and ask,
"Hey little guy, do you want to be a soldier when you grow up?"
Shi Kai would respond with his tender little voice, saluting playfully,
"Yes, I do!"
His father's face would light up with pride. He'd pat his son's head and say,
"Good! That's my boy."
Then he'd pick Shi Kai up again, and the two would burst into laughter.
Deep down, his father knew he couldn't spoil his son too much. As the saying goes, "Strict teachers produce outstanding students." He needed to be a good role model and guide for his son.
From the moment Shi Kai could understand things, his father began teaching him how to fold military-style blankets, stand at attention, and march like a soldier.
Shi Kai was very smart and learned quickly. Before they knew it, it was time for him to start school. Driven by the desire for his son to succeed, his father used his connections to secure Shi Kai a spot in a prestigious primary school.
To his teachers, Shi Kai was a well-behaved and sensible student. He had a strong ability to learn, never bullied his classmates, always followed classroom rules, and consistently ranked among the top students in his class. Much of this was thanks to his father's early teachings, which instilled in him a strong will and a solid foundation for learning.
Shi Kai was the pride of the family. At the age of twelve, he was admitted to a top-ranked middle school with excellent grades. The whole family was overjoyed. That same year, his sister Shi Ting graduated from university and was admitted to a graduate program—it was truly a double blessing.
What parent doesn't love their children? Shi Tianqun was proud to have such accomplished kids. Their home overflowed with happiness.
---
It was past midnight. Shi Tianqun and his wife were lying in bed, having a quiet conversation.
Holding his wife in his arms, Shi Tianqun said softly,
"Xiuzhen, we've been married for twenty-five years now. Our daughter is all grown up and building a life of her own. Our son just graduated from elementary school. Marrying you has been the greatest joy of my life."
Wang Xiuzhen held her husband tightly and replied tenderly,
"Marrying you was the greatest happiness of mine, too. Now, we're getting old."
"We're not old—still young," Shi Tianqun smiled. "I'm only fifty-seven, and you'll always be the same woman I fell for twenty-five years ago. The kids are on their summer break now. They deserve a break. I'm thinking of applying for fifteen days off so we can take our daughter on a trip. It's time we all relaxed a little."
Wang Xiuzhen was surprised.
"Fifteen days? That's a lot. I've never seen you take more than five days off. Are you joking with me?"
"Haha," Shi Tianqun chuckled and kissed her gently.
"I'm a soldier, and I carry the weight of the nation on my shoulders. But now that both our children are doing so well, we should celebrate for them. All these years, I've never taken the time to truly be with you and the kids. I'll request the leave tomorrow. We'll take our daughter on a trip next week. How does that sound?"
"Our daughter?" Wang Xiuzhen sat up, slipping out of Shi Tianqun's embrace. "Aren't we taking Shi Kai too? Shouldn't the whole family go together?" Her voice was filled with concern.
Shi Tianqun also sat up, lit a cigarette, and took a deep drag.
"No... I'm not planning to bring him this time. Shi Kai still has a long road ahead of him. Shi Ting is already an adult—soon she'll have even less time for us. I just want to take our daughter this time." A puff of smoke drifted from his mouth as he spoke.
Wang Xiuzhen was speaking passionately when she was suddenly interrupted by Shi Tianqun.
"Xiuzhen, let me finish," he said. "Shi Kai has a long road ahead of him. I'm planning to have him train at the military base during this summer vacation. Our whole family comes from a revolutionary background. My father was a martyr. I'm a descendant of heroes. I want our son to grow up and contribute to the country and the people. I also hope he can become a soldier."
Upon hearing this, Wang Xiuzhen sighed quietly to herself.
"But do you know what our son really wants?" she asked. "Does he want to be a soldier? Does he want to train at the base?"
Shi Tianqun stared at the glowing tip of his cigarette, took another deep drag, and slowly exhaled a thick cloud of smoke.
"I don't know," he admitted. "That's why I'm talking to you about it. I really hope our son can become a soldier."
"All right, it's getting late. Let's get some sleep," Wang Xiuzhen said. "Tomorrow, let's leave the decision to Shi Kai. Let him choose whether he wants to go traveling with us or train at the base. It's already so late—stop smoking and go to bed."
She snatched the cigarette from his hand and stubbed it out in the ashtray.
Shi Tianqun turned off the light and lay back down.
"This is the only way. We'll talk about it tomorrow."
The night deepened.
---
The next morning, Shi Kai got up early. After neatly folding his blanket, he ate breakfast and hurried out the door.
Shi Ting, sipping her porridge, looked at her brother's disappearing figure and asked curiously,
"Dad, Mom, it's rare to see little brother so eager to leave the house. Did something happen?"
"Honey, I'm done eating too. I'll go now. I'll walk our son out and then head to work," Shi Tianqun said, wiping his mouth before rushing out as well.
"Dad!" Shi Ting stood up, calling after him. "What's going on? Why are you both in such a hurry?"
By then, Shi Tianqun was already far away and couldn't hear what his daughter was saying. But he knew—Xiuzhen would explain it to her.
Shi Ting sat back down slowly, murmuring to herself,
"What's the rush with those two?"
---
When Shi Tianqun stepped outside, he could already see Shi Kai sitting in the car from a distance.
Shi Kai rolled down the window and waved, shouting,
"Dad, could you hurry up? We're having our graduation party today—I'm the organizer! If we're late, it'll be my fault. Come on!"
Shi Tianqun quickened his pace and approached the car. At that moment, a soldier stepped down from the driver's seat and gave Shi Tianqun a formal salute.
"Good morning, Commander. Please get in."
Shi Tianqun returned the salute seriously and smiled.
"Ah, Xiao Ma. This kid of mine—he didn't give you any trouble, did he?"
The driver, Xiao Ma, immediately stood at attention.
"Reporting, Commander—no trouble at all. He's been very obedient, just waiting for you."
Shi Tianqun nodded and smiled. Xiao Ma opened the car door, and Shi Tianqun got in.
"Xiao Ma, let's stop by Guanghuan Elementary School first and drop this little rascal off, then head to the base."
A firm "Yes, sir!" rang out from Xiao Ma's lips.
Shi Tianqun put an arm around Shi Kai's shoulders and smiled.
"You little rascal—did you give Uncle Xiao Ma any trouble?"
"Absolutely not! No way!" Shi Kai said confidently. "I was totally well-behaved. If you don't believe me, just ask Brother Xiao Ma!"
He had no idea his father was just teasing him.
Xiao Ma glanced at Shi Kai through the rearview mirror and chuckled. In that moment, the car was filled with the warm sound of all three of them laughing together.
Shi Kai leaned against his father's chest and said with admiration,
"When Brother Xiao Ma reported to you just now, he looked so cool in his uniform. I'm really jealous. Dad, do you think I could be like Brother Xiao Ma one day?"
Xiao Ma laughed heartily.
"Shi Kai, of course you can. And not just like me—you'll do even better. You'll be like the Commander one day!"
"Really?" Shi Kai said excitedly. "Dad, Brother Xiao Ma says I can do better than him and be just like you. Do you think so too?"
Shi Tianqun gently stroked his son's head and said with firm conviction,
"Yes. You can. You absolutely can. You may even be better than me."
At that moment, Shi Tianqun felt his belief grow even stronger: he was determined to raise his son to become a true soldier. He was already planning to have Shi Kai apply to a military academy in the future. Watching the trees blur past the window, he began to imagine his son one day standing tall in a proud military posture.
---
"Goodbye, Dad! Salute!" Shi Kai hopped out of the car, gave his father a sharp salute, then turned and ran happily toward the school.
Shi Tianqun watched his son's back as he disappeared into the building, uncertain whether he felt more joy or emotion.
---
Back at home, Shi Ting was eating breakfast with a confused look on her face. Wang Xiuzhen walked out of the kitchen holding a fried dough stick (youtiao).
Shi Ting quickly asked,
"Mom, why did Dad and little brother leave so early? They didn't even finish breakfast."
Wang Xiuzhen smiled,
"Just eat, don't worry about them. You got home late last night, so you didn't hear."
She took a bite of the youtiao and continued,
"Your brother is organizing a graduation party today, so he had to go early to prepare. Your dad went to drop him off."
Shi Ting laughed.
"Wow, who would've thought my little brother had a talent like that? That's impressive—small but clever!"
In truth, Shi Ting had always deeply loved her adorable little brother. Sometimes, she even cared for him more than Wang Xiuzhen did. She always believed her brother was stronger than she was. Instead of feeling jealous, she was proud of him.
Shi Kai had a maturity and determination in his expression that set him apart from other kids his age. One look, and you could tell he was destined for great things.
This graduation party—though officially for the whole class—was, in reality, organized for just one person. Back in third grade, Shi Kai had developed a secret crush on a girl who sat in front of him. Maybe he didn't know what a "crush" really meant at the time, but he had already begun to experience the hazy sweetness of liking someone.
This time, the girl was leaving the city for good—moving to the United States with her parents and never coming back.
When Shi Kai found out, he felt really upset. He didn't know why—he just liked the girl who sat in front of him, the one named Ye Keke. That was why he had arrived so early to prepare for the graduation party—he wanted to make it extra lively, to leave everyone with beautiful memories.
At the party, one by one, the students performed their acts. Everyone was having a great time. Ye Keke was smiling too. Shi Kai was happy, but deep down, he also felt a tinge of sadness. He sat quietly in his seat, watching the performances, lost in thought.
Then it was Ye Keke's turn to perform. Shi Kai watched with extra focus, afraid to miss a single moment.
She performed a short peacock dance. As Shi Kai watched her graceful movements, she seemed like a fairy descending from the heavens. He didn't really know what a fairy looked like—but in his young heart, Ye Keke dancing like that was exactly what a fairy should be.
Happy moments always pass quickly. In the end, Shi Kai went up to deliver the closing remarks for the graduation party. Even in his tender voice, one could sense the sorrow of parting.
At the very last moment before everyone said goodbye, Shi Kai quietly slipped a jade rabbit pendant into Ye Keke's hand. He didn't say a word—just turned and walked away.
Ye Keke looked at the pendant in her palm and smiled softly. In her heart—as the class monitor—she had long harbored a fondness for Shi Kai too. But like many girls, she was shy and afraid to show it. And being so young, she didn't dare to think too much about it. She held the pendant with both hands and pressed it tightly against her small chest.
---
Shi Kai walked home alone, his heart holding tightly to this precious memory. He smiled gently, hoping that one day, he might see Ye Keke again.
That evening, in order not to worry his parents, the thoughtful Shi Kai returned home early.
As soon as he stepped through the door, he saw his parents and sister laughing happily in the living room. His sadness instantly faded, and he joined them.
"What's everyone so happy about?" he asked, walking over and sitting beside them. "Tell me too—I want to laugh with you."
"Little brother," Shi Ting said excitedly, "Dad got fifteen days off—we're going on a trip!"
The word trip made Shi Kai perk up instantly. In all his years, the whole family had never gone on vacation together. He quickly ran over, sat on his father's lap, and beamed.
"Dad, really? You got time off? Where are we going?"
Shi Tianqun rubbed his stubbly chin against Shi Kai's cheek again and said,
"Yes. But besides the trip, I have one more question for you."
"Go ahead and ask!" Shi Kai wriggled out of his father's arms and thumped his chest confidently. He looked every bit like a little man.
His father lit a cigarette, took a puff, and asked,
"Son, you're growing up now. So tell me—would you rather go on a trip, or go to the military base and experience life there?"
Shi Kai answered immediately,
"Of course I'd love to experience the military base! Dad, wait… are we all moving to the base together?"
Wang Xiuzhen looked at her husband and quickly explained,
"What your dad means is—this summer, he wants you to train at the military base. Your sister and I would go on the trip. We're not sure if you'd like that. If you don't want to go to the base, you can just come travel with us."
Shi Kai was confused at first. But when he looked into his father's resolute eyes, he felt the presence of a powerful soldier. Becoming a soldier like his father had always been his dream. Still, the idea of traveling was tempting—he had never traveled with his family before, and it was rare for his father to have time off. A struggle quietly began inside his heart.
After sitting down and thinking it over carefully, curiosity ultimately won out over the desire to travel. Stone Kai wanted to become a soldier as soon as possible. There would be plenty of opportunities to travel with his family in the future—once his father retired, he would accompany them properly.
Thinking of this, a sparkle lit up in Stone Kai's eyes. The whole family could tell he had made up his mind; he was just waiting to announce it.
Finally, Stone Kai stood up, saluted, and solemnly declared, "Reporting, Commander! I've decided to report to the military district!"
Coming from a twelve-year-old, those words sounded so naive, yet so sincere.
His father, hearing this, instantly scooped him up in a hug. "That's my son, Stone Tianqun!"
At that moment, the entire family burst into laughter, filling the house with joy.
The Next Morning
The family was having breakfast.
Stone Kai was chewing on a fried dough stick while sipping on congee. With his mouth still full, he mumbled excitedly, "Dad, when are we going to the military district? I'm so pumped—I couldn't even sleep last night!"
His father had just finished washing up and rolled up his sleeves as he sat down to have his congee. He patted Stone Kai on the head and smiled. "You little rascal, so eager! Don't worry, it's soon. Last night, I called Uncle Li—he's the deputy commander of the military district. When we go on our trip, he'll look after you. He's an old comrade and good friend of mine. You have to learn from him, behave yourself in the army, don't cause trouble—and one more thing: don't you dare mention that I'm your father."
Stone Kai chuckled, "Got it, Dad. You're really naggy today—more naggy than Mom! That's so not like your usual style."
Just then, Wang Xiuzhen walked out of the kitchen and overheard the comment. She lightly tapped Stone Kai on the head and said sternly, "You mustn't speak to your father like that."
Stone Kai instinctively shrank his neck, glanced at his mother's stern expression, then turned back around and stuck out his tongue. Uh-oh, he thought, busted by Mom.
Seeing his odd reaction, both Stone Tianqun and Stone Ting burst out laughing. Wang Xiuzhen also joined them at the table.
She continued, "You're getting more and more out of line. Just because we all spoil you doesn't mean you can get away with anything. What your father said was out of care for you. And hey—am I really that naggy? Even if I am, it's for your own good!"
Stone Kai quickly stood up, served his mother a bowl of congee, and said playfully, "Mom, I was wrong. Be the bigger person, okay? Don't nag anymore—if you keep going, it'll be lunchtime before we finish breakfast!"
"Ha ha!" Laughter echoed warmly throughout the room.
Wang Xiuzhen shook her head and sighed, pretending to be helpless. "You little rascal… Only your dad can keep you in line."