A Happy Coming-of-Age Story in the 1970s

In 1970, Xiyun County had suffered a severe drought for three years. Wang Xiu, heavily pregnant, went to the city to borrow grain from relatives. Unexpectedly, her water broke as she passed by the government building, and she was carried inside to give birth. After much commotion, she delivered a healthy baby boy. As the child let out a loud cry, the sky suddenly darkened with rolling thunder. Everyone was stunned— "Oh my! This child is extraordinary!" Not only did the county mayor hold the child, but he also gave him a name. Whenever the Zhou family recalls the day Zhou Panlai was born, they beam with pride! From the moment he could walk, Zhou Panlai loved going out to play. Naturally talkative, cheerful, and sociable, he not only had a large group of young friends but also an older circle. Wherever he was, many difficulties could be resolved.