Gathering by the Sea, Youth in the Same Frame

The sky is a clear blue, and the sea breeze carries a faint salty coolness. Thatched shelters line up in a row; once the freshmen in camouflage stand there, the seriousness of the daytime training ground instantly melts into relaxed, carefree smiles. On September 6, in the sea breeze, freshmen from the iSoftStone Digital-Intelligent Industry College gathered in twos and threes, flashing peace signs, draping arms over shoulders, secretly standing on tiptoe — click — youth captured in the frame.

Charcoal Flames Rise: Barbecue in Progress

Once the grill was set up, the charcoal slowly turned red; the first wisp of smoke drifted along with the sea breeze, and the aroma spread too. Under the corridor and by the water, everyone sat in a circle, holding sizzling skewers in hand, chatting about funny moments from training, the little tacit understandings between classmates, and the never-gets-old topic of "who got one shade darker." Occasionally, sparks would crackle, and laughter would erupt again. The skewers steamed with heat, and the smiles in their eyes warmed up too — voices hoarse from shouting during the day were now used for chatting and laughing.

Fireworks Bloom, Lighting Up the Night Sky

Gradually the sky darkened; the sea surface was left with only scattered glimmers of light, and the fireworks party officially began. Some held handheld sparklers, with sparks splashing and swirling at their fingertips, tracing streaks of light; more people looked up, watching clusters of fireworks burst one after another in the night sky, golden, crimson, and emerald rain pouring down, illuminating every upturned face. Some cheered, some screamed, some held up phones trying to keep the moment. At that moment, the cheers outdid the waves and the fatigue of the journey.

As the fireworks faded and the crowd dispersed, only footprints remained on the tidal flats and the night illuminated by fireworks. Military training teaches us order and perseverance, but this night taught us another thing — the companions around us and the passionate present are worth taking seriously and celebrating. Years from now, when recalling these days, the commands may grow fuzzy, but the sea breeze, the charcoal fire, and the fireworks filling the sky that night will still shine in memory.