Little Bobo Zhang A Centennial Classic Film Story of China Text and Pictures

Author: Huzi (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: The story takes place on the plains of Jizhong in 1943. On a summer morning, just as dawn breaks, the vast and misty Baiyangdian Lake appears exceptionally tranquil and peaceful. Amidst the swaying reed thickets, a small boat drifts on the water. Onboard is a fishing boy, about twelve or thirteen years old, named Zhang Gazi. His name suits him well—his sharp, clever eyes and expressive face are full of mischievous energy. If his eyes dart around, be careful, for he might just pull another trick. In short, this little fellow is playful yet beloved by everyone. Look, he’s fully focused again—likely spotted a big fish. He crouches down quietly, holding his fishing net ready to scoop it up, when suddenly, two sharp shots ring out. The sound startles the fish away and jolts Gazi too. He looks up and sees the shots coming from the embankment. Gazi knows there’s a Japanese stronghold on the embankment, surrounded by strict guards, barbed wire fences, and other obstacles. At that moment, the stronghold on the embankment is ablaze with fire, dark smoke rising into the sky. Japanese soldiers and puppet troops shout and scurry in chaos. Gazi suddenly spots a shadow on the embankment. The shadow swiftly tosses a hand grenade behind him, then, using the smoke from the explosion, dashes into the water and swims hard toward the lake. The pursuing Japanese and puppet troops stand on the shore, firing continuously at the water. The gunfire grows denser. Seeing the danger, Gazi jumps into the boat and dives into the water. After a while, the gunfire gradually fades. Near Gazi’s boat, a middle-aged man dressed as a farmer surfaces. He cautiously glances at the shore and, seeing no one on the boat, quickly climbs aboard. The embankment is crowded with people, puppet troops shining searchlights back and forth on the water. The middle-aged man rows hard toward the distance, but suddenly, a gunshot rings out—a bullet strikes him, causing him to sway and fall onto the boat. The boat loses its direction and begins to spin in the water. Yet soon after, the boat miraculously resumes moving forward, turning left and right before vanishing into the dense reed thickets.
As Gazi, who had watched everything clearly, had pushed the boat to the shore after the brave man could no longer row, the shore is actually Gazi’s village. This village has a peculiar name: "Gui Bu Ling." Among the tall, lush willow trees, a row of low, dilapidated earthen houses stands. With the help of the village head, Chun Gang, Gazi recognizes the rescued man as Captain Zhong of the reconnaissance platoon of the Eighth Route Army’s regional detachment. Captain Zhong had come to the enemy stronghold on a reconnaissance mission but was discovered by the heavily guarded enemy and injured while escaping via water. The village head arranges for Captain Zhong to recuperate at Gazi’s home. Gazi’s family consists of only a grandfather and his grandson. The grandmother is an elderly woman in her sixties, with graying hair and a kind, benevolent face. Under her meticulous care, Captain Zhong’s injuries improve quickly. One evening, a medical orderly from the Eighth Route Army’s regional detachment visits Captain Zhong from the unit. After examining his wound, she exclaims with excitement,