Recently, I read the book *Little Hero Yu Lai*. Every chapter left me feeling stirred with emotion and deeply proud of Yu Lai.
When Yu Lai was alone at home and the enemy launched a raid, Uncle Li, a messenger, had to hide in Yu Lai's house to evade capture. After safely hiding Uncle Li, Yu Lai tried to run toward the backyard, but he was captured. Despite the enemy's attempts to bribe him with candy and gold rings, Yu Lai remained steadfast and unmoved.
When bribery failed, the invaders turned to violence, bruising his face severely. Even so, Yu Lai refused to reveal Uncle Li's whereabouts. I felt heartache for him, yet was profoundly moved by his resilience. In a rage, the invaders tried to take him to the river for execution. My heart raced with anxiety, praying for his safety. Fortunately, catching the enemy off guard, Yu Lai leaped into the river... The invaders assumed he had drowned and left. In reality, the skilled swimmer swam away and, under the cover of night, returned to the village to find Uncle Li. His intelligence and bravery truly make him a hero! Seeing him safe, my anxiety finally subsided.
In the dim classroom of the night school, children sat around a faint light, chanting with their teacher: "We are Chinese, we love our country..." Their determined expressions and proud voices deeply moved me. Compared to them, we who study in bright classrooms with peace and plenty sometimes neglect our studies and books; it is truly humbling.
At only 12 years old, Yu Lai had already become the "Little Hero" in the hearts of villagers and readers. He is confident, patriotic, optimistic, brave, and resourceful—qualities worth learning. As I grow up, I also want to be like Yu Lai: a person who loves the motherland and serves it with devotion!
