In 2004, people gathered for a group photo in front of Deng Xiaoping's portrait to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Deng's birth. ZHOU SHUNBIN/FOR CHINA DAILY

Zou is a site safety officer and crane commander I am familiar with. He was directing the crane on the first floor, and I waited for him to finish the work. The sun shone on his blue vest, red hat and his robust tendons from above the building.