2023 Post Sprint Competition
One spring in 1970, Ma Peng and Wang Mao met in the factory, and it was a gray morning.
The factory horn is blaring the horn of the morning, Ma Peng is a new technician, and she is wearing overalls.
His hair was simply tied back of his head, and Wang Mao was a workshop director who had worked in the factory for five years.
The first time he saw her in the cafeteria, he noticed Ma Peng's focused and serious eyes.
At first, their communication was limited to work, and Wang Mao often helped Ma Peng technically, and as the days together increased.
The two began to work together on a number of work projects, in the process.
They gradually discover each other's common interests and values, they both love to read and have a curiosity about the world.
Soon they began to discuss a variety of topics outside of work, from stories in books to trivia of life.
In the summer of 1971, they decided to get married, at a time when material resources were scarce and living conditions were difficult.
These difficulties did not stop their love, and their wedding was simple, and colleagues in the unit spontaneously held it for them in the cafeteria.
Their wedding had no lavish feasts, no expensive gifts, just simple smiles and sincere wishes.
After their marriage, they continued to work in the same factory, and despite the difficult living conditions, they were both optimistic.
They began to implement the AA system, in which each of them paid half of the household expenses, which was not common in those days.
But they see it as a sign of equality and respect, and Ma Peng and Wang Mao's salaries are not high.
But they always managed to distribute their income wisely, and they would spend a portion of their money on household necessities.
The other part is saved for possible future emergencies, and despite their busy schedules, they try to squeeze in as much time as possible.
They went to the market to buy groceries together, cooked at home together, and often sat together on the small balcony in the evenings, drinking homemade tea.
Talking about work and life, these simple days are full of laughter and love, and their relationship is getting stronger and stronger after marriage.
In those days, people's lives were not fast-paced, and they had time to get to know each other and space to adapt to each other.
They respect each other, face life's challenges together, and financially, they always insist on sharing equally.
This practice strengthens trust and cooperation between them, both in terms of income and expenses.
Ma Peng and Wang Mao's life after marriage is simple, but it is full of harmony and happiness.
Every month they put their respective salaries together and then divide them equally, every expense of the family.
Whether it's daily food shopping or occasional entertainment, the two of them will share the responsibility.
This way of sharing allows them to maintain a financial balance and make both of them feel comfortable and comfortable.
Their family financial management is also very strict, and every month Ma Peng will carefully record all expenses, including utility bills.
Wang Mao oversees the family's large expenditures, such as the purchase of household appliances or home repairs.
They sit down regularly to discuss family finances and make sure that everything is within budget, under the concept of equal marriage.
Ma Peng and Wang Mao share various responsibilities in the family, they cook together and clean together.
Taking care of each member of the family together, marriage is more than just an emotional union in their opinion.
It is also a partnership in life, they share the joys and pains of life together, and face the challenges of life together.
Even though they are financially independent, their relationship is still very deep.
In the evenings, they often listen to the radio together in the small living room of their home, or discuss problems at work.
Together, they plan for the future, including family expenses and even retirement life.
The understanding and trust between them was further deepened, and their lives gradually stabilized.
They began to have small savings that became a guarantee for all kinds of emergencies they might face in the future.
They are also starting to think about the future, such as buying a tiny house or saving for a possible future child's education.
Life was uneventful, but they were content, and there were no heated quarrels in their marriage.
In this way, the two have lived together for decades, and Ma Peng and Wang Mao have entered their old age, in this period.
They faced new health challenges, especially Wang Mao, whose health began to decline significantly after his 76th birthday.
Wang Mao's first symptom was heart discomfort, and at first he only occasionally felt chest tightness and fatigue, but it didn't take long.
These symptoms became more and more severe, and Ma Peng noticed these changes, and she began to worry about Wang Mao's health.
She insisted that he go to the hospital for a check-up, and at the hospital, after a series of tests, the doctor told them.
Wang Mao's heart problem requires surgery, and the problem is.
The cost of Wang Mao's heart surgery was very high, which was far beyond Wang Mao's financial capacity.
This news is a heavy blow to Wang Mao, although he has accumulated some money over the years.
But it is definitely not enough to pay for such high medical expenses, and Wang Mao's situation is getting worse day by day.
But they don't seem to have enough money to deal with the crisis, Mr. Wang once told Mr. Ma strongly.
My savings are not enough for this ** cost, maybe it would be better if I didn't have surgery. But Ma Peng knew that if the operation was not performed.
Wang Mao could lose his life at any time due to a myocardial infarction.
In the months that followed, Wang Mao traveled frequently to and from the hospital, and every time he went to the hospital, Ma Peng would be by his side.
Whether it was during the long wait or in every check-up, she silently supported him.
Despite their worries, Shigeru's health has become a center of gravity in their lives.
All the time and energy revolved around this problem, and Ma Peng watched Wang Mao's body weaken day by day, and his heart was very painful.
She began to ask around and look for better doctors and hospitals, hoping to find a financially viable way.
She reached out to relatives and friends to ask if there were other hospitals or doctors who could offer a more economical option.
But no matter how hard she tried, the answer she got was the same, and the surgery Wang Mao needed to have was expensive and time-sensitive.
Wang Mao's condition is getting worse, and doctors have repeatedly stressed that if surgery is not performed soon, the situation will be even more dangerous.
One night Wang Mao was sitting in the living room, his face was heavy, and he suddenly said to Ma Peng.
We need to talk about the cost of this surgery. Ma Peng sat across from him, knowing that the topic would eventually come.
But he still felt nervous, and Wang Mao's voice seemed a little trembling: ".I know we've always adhered to the AA system.
But now I really need your help and my own deposit is not enough to cover the full cost.
Ma Peng was silent for a while, and then said slowly: ".We've always been AA-based.
I don't think we should change our principles because of this situation. Her tone was firm.
But there was a hint of hesitation in his eyes, Wang Mao looked very depressed after hearing this, and his voice was pleading.
I know, but this is my life, and I hope you understand. His eyes were filled with helplessness.
The conversation sparked an altercation between the two sides, with Ma Peng insisting, even in this case.
Nor should they break the AA system principle that they have adhered to for many years, and Wang Mao feels that at the moment of life and death.
Husbands and wives should support each other, and their quarrels are getting more and more intense, even involving all kinds of problems in their marriages for many years.
After a particularly fierce quarrel, Wang Mao emotionally turned out Ma Peng's passbook.
It was discovered that her deposit was more than three times her own. This discovery shocked and disappointed Wang Mao.
His mood became more complicated, he felt betrayed, and felt that Ma Peng was cold and ruthless when he needed help the most.
Wang Mao said angrily to Ma Peng: ".I never thought you would have so much money.
And here I am agonizing over my ** expenses and worrying about my life!His voice was filled with disappointment and pain.
Ma Peng felt very sad, but she still insisted on her position: ".This money is something I've saved over the years.
This money is for our future lives. Her voice was calm, but her eyes glistened with tears.
This dispute brought the relationship between the two to an impasse, and Wang Mao even angrily asked for a divorce.
If you can't even do that, then what's the point of continuing to be together?There was despair in his words.
Ma Peng was stung by Wang Mao's words, she never thought that their marriage would come to an end because of such a thing.
She was extremely confused, did not know what to do, she did not understand why for years to adhere to the principles.
Becoming so vulnerable at this critical moment, they remained silent to each other for the days that followed, each sitting in a corner of the living room.
Ma Peng sat alone on the sofa in the living room all night, her heart full of confusion and pain.
The next morning, her son Wang Qiang came home, and Li Qiang felt the tension in the house as soon as he entered the door.
Seeing his mother's haggard face, he was very worried: ".Mom, what's going on?Wang Qiang asked.
Ma Peng struggled to suppress her emotions and simply recounted to her son the dispute between her and Wang Mao.
Wang Qiang was silent for a while after hearing this, and then said, ".Mom, I understand the principles you have always adhered to.
But now that Dad's condition is at stake in his life, I feel like we should reconsider it.
Ma Peng shook his head: ".You don't understand that it's not just about money, it's about our principles for many years.
Wang Qiang sat next to his mother and whispered, ".Mom, I know it's hard for you.
But sometimes we need to adjust according to the situation, and the most important thing now is Dad's health.
Ma Peng looked at his son with tears in his eyes, and Wang Qiang continued: ".Mom, you've been with Dad for so many years.
Your relationship is more important than anything, and we can't let principles and money ruin it.
Ma Peng fell into deep thought, she knew that her son's words made sense, but her heart was still full of hesitation and entanglement.
Wang Qiang saw his mother's hesitation, and he said again"Mom, I'm willing to contribute some money to help Dad.
We can share Dad's medical expenses together. "Ma Peng was moved by her son's words, and she began to rethink this question.
She realized that although she and Wang Mao had always adhered to the AA system, they were facing a moment of life and death.
These principles are no longer so important, the most important thing is the relationship between her and Wang Mao, and the years they have gone through together.
After thinking about it for a long time, Ma Peng finally made a decision, and she decided to share half of the medical expenses.
She went to Wang Mao and told him her decision, and after Wang Mao heard it, his eyes were full of gratitude and relief.
Thank you, Pengpeng. Wang Mao said softly, his voice full of emotion and gratitude.
At that moment, the previous tension between the two dissipated, and Ma Peng's decision was not just about the choice of money.
It is also a kind of affirmation and importance for their marriage, and she realizes that it is important to stick to principles in the face of major challenges.
But more importantly, the understanding and support between each other, Wang Qiang saw his parents reconciled, and his heart was full of relief.
He knew that the decision would not be easy for his mother, but he also knew that it was the right decision.
He is very proud that they have been able to come together and face difficulties together in this time when the family is facing a crisis.
After Ma Peng decided to share the medical expenses, Wang Mao's surgery was able to go smoothly.
The operation was successful, Wang Mao's health gradually improved, and Ma Peng was always by his side during this process.
Taking care of his diet and rest, and giving him spiritual support, Wang Mao deeply felt Ma Peng's love.
His heart was full of gratitude, and during the ** period after the operation, Wang Mao had a lot of time to think about their marriage and past life.
Although they have always adhered to the AA system, Ma Peng's decision at a critical moment shows her deep commitment to the marriage.
Wang Mao felt very guilty because of his previous doubts and accusations against Ma Peng.
When Wang Mao was discharged from the hospital and went home, he said to Ma Peng at nightPengpeng, I'm sorry for not understanding you before.
Your decision has made me realize that marriage is more than just two people together.
It is also about supporting and understanding each other in difficult times. Ma Peng held Wang Mao's hand, his eyes full of warmth.
As Wang Mao's health gradually recovered, their lives returned to normal, and the experience strengthened their relationship.
After being discharged from the hospital, they often walked together and talked about life and the future, and they shared a lot of topics that they hadn't talked about in the past.
Rediscovering each other's strengths and values, these simple and sincere exchanges deepened the understanding and affection between them.
Ma Peng also had a lot of insights in this experience, and she understood that money and principles are important in marriage.
But more importantly, the other party's health and happiness, she began to pay more attention to Wang Mao's health, rather than just adhering to principles.
Wang Mao has also changed, and he has begun to appreciate and cherish Ma Peng's existence more.