My name is Uncle Li, I am 65 years old, and I am a retired Chinese teacher. This year, I finally ushered in the retirement life I dreamed of. The salary is not high, and the monthly pension is only 8,500 yuan. The son and daughter are all married, the daughter is working in other places, the son Zhang Lei is doing business locally, and there is a daughter-in-law named Wang Lili. However, my children rarely came to see me, my wife died young, and I was the only one in the empty house. The lonely days were so hard that I decided to go to my son's house for a few years.
A few days ago, I went to discuss with my son Zhang Lei and said: "Lei Lei, my father is so old and panicked now, and he can't bear it in the face of a deserted house every day." Why don't you take me in for a few years, and I can help you with the housework and take care of your and Lili's lives. ”
Zhang Lei was a little embarrassed and said, "Dad, we have a small place here, and you can live here." Besides, our economy is also average, and the business of opening restaurants has not been sluggish in the past two years. ”
I was a little sad to hear this, thinking that he might not want me to live there, and I would not be free to live with my daughter-in-law. But after thinking about it, he is my own son after all, and I raised him, how could he be reluctant to let me be an old man. So I said firmly: "Son, I have already decided, just clean up a corner for me to sleep in, it won't take up too much space for you." I can also share some of your household chores so that Lili doesn't work too hard. Agree, you are my only dependence. ”
Zhang Lei was still a little hesitant, but seeing that I was so resolute, he agreed. I was so happy that I finally had someone to take care of my old age. I couldn't wait to go home and pack my bags, imagining the heartwarming picture of my son and them being reunited, and I couldn't stop talking.
Welcome, Uncle! Is this bringing your precious body to our home? Hurry up, please come in, please come in! Lili said earnestly.
I smiled and said to her, "Lili, it's my honor to have you take me in as an old man." In the future, you can call me uncle, and I will love you like my own son and daughter. ”
Lili hurriedly took my luggage and moved it inside: "Uncle, what are you polite, we will be a family in the future." Lei Lei and I will definitely take good care of you, you must not be as polite as outsiders, if you have any orders, just say it. ”
My heart is warm, this little daughter-in-law can really talk, and she is as affectionate as I imagined. When I entered the door, I looked at it and found that their house was not big, the old house was not renovated, and the furniture was old, but it was neat and clean. Zhang Lei said shyly: "Dad, our conditions here are not very good, you will just have a few days." We've got a storage room for you, do you think it's okay? ”
I looked at the small storage room, which was less than 10 square meters, and there was only room for a single bed and a small wardrobe, and there was no place to sit. Although I was a little disappointed in my heart, I also knew that my son's family did have limited conditions, so I had to say cheerfully: "Okay, okay, just put it in bed and sleep, why should I be so particular about an old man!" ”
I put my simple luggage in the room, exchanged pleasantries with them for a while, and then went back to the storage room. The moonlight shone through the small window, and I lay on the hard little bed, and suddenly became a little worried. I thought that my son was getting along well and that his financial situation would improve after he got married, so I offered to move in with them. But when I look at it today, the humble scene of their house doesn't seem to be well-off.
I was a little worried: "How much do you have to spend on living expenses every month?" ”
Lili sighed: "It's only four or five thousand yuan a month, not counting renting." If it weren't for you, we'd move to a cheaper location. But as soon as you come, we also have to take care of your daily life and food, and it will cost you five or six hundred yuan more. ”
At dinner, I saw again the hard lives of my son and daughter-in-law. They brought leftovers, many of which had been left out for days. I was so embarrassed that I didn't dare to eat, thinking that they were so financially strapped that they had to spend extra money to support me, who was idle, and it was too difficult for them.
Seeing that I didn't eat, Lili explained: "Uncle, let's not hide it, our family usually doesn't eat well, it's all leftovers." You are a guest, I wanted to cook you a few good dishes, but I worked too late last night and didn't have time to buy vegetables. You'll be fine, and I'll make you some tasty ones tomorrow. ”
I hurriedly said: "Lili, you and Lei Lei are too worried about me, I'm so particular about this old man!" As a family, isn't it common to eat some leftovers, I'm used to eating them. But my chopsticks still can't hold up those black, sour leaves.
Zhang Lei said embarrassedly on the side: "Why don't you use some rice pads to pad your stomach first?" We still have some instant noodles at home, would you like to have some? ”
Seeing that I had tears in my eyes, Lili hurriedly explained, "Uncle, don't take it to heart. We are just a little worse off, how can you, an elderly man, suffer this grievance! Although you ask Lei Lei, you can buy whatever you need to eat. He's too bad at taking care of people, so I'm here to compensate you. ”
I wiped away my tears and watched them eagerly comfort me, and I couldn't help it. I think I'm 65 years old, my children are married, and I should be living a peaceful and leisurely life. I shouldn't have been burdened by this old bone, but let these young men sacrifice for my life.
Zhang Lei hurriedly said: "Dad, you are laughing." You are an old man, how can you do such menial work! Even if our conditions are poor, we have to let you enjoy your old age comfortably. ”
I said firmly: "Son, my bones are still strong, I'm only 65 years old, and I'm not an octogenarian!" I really don't care, you just let me do what I can, it's better than me eating idle food every day and becoming a burden to your family. I'm still a little useful! ”
Lili persuaded me: "Uncle, your body is important, don't force yourself." Our little couple can bear it on our own, Lei Lei and I will find a way to make more money, don't worry about us! ”
At first, Zhang Lei and Lili both persuaded me not to work so hard, but I categorically refused to listen. I am a responsible person, and since I live in their house, I have to do something for this family, not just for enjoyment. A month later, my hands and feet were much sharper, and I was skilled in housework, Lili and Zhang Lei saw that I was working so hard, so they no longer persuaded me, and let me manage the family's diet and daily life.
One day, Zhang Lei rarely went home for lunch. I serve my own scrambled eggs with cabbage, winter melon soup and rice. Zhang Lei ate it and kept nodding his head and praised: "Dad, I eat the home-cooked food you make, which is more fragrant than eating in a restaurant outside!" Your craftsmanship is so good, if you open a small restaurant, it will be very popular. ”
I smiled and said, "Son, don't praise me." My skills are nothing, but they are only enough to support their families. I just hope that you and Lili will suffer less, eat hot food every day, and rest assured that I, an old man, are still 'socialist ** people'! ”
Zhang Lei also laughed with me, and then said shyly: "Dad, I'm sorry, I've been too busy with work over the years and haven't had time to accompany you." I didn't understand why you had to move in with us because you could live alone. Now I understand that you must be lonely, and it is too difficult to live alone. I'm so heartless! ”
I rubbed his head and said, "Silly boy, that's all in the past." Dad doesn't blame you, and you don't have to blame yourself. Isn't it nice now, we live together as a family, that's like talking! ”
Since then, my relationship with my son has grown closer. I can deeply understand that as a son, he needs to take on the responsibility of the family, so he has not been with me more over the years. Now being able to spend my old age with his family is the happiest thing for me.
We found a meadow beside a mountain stream, and Lili spread out a picnic cloth and brought out her carefully prepared lunch. I happily savored Lili's fragrant fried noodles, grilled chicken wings and cold lettuce.
Lili, you're getting better at cooking! I'm almost overwhelmed by your cooking! I smiled and admired Lili.
Yes, my daughter-in-law's craftsmanship is indeed second to none. Zhang Lei also praised.
I'm your student after all, uncle. If you really talk about craftsmanship, you are still amazing. Lili said shyly.
I watched them talk and laugh, and my heart was filled with warmth and comfort.
I was very satisfied and happy to eat this outing lunch. As the sun set slanting, we went to the nearby village again. The villagers chatted with us warmly and gave us freshly picked fruits to eat.
On this day, I felt the joy and satisfaction that I had not felt for a long time. Lying in bed at night, I can't help but get wet as I reminisce about the day. It turns out that I can still feel so warm and joyful again. I thought that these only existed in the memories of my youth. Now, my son and daughter-in-law have brought back these feelings that I have been lost for many years.
Lili's eyes also turned red when she saw this, she hugged me and said, "Uncle, the most important thing is for our family to reunite." You gave birth to me and raised me for so many years, I should be filial to you and take care of you. In the future, we will cherish every minute and every second with you! ”
At this time, Zhang Lei also came over, he saw my tearful appearance, and asked softly: "Dad, what's wrong with you?" Is it because you are not feeling well? ”
At this moment, I knew that my life had been sublimated. In my later years, I was no longer lonely and empty, and this family made me regain the responsibility and meaning of being a father. I want to spend the rest of my life guarding this small family and working with my children to get through the endeavors of life.
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, I have lived at my son's house for two years. In the past two years, I have witnessed how the family of three has struggled to move forward in the face of hardship and finally improve their lives.
I still remember when I first came here two years ago, Lei Lei ran a small restaurant with a bleak business and very poor conditions. And I am also taking care of their daily life, sharing household chores and helping them save money. Looking back on those days now, I can't help but sigh that my youngest son has really grown up.
Just recently, the business of Lei Lei Restaurant is finally on the right track. He took the initiative to make adjustments, improved the menu, and hired a few experienced chefs. Now his restaurant is well-known for its specialities, with a noticeable increase in footfall, and is doing better than it has in the past two years.
At dinner that day, Lei Lei happily shared with us the latest business developments: "Dad, Lili, our restaurant's turnover this month has increased by 30% compared with the same period last year!In the past few days, there have been some scheduled private banquets, and I plan to hire a few more waiters. ”
I said excitedly, "Son, you kid is really good!" Dad saw you when he was a kid and knew you were promising! This business is getting more and more prosperous, it seems that my dad and I have really helped you when I moved here! ”
It all depends on your care! Lili happily agreed.
I looked at my son's mature and steady appearance, and I was very relieved. When I first moved in, he was still the same young man who couldn't pay the rent and lived a poor life with his daughter-in-law; However, now, he is the head of the family and can support the family. I am full of emotion, my son has really grown up!
Not only has their business improved, but their lives have also gotten better. Last year, they finally moved out of that small, dirty old house and bought a new house close to the restaurant. A lot of new furniture has been added to the home, and the facilities are also very complete. I also moved from that small storage room to a large bedroom, and finally had my own space and no longer had to cram into small, dark corners.
Now, whenever I'm home alone, I sit on the balcony and look out at the noise in the residential area, looking at the bustling crowd, and I feel a kind of satisfying happiness. I have lived a fulfilling life, and I feel extremely happy to be surrounded by my family.
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, I have lived in my son's house for 5 years. In the past five years, I have witnessed the tremendous changes in this family, from the initial poverty and hardship, to finally enter a well-off life. I also went from being a lonely old man to an important member of their family.
I still remember when I first came here, the storage room was cramped, the furniture was poor, and there were leftovers from the food. And because of self-blame and distress, I began to take on all the housework and try to help them save money. Now, 5 years later, I live in a bright and spacious bedroom, with everything in the house and a fridge and cupboards that are always well stocked. These days, my main task is to recuperate at home, cook some meals once in a while, and live a truly carefree old age.
Just a few days ago, Zhang Lei excitedly announced to me and Lili: "I plan to open another branch!" Business has been getting better and better in the past few years, and I want to rent a better store in the city center. When the customer flow is larger, maybe it can become a chain brand! ”
Lili also applauded happily: "Husband, you are a business genius in my mind!" Come on, be sure to open a chain restaurant kingdom! ”
Zhang Lei touched his head embarrassedly and said, "I'm just starting out, and you just praise me like this." I will work harder to realize our dream of a catering kingdom as soon as possible! ”
I looked at them talking and laughing, and said lovingly: "Son, you are now grown up**, and you are no longer the poor young man who couldn't pay the rent back then." You started your own business, and I'm so proud of you! ”
Zhang Lei came over and took my hand and said sincerely: "Dad, what I want to say is that all this is absolutely inseparable from your support and help!" The year you came to our home was a turning point in our lives! I will be forever grateful to you for making this most wise decision! ”
I hugged him excitedly, and I couldn't hold back the tears. Now he has grown up enough to give back to his parents and support his family in their old age. I sincerely feel that my life has been fulfilled, and my son has lived up to me as a father!