I travel every day in a city full of high-rise buildings, and I use hard work to prove myself in a foreign land.
Faced with the expatriate life that was coming to an end, I stood at the crossroads of my life, and my heart was full of confusion. Will I continue to pursue higher professional success in this strange land of the United States, or will I return to my spiritual home, my home country.
On a subway after work, I overheard two foreigners' descriptions of China, and their words touched a corner of my heart. This serendipitous discovery made me start to rethink my choices.
And the decision I'm about to make could change my life.
I remember two years ago, I flew to the United States, full of anticipation and nervousness. At the time, I only thought of this expatriate as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, one that would leave a deep mark on my career.
However, when I really settled into life in the United States, I found that things were not as smooth as I thought. In the first few months, every day when I came home from work, there was an indescribable loneliness and confusion.
The difference in life makes me feel like a bystander who can't fit in. The food in the supermarket, the conversations on the street, and even the working atmosphere in the office were very different from what I was used to.
I remember one time when I was ordering food at a local restaurant, I was very embarrassed by the impatience in the waiter's eyes because of the pronunciation of Chinese English.
At that moment, how I wished I could return to that familiar country immediately. However, time is the best medicine. Slowly, I started to get used to everything, from the language to the culture, from the lifestyle to the pace of work.
I learned how to pick ingredients at my local supermarket, how to simply talk to my neighbors, and even started enjoying weekend walks in the park. At work, I have gradually proven my ability, from an unknown employee to an indispensable member of the American branch.
When I started to settle into life here, and even somewhat liked the free, open working environment, my assignment was coming to an end. According to the plan, I should return to that place that is both familiar and strange.
But just as I was about to leave, a big decision lay ahead of me.
You did a great job"The leader praised me in the office, his eyes full of recognition and expectation. "We hope to keep you and offer you a promotion if you wish. "
I was speechless for a while, and my heart was full of mixed feelings, joy, surprise, and hesitation. Seeing that I didn't respond immediately, the leader continued:"Of course, this is a big decision for you, but please understand that China is highly competitive, and it will be better to stay here. "
I nodded my head in understanding, but my heart was like being crawled by thousands of ants, full of uneasiness and irritability. After work, I slowly walked to the subway station, the old subway system in the United States, the peeling paint of the cars, the sound of metal rubbing, all made people nervous.
I remember when I first came to the United States, every time I took the subway, it was like a small adventure, and the tension at that time was stronger than watching horror movies. Walking into the empty subway car, I sat down in the corner, weighing over and over again whether it was time to end my overseas life.
Stay here? Or return home? The words of the leader are like a heavy burden on my heart, and the ** salary increase and promotion are intertwined with the concern of my relatives in China, so that I can't make a choice.
While I was pondering, the conversation between the two girls next to me caught my attention.
They have blond hair and blue eyes, three-dimensional and fair facial features, which make people envious at a glance. I'm not someone who likes to eavesdrop on other people's private conversations, but I can't help but be drawn to the word "China" when it comes to mind.
I noticed a girl (let's call her A) who seemed a little dissatisfied. "I've had enough of everything here. She shifted her sitting position and confided in her friend (b).
Do you know, there are more and more homeless people near where I live, there are one robbery after another, and I heard that there are even ** cases, even if I walk to the door now, I have to hold my bag tightly! ”
B's reaction was unexpectedly calm, she waved her hand gently, and instead of comforting A, she began to tell about her experience of traveling to China. "Speaking of which, the last time I traveled to China, I was deeply moved by the sense of security there.
The streets are crowded at night, and girls don't have to worry about safety even if they go out late at night. Her face flushed, and her eyes gleamed with the memories of that time.
A's curiosity is ignited, and she gently tilts her body towards B. "Really? What is daily life like in China? I always thought ...... beforeShe was not finished, probably fearing that her remarks would appear ignorant.
B seemed very happy to be able to share her experience, and her voice was full of enthusiasm. "China is not as poor and backward as it is said on the Internet, and Shanghai that I have been to is as prosperous as New York, full of high-rise buildings, and the speed of development is amazing. ”
She gestured with her hand, as if trying to make A feel her description more intuitively. "Also, Chinese food is really rich, and during my three days in Shanghai, I was able to taste different food every day, and there were more than 10 choices for breakfast alone, xiao long bao, fried dough sticks, and a street food called pancake fruit, which tasted very good. ”
B's face was filled with a happy smile, as if the delicacy was still on her taste buds. I couldn't help but be attracted by their conversation, and the corners of my mouth couldn't help but rise.
The familiar names of the food reminded me of the taste of my hometown, the warmth and security that I had not felt for a long time. B's voice revealed a firmness, "When I save enough money, I want to settle in China, where the quality of life and security are really desirable." ”
A is fascinated by B's description, and his eyes are full of longing for the unknown. "Hearing you say that, I also want to go to China. Her voice was full of wistfulness and curiosity.
The speed of the subway gradually subsided, and the terminal was near. Two blonde beauties gracefully got up and walked to the car door, their laughter wafting through the air before disappearing into the distance.
My heart rippled, and a feeling of guilt welled up in my heart. It turned out that I was too focused on self-development and the future, but I neglected to miss my hometown and have a deep sense of belonging.
Looking at their departing figures, the goal in my heart became extremely clear. I'm going home. That faraway land, that longing country, the hometown I love so much, my roots and my proud culture, are all calling to me.
Even though the competition is fierce at home, I am confident that I will deal with it. Because no matter where I go, that familiar land and that deep love always draw me home.