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My name is Lin Xiaochen, I am 30 years old, and I am married to a husband who is five years older than me, Li Wei. Our marriage, which seems to be peaceful, is actually a subtle power play in the family. Today, I want to talk about my brother-in-law's college entrance banquet.
It was a sunny day and the sun was shining in every corner of the city. I packed everything and prepared to go to my brother-in-law's college entrance banquet. In China, such celebrations often mean family gatherings, but also a struggle for power and face between families.
My husband, Li Wei, is the eldest in the family, and his younger brother, Li Qiang, has just been admitted to a prestigious university. This is undoubtedly a big event worth showing off for their family. My mother-in-law mentioned on the phone early on that she was going to hold a big banquet to celebrate this happy event. Of course, I know the meaning behind this banquet all too well.
"Xiaochen, remember to wear that red dress, it looks festive. The mother-in-law commanded on the phone.
I answered, but I couldn't help but feel a little bored. My mother-in-law always takes this occasion very seriously, and she always wants the whole family to show the best side.
When I put on my red dress and stood in front of the mirror, Li Wei hugged me from behind. "You're so beautiful today. His voice was gentle, but I knew that it was just a scene.
The banquet was held in a luxurious hotel. Many relatives had already arrived when we arrived. The mother-in-law, dressed in a gorgeous cheongsam, is busy greeting every guest. When she saw us, a smug smile bloomed on her face.
"Come on, come on, this is my eldest son and daughter-in-law. The mother-in-law introduced loudly, as if to show her glory.
At the dinner table, relatives talked a lot, praising the achievements of the little uncle. Li Qiang sat there with a little embarrassment and smugness on his face.
"Xiaochen, you husband and wife are really generous to Xiaoqiang, this college banquet will be up to the two of you. The mother-in-law said this suddenly, not loudly, but it made the air around her freeze.
I was stunned, and Li Wei's eyes became complicated. We are not prepared to bear the cost of this banquet. That's a lot of money for us.
"Mom, this ......" Li Wei tried to speak.
"Oh, what's this, isn't it just a banquet? Xiaochen and my eldest son earn a lot, and this amount of money is nothing. The mother-in-law interrupted him, with unquestionable authority in her tone.
I felt a pang of powerlessness. This kind of family gathering is often a stage for my mother-in-law to show her authority, and I am just a chess piece in her hand.
Halfway through the banquet, my dad was surprised
The ground appeared. He is a taciturn man, but every time he appears, he always brings a little peace. His presence eased the atmosphere of the banquet a little.
"Xiaochen, is this your father?" my mother-in-law was a little surprised, she didn't invite my father.
"Well, he said he wanted to come and see. I replied, but I didn't know why my father suddenly appeared.
My father walked up to Li Qiang's side, smiled and congratulated him on his advancement, and then turned to his mother-in-law. His voice was calm but carried a power that could not be ignored: "I heard that the cost of today's banquet is from Xiaochen and Wei?"
The mother-in-law was stunned for a moment, and then smiled: "Oh, this is not a family matter, Xiaochen and Wei make a lot of money, and it is not a problem to make this money." ”
My father nodded, and then said, "Since it is a family matter, then I, as Xiaochen's father, naturally have to contribute. I'll pay for this banquet. With that, he took out a bank card from his pocket.
This sudden move made the mother-in-law's face change. She didn't expect my dad to do that, and apparently she was feeling a little caught off guard.
Li Wei looked at this scene, and a trace of complicated emotions flashed in his eyes. He knows that this is not just about money, but also about the dignity and power of the family.
After the banquet, Li Wei and I sent my father home. In the car, Li Wei was silent. I know that he has too much helplessness and contradictions in his heart.
"Xiaochen, I'm sorry, I failed to protect you. Li Wei said suddenly.
I gently shook his hand: "It's not your fault, family matters, it's always complicated." ”
The next day, I went back to my job. I'm an editor, and although I have a busy job, I can forget about my family for a while. However, at lunchtime, my mother-in-law's phone called.
"Xiaochen, yesterday your father's actions embarrassed me. You should educate your family well. There was reproach in the mother-in-law's tone.
I took a deep breath and tried to stay calm: "Mom, my dad just had good intentions. ”
"Good intentions, he's showing weakness! Embarrassing our family in front of outsiders!" the mother-in-law's voice raised.
I couldn't understand my mother-in-law's thoughts, so I could only try to reassure: "Mom, don't be angry, I'll pay attention to this kind of thing in the future." ”
After hanging up, I felt an indescribable tiredness. This kind of family strife seems to never be settled.
That night, Li Wei offered to go to the movies with me in an attempt to ease the tension. In the cinema, he held my hand tightly, as if he could resist all the distractions of the outside world.
After the movie ended, we walked aimlessly down the street. Li Wei suddenly said, "Xiaochen, me."
I want to tell you that I also feel very heavy about this kind of family pressure. I don't want you to be treated like this because of me. ”
His words touched me, but at the same time, I felt helpless. "Wei, I know it's not your fault, we're all people struggling with the rules of this family. ”
As we walked, the street lamps reflected our figures, and the long road seemed to have no end. At this time, my mobile phone rang, and it was a message from my friend Xiaoya: "Xiaochen, I heard that you have encountered some trouble at home recently, do you want to come out for a party?"
Xiaoya was my roommate in college and has always been my bosom friend. I replied, "Okay, I need to breathe." ”
The next day, Xiaoya and I met at a café. As soon as she saw me, she hugged me tightly: "Xiaochen, looking at your recent circle of friends, I feel like you have a lot on your mind." ”
I sighed and told Xiaoya what had happened these days. After hearing this, Xiaoya's brows tightened: "If this continues, the relationship between you and Li Wei will become more and more tense." ”
I shook my head weakly: "I don't know what to do, I feel like I'm trapped in a huge whirlpool. ”
Xiaoya looked at me seriously: "Xiaochen, you can't just passively accept it. You need to have a good talk with Li Wei and find a solution that has the best of both worlds. ”
Her words lit up in my heart. Yes, I can't just passively take it, I need to find a way to change that.
On the way home, I thought about the conversation with Li Wei. When I got home, I found Li Wei sitting in the living room, seemingly waiting for me.
"Xiaochen, can we talk?" Li Wei spoke, his tone revealing a seriousness.
I nodded, and we sat down on the couch and started a long conversation. We talked about our family, our marriage, and our respective pressures and expectations.
Li Wei said: "Xiaochen, I know that all this is very unfair to you. I'll talk to my mom and try to lighten your load. ”
I looked at him with gratitude in my eyes: "Wei, I know it's hard for you too. But we need to find a way out together. ”
That night, we talked late at night, as if we had found hope for a fresh start.
A few days later, Li Wei told me that he had talked to his mother-in-law, and although she was a little unhappy, she promised not to put too much pressure on me in the future.
While I know this won't change everything right away, it's at least a start. The relationship between Li Wei and I has also been strengthened by this in-depth exchange.
That night, I stood alone on the balcony, looking at the starry sky in the distance. I know that no matter how difficult the road ahead is, as long as Li Wei and I can walk hand in hand, we will definitely find the light that belongs to us.
The next day, when I went to work, I noticed that the atmosphere in the office was a little different. My colleague Xiaoling ran
He came over and said, "Xiaochen, have you heard? The company is going to start a big project, and I heard that the position of project manager this time is very sought-after." ”
I was shocked that this was an opportunity for me. If you can become a project manager, not only will your career be greatly improved, but your family will also be relieved by the financial improvement.
"I've heard about it, and I'm going to try it too. I replied.
"Then you have to come on, it's very competitive. Xiaoling said with a smile.
Back at my desk, I began to plan my work plan and proposals in earnest. I know it's going to be a tough challenge, but I'm ready for it.
Outside of work, the relationship between me and Li Wei has gradually become more harmonious. We began to share more of each other's thoughts and feelings and plan for our future together.
However, just one day before I was ready to submit my project proposal to the company, my mother-in-law came to visit out of the blue. Her face looked serious.
"Xiaochen, I heard that you have a big project in the company recently, haven't you?" asked the mother-in-law bluntly.
I nodded, "Yes, Mom, I'm working on a proposal." ”
The mother-in-law frowned: "I heard Li Wei say, if you become a project manager, will you have no time to take care of the family?"
I was stunned for a moment, I didn't expect my mother-in-law to be so worried: "Mom, I will balance work and family." ”
"But I think family is more important. Xiaochen, you are the daughter-in-law of the family, and you should put the family first. The mother-in-law's tone became firm.
I struggled with it. I know it's hard to change the traditional mindset of my mother-in-law, but I don't want to give up on my career either.
"Mom, I understand your concerns, but I also have my career dreams. I believe I can do both. I tried to be as calm as I could.
The mother-in-law shook her head: "I don't want you to neglect your family because of your work. You should think it through. ”
After saying that, the mother-in-law left. I stood there with mixed feelings. I knew that this time I needed to make a choice, not only for myself, but also for our family.
The next day, I went to the company with the proposal. In the elevator, I took a deep breath and encouraged myself to persevere.
After submitting the proposal, I felt a sense of relief that I had never felt before. Regardless of the outcome, I've done my best.
A few days later, the company announced the project manager. When I heard my name, I could hardly believe it. I felt both excited and nervous, which meant new challenges and responsibilities.
When I got home, I excitedly shared the good news with Li Wei. After Li Wei heard this, he smiled and hugged me: "Xiaochen, I am proud of you. ”
But I also knew that this meant more challenges at home and at work. I need to work harder to balance the two and prove that I can do both roles well.
In the evening, I
Sitting alone in the study, thinking about future plans. I know the days ahead are going to be very busy, but I'm confident that with the right planning and determination, I can overcome any odds.
A few days later, the project was officially launched. I started my busy work, day after day. I try to find a balance between work and family, and although it's not easy, I try every day.
Seeing my efforts, Li Wei began to take the initiative to take on more family responsibilities. He helped with cooking, taking care of the housework, and even tried to communicate with my mother-in-law to relieve my stress in the family.
However, as my work progressed, I found that the project faced many unexpected challenges. I had to work overtime and sometimes even had to work weekends. I started to feel physically and mentally exhausted and stressed.
Just then, my mother-in-law came to talk to me again. "Xiaochen, I see that you have been busy with work during this time, and you can't even take care of your home. I've said before that family is more important than work. ”
My heart tightened, but I knew that my mother-in-law's starting point in saying this was to care about the family. "Mom, I know that family is important, but my work is also important. I'm trying to balance them. ”
The mother-in-law sighed: "I know you have your ambitions, but as the daughter-in-law of the family, you should know what is most important." ”
This conversation left me feeling very tired. I began to wonder if I could really do both.
One night, I was sitting alone on the balcony and looking at the night sky. Li Wei walked over and hugged me gently: "Xiaochen, no matter what you decide to do, I will support you." You don't need to sacrifice your dreams for anyone. ”
Li Wei's words made me feel warm. I know that no matter what decision I make, he will be there for me.
The next day, I went to the company and asked my supervisor to adjust the work plan. I explained my struggles between home and work and suggested some possible solutions.
My boss understood and supported my decision. Together, we adjusted the project plan so that I could balance work and family more effectively.
When I got home, I sat down with Li Wei and my mother-in-law and had a serious discussion about family and work. I expressed my feelings and plans in the hope of their understanding and support.
Although my mother-in-law still had some reservations, she saw the firm attitude of Li Wei and me, and finally said that she would try her best to understand and support.
As time went on, my work gradually got on the right track, and the family atmosphere gradually became harmonious. I began to learn to find joy in the midst of busyness and growth in the midst of stress.
My project was a success and the company spoke highly of my performance. This is not only a professional success, but also an important milestone in my personal growth.
Home, mother-in-law
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