The spring breeze blew the lights of thousands of homes, but it couldn't warm the cold area in Li Ming's heart. His mobile phone working in the field suddenly rang, and a text message broke the silence of the night: "Mingzi, your teacher Zhang is very sick, and the doctor said that the situation is not optimistic. Come back and check it out if possible. The text message was sent by Xiao Liu, a classmate of his high school classmate, with a hint of anxiety between the lines.
He stayed up all night and bought a ticket home early the next morning. The scenery outside the car window was blurry, and Li Ming's thoughts drifted back to those days when he got along with Teacher Zhang.
At that time, he was a helpless orphan living in a small village in the countryside. Teacher Zhang not only taught him knowledge, but also took him into his own home after the death of his parents and took care of him like his own child. Li Ming remembers that whenever he came home from school, Teacher Zhang always smiled and asked, "Mingzi, how is school today?"
"Teacher, in today's math class, I didn't understand much about how this formula is applied. Li Ming always told Mr. Zhang about his learning difficulties.
"It's okay, the teacher will help you take a look. "Teacher Zhang always patiently taught him little by little until he fully understood.
Although life is simple, Mr. Zhang gave him a warm home. Whenever winter comes, Mr. Zhang will prepare enough cotton clothes and bedding for him early, "The north wind blows, and we are not afraid of the cold." Teacher Zhang said with a smile.
In those afternoons about mathematical formulas and historical eras, Mr. Zhang would always make a pot of hot tea and tell those complex historical stories while drinking, which was vivid and interesting. Li Ming always listened with relish until the sunset outside the window cast a long shadow.
Although the old house of Mr. Zhang's family is dilapidated, every corner is full of warm memories. They repaired the house together, and Mr. Zhang taught him how to take care of the housework and how to be self-reliant. "Mingzi, no matter what time you are, you have to have self-knowledge and repay your kindness. Teacher Zhang often taught him like this.
Li Ming's eyes gradually blurred. The people in the car come and go, and they have nothing to do with him. He just wanted to hurry up and see Teacher Zhang, the benefactor who had reached out to him when he was most helpless.
After arriving at his hometown, he hurriedly packed his luggage and went straight to the hospital. In the corridors of the hospital, the white walls reflect a cold light. He pushed open the door of Teacher Zhang's ward and saw Teacher Zhang lying on the bed, his face pale.
"Teacher, I'm back. He whispered, tears welling up in his eyes.
Teacher Zhang opened his eyes weakly, saw Li Ming, and reluctantly pulled out a smile: "Mingzi, you're back." Teacher... The teacher has been waiting for you for a long time. ”
"Teacher, don't worry, I will always be here with you. Li Ming held Teacher Zhang's hand and felt the warmth and heaviness coming from the palm.
In Teacher Zhang's ward, Li Ming sat on the edge of the bed and gently held Teacher Zhang's hand. The sunlight outside the window casts dappled light and shadow through the white curtains, and the air in the ward seems to be a little heavier.
"Mingzi, I'm much more relieved that you're here. Teacher Zhang's voice was weak and gentle, and he had to take a few breaths with every word.
"Teacher, don't worry. If there's anything you need me to help with, just let me know. Li Ming looked at him distressedly.
Teacher Zhang slowly turned his head, with a hint of hesitation and worry in his eyes: "I... I have something that I haven't been able to worry about. It's about my niece, Linlin. ”
Li Ming nodded, he knew that the niece mentioned by Teacher Zhang was Zhang Lin, a lovely girl who lost her parents due to a car accident and has been raised by Teacher Zhang since then. Although Zhang Lin and he don't see each other often, every time she comes back, she comes to visit Teacher Zhang and help with some housework.
"Linlin has been a little unhappy lately, and she has encountered difficulties emotionally and at work. Teacher Zhang said distressedly, "I, who is an uncle, don't feel good when I see her working hard." ”
Li Ming held Teacher Zhang's hand tightly: "Teacher, don't worry, Linlin has me." I'll go back and talk to her and see how I can help. ”
That afternoon, Li Ming found Zhang Lin. They sat down in a small café with a bustling street outside their window, while they only had two lightly steaming cups of coffee on their table.
"Brother Ming, I heard from my uncle that you came to see him, thank you. Zhang Lin's voice was a little choked.
"Linlin, uncle told me you've been a little sad lately. If it's convenient, you can talk to me and maybe I can help. Li Ming said gently.
Zhang Lin shook her head slightly, and then sighed: "Yes, Brother Ming, I broke up with my boyfriend, and it didn't go well at work, I feel so stressed and helpless." ”
"Well, I understand that feeling. I've had similar times before. Li Ming looked at her sympathetically, "You need not only a listener, but also some practical help." Have you thought about how to solve it?"
"Actually, I've considered a different work environment, maybe it can be better. Zhang Lin hesitated, "However, I am afraid of a new beginning." ”
"Linlin, a new beginning is always scary, but it's an opportunity to grow. I will support you, and I am here for whatever you decide to do. Li Ming said sincerely.
The conversation between the two lasted for a long time, from the choice of work to the small things in life, Li Ming patiently gave advice, and Zhang Lin gradually let go of his guard and showed more real feelings.
When they parted that night, Zhang Lin held Li Ming's hand tightly, and a trace of gratitude flashed in her eyes: "Brother Ming, thank you for your company and advice today, I feel much better." ”
"Linlin, remember, no matter when and where, when you encounter difficulties, you are not alone. Li Ming smiled and watched her leave.
When Li Ming returned to the hospital, it was late at night. He gently walked into Teacher Zhang's ward, looked at the old man who was sleeping quietly, and his heart was full of determination and warmth: "Teacher, don't worry, I will take care of Linlin." ”
A few days later, Mr. Zhang's condition suddenly deteriorated, and Li Ming received a call from the hospital again. He hurried to the hospital, his heart full of anxiety and worry.
Pushing open the door of the ward, Li Ming saw that Teacher Zhang's face was extremely pale and his breathing was weak. He walked to the side of the bed and gently held Mr. Zhang's hand, trying to convey some warmth.
Teacher Zhang opened his eyes with all his strength and looked at Li Ming, his voice was weak but full of anxiety: "Mingzi, I may not have much time. I... What I can't let go of the most is Linlin. ”
Li Ming felt a heartache, he held Teacher Zhang's hand tightly, and his voice was firm: "Teacher, don't worry, I will take care of Linlin, like taking care of my own sister." You've been so kind to me that I won't let you worry. ”
When Mr. Zhang heard this, a glimmer of relief flashed in his eyes, and he said slowly: "I know, I can entrust her to you, and I am relieved." Akiko, after so many years, you are already the son of my heart. ”
"Teacher, you have taught me how to be a person, how to face difficulties, you are not only my teacher over the years, but also my family. The corners of Li Ming's eyes moistened, "I will let Linlin live well and make her happy, this is my best thank you for this." ”
Teacher Zhang nodded slightly, as if he had exhausted all his strength, he glanced at Li Ming deeply, it was a kind of look of delivering heavy tasks. Then, he whispered, "I believe in you, thank you, Akiko." ”
At that moment, there was a sound of soft footsteps outside the ward, it was Zhang Lin. When she heard Li Ming's words, tears flowed involuntarily. She walked to the side of the bed, held Teacher Zhang's other hand, and her voice was choked: "Uncle, with Brother Ming here, you can rest assured." ”
Teacher Zhang looked at the two of them, a satisfied smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, as if his wish had been fulfilled, his eyes gradually blurred, and finally closed his eyes.
That night, the long corridor of the hospital was quiet, except for the occasional sound of wind outside the window. Li Ming and Zhang Lin stood by Mr. Zhang's bedside, their hands clasped tightly, not only for each other's support, but also for a tacit commitment to the future.
"Linlin, from now on, no matter the wind or rain, we are all family. Li Ming said softly.
"Yes, Brother Ming, with you, it's like I have a home. Zhang Lin sobbed, her voice full of gratitude and determination.
That night, they didn't have many words, but their hearts were already connected to face the upcoming challenges of life together.
Time flies like a white horse, and in the blink of an eye, it has been a year since Mr. Zhang's death. In the past year, Li Ming and Zhang Lin have overcome many difficulties and challenges together, and their relationship has become deeper and deeper, becoming an indispensable part of each other's lives.
One weekend evening, Li Ming and Zhang Lin walked together in the park. The lake in the park is sparkling, and it is surrounded by chrysanthemums, which were Mr. Zhang's favorite flowers during his lifetime.
"Brother Ming, you see that the chrysanthemums over there are blooming so well, if Uncle is still there, he will definitely like it. Zhang Lin pointed to a flower bush not far away, with a hint of sadness in her eyes.
Li Ming gently put his arm around her shoulders and comforted: "Linlin, although my uncle is gone, he will be very relieved to see you so strong now in the Spirit of Heaven." ”
"Yes, after my uncle left, I was very confused for a while, thanks to you by my side. Zhang Lin looked up at Li Ming, her eyes full of gratitude, "You not only helped me deal with a lot of things in my life, but also often encouraged me and supported me." ”
"We are a family, and it is right to help each other. Li Ming responded gently, "I am also very relieved to see you come out of those difficulties." ”
They continued to walk along the lake, stopping occasionally to feed on the fish in the lake. The sunset on the surface of the lake is sparkling with gold and is breathtaking.
"Brother Ming, I've been thinking about whether to accept that new job offer recently. Zhang Lin suddenly talked about her work plan, "It was a very good opportunity, but I was still a little hesitant. ”
"Linlin, what are you worried about?" asked Li Ming with concern.
"I'm worried that I won't be able to keep up. Zhang Lin frowned.
"You're underestimating yourself. I think you're more than capable of taking on this position. Li Ming encouraged, "Just like my uncle taught us, when we encounter an opportunity, we have the courage to try, no matter what the result is, it is a valuable experience." ”
"Thank you, Brother Ming, you always believe in me so much. Zhang Lin smiled, her eyes shining with determination, "I decided to give it a try, whether it was successful or not, at least I tried." ”
"This is the Zhang Lin I know. Li Ming smiled and patted her on the shoulder, "No matter how difficult the road ahead is, you are not fighting alone." ”
After sunset, they returned to Mr. Zhang's former home, which is now full of memories and hopes for the future. For dinner, Zhang Lin made a few of her uncle's favorite home-cooked dishes.
"Brother Ming, come, this is the braised pork that my uncle taught me before his death, can you taste it?" Zhang Lin served a plate of steaming braised pork and said with a smile.
After Li Ming took a sip, he was full of praise: "The taste is really good, if Mr. Zhang is here, he will definitely smile from ear to ear." ”
That night, they talked a lot in the old house, reminiscing about the past and looking forward to the future. Although life has ups and downs, it is enough to have each other's company.