On a warm afternoon in the spring breeze, Beijing's hutongs are extraordinarily quiet. Lao Zhang and Lao Li live in such a courtyard house full of old Beijing style. They were a notoriously loving old couple there, married for forty years, and treated each other with respect, but the work at home was always a problem. Lao Li has a tough body, but Lao Zhang's herniated waist disc for many years makes him no longer able to do heavy work like when he was young. So, they decided to hire a nanny to help with the housework.
Xiao Wang is a middle-aged woman in her forties, simple and diligent, speaking with a bit of local accent, and she is the kind of person who is particularly capable at first glance. As soon as she entered the door, Lao Li greeted her with a smile, "Xiao Wang, this house is entrusted to you, you have to treat us as your own." ”
Xiao Wang nodded and said with a smile: "Lao Li, don't worry, I am diligent and hardworking, and I promise to do my work meticulously." ”
Lao Zhang sat on the recliner next to him, wiped his glasses, and said, "Xiao Wang, these two people in the family are a bit mother-in-law and mother-in-law, and they have a lot of care." ”
"Where's the word, Lao Zhang, this is called mutual respect, we all understand. Xiao Wang replied.
Lao Li pulled her into the kitchen and introduced her pointedly: "Look, the pots and pans are here, the soy sauce and vinegar tea, the ones are quite neat, right?"
"It's good, it's good, it's well placed. Xiao Wang nodded while watching.
In the following days, Xiao Wang began her nanny life in Lao Zhang's house. Every morning, as soon as the sun climbs into the eastern sky, Xiao Wang has to get busy. First, I went to the vegetable market to buy vegetables, and when I got home, I had to prepare for lunch. Lao Li sometimes followed behind and muttered a few words, "Buy some vegetables, don't always be meaty, it's not good for your health." ”
Xiao Wang laughed: "I know, Lao Li, don't worry, my cooking hasn't made people eat bad stomachs." ”
Shredded green vegetables and pork, sweet and sour pork ribs, stewed fish, Xiao Wang's craftsmanship made Lao Zhang and Lao Li praise. Lao Zhang sometimes said: "Xiao Wang, your skill in stewing fish is much better than that in the restaurant." ”
That being said, Lao Zhang always felt that Lao Li was frowning behind his back, as if he had something to hide, but he didn't ask much.
Xiao Wang was busy in the house, but he always felt that the atmosphere between Lao Zhang and Lao Li was a little delicate. When Lao Li accompanied Lao Zhang to play chess, he often looked at each other thoughtfully. Lao Zhang didn't notice it, but he just smiled, and then the next son, as if nothing had happened.
"Xiao Wang, now it's okay, we can find a capable one, and we don't have to be so busy. Lao Li said to Lao Zhang after dinner one day.
"Yes," replied Zhang, "I can finally breathe a sigh of relief this day." ”
However, Lao Zhang did not know that this peaceful life was about to be shattered by his unexpected discovery.
Xiao Wang has been working as a nanny in Lao Zhang's house for a while, and she is quick and easy-going, but as time goes by, she gradually notices some small details between families. The most obvious thing is that although Lao Zhang's pension is higher, the freedom in life is far less than that of Lao Li.
Whenever the pension is issued at the beginning of the month, Lao Zhang always says to Xiao Wang with a smile: "Xiao Wang, I am rich in the bank card today, and I have to give our wife a little surprise." ”
However, the little surprise always seems to be known in advance by Lao Li, every time Lao Zhang wants to buy something, Lao Li can always appear one step in advance, and Wen Yan refuses. "Lao Zhang, we are both retired at home, so we don't need to buy these. ”
The smile on Lao Zhang's face will be a little embarrassed, and he will lower his head and fiddle with the chess pieces on the chessboard, but no longer mention the purchase.
Xiao Wang saw it in his eyes and doubted it in his heart. Once, when she was sorting out the bookshelves, she cautiously asked Lao Zhang: "Uncle Zhang, do you want to classify these books and look them more clearly?"
Lao Zhang glanced thoughtfully at the position where Lao Li was sitting by the window reading the newspaper, and said softly: "Xiao Wang, don't worry about this, let her go with the book." ”
From Lao Zhang's expression of wanting to speak and stopping, Xiao Wang sensed the helplessness in his heart. This feeling is even more obvious, on a chance occasion, Xiao Wang overheard the conversation on Lao Li's phone while cleaning up the living room.
"No, I've already arranged the money, don't worry about it. I have all the pensions of Lao Zhang. Lao Li's tone was firm and a little cold.
Xiao Wang didn't dare to listen to it more, for fear of being found out inappropriately, but his heart seemed to have set off a layer of waves. In the following days, whether it is a shopping list or daily expenses, Lao Li always does it herself, from a small package of seasonings to the electrical appliances at home, it seems that she has to see it herself.
One afternoon, Lao Zhang secretly took out a stack of banknotes and gave it to Xiao Wang: "Xiao Wang, this is your bonus, it's not easy for you to work." ”
Xiao Wang looked at Lao Zhang and gently pushed back: "Uncle Zhang, I don't dare to ask for it, in case Aunt Li finds out, how can I explain it to her." ”
"You said it was given to you by your relatives. Lao Zhang's voice was relaxed and full of pleading.
Xiao Wang waved his hand in a panic: "No, no, no, this is not suitable, you can just keep it." ”
The scene froze there for a while, Xiao Wang didn't know what to do, but Lao Zhang's tension gradually disappeared into the air.
After a few days, Lao Zhang wanted to buy a new mobile phone to replace the old one that had been used for many years. When he took Xiao Wang to the mobile phone store to choose, Lao Li suddenly appeared. Lao Li's voice was not high, but it was undoubted: "We use it very well, why do we change to a new mobile phone?"
Lao Zhang's hand froze in mid-air, and the smile on his face was stiff and short-lived: "Then, forget it." ”
Xiao Wang stood aside, watching this scene, and could only be silent. Could it be that Lao Li is really trying to save that little money, and he doesn't even let go of Lao Zhang's little preferences?
However, as time passed, Xiao Wang gradually discovered that Lao Li was not as simple as she had imagined. Lao Li has his own plans and ideas for every expenditure of the family, and every money is used carefully and orderly. Even if it seems a little harsh at times, she always has her own reasons and considerations. That day, Lao Li and Lao Zhang went to attend an old friend's birthday party, and Xiao Wang stayed at home alone.
While tidying up the house, she accidentally dropped a seemingly ordinary ledger from the shelf. Instinctively, she wanted to pick it up and put it back in place, but she accidentally caught a glimpse of some receipts and a few thank-you notes sandwiched between the margins.
Out of professional instinct, Xiao Wang couldn't help but flip through the ledger. Pages are densely packed with numbers and notes, mostly numbers, dates, and short explanations.
Taking a closer look, Xiao Wang was surprised to find that these were all records of Lao Li's donations to schools in remote areas, as well as the expenses she secretly funded some poor students. The date and amount on the receipt are clear at a glance, and there is a fixed monthly expenditure that can be expensive.
Xiao Wang's heart was shocked. All doubts suddenly became clear at this moment - Lao Li is not a stingy person, and the reason why she is so careful about her family's finances is because she has a more noble purpose.
When Lao Li returned home, Xiao Wang had regained his calm, but there were still waves in his heart. Seeing Lao Li enter the door, Xiao Wang immediately stepped forward.
"Aunt Li, I accidentally saw your account book. Xiao Wang spoke cautiously.
Lao Li was stunned for a moment, and then his face turned ugly: "Xiao Wang, that ...... What do you see?"
"I saw Auntie, you donate money to the school and the children every month. Xiao Wang's tone was gentle, with a little respect.
When Lao Li heard this, his expression relaxed: "This matter...... It's actually a secret. I think it's good to do some things without letting too many people know. ”
"Auntie, what you have done is so great, I admire it. Xiao Wang said sincerely.
Lao Li shook his head: "There is nothing great or great, I am also from a poor background, and I know the importance of education." Being able to help some children is also a little bit of a contribution I have made. ”
At this time, Lao Zhang walked in, and he listened to all of Xiao Wang's words. He stepped forward and patted Lao Li lightly on the shoulder: "Wife, I have never understood why you are so tight about our living expenses, but now I understand that you have been doing such a good thing." ”
Lao Li looked at Lao Zhang and laughed: "I just want that our life is quite moist, and those who can help still have to help." ”
"You did the right thing," Lao Zhang's eyes were a little red, "we should support together, and you don't have to hide these things from me in the future." ”
Since then, there has been an unwritten tacit understanding between the two old men and Xiao Wang. Lao Li is no longer responsible for charity alone, Lao Zhang and Xiao Wang have also begun to participate in it, Xiao Wang is especially excited, and she is very proud to be a part of such a thing.
The atmosphere of the family has become more warm and harmonious, and occasionally receiving letters of thanks from distant mountain villages or children's paintings, the three members of the old Zhang family can feel a simple and pure happiness.
The story of the old Zhang family has reached a warm climax in this charity. That heart-to-heart exchange made the atmosphere of Lao Zhang's house even more different. From the moment Xiao Wang discovered Lao Li's ledger, every member of the family tacitly participated in this loving cause.
One night, as the family sat around the living room, Lao Li took out a thick folder: "This is my record all along, and I have followed the situation of every child we sponsor. ”
Lao Zhang took the folder, looked at each page carefully, and nodded from time to time: "What you did is really meaningful." ”
Xiao Wang also leaned over to see: "Every child in this is our hope." ”
Lao Li and Lao Zhang looked at each other and smiled, and then Lao Li said: "Yes, although we have quietly done some things over the years, I think we can do more." ”
"Yes, we can make it bigger in the future, and we don't have to be so secretive anymore. Lao Zhang's voice was full of anticipation.
Xiao Wang's eyes were firm: "I also want to participate, although I can't contribute much, but I can contribute, I know a lot of people in the community, I can help publicize." ”
"Good boy, you can think so, we old couple are really grateful. Lao Li's eyes were a little red, "In the future, we will be together." ”
As a result, the philanthropy of the Lao Zhang family, from a small range of secret operations, slowly expanded to the community, and even the entire urban area.
Lao Zhang and Lao Li organized the residents of the community to participate in the activities of teaching and funding. Xiao Wang also took on the role of community advocacy and spread this kindness among his neighbors.
With the passage of time, the names of Lao Zhang and Lao Li have also formed an indissoluble bond with charity. Their actions not only give hope and opportunities to children in need, but also influence and encourage more people to devote themselves to public welfare.
One night, Lao Zhang read a letter he received to Lao Li and Xiao Wang: "We are very grateful to you, it is you who have brought us a bright learning environment and strong confidence. ”
After reading the letter, Lao Zhang sighed with emotion: "Look, isn't this the meaning of our efforts?"
Lao Li nodded: "Yes, there are still many places where we can help." ”
Xiao Wang wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes and said with a smile: "Who said that old people can't create value?