Li Ming's home is in a corner of the town, his father died early, and his mother pulled him and his younger brother alone, and life has been stretched. He had just entered high school that year, and his mother was becoming more and more anxious in the face of increasing academic pressure and the financial burden on his family. Mr. Zhou, Li Ming's math teacher, lives near their home, and after learning about the situation of Li Ming's family, he offered to let him stay at his home during high school to reduce the burden on Li Ming's mother.
That afternoon, Li Ming's mother knocked on Mr. Zhou's door with Li Ming carrying a bag of souvenirs that could be held at home. When the door opened, it was a girl who looked a few years older than Li Ming, with long hair and shoulder-length.
"Hello, Auntie, I'm Xiaohong, please come in!" the girl greeted them warmly.
Li Ming's mother smiled and said, "Xiaohong, do you remember my son Li Ming? He may be going to trouble your family for a while." ”
Xiaohong glanced at Li Ming, and the smile on her face became sweeter: "Of course I remember, Li Ming doesn't often win awards in school, we've all heard of it." ”
Li Ming scratched his head a little embarrassed, and his mother and Teacher Zhou entered the living room to talk in detail. Xiaohong led Li Ming to put his luggage in the room that would be his temporary bedroom.
"This is your room, put things here first, if you need to tell me, you're welcome. Xiaohong pointed to the facilities in the room and introduced them one by one.
Li Ming put down his luggage and looked around, although the room was small, it was all in order. "Thank you, Xiaohong, for really causing you trouble. ”
"Where, I'm glad I could help you. There was a hint of imperceptible excitement in Xiaohong's voice.
In the following days, Li Ming gradually adapted to life in the Zhou family. Every morning, it was Xiaohong's voice that woke him up: "Li Ming, get up soon, otherwise you will be late!" Her voice was always full of energy, which made Li Ming, who was still asleep, feel refreshed.
At the breakfast table, Mr. Zhou often discusses some mathematical problems, trying to cultivate Li Ming's mathematical thinking at the dinner table. "Li Ming, what do you think about this question?" Mr. Zhou held his glasses, looking forward to his answer.
And Xiaohong was busy before and after, pouring vegetables and water, and did not forget to tease Li Ming: "You are so good at mathematics, this question should not be difficult for you, right?"
The afternoon sun shines through the window on the desk, and Xiaohong occasionally joins Li Ming's review team, and the two discuss their confusion in their studies together. Li Ming gradually discovered that Xiaohong is not only lively and cute, but also has her own opinions on learning.
"Li Ming, do you see how to do this English reading comprehension?" Xiaohong sat next to him with an English book, her brows furrowed.
Li Ming looked at the title and explained: "Actually, the meaning of this sentence is ......"
"Oh, I see! Li Ming, you are so smart!" Xiaohong looked at him with admiration, her eyes flashing with envy.
As time passed, Li Ming could feel that Xiaohong cared more and more about him, and sometimes he could even read a trace of unusual emotion in her occasional eyes. But for Li Ming, the focus at that time was all on his studies, and he didn't have much to think about anything else.
After the college entrance examination, Li Ming's grades were enough for him to enter a prestigious university to study engineering. In college, he immersed himself in heavy courses and experiments, and gradually, the memories of the year spent with Xiaohong slowly drained from his fingers like sand.
Li Ming actively participated in various scientific research projects during his time at the university, and often worked overtime with his supervisor and classmates until late at night. Four years of college passed in a flash, and Li Ming graduated with excellent grades and a good job offer and became an engineer.
Xiaohong, because of the family's economic constraints, was unable to continue her studies and stayed in her hometown to help her family run a small business. Whenever there is a dead of night, Xiaohong always thinks of Li Ming, the Li Ming who used to review her homework and discuss problems with her.
One night, when Xiaohong was sorting out old things, she accidentally turned to a textbook used by Li Ming in high school, with an old photo of Li Ming sandwiched between the pages. She picked up the photo, and an indescribable emotion welled up in her heart.
A few days later, Xiaohong plucked up her courage and dialed Li Ming's phone.
"Hey, Li Ming? It's me, Xiaohong. Xiaohong said a little nervously.
On the other end of the phone, Li was obviously a little surprised: "Oh, Xiaohong, long time no see, are you okay?"
"I'm okay, what about you? I heard you work in a big city?"
"Well, yes, I'm an engineer right now, and I'm pretty busy. Li Ming's voice revealed a hint of exhaustion.
"Then do you remember the days when we used to study together?" asked Xiaohong softly.
Li Ming was silent for a while: "Remember, it really helped me a lot during that time." Are you okay?"
"I'm still helping out at home and living a decent life. Xiaohong said, unconsciously turning the topic to her thoughts about Li Ming, "Actually, I've always missed you." ”
Li Ming was a little overwhelmed, he didn't expect Xiaohong to express his emotions so bluntly: "Xiaohong, you ......"
Xiaohong interrupted him: "It's nothing, I just suddenly want to talk." You're going to take care of yourself over there. ”
After the call, Xiaohong sat quietly in the room with mixed feelings. She knew that Li Ming's life had been far away from her world, but her heart had always stayed in the year she spent with Li Ming.
After Li Ming hung up the phone, he looked at the night scene outside the window, and his heart was also mixed. He began to realize that the experience of that year meant a lot to Xiaohong. He sighed softly, and secretly decided in his heart that he must go to see Xiaohong next time he goes back to his hometown.
After a day's work, Li Ming walked out of the office building as usual and prepared to go home. Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind: "Li Ming!"
He turned around and saw Xiaohong standing not far away, carrying a small bag in her hand. She looked nervous and excited.
"Xiaohong, why are you here?" Li Ming was very surprised.
"I ...... I came to you on purpose. Xiaohong's voice trembled slightly.
The two found a nearby café to sit down. Xiaohong looked at Li Ming, her eyes were full of complicated emotions: "Li Ming, after that phone call, I have always wanted to see you, and there are some words that I think are better to say face-to-face." ”
Li Ming nodded and motioned for her to continue.
Xiaohong took a deep breath, and then said slowly, "Li Ming, I know you may not realize it, but you disappeared when I needed my friends the most. In high school, I ...... to you Actually, I like you very much. ”
Li Ming was a little stunned, he didn't expect Xiaohong to directly express such feelings: "Xiaohong, I'...... I really don't know how you felt at the time. I just wanted to go to university and didn't think much about anything else. ”
"I understand that you have your dreams, and I respect them. But you know what? When you leave, I feel very lonely. I thought we were friends, at least ......" Xiaohong's voice choked up.
Li Ming felt a burst of guilt: "I'm sorry, Xiaohong. I was so focused on my own future that I ignored your feelings. ”
Xiaohong shook her head: "I'm not here to blame you. It's just that those years were important to me, and I can't just forget them. ”
The two were silent for a moment. Li Ming finally spoke: "Xiaohong, I thank you for everything you did to me that year. I sincerely apologize if I make you feel neglected. Now I can't go back to the past, but I hope we can start over, at least as friends. ”
Xiaohong nodded, tears in her eyes: "I hope so, too." I don't expect too much, I just hope there will be no more regrets. ”
Li Ming gently held Xiaohong's hand: "Thank you, Xiaohong." Let's start with the present and not mention the pain of the past. ”
The reunion couple sat in the café for a long time and talked a lot, as if to make up for the missed time in those years. It was getting dark outside, but their mood was brightening.
As the lights of the café gradually softened, the conversation between Li Ming and Xiaohong tended to deepen. They talk about the past, about the present, and even more about the future. As the conversation progresses, both understand that too much has changed in each other's lives and it is impossible to go back to the way things were.
"Xiaohong, in fact, after so many years, we all have different lives, you have your family and career, and I also have my responsibilities and pursuits. Li Ming said slowly, with a hint of helplessness in his voice.
Xiaohong nodded and responded with a smile: "Yes, Li Ming, I understand." I'm very satisfied to sit down and talk like this today. Actually, we're all still growing, aren't we?"
Li Ming smiled: "Yes, Xiaohong." We're all growing, maybe that's life. We need to keep going, even if there are mistakes and regrets along the way. ”
The two sat quietly for a while, and Xiaohong whispered, "You know what? I have always admired your determination and hard work, you are one of the hardest working people I have ever met. I'm really happy to hear your story and feel your accomplishments today. ”
"Thank you, Red. Li Ming said sincerely, "Your strength and optimism have always inspired me. Although we can't be together as much as we used to, I want you to know that you mean nothing to me any less. ”
They glanced at each other, both with depths in their eyes that the other couldn't reach.
"So, will we meet again in the future?" asked Xiaohong cautiously.
Li Ming replied with a smile: "Of course, as long as you want, I welcome you at any time." We can talk about the past and the present, the future. ”
Xiaohong smiled: "Okay, Li Ming." Let's keep in touch and be old friends with each other. ”
Finally, they said goodbye outside the café, and the two gently shook hands. Li Ming watched Xiaohong's back drift away, and there was an indescribable emotion in his heart. He knew that this reunion, although it did not rekindle the old relationship, gave them a chance to understand and let go of each other.
The night was already dark, Li Ming turned around and walked in the other direction, although his steps were heavy, but his mood was relieved. He knows that both he and Xiaohong will continue their respective life journeys with this growth and move forward towards the future.
This article is a microfiction, please do not sit in the opposite seat.