"Hey, are you a new intern?" A sweet voice sounded behind me. I turned around and saw a sweet-looking girl smiling at me.
"I'm Xiaohong, it's nice to meet you. She reached out and I felt the warmth of her hand as we shook hands. From that moment on, I was captivated by her.
In the days that followed, we became good friends who talked about everything. We always have lunch together and occasionally go out for a cup of coffee after work. Gradually, I began to develop feelings for her that went beyond friendship.
Unfortunately, good times are always short-lived. Two years later, Xiaohong decided to study abroad, while I chose to stay in China for development.
"Xiao Ming, let's break up. Before leaving, Xiaohong said to me, "Our paths are different, and breaking up may be the best choice." "
"But I really love you. I choked up, tears rolling in my eyes.
"I know, and so do I. Little Red stroked my cheek, tears glinking in the corners of her eyes, "But some things are like that, and there's nothing we can do about it." "
And just like that, we parted unhappily. The pain of the breakup kept me awake at night, and I was depressed all day long, unable to lift up anything. Xiaohong's departure made me feel that my life had lost its direction.
Just when my life was in a state of confusion, one day Xiaohong suddenly called me.
"Xiao Ming, I'm in a bit of trouble right now. Her voice sounded exhausted, "I've had some problems with my research funding, and I may be going to be stopped." "
"What's going on? What's going on?" I asked with concern.
"One of my important data had some errors in the final stages, which led to unacceptable results. If there was not enough funding to recollect and analyze the data, my research would have to be suspended. Xiaohong said, her voice full of frustration.
When I heard the news, I had mixed feelings. On the one hand, I felt sorry for Xiaohong, and on the other hand, I was a little hesitant to intervene in her affairs.
After a lot of struggle, I finally made up my mind to help Xiaohong.
"Xiaohong, how much funding gap do you have?" I asked.
"It's about $30,000. She replied.
"Don't worry, this is my offer to help you. The most important thing for you now is to concentrate on your research and not worry about the rest. I said firmly, with sincerity in my tone.
Xiao Hong was silent for a while, and then said, "Thank you, Xiao Ming. You're such a nice guy. "
Seeing Xiaohong's look of hope regained, I felt like I had made the right decision. Although she is no longer my girlfriend, the love she once gave me will never be forgotten.
A few days later, I sent a check for $30,000 to Xiaohong. When she received the check, she called me again.
"Xiao Ming, I received a check from you. Her voice was filled with surprise and gratitude, "I really don't know how to thank you." "
"No thanks, that's what I'm supposed to do. I smiled and said, "You just have to concentrate on doing your research now." "
"But it's too much money, and I don't know when I'll be able to pay it off. Little Red looked a little embarrassed.
"Don't even think about paying it back. I interrupted her, "Think of the money as a gift from me, as a memento of our beautiful relationship." "
"You deserve success, and I'm really happy for you. I said sincerely, "I hope this money will help you complete your research." "
After hanging up, I let out a long sigh of relief. To be honest, I was a little shaken at the time, and $30,000 was a lot of money for me. But whenever I think of the love and companionship that Xiaohong once gave me, I make up my mind to help her.
In the months that followed, Xiaohong would call me from time to time to report on the progress of her research. Whenever she mentions new breakthroughs in research, I can hear the excitement in her voice. As a researcher, she aspires to academic achievement above all else. I, on the other hand, am sincerely happy for her.
Once, Xiaohong said on the phone: "Xiao Ming, if it weren't for your funding, I would definitely be physically and mentally exhausted by now." You are a precious person, and I will never forget how you helped me. "
"Don't say that, you're just as precious. I replied mildly, "Your research is important for the development of science, and I am just doing my duty as a friend." "
"No, you mean more to me than that. Xiaohong paused and continued, "You are a selfless person, you always put others first. I'm really grateful to be able to get to know you. "
Hearing these words, my heart was wrapped in an inexplicable warmth. Although our love ended without a hitch, the friendship we forged between us was eternal.
Just as Xiaohong's research was entering the final critical stage, one day she suddenly found me.
"Xiao Ming, I have something very important to tell you. She spoke in a serious tone.
"What's wrong? What's going on?" I asked, confused.
"It's not a big deal, it's just that I want to make a solemn promise about what you funded me before. Xiaohong took a deep breath, and then said slowly: "In the future, whether I succeed or fail, whether I am poor or rich in the future, I will dedicate myself and everything I have to you." "
"What?!" I was shocked by Xiaohong's sudden promise, and I was at a loss for a while.
"I'm serious, Xiao Ming. She looked at me with a determined look in her eyes, "You give too much, and I just blindly take it." I can't take advantage of you forever, so I decided to give you everything I have for myself and what I have in the future, and we will share it together. "
"Think of it as my compensation for you. Xiaohong said, "No matter what, I will keep my promise." You've helped me so much, it's time for me to repay you. "
After saying this, Xiaohong hurried away, leaving me to sit there alone, watching her back as she left.
I really didn't expect Xiaohong to make such a promise. To be honest, I was conflicted at the time. On the one hand, I was touched by her sincerity and determination, which confirmed how strong our friendship was. But on the other hand, I feel that her commitment is a bit too extreme and one-sided.
We used to be lovers, but now we can only be ordinary friends. I helped her only out of the duty of a friend, and without any other intention. But Xiaohong took this matter too seriously, so much so that she made such an exaggerated promise.
However, I can also understand Xiaohong's feelings. As someone who has the courage to pursue her dreams, she is very grateful for my sponsorship. In her opinion, perhaps giving herself and everything to me is the greatest reward for me.
But I also know that such promises are not realistic. The feelings between people are mutual, and cannot be completely based on one-sided giving. I hope to re-establish an equal friendship relationship with Xiaohong, rather than her giving herself all to me.
"Xiao Ming, I'm sorry, I may have gone a little too far. Xiaohong's voice was apologetic.
"It's okay, I understand how you felt at the time. I tried to lighten the mood, "But you should also consider your feelings and don't sacrifice yourself for any decision." "
"I know, I was just too excited and said something impulsive. Xiaohong sighed, "But before I do that, I'd like to discuss something else with you." "
"What's the matter?" I asked.
"My supervisor informed me at short notice that due to some internal disputes in the laboratory, there were some problems with my research funding, and I might be forced to suspend it. "
"What?!" I was taken aback, "But I've already funded you $30,000, isn't that enough?"
"I know, I know. "But the university insisted that I raise another $50,000 in research funding within two weeks, otherwise I would be ordered to stop my research project." "
Hearing the news, my heart was half cold. Of course, I hope that Xiaohong can successfully complete her research, but the continuous funding problems also made me start to have some doubts about her research.
"Xiaohong, of course I hope you can successfully complete your research, but I can't say if I can afford to fund you again. I said sincerely, "Perhaps, you could consider other options, such as suspending your research for a while, working for a few years to earn money, and then continuing your research when you have enough financial foundation?"
"No, absolutely not!" Xiaohong's voice was resolute, "This research is everything to me, I have already paid too much, how can I just give up? As long as you can fund me another 50,000 US dollars, I will definitely do a good job in the research and let you see the return!"
After hanging up, I fell into a deep confusion. I had been shaken by her exaggerated promise, and now that she had asked me to fund another $50,000, I was even more conflicted.
Should I continue to support her without hesitation, or should I let her go and embark on a more realistic path? I pondered this question over and over again, but could not find a satisfactory answer.
Maybe I'm too paranoid, I thought to myself. I knew that Xiaohong's research was so important to her, but I still had selfish intentions and hoped that she would give up pursuing her dreams.
Just as I was lost in thought, Xiaohong called again.
"Xiao Ming, I'm thinking about whether to give up this research. Her voice sounded tired.
"Why?" I asked, "Didn't you say this research was important to you?"
"Yes, that's what I thought at first. "But then I gradually realized that I seemed to be stuck in a strange circle, constantly needing support from others, but rarely thinking about your feelings." "
"What do you want to say?" I held my breath and waited for her to follow.
"I'm shaking my promise to you. Xiaohong confessed, "It's not fair to you and me to dedicate myself to you." You've funded me so much, but I'm still asking for it, as if I'm using you like an ATM. "
"So, I want to retract my promise. Xiaohong continued, "In the future, whether I am poor or rich, we will treat me as ordinary friends. You don't need to have any other commitments to me, we are free for each other. "
Xiaohong's words made me fall deeper into contemplation. Love and responsibility, two seemingly contradictory concepts, are entangled in our story.
"Xiaohong, you're right. After a long while, I spoke, "There was once love between us, so I am willing to take responsibility and pay for you." But now we are just ordinary friends. "
"yes, we shouldn't take friendship too seriously. Xiaohong agreed, "Of course, friends should support each other, but they should not go to extremes, and they should stop in moderation." "
"Yes, we should each pursue our own dreams, while also respecting each other's lives. I said, "If you really can't do this research anymore, you might as well put it down and continue with the opportunity in the future." "
"Well, I'll think about it. Xiaohong replied, "But before that, I want to confirm the previous promise." "
"That's right, I'm going to officially revoke that exaggerated promise I made to you. Xiaohong said, "In the future, whether I am poor or rich, we will be ordinary friends and will not owe each other." You and I are each free, how about it?"
I took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Okay, I agree to withdraw my previous commitment." No matter what happens in the future, we will be ordinary friends, supporting each other, but not forcing others. "
"Very well, then it was decided. Xiaohong's voice was filled with relief, "Thank you for your understanding, Xiao Ming." You are a precious friend. "
"No, I'm grateful to know you. I said sincerely, "No matter what choices you make in the future, I sincerely wish you and hope that you can achieve your dreams." "