Li Ming is a young man from a small town who comes to a bustling big city with a dream to find better opportunities. Due to his poor family, he dropped out of school early and helped his family with farm work in his hometown for many years, but he always felt that he should have a wider world. Through the introduction of relatives, he became the Huang family's live-in driver.
The Huang family is a relatively wealthy family, and Mrs. Huang is the head of the family, with a strong personality, and always asks about family affairs. In the first few days when Li Ming arrived at Huang's house, Mrs. Huang had a detailed understanding of him, from his family background to his previous work experience.
"What does everyone in your family do?" asked Mrs. Huang on Li Ming's first day at work.
"My parents are my parents, we are farmers, and we still have some land at home. Li Ming replied a little nervously, not used to talking in such a gorgeous room.
"Farmer, then you should be able to endure hardships, right?" said Mrs. Huang's tone, with a hint of temptation.
"Yes, Mrs. Wong. I've been helping my family with farm work since I was a child. Li Ming nodded like pounding garlic.
Whenever Li Ming has free time, he likes to buy some fresh fruit at the nearby market. This is a small habit of his, because in his hometown, whenever the harvest season, the family can always eat fresh fruits, which makes him feel comfortable.
However, this simple habit caught Mrs. Huang's attention. Every time Li Ming came back from the market, as long as he put a few fruits on the balcony, Mrs. Huang always found an opportunity to go to the balcony and pretend to enjoy the scenery outside while examining the fruits.
"Li Ming, where did these fruits come from?" asked Mrs. Huang at one point, pretending to be relaxed.
"Bought it at the market, Mrs. Wong. When I saw something fresh, I couldn't resist buying some. Li Ming replied with a smile.
"Well, things in the market are cheap, but you have to pay attention to hygiene, don't buy any diseases and bring them into your home from outside. Mrs. Huang's tone revealed a hint of unease.
"Don't worry, I'll pick all the good ones and buy them, and I guarantee that there will be no problem. Li Ming tried to show his caution.
Through these simple conversations, Li Ming felt that Mrs. Huang had some doubts about him, although he didn't say it, but the meaning of the words made him feel a little uncomfortable. He began to realize that his every little movement was under the watchful eye of Mrs. Huang.
As time went by, Mrs. Huang's "checks" on Li Ming became more and more frequent, and almost every time Li Ming bought back fruit and put it on the balcony, Mrs. Huang had to go over to check it. This behavior gradually increased the tension between the two. Li Ming began to feel that his personal space was being violated and that he was not respected in the Huang family.
One night, the Huang family held a family dinner. During the banquet, the atmosphere was originally harmonious. Mrs. Huang suddenly mentions the fruit that Li Ming recently bought, and the conversation quickly becomes sharp.
"Li Ming, I see that you have recently bought a lot of fruits to put on the balcony," Mrs. Huang's tone began calmly, but quickly turned serious, "You know that our family pays great attention to hygiene, you always buy so much, is it really necessary?"
Li Ming replied with some embarrassment: "Mrs. Huang, I have washed these fruits very cleanly, and I also want to enjoy a little taste of hometown after work." ”
"But if you put so much, it will attract insects, which is not good for the family. Mrs. Huang's voice raised a little, "And I don't want the rest of the family to do the same with you." ”
The atmosphere suddenly became tense, and Huang Wei, the eldest son of the Huang family, saw the seriousness of the situation, and hurriedly interjected: "Mom, Li Ming is also out of good intentions, and he guarantees that there should be no problem with hygiene." We can also try some of his fruits from the countryside, maybe they are fresh. ”
Mrs. Huang was unmoved: "It's not just a matter of fruit, it's a matter of family order and habits." We need to have rules. ”
Li Ming felt a deeper sense of incomprehension and respect at this time: "Mrs. Huang, I make sure that it will not affect anyone and anything in the family, I just want to find a little bit of my own habits and comfort in this city." ”
Huang Jing, the second daughter of the Huang family, also spoke: "Mom, I think Li Ming has a point, he also has the right to enjoy his little habits, as long as it doesn't affect us, why don't we give him a little space?"
The dinner ended in a delicate atmosphere, and although the dispute was not completely resolved, Li Ming's situation and his feelings were heard and understood by at least some of the family. Although the conflict was minor, it reflected a deep-seated problem of boundaries and mutual respect within the family towards domestic servants and family members.
One evening, Huang Jing was reading a book in the garden, and it happened that Li Ming was sorting out tools nearby. He had just returned from the market with some fruit in his hand. Seeing this, Huang Jing asked curiously.
"Li Ming, the fruits you buy every time look very good, are they all fruits from your hometown?" Huang Jing smiled and opened the topic.
Li Ming put down his tools and replied with a smile, "Yes, Miss Huang." There are many kinds of fruits in my hometown, and there are specialties for each season. I bought some here, mainly because I missed the taste of home. ”
"Really, what else is special about your hometown?" Huang Jing showed great interest.
Li Ming's eyes flashed with the light of memory: "We have beautiful mountains and rivers there, every autumn, the persimmons on the mountain are red through half the sky, and the apples are also sweet and crisp." Whenever this happens, families will bring out their own specialties to share with their neighbors. ”
"Sounds so good, you must miss it, right?" Huang Jing said sympathetically.
"Yes, every time I eat these fruits, I feel like I'm home. Li Ming's voice carried a hint of sadness.
Huang Jing was silent for a moment, then whispered, "I can understand your feelings, Li Ming. In fact, when I first went to study in other places, I missed the taste of home very much. You know, that feeling like a part of yourself is still there. ”
Li Ming nodded, grateful that Huang Jing could understand his feelings.
Huang Jing continued: "I will talk to my mother and let her know why you bought these fruits." I'm sure she'll understand. ”
Li Ming smiled gratefully: "Thank you, Miss Huang." I feel lucky to have met someone who understands me here. ”
This casual conversation gave Huang Jing a deeper understanding of Li Ming, and it also made her decide to try to ease the tension between her mother and Li Ming. She hopes to help her mother see Li Ming's true side and understand the emotional sustenance behind him doing so.
When the Spring Festival is coming, the Huang family held a grand family gathering. Mrs. Wong is busy making sure that every member of the family can feel the festive spirit. Li Ming and other servants are responsible for tidying up the home and preparing the festive dinner.
In the joyful atmosphere of the festival, Li Ming and several other servants took a nap in the kitchen and talked about the hardships of their lives and work.
"It's not easy for migrant workers like us to be in this big city. Li Ming sighed, his voice revealing a hint of exhaustion.
Another maid, Aunt Wang, also sighed: "Yes, every day is so hard, sometimes I feel that I can't even get the most basic respect." ”
"I also feel it," Li Ming continued, "sometimes no matter how good we do, we are always being picked. I only hope that our efforts will be seen and our existence will be respected. ”
Their conversation happened to be overheard by Mrs. Wong. She had come to the kitchen to check on the preparations for the dinner, but she was surprised to hear this heartfelt conversation.
Mrs. Huang's heart stirred. She had always thought that she had treated the maid well enough, but from the words of Li Ming and Aunt Wang, she sensed a problem that she had not noticed before.
After the party, Mrs. Huang found Huang Jing and expressed her feelings and the conversation she heard to her daughter.
"Quietly, I heard Li Ming and them chatting today, and I began to wonder if we didn't do enough in some places. Mrs. Huang's tone was unusually soft.
Huang Jing nodded lightly: "Mom, everyone needs respect and understanding." Li Ming: It's not easy for them to be here, what we can do is to make them feel like home. ”
Mrs. Huang pondered for a while, then said, "You are right, I may have paid too much attention to the order of the house and neglected their feelings. I thought, it's time for a change. ”
The festive episode made Mrs. Huang aware of her misunderstandings and prejudices, and triggered a profound discussion within the family about how to better understand and respect everyone.
On the weekend after the Chinese New Year, Mrs. Huang specially gathered all the members of the family, including Li Ming and other servants, for a small meeting. Her tone was much softer than usual, much to everyone's surprise.
"I want to say sorry to everyone," Mrs. Huang said straight to the point, "especially for Li Ming, some of my actions towards you during this time may make you feel disrespected. ”
Li Ming was a little surprised, he didn't expect Mrs. Huang to apologize so publicly. "Mrs. Huang, I'...... Thank you for your understanding. ”
"I heard your conversations and it made me realize that I wasn't doing a good enough job in some areas. I want our home to be more than just a place to work, but a home where everyone can feel warm. Mrs. Wong's voice was a little self-reflective.
Huang Wei also interjected beside him: "Yes, Li Ming, we are all grateful for everything you have done for the family. If there is anything that needs to be improved in the future, let us know directly. ”
Li Ming nodded gratefully, he felt the sincerity of the family members and the atmosphere of change. "Thank you all and I will continue to work hard to do a better job. ”
Huang Jing also smiled and said, "Li Ming, your fruit is really delicious, I will bring more back in the future, we all like to eat it." ”
At the end of the party, Mrs. Huang left Li Ming for a few more minutes, and the two talked alone.
"Li Ming, I hope you don't have any worries about what happened before, we have all seen your efforts and contributions. Mrs. Huang said sincerely.
"Thank you, Mrs. Wong, for your understanding and support, I feel like I am truly treated like family. Li Ming's words were full of gratitude.
Mrs. Huang smiled, knowing that this sincere exchange had brought each other closer and laid the foundation for a harmonious atmosphere in the home. Since then, the Huang family's communication style has improved greatly, and everyone pays more attention to respect and understanding.
This reconciliation is not only between Mrs. Huang and Li Ming, but also a fundamental change in the attitude of the entire Huang family towards each other, so that every member feels the warmth and importance of home.
This article is a microfiction, please do not sit in the opposite seat