My name is Li Mei, I am 28 years old, and I am a senior creative director of a well-known advertising agency. Although the work is hard, the salary is considerable, and the life is decent. But just half a year ago, my life took a drastic turn.
It was an ordinary weekday, and my boyfriend Xiao Ming and I were having breakfast in a café. Xiao Ming is an ordinary office worker, working from 9 to 5 every day, and his life is uneventful. He suddenly said to me, "Meimei, have you been a little cold to me lately? "
I put down the coffee cup in my hand and said lightly, "No, you think too much." I'm just a little tired from being busy at work lately. "
"But you rarely have time to spend with me even on weekends. Xiao Ming said with some grievances, "We have been in love for five years, and now that you have a successful career, are you starting to look down on me, an unknown office worker?"
I chuckled inwardly. To be honest, his words did hit the nail on my heart. Over the past few years, my career has risen steadily, my salary has doubled, and my quality of life has improved. And Xiao Ming is still the obscure office worker, content with the status quo and not enterprising. The two of us are indeed drifting apart.
I stared at the coffee cup with a blank face, and began to secretly think about the way out in my heart. Maybe it's time to find a better man and start a more decent family.
"What do you say, how can I look down on you. I pretended to be calm and said, "We've been together for five years, so don't be suspicious." "
Xiao Ming wanted to say something more, but I got up and picked up my bag and walked outside, leaving the café without looking back.
Soon after, I met Mr. Chan at a business party. He is a well-known real estate businessman, with a great personable personality and an extraordinary conversation. I was very impressed by this successful man, and I couldn't help but fantasize that if I could marry into a wealthy family like him, I would definitely live a carefree life.
Gradually, Mr. Chen began to approach me on his own initiative. One day, after a party, he suddenly courted me directly, saying that he was willing to use all his wealth to pamper me and let me live like a princess.
I struggled within. On the one hand, my feelings for Xiao Ming have disappeared almost without a trace; On the other hand, I felt uneasy about betraying him. But in the end, Mr. Chen's sense of prestige with money and power won me over. I began to fantasize about my life after my marriage with him, the feeling of being turned upside down.
I took a deep breath and nodded. Mr. Chen was ecstatic and immediately hugged and kissed me. I was a little nervous, but deep down, I had already made my choice.
Soon, I became pregnant. When Xiao Ming heard the news, he completely collapsed, and he came to me to make a big noise, his eyes were red, and he accused me of being an opportunist.
"Li Mei, what's wrong with you? How can you do this to me? We have been in love for five years, and you are pregnant with someone else's child behind my back!" Xiao Ming cried and questioned me.
I looked at him lightly, my heart was like water, and said, "Xiao Ming, the fate between us has come to an end." I've got a new life, so why bother with it?"
"What did you say?!" Xiao Ming seemed to be stunned by my words, "You are such a complete villain, you are treacherous, you don't take me to heart at all!"
Xiao Ming was stung by my words, he covered his face and wept bitterly, kneeling on the ground and begging me to change my mind. I ignored it and walked away without looking back. I know that I am destined to be criticized and condemned by the world, but I have made a choice and will not regret it.
Soon after, I gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Mr. Chan was so happy that he invited his family and friends to celebrate. At this moment of excitement, Xiao Ming suddenly rushed in and accused me of being a complete opportunist and a treacherous villain.
"You slut, you just fell in love with Mr. Chen's money, so you don't hesitate to betray our relationship for many years!" Xiao Ming scolded.
I retorted without showing weakness: "Is there anything wrong with me just pursuing a better life? I am a woman with ideals and ambitions, why can't I change my fate? Just because you are a poor bastard, should I live a poor life for the rest of my life?"
Mr. Chen also glared angrily and ordered the bodyguards to drive Xiao Ming out. Xiao Ming was dragged out of the venue by several strong men, and the terrible cursing was endless. I sat in a chair and hugged the child tightly, with a determined and decisive look in my eyes. I think so, even if I have to pay a heavy price, even if I have to bear infamy, I must strive for happiness for myself.
"But, but I've already bore him a child!" I cried and begged for mercy, "How can you do this to me?"
"Hmph, you still have the face to mention this?" Mrs. Chen's tone was extremely sarcastic, "Do you think that if you give birth to his illegitimate child, you can get a piece of the pie?
My heart had collapsed in that moment. I tried my best to pursue this rich life, even at the expense of betraying Xiao Ming, but in the end I got nothing. I hate my own stupidity, I hate the injustice of the world. I looked around at this luxurious room, and saw the former glory and wealth disappear before my eyes, how helpless and hopeless I was.
I fell to the ground, tears raining down. Holding the child, I cried helplessly. The bodyguards began to violently kick me out, and I fought hard, but was finally dragged out by them, embarrassed. I sat on the steps outside the door, penniless and uncertain.
For a long time after that, I lived a very difficult life. I had to work odd jobs to make ends meet. Once, Xiao Ming accidentally saw me on the street and was really surprised.
"Meimei, how did you end up here?" Xiao Ming said in surprise.
But I resented him, and counted him down severely: "It's all thanks to you! If it weren't for you, a poor bastard, why would I have fallen to this point today? It's all because you're too mediocre, so I have to pursue that illusory rich life, and I get nothing!"
Xiao Ming sighed and said, "Meimei, look at what kind of life you are living now? Didn't you just want to get rid of my 'mediocre' life? But how much better is your life now than mine? Money and status are important, but aren't feelings and inner happiness important?"
I was stung hard by Xiao Ming's words. Looking back, how stupid and naïve I was. I thought I could change my fate by taking shortcuts, but I ended up ruining my otherwise happy life with my own hands. Xiao Ming loves me so much, but I only value money and status. Now that I am penniless and have no future, I am paying a terrible price for my greed and speculation.
I began to reflect on my life and why I had made such a stupid choice in the first place. Was it money and status that had deceived my mind, or was it because I was too materialistic in the first place, too much about appearances? I began to doubt my own values.
Xiao Ming saw that I was silent, so he continued: "Meimei, people can't always look at money and status in life. Money can bring you temporary satisfaction, but true happiness comes from inner peace. Look at the beginning, although we lived in poverty, but we loved each other and enjoyed each other, isn't that also a kind of happiness?"
Xiao Ming looked at me, and a smile finally appeared on his face. He said, "Silly girl, you finally understand. But let the past pass. The most important thing now is that you have to reflect on yourself and start anew. "
I nodded, secretly determined to atone for my sins. Xiao Ming offered to take me home for a while, but I refused. I said, "Xiao Ming, thank you for your kindness, but I have to live independently on my own and fight again with my own hands." Only then can I truly be a new person. "
Xiao Ming saw that I was so resolute, so he had to nod and leave. Since then, I've started my own struggle.
I started working in a restaurant, getting up at 4 a.m. every day, and getting busy until 12 p.m. before I could get off work. The work was very hard, but I never complained. Because I know that this is the punishment I deserve, and I will redeem my life with my own hands and with my own efforts.
And just like that, year after year. I saved enough money to finally be able to rent a small rental house and start my life again. My son is also three years old and is growing up day by day. Looking at his innocent smile, my heart is always full of relief and happiness. Yes, no matter how poor our lives are, as long as we have each other's company, it is already the greatest happiness.
One day, my son asked me, "Mom, why is our life so hard, why do other children have beautiful houses, but we live in this little rental house?"
I bowed my head, speechless. Yes, I ruined the happy life I should have with my own hands, causing my son to live in this environment today, and I am sorry for him. I hugged my son tightly, tears welling up in my eyes: "I'm sorry, baby, it's all because my mother is too stupid and greedy, so we live this life today." But Mom swears that I will work hard so that we can have a good life in the future!"
Since then, I've worked even harder. I work in a restaurant during the day, and when I go home at night, I take on some part-time jobs online. And so day after day, year after year, I finally saved up a decent amount of savings.
One day, Xiao Ming accidentally met me on the street. Seeing my appearance, he was really taken aback: "Meimei, why have you lost weight like this? Your life must still be very hard, right?"
I smiled and said, "It's nothing, as long as I have my son by my side, I feel very happy." These years of hard life should be regarded as atonement for my mistakes. "
Xiao Ming shook his head helplessly and said, "You, you're still so stubborn." However, I'm glad to see that you've finally come back from that period and started to work hard. If you'd like to, why don't you go back with me? I've saved some money over the past few years to help you start a new life. "
I looked at Xiao Ming quietly, with mixed feelings in my heart. Yes, Xiao Ming has always been so kind and generous, even after I hurt him, he still cared about me as always. However, I have made up my mind to fight again with my own hands and never rely on others again.
"Xiao Ming, thank you for your kindness. I said, "But I have to live on my own and create a new life for my son with my own hands." Only then can I truly be a new person. "
Xiao Ming looked at me with approval in his eyes. He said, "Well, if it's your own decision, then I'll respect you." But if there is anything you need help with in the future, you must tell me. "
I nodded, and I had a little more affection for Xiao Ming in my heart. Yes, even though our relationship has ended, his care and care for me has never changed. I secretly determined that I must use my own hands to create a new life for my son, and I must never let down Xiao Ming's hard work for me again.
Since then, I've worked even harder. Finally, when my son was in elementary school, I finally saved a decent amount of money and decided to open a small restaurant on my own. Although the business was difficult at first, I was never discouraged. Because I know that as long as we persevere, we will definitely be able to live a good life.
And just like that, another few years passed. My small restaurant business is booming, and I have saved a lot of money for my son's tuition. Watching my son grow up day by day, my heart is filled with infinite joy and happiness. Yes, this is the happiness I deserve, the new life I bought with my own hands.
It was at that time that Xiao Ming inadvertently passed by my small restaurant. Seeing that my business was so prosperous, he said happily: "Meimei, you have finally lived the life you deserve!"
I looked at Xiao Ming with a heartfelt smile on my face. Yes, after so many years of hard work, I finally created a new life for myself and my son.
"Yes, Xiao Ming, thanks to your encouragement and support, I have been able to get to where I am today step by step. I said sincerely, "If it weren't for your words, I would have been lost in the quagmire of money and status for the rest of my life." "
Xiao Ming smiled and shook his head: "You are too modest, this is all your own credit." You have gone through so many hardships, and in the end, you have to rely on your perseverance and determination to fight again, which is the most valuable. "
I nodded, and my affection for Xiao Ming deepened. Yes, even though our relationship no longer exists, he has always been a valuable confidant in my life. If it weren't for his life motto, I might have been lost in the quagmire of chasing fame and fortune for the rest of my life.
We looked at each other and smiled, as cordial as we had been years ago. I suddenly had an urge to open up to Xiao Ming again and tell me about my mental journey over the years.
"Xiao Ming, can you chat with me?" I said, "I've been tormented all these years. If it weren't for your words, I might not have been able to get out of the way for the rest of my life. "
Xiao Ming nodded, and we walked side by side into the private room of the small restaurant and began to have a long conversation.
"I remember how blind and naïve I was when I betrayed you and defected to that rich merchant. I said self-deprecatingly, "I thought that money and status were all there was to life, and they would bring me happiness." But it turned out to be the destruction of everything we once had. "
小明静静地听着,眼神中满是宽容。
"Do you remember that after the death of that rich businessman, I was ruthlessly kicked out of the mansion by his family, penniless, and only a newborn child remained?" My eyes filled with tears, "At that moment, how desperate my heart was." I ruined the happiness I should have with my own hands, but I got nothing. I began to reflect on my own life and how precious the little bits and pieces we had were before. "
Xiao Ming nodded, patted the back of my hand, and motioned for me to continue.
"That's when you showed up. You advised me not to always chase money and status, but to cherish the peace of mind and the warmth of feelings. Those words were like a basin of cold water, completely waking me up from my obsession. I choked up and said, "Since then, I have made up my mind to use my own hands to fight again and create a new life for my son." "
Xiao Ming smiled slightly, his eyes full of approval.
"Those years were the hardest and hardest. I had to work as a handyman in a restaurant, waking up at 4 a.m. every day and working until 12 p.m. to get off work. The work was very hard, but I never complained. Because I know that this is the punishment I deserve, and I will atone for my sins with my own hands. "
"Once, my son asked me why our lives were so hard. At that moment, my heart was filled with remorse. It was I who ruined the happy life that I should have with my own hands, and caused my son to be in the environment he is today. But I swear that I will work hard so that we can have a good life in the future. "
Xiao Ming nodded, his eyes revealing infinite appreciation.
"Since then, I've worked harder and harder. I work in a restaurant during the day, and I have to pick up some part-time jobs online when I go home at night. And so day after day, year after year, I finally saved up a decent amount of savings. Once, you stumbled upon me on the street and offered to sponsor me to start a new life. But I rejected your kindness. "
Xiao Ming smiled knowingly, as if he had expected me to say this.
"Yes, I have made up my mind to create a new life for my son with my own hands. Only in this way can I truly be a new person and never be dependent on others anymore. "Since then, I've worked even harder, and I've finally saved up a fortune to open this small restaurant when my son was in elementary school." Although business was difficult at first, I was never discouraged. Because I know that as long as we persevere, we will definitely be able to live a good life. "
"Just recently, you passed by here again, saw my business booming, and happily said that I finally got the life I deserved. Yes, these years of hardship have tempered me and made me understand what true happiness is. "
Xiao Ming looked at me with approving eyes, as if to say, "You have finally truly grown up." "
I looked at Xiao Ming, and my heart was full of gratitude. Yes, if it weren't for his original life motto, I might have been lost in the quagmire of chasing fame and fortune for the rest of my life. It was his words that completely woke me up from my obsession and allowed me to rediscover the direction of my life.
"Xiao Ming, thank you. I said sincerely, "It is because of your encouragement and support that I have been able to get to where I am today." You are a valuable confidant in my life. Without you, I probably wouldn't have been able to get out of that lost journey for the rest of my life. "
Xiao Ming smiled slightly, didn't speak, just looked at me with warm eyes.
My heart is filled with happiness and joy. Yes, even though the relationship between us no longer exists, Xiao Ming's care for me has never changed. He has always cared for me and supported me in his own way, and has become the biggest motivation for me to fight again.
With Xiao Ming's close friend, I feel that my life has finally found its direction. Although I went through a period of confusion in the middle, in the end, I was able to create a new life for myself and my son with my perseverance and determination. This is the happiness I deserve, the new life I bought with my own hands.