Li Xiaohong and Zhang Qiang met at a gathering of friends, and the two casually looked at each other in the crowd, as if an electric current passed through each other's hearts. That night, they talked for a long time, from work to life, from dreams to reality, the topic was constant. Zhang Qiang's humor and Li Xiaohong's sincerity made them both feel an unprecedented sense of closeness.
"Xiaohong, you look so good when you smile. Zhang Qiang couldn't help but praise when he took a walk after dinner.
Li Xiaohong's face flushed, she lowered her head and smiled, and said softly, "You are also very good at talking." ”
As time went on, the relationship between the two grew closer. Zhang Qiang's carefulness and thoughtfulness made Li Xiaohong feel very warm and at ease. She began to fantasize about the future with him and looked forward to a life together.
"Qiang, isn't it time for us to think about the next step?" asked Li Xiaohong tentatively during a dinner.
Zhang Qiang put down his chopsticks and looked at her seriously: "You mean to meet the parents?"
Li Xiaohong nodded, Zhang Qiang held her hand, and said gently, "I also have this plan." ”
So, under Zhang Qiang's arrangement, Li Xiaohong came to Zhang's house nervously and expectantly. The Zhang family is a traditional Chinese family, and the elders of the family attach great importance to this meeting. Zhang Qiang's mother, Li Xiaohong's mother-in-law-to-be, is a typical housewife with her own set of rules and expectations for the family.
"Hello Auntie, I'm Li Xiaohong. Li Xiaohong politely greeted Zhang Qiang's mother.
"Sit down, Xiaohong. The mother-in-law smiled, but there was a hint of scrutiny in her eyes.
In a relaxed chat, the mother-in-law began to talk about her expectations for her future daughter-in-law. She talked about the importance of family and how a good wife should take care of the family and her husband.
"Xiaohong, you must know that the warmth of a family needs a woman to maintain. The mother-in-law said earnestly.
Li Xiaohong smiled and nodded, but she was a little uneasy in her heart. She begins to realize that the expectant mother-in-law's expectations may differ from her view of marriage.
In the living room of the Zhang family, Li Xiaohong sat on the sofa, holding a cup of hot tea in her hand, and her nervous mood gradually calmed down. Zhang Qiang sat next to her, gently held her hand, and gave her an encouraging look. The mother-in-law sat opposite, with a kind smile on her face, but there was an imperceptible sharpness in her eyes.
"Xiaohong, I heard that you are doing well in the company, you must be very busy at work, right?"
"Yes, Auntie, it's really busy at work, but I try to balance work and life. Li Xiaohong replied, trying to make her voice sound calm.
The mother-in-law nodded and continued, "Work is important, but family is the foundation of a woman." After you and Qiang Qiang get married, things at home can't be sloppy. ”
Li Xiaohong's heart tightened, she knew that this topic would be brought up sooner or later, but she didn't expect it to be so soon. She glanced at Zhang Qiang, Zhang Qiang gave her a reassuring smile, and then said, "Mom, Xiaohong is very capable, I believe she will take care of the house well." ”
The prospective mother-in-law smiled and continued: "I'm not saying that Xiaohong can't do it, it's just that our family has our family's rules. For example, you have to cook the meals at home, and after the birth of a child, you have to pay more attention to education issues. ”
Li Xiaohong felt unprecedented pressure, she didn't expect her mother-in-law to make these requests so directly. She took a deep breath and replied, "Auntie, I'll do my best." But I also hope to be understood and supported, after all, family is a matter of two people. ”
The prospective mother-in-law's face changed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure: "Of course there is understanding and support, but the rules cannot be broken." Zhang Qiang is the only son of our family, and you also know that passing on the family is a big deal. ”
Li Xiaohong's heart sank, and she began to realize that this relationship may not be as simple as she imagined. She looked at Zhang Qiang, Zhang Qiang's face was also a little embarrassed, obviously he didn't expect his mother to speak so bluntly.
"Mom, we can discuss these things slowly. Zhang Qiang tried to lighten the mood.
The prospective mother-in-law waved her hand: "Whatever you discuss, I'm doing this for your good." Xiaohong, you're a smart kid and you should know what I mean. ”
Li Xiaohong smiled and nodded, but she had mixed feelings in her heart. She began to reconsider her and Zhang's future, and whether she would be able to accept such a family life.
Li Xiaohong sat in the taxi home, the street scene outside the window receding rapidly in the night, but her heart seemed to be weighed down by a heavy object, and it was difficult to breathe. The words of the mother-in-law kept echoing in her ears, and every word pierced her heart like a needle. She originally thought that marriage was a matter for two people, the beginning of equality and respect, but now, she began to wonder if she was too naïve.
"Xiaohong, I'm home. The taxi driver's words interrupted her musings.
She paid the fare, got out of the car, stood on the deserted street, took a deep breath of the night air, and tried to calm herself down. She took out her mobile phone and dialed her friend Xiaoling.
"Xiaoling, I... I don't know what to do anymore. Li Xiaohong's voice trembled slightly.
"Xiaohong, you say slowly, what's going on?" Xiao Ling's voice was full of concern.
Li Xiaohong told Xiaoling about the conversation with her mother-in-law-to-be, and she felt very confused and helpless.
"Xiaohong, marriage is a lifelong thing, you can't wronged yourself. Xiaoling said on the other end of the phone, "You have to have a good talk with Zhang Qiang to see his attitude." ”
Li Xiaohong nodded, she knew that Xiaoling was right. She needs to communicate well with Zhang Qiang to see if he can understand and support her ideas.
The next day, Li Xiaohong asked Zhang Qiang to meet at the café they frequented. Soft music was playing in the café, but Li Xiaohong's mood could not be calm.
"Qiang, yesterday's conversation with Auntie..."Li Xiaohong hesitated.
Zhang Qiang held her hand and said seriously: "Xiaohong, I know that you are uncomfortable, my mother's words may make you feel stressed." But I'll be on your side, and we'll face it together. ”
Li Xiaohong's tears rolled in her eyes, she was grateful to Zhang Qiang for his understanding and support, but she also knew that it was not just a matter of two people.
"Strong, I... What I want is an equal partnership, not a prescriptive role. Li Xiaohong's voice was weak, but it was full of determination.
Zhang Qiang was silent, he looked at Li Xiaohong, his eyes were full of complexity. He knows that this is not only a test for Li Xiaohong, but also a test for their love.
The atmosphere of the family gathering should be warm and pleasant, but for Li Xiaohong, it is like an invisible trial. In the living room of the Zhang family, the family sat around the dining table, laughter and conversation came and went, but the eyes of the prospective mother-in-law fell on Li Xiaohong from time to time, making her feel like she was sitting on pins and needles.
"Xiaohong, I heard that your company has recently had a promotion opportunity, what are your plans?" asked the prospective mother-in-law suddenly, with a hint of undoubted expectation in her tone.
Li Xiaohong was stunned, she and Zhang Qiang had never discussed this issue in depth, she could only say vaguely: "Auntie, I'm still thinking about it, after all, work and family are very important." ”
The prospective mother-in-law's brows furrowed slightly, obviously not satisfied with this answer: "Women, no matter how good the work is, it is better to take care of the house." Look at me, I haven't worked all my life, isn't my home the same as orderly?"
Li Xiaohong's heart tightened, she knew that this was not only a question of work, but also a clear definition of her future role. She glanced at Zhang Qiang, hoping that he could say something, but Zhang Qiang just smiled awkwardly and did not answer.
After dinner, Li Xiaohong walked to the balcony alone, looking at the stars in the night sky, full of confusion. She asked herself if she would be able to accept such a life, give up her career dreams, and become a traditional housewife.
Zhang Qiang walked over and asked softly, "Xiaohong, what are you thinking?"
"I wonder if we have different expectations for the future. Li Xiaohong turned around and looked at Zhang Qiang seriously.
Zhang Qiang was silent for a while, and then said, "Xiaohong, I know that my mother's words have put you under a lot of pressure. But I believe we can find a compromise. ”
Li Xiaohong shook her head: "Strong, this is not a matter of compromise. What I want is respect and equality, not compromise. ”
Zhang Qiang's face became a little heavy, he knew what Li Xiaohong's words meant. The two stood staring at each other, and in the night, their shadows were stretched long, as if to indicate that the road ahead was also full of twists and turns.
Li Xiaohong stood in front of the window, looking at the street lamps and hurried pedestrians outside the window, her heart was like the city at night, with both bright light and deep shadows. She knew she was about to make an important decision, one that could change her life.
"Xiaohong, have you decided?" Zhang Qiang's voice came from behind her, with a hint of trembling.
Li Xiaohong turned around and faced Zhang Qiang, her eyes were firm and clear: "Qiang, I don't think I can deceive myself anymore." I wanted a partner with whom I could grow, not a relationship that tied me to a traditional role. ”
A hint of loss flashed on Zhang Qiang's face, but he quickly regained his composure: "I understand you, Xiaohong. I hope you find true happiness. ”
A warm current swelled in Li Xiaohong's heart, she was grateful for Zhang Qiang's understanding, but at the same time, she also knew that their paths had diverged. She took a deep breath and continued, "Thank you, Qiang. I will remember the good times we had together, but I also need to pursue my own dreams. ”
Zhang Qiang nodded, he walked towards Li Xiaohong and hugged her gently: "Wherever you go, I will bless you." ”
Li Xiaohong's tears slipped quietly, she knew that this hug was the end of their story and the beginning of her new life. She gently pushed Zhang Qiang away, smiled and said, "Goodbye, Qiang." ”
Li Xiaohong turned to leave, her steps firm and powerful. She knows that the road ahead will not be easy, but she believes that as long as she follows her heart, she can find her own happiness.
This article is a microfiction, please do not sit in the opposite seat