I stood in front of the mirror, carefully arranging the blue shirt that had been washed and whitened. Today is the 10th anniversary of our high school classmates, and I have some anticipation and some apprehension in my heart. In this small town, my salary of 5,000 yuan a month is really not much, and I know that there will inevitably be comparisons at the party, and there will be people talking about salary, status, and even cars and houses.
I smiled at myself in the mirror and thought to myself, no matter what, that was my life, and I had no regrets. I rode the bike that had been with me for many years through the familiar streets to the meeting place. As soon as I entered the door, I heard the laughter of my old classmates, who were talking about their successes and glories, and I smiled and sat quietly in the corner.
"Yo, isn't this Li Datou? Why, I'm riding your BMW today?" Zhang Qiang's teasing voice was particularly harsh in the crowd. I smiled and didn't answer, just gently stroked my bike. I know that although this car is old, it has witnessed my ups and downs over the years.
The atmosphere of the party gradually became enthusiastic, and everyone began to exchange business cards and talk about their careers. I silently ate the food in front of me and listened to their conversation. Although my salary is not high, I am content and happy, and my life is simple and fulfilling.
"Li Datou, what about you, how much do you earn a month now?" asked Wang Li curiously. I hesitated, but answered truthfully: "5000." As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd erupted in laughter. I lowered my head, feeling a little uncomfortable, but I didn't feel inferior because of it.
"5,000? haha, it's not enough for me to pay for a month's oil!" Zhang Qiang's mockery sounded again. I raised my head and looked at him calmly: "Everyone's life has a different value, and although my salary is not high, I am happy. ”
The party went on, but I could clearly feel the change in atmosphere. Some people began to look at me strangely, as if I had become an outlier in the party. I smiled, didn't refute, didn't argue, just silently drank tea and enjoyed this rare party moment.
"Li Datou, how is your son doing now? I heard that he is studying abroad, did he spend a lot of money?" someone asked. I nodded: "Yes, he did spend a lot of money studying abroad, but I think it's worth it." There was a hint of pride in my words.
"Haha, Li Datou, you are slapping a swollen face and becoming fat!" Zhang Qiang's mocking voice sounded again. I took a deep breath and didn't say anything more, just looked at him quietly. I know that my son is my pride, and his success is my greatest success.
The atmosphere of the party became a little awkward, and I stood up and prepared to leave. Just then, there was a roar of cars outside the door. A luxurious sports car stopped at the door, the door opened, and a handsome teenager stepped out.
"Daddy!" the boy's voice echoed in the air, and when I looked up, it was my son, Xiaojie. He wears a name tag and has a confident smile on his face. I was stunned, I didn't expect him to appear at this time.
"Xiaojie, why are you here?" I asked, a little surprised. Xiaojie walked over with a smile and put his arm around my shoulder: "Dad, I'll pick you up and take you home." ”
The classmates were dumbfounded, they looked at Xiaojie and then at me, with complicated expressions on their faces. Zhang Qiang opened his mouth even wider, unable to speak for a long time. I smiled and patted Xiaojie on the shoulder: "Good son, let's go home." ”
On the way home, Xiaojie drove the car, and I sat in the co-pilot, feeling a lot of emotion. I know that the students' reaction today is not only because of Xiaojie's appearance, but also because their definition of success is too narrow.
"Dad, aren't you happy today?" asked Xiaojie with concern. I shook my head and replied with a smile, "No, I was just thinking, what is the real success." ”
Xiaojie was silent for a while, and then said, "Dad, I think real success is to be able to do what you like and live the life you want." ”
I looked at him, and a warm current welled up in my heart. Yes, although my salary is not high, I have a happy family and a sensible son, isn't that the greatest success?
Since then, I have never felt inferior because of my salary. I know that everyone's life is wonderful, as long as we cherish what we have and live with our hearts, that is the greatest success.
That night, I was lying in bed with a lot of thoughts. I recalled the scenes at the party, the ridicule of my classmates and the sudden appearance of my son. It dawned on me that life is not a race, it's a journey. We should not measure a person's worth by money, but by his qualities and behavior.
I think of my son Xiaojie, he studied abroad, although he spent a lot of money, he learned knowledge, increased knowledge, isn't this a kind of success? I think of my wife, although she doesn't have a job, she keeps the house in order and gives me a warm home, isn't this a kind of success?
I think of myself, although the salary is not high, but I am conscientious, diligent, and use my own hands to support my family, isn't this a kind of success?
I smiled, my heart filled with gratitude. I am grateful to my family, to my friends, and to those who used to laugh at me. It was they who made me understand the true meaning of life and what real success is.
Since then, I have never felt inferior because of my salary. I know that everyone's life is wonderful, as long as we cherish what we have and live with our hearts, that is the greatest success.