On a sunny weekend with a spring breeze, Li Qiang and Li Hua hosted a family gathering in their small home. The table was full of delicacies made by Li Hua himself, and the atmosphere should have been cheerful, but Li Qiang's words made this afternoon relaxation suddenly tense.
"Xiao Li, Fangfang, we called you here today, there is something that needs to be clearly told to you. Li Qiang held the teacup, his voice was serious and calm, and his eyes looked directly at Xiao Li and Wang Fang sitting opposite.
Xiao Li and Wang Fang glanced at each other and frowned puzzled. "Dad, what's so formal?" asked Xiao Li.
Li Qiang took a deep breath and continued: "Your mortgage problem, my mother and I have discussed, from next month, we will no longer help you pay the mortgage of 4,800 yuan." We feel that you are no longer small and should learn to be responsible and manage your finances independently. ”
This sudden news exploded like a bomb in a quiet house. Xiao Li's face immediately turned pale, and Wang Fang hurriedly answered: "Uncle, aunt, this... How is this possible? We're already squeezing on our expenses, and suddenly we're spending so much..."
"But that's part of education, Fangfang. Li Hua interjected gently, "We are also for the good of Xiao Li, you always have to learn to solve problems by yourself, don't you?"
Wang Fang's eyes were slightly red, and she pursed her lips, obviously trying to control her emotions. "But Auntie, without your help, our lives would have been very difficult every month. It was really sudden for us. ”
Xiao Li also stood up at this time, facing his parents, his voice with a hint of choking: "Dad, Mom, I know you want me to be independent, but such a sudden decision is too unfair to us." We just got married, and everything hasn't settled down yet, so you're doing this..."
Li Qiang looked at his son, and his tone remained unchanged: "I know this is a test for you, but it is also necessary. You need to learn to face reality and deal with these problems. This is the responsibility of every adult. ”
Just when the atmosphere became more and more tense, the parents of the Wang family also felt the seriousness of the situation, Wang Gang frowned, and looked at Li Qiang worriedly: "Brother Li, is this really good? ”
Li Qiang sighed and was silent for a moment before replying: "I understand everyone's concerns, but this is our decision. I hope you understand. ”
The atmosphere of the party was clearly no longer relaxed, and everyone's face was full of worry and uneasiness. Li Qiang and Li Hua also knew that their decision would be a big test of family relationships.
The past few weeks have been an uphill battle for Li and Wang, as they go over and over every expense to try to find a balance in their disorganized finances. Electricity, water, and daily expenses are all taken into account, and even the usually inconspicuous pack of paper towels is included in the budget.
"Looks like we're going to have to cancel our Netflix subscription. Wang Fang frowned in front of the computer and said.
"Well, let's cancel the gym membership too, I can go for a run in the park. Xiao Li added, his tone trying to keep it light, but his eyes couldn't hide the tiredness.
One evening, Xiao Li came to his parents' house with a detailed budget sheet, hoping to make his parents understand their plight through numbers. "Mom, Dad, you see, this is our recently adjusted budget. Even so, there is still a shortfall of nearly 1,000 yuan per month. ”
Li Qiang took the budget sheet and flipped through it silently, the expression on his face did not soften. "I know it's hard, but it's the way you grow. Li Hua also whispered beside him.
A few days later, Li Qiang and Wang Gang played against each other in front of a chessboard in the park. The chess game was tense, but Li Qiang's mind was obviously not on chess. Wang Gang put down a chess piece and sighed lightly: "Brother Li, I know you have your education method, but this sudden pressure may make the little two unbearable." ”
Li Qiang raised his head and looked firm: "I understand your worries, Brother Gang." But if you don't let them try it now, how will they face the storms of life independently in the future?"
Wang Gang shook his head, his eyes showing disapproval: "Everyone has their own aspirations, Brother Li, I don't think helping your children is the same as depriving them of their independence." We can let them learn gradually, rather than suddenly pushing into deep water. ”
Li Qiang was silent, and the situation on the chessboard seemed a little chaotic. He finally spoke: "Maybe you're right, I'm thinking about it too. But as a parent, you always want to give your child some opportunities to exercise. ”
The game continues, and the conversation between the two slowly advances, as cautious and thoughtful as every move on the chessboard. Wang Gang sighed and continued: "I understand your painstaking efforts, but I hope we can find a compromise that will not affect their lives and teach them independence. ”
As the sky gets darker and the chess game ends, the conversation between the two old men seems to have found a temporary foothold, but the real solution still needs time to explore and understand.
At a community spring fair, Li Hua and Wang Hong met by chance. They each picked out gifts and household items, and occasionally exchanged views on the objects. The weather was warm enough for a stroll, and the two mothers decided to go to a nearby café together.
Along the way, Wang Hong was slightly silent. Li Hua noticed her unusualness and asked softly, "Sister Hong, I have seen that you have some worries recently, are you still worried about the children's affairs?"
Wang Hong sighed lightly and nodded: "Yes, since that meeting, I've been wondering, are we interfering too much in the children's lives?"
Li Hua was slightly stunned, and then replied seriously: "I also have the same question. We have good intentions, but maybe not quite the right way. After all, each generation faces different challenges. ”
The two walked into the café and found a window seat to sit down. As the aroma of coffee slowly wafted in, the topic gradually deepened.
Wang Hong shook her head: "I've been wondering, is our worry a little outdated? We always want to guide them according to our own experiences, but ......"
But the world has changed. Li Hua took over the conversation and said softly, "Me too, I always hope to exercise Xiao Li's independence through difficulties, but maybe such a direct way is not suitable for them." ”
Wang Hong nodded, clasping her hands around the edge of the cup, her eyes revealing a hint of confusion: "What we want is for them to be good, but is this kind of 'good' really suitable for them?"
"Definitely. Li Hua thought thoughtfully, "What we need may be to communicate more with them and understand their real needs, rather than unilaterally helping." ”
The two looked at each other and smiled, as if they had found resonance in each other's words. Wang Hong said softly, "Thank you, Sister Hua." Sometimes we need to be reminded to stop and see how the world around us has changed. ”
They continued to talk about family, about change, about finding the right way to educate and support in the new world. Although the problem may not be solved at one time, this candid conversation has allowed them to better understand each other and understand the confusion in their hearts.
The atmosphere of the family dinner was originally warm, and the table was full of delicacies carefully prepared by Li Hua. Everyone sat around and it was supposed to be a happy moment, but as the topic deepened, the atmosphere gradually became tense.
Xiao Li held the dishes, suddenly put down the chopsticks, and said in a trembling voice: "Dad, Mom, I really think you did this too suddenly." We're under a lot of pressure right now, and we have to worry about the bills at the end of the month every day in addition to work. ”
Li Qiang looked at his son with a serious expression: "Xiao Li, I understand your pressure, but you must learn to be independent." You know what? I ...... when you were your age."
After a pause, he continued: "At that time, I had just started my own small business and couldn't even pay the rent. Your grandmother was very sick at that time, and I had almost nothing. But I didn't choose to rely on others, I chose to solve the problem on my own. ”
Li Hua also interjected softly: "Yes, we have experienced a lot of difficulties, but every step is our own step. We hope you understand that this experience is also precious to you. ”
Xiao Li listened to his parents' words, and a trace of thought flashed in his eyes: "But parents, the current situation is different from your time, and the pressure and competition in life now ......"
Wang Fang also helped: "Yes Auntie, we understand the importance of independence, but it may be better if there is a smoother transition." ”
Wang Gang also said softly: "The challenges of each era are different, and perhaps the methods of our generation are not entirely suitable for the present. ”
Li Qiang was silent for a moment, looked at the family, and finally slowly spoke: "Maybe you are right." I'll consider your feelings, and together we can find a better way. ”
Although the conversation started with a bit of conflict, it eventually found a gentle solution through understanding and communication. Xiao Li and Wang Fang felt the painstaking and support of their parents, and the two older generations gradually understood the impact of the changes of the times on young people.
At the end of the dinner, although there were still some unresolved bonds, the hearts of the family were a little closer, and they knew that they could face the future together.
After a series of deep conversations and mutual understanding, the two families finally found a way to compromise with each other. Li Qiang and Li Hua agreed to give Xiao Li and Wang Fang appropriate financial support to help them gradually take on the responsibilities of life.
One night, Xiao Li and Wang Fang came to Li Qiang and Li Hua's home, bringing some desserts and tea, and the atmosphere was warm and harmonious. "Mom and Dad, Fang Fang and I want to say, thank you for your understanding and support. We will work hard to become fully self-reliant as soon as possible. Xiao Li said gratefully.
Li Hua smiled and waved his hand: "Son, this is what we should do." We are relieved to see that you can gradually become independent. ”
Wang Fang also added: "Auntie, uncle, we are really grateful. We also learned a lot, including how to manage our finances and how to face life's challenges. ”
In the days that followed, the relationship between the two families improved significantly. Wang's parents, Wang Gang and Wang Hong, also began to participate in their community's activities, such as tea parties and bridge parties, and their social lives became more active.
At a community event, Wang Hong excitedly said to Li Hua: "Sister Hua, since our family's affairs have been resolved, I feel much more relaxed. Now Lao Wang and I participate in bridge competitions every week, which is quite interesting. ”
Li Hua responded with a smile: "Yes, I also think that our relationship has become more frank because of this communication." The previous misunderstandings have been dissolved. ”
As time passed, Xiao Li and Wang Fang slowly adapted to their new financially independent life, and their self-confidence grew. They begin to plan for the future, including career development and family plans.
On a sunny weekend, the two families got together again to celebrate the first full mortgage payment made by Xiao Li and Wang Fang. Li Qiang raised his glass and delivered a speech: "Today, it is not only to celebrate the mortgage, but also for us as a big family, to be able to face difficulties together and find ways to solve problems." ”
Laughter and joy echoed through the cottage, and the hearts of the two families were more closely bonded. They know that as long as they support and understand each other, they can face the challenges of the future together, no matter how big they are.
This article is a microfiction, please do not sit in the opposite seat