In the park in the early morning, birdsong and sunlight shine through the treetops on the winding paths. As usual, Li Ming, wearing his slightly old white practice clothes, walked briskly along the park's trail for morning exercises. He loved the tranquility and enjoyed the solitude.
"Good morning, Lao Li!" A crisp voice broke the silence, and Li Ming turned his head to see that it was Zhang Li, a lady who was also retired, wearing bright sportswear and a warm smile on her face.
"Oh, Teacher Zhang, it's morning!" Li Ming responded, a kind smile on his face.
Zhang Li walked forward quickly and walked side by side with Li Ming, "The weather is so good today, suitable for exercise." By the way, I heard that you are good at calligraphy, when can you teach me two tricks?"
Li Ming waved his hand modestly, "Where, where, my three-legged cat kung fu, how dare I get an axe in front of Teacher Zhang." ”
Zhang Li smiled heartily, "Lao Li, you are too modest. I really want to learn from you, let's retire, find some hobbies, life is not monotonous. ”
Li Ming was infected by Zhang Li's enthusiasm, and nodded in agreement, "That's okay, I'll teach you a few strokes another day." ”
The two walked and chatted, and the topic extended from calligraphy to their respective retirement lives. Zhang Li is a talkative person, and her words are full of love for life and curiosity about new things. Li Ming listened to it, and couldn't help but be infected by her emotions, and a long-lost vitality surged in his heart.
A few days later, Zhang Li came to Li Ming's house to learn calligraphy as promised. Li Ming took out paper, ink, pen and inkstone, and patiently taught Zhang Li how to hold the pen and how to move the pen. Zhang Li studied seriously and asked Li Ming for advice from time to time, and the two spent a pleasant afternoon in the fragrance of ink.
Over time, Zhang Li became an integral part of Li Ming's life. She often came to Li Ming for walks, chatted, and even helped him with housework. Li Ming's children are all working in other places, and Zhang Li's appearance has made his retirement life no longer lonely.
"Lao Li, your skills are really good, this dish is even better than the restaurant!" Zhang Li praised while tasting the braised pork made by Li Ming.
Li Ming smiled and waved his hand, "It's commonplace, you just like it." ”
Zhang Li put down her chopsticks and looked at Li Ming seriously, "Lao Li, seriously, with you by my side, I feel that life is full of fun." Don't you think we get along very well?"
Li Ming was stunned for a moment, he didn't expect Zhang Li to say this, and he didn't know how to answer for a while. He looked at Zhang Li's expectant eyes, and his heart was mixed, but he knew that his life had indeed become different because of Zhang Li's appearance.
Zhang Li's appearance was like a warm spring breeze, blowing into Li Ming's peaceful life. Not only did she frequently appear in the park's morning exercises, but she also often appeared at the door of Li Ming's house, carrying fresh vegetables and fruits in her hands, saying that she had bought them by the way, but in fact they were specially prepared for Li Ming.
"Lao Li, you see how fresh this apple is, I specially picked it, supplement vitamins, it's good for your body. Zhang Li said as she handed the apple to Li Ming.
Li Ming took the apple, a warm current surged in his heart, and he looked at Zhang Li gratefully, "Teacher Zhang, you are too polite, I am embarrassed to always bring me something." ”
Zhang Li waved her hand and said with a smile: "We are friends, and it is appropriate to help each other." Besides, I see that you are quite lonely by yourself, and I am glad to be able to help. ”
Li Ming's heart moved, he did feel lonely, Zhang Li's concern made him feel warm, but at the same time, he was also confused. He was unsure of Zhang Li's intentions, and he was also worried that this sudden concern would cause him trouble.
As time passed, Zhang Li's care became more nuanced. She would hand Li Ming a cup of hot tea while he was reading, take the initiative to help him when he was doing housework, and even accompany him to watch the news and discuss current affairs.
"Lao Li, look at the news, young people are really under pressure now, housing prices are so high, and work is so busy, we didn't have so many worries at that time. Zhang Li said with emotion.
Li Ming nodded and agreed: "Yes, the times have changed, and the problems are different." However, we also had our own difficulties at that time. ”
Zhang Li suddenly turned her head and looked at Li Ming seriously: "Lao Li, have you ever thought that at our age, we can actually have a new life, and we don't always have to recall the past." ”
Li Ming was stunned, he didn't expect Zhang Li to say this, he looked at Zhang Li's expectant eyes, and was a little apprehensive in his heart, but he still replied with a smile: "Teacher Zhang, you are right, we should look forward." ”
However, Li Ming's heart became more and more uneasy. He began to notice the strange stares of his neighbors and heard some gossip. He knew that his relationship with Zhang Li had attracted the attention and discussion of others.
One day, Li Ming's friend Lao Wang found him and said earnestly: "Lao Li, I heard that Zhang Li has been coming to you recently, are you two ......?"
Li Ming hurriedly explained: "Lao Wang, don't get me wrong, Zhang Li is here to help me do housework and chat, there is nothing between us." ”
Lao Wang sighed: "Lao Li, I know that you are alone, but you have to think about it carefully, you two are not young anymore, if this matter spreads, it will not be good for your reputation." ”
Li Ming was silent, he knew that Lao Wang's words were not unreasonable. He began to think seriously about his relationship with Zhang Li and the possible consequences of this relationship.
Zhang Li's bluntness surprised Li Ming, and at the same time shocked his children and old friends. At a family gathering, Zhang Li unabashedly expressed her feelings and wishes for Li Ming, which made the originally warm atmosphere freeze instantly.
"Dad, what's going on? You and Aunt Zhang ......" Li Ming's daughter Li Fang broke the silence first, her voice full of confusion and worry.
Li Ming cleared his throat in embarrassment and tried to explain: "Fangfang, your Aunt Zhang...... We're just friends. ”
But Zhang Li stood up, her eyes were firm, and her tone was frank: "No, Li Fang, we are not just friends. I like your dad and I want to spend the rest of my life with him. ”
The atmosphere at the dinner table suddenly became tense, and Li Ming's son Li Qiang couldn't help but speak: "Dad, have you considered our feelings? Although Aunt Zhang is a good person, but the age gap between you is so big, where will our faces go when this matter spreads?"
Old friends also persuaded one after another, they thought that Li Ming should consider his age and physical condition, and should not act impulsively.
"Lao Li, we have been friends for decades, you have to think clearly. Lao Wang said earnestly.
Li Ming felt unprecedented pressure, and he looked at the worries of his children and friends, and his heart was mixed. He knew that their words were not unreasonable, but he could also feel Zhang Li's sincerity and enthusiasm.
Zhang Li was not swayed by these opposing voices, she turned to Li Ming, and said softly but firmly: "Lao Li, I know that they are all out of concern for you, but I hope you can listen to your own heart. At our age, it is not easy to meet someone we really like. ”
Li Ming looked at Zhang Li, his heart full of contradictions. He knew that his feelings for Zhang Li were real, but he also knew that accepting them meant facing more challenges and criticism.
After the party, Li Ming sat alone in the living room, his heart struggling. He thought of his children, the advice of his old friends, and Zhang Li's expectations. He knows that he has to make a decision that is not only about his own happiness, but also about his relationships with the people around him.
The atmosphere of the family gathering was tense and complicated, and Zhang Li stood in front of Li Ming's family, facing a pair of scrutinizing eyes, she took a deep breath, ready to speak her mind.
"I know that there is an age gap between me and Li Ming, and our relationship may surprise you, and even be a little difficult to accept. Zhang Li's voice was clear and firm, "But I really like Li Ming, I appreciate his personality, respect his past, and am willing to face the future with him." ”
Li Fang frowned, and her tone was questioning: "Aunt Zhang, you know what we are worried about. You're with my dad, what will the outside world think?"
Zhang Li nodded and expressed understanding: "I understand your concerns, but I care more about the days I spend with Li Ming." Age is just a number, and true happiness is when two people know each other. ”
Li Qiang couldn't help but interject: "Dad, have you considered our feelings? It's not that we don't bless you, we just hope you can think more carefully." ”
Li Ming stood up, his eyes revealing a hint of firmness: "Children, I have heard all your words. I've been thinking about Zhang Li and me for a long time. I respect your opinions, but I also want to live out my old age. ”
Lao Wang also persuaded on the side: "Lao Li, you have to think clearly, this matter is not child's play." ”
Li Ming nodded, turned to Zhang Li, and held her hand: "Zhang Li, are you willing to face everything in the future with me, whether it is good or bad?"
Zhang Li's eyes flashed with tears, she held Li Ming's hand tightly, her voice choked but firm: "I am willing, Li Ming, I am willing to face it with you." ”
Li Ming turned his head to look at his children and old friends, his tone calm but full of power: "I know that this decision may make you feel uneasy, but I hope you can understand. Zhang Li and I are both adults, and we will take responsibility for our choices. ”
Li Fang and Li Qiang glanced at each other, although they still had concerns, but they saw the firmness in their father's eyes and the sincerity in Zhang Li's eyes, and they knew that no amount of opposition could change their father's decision.
Finally, after a period of silence, Li Fang said softly: "Dad, since this is your choice, we will try our best to understand and accept it." ”
Li Qiang also nodded slowly: "Dad, we are just worried about you and hope you are happy." ”
Lao Wang sighed and patted Li Ming's shoulder: "Lao Li, since you have decided, our old friends will support you." ”
Li Ming and Zhang Li looked at each other and smiled, their hands clasped tightly, although the road ahead was unknown, they knew that as long as they were with each other, nothing was impossible.
With the end of the family gathering, the relationship between Li Ming and Zhang Li gradually gained understanding and acceptance among the family. Although it was full of doubts and worries at first, Li Ming's firmness and Zhang Li's sincerity eventually touched everyone.
"Dad, as long as you are happy, we are relieved. Li Fang said to Li Ming after a meal that her eyes were full of love for her father and acceptance of Zhang Li.
Li Qiang also walked over and patted Li Ming on the shoulder, "Dad, I may have been too impulsive before, but now I understand." The most important thing is that you and Aunt Zhang are happy. ”
Li Ming looked at his children with emotion, tears flashing in his eyes, "Thank you, children. Your understanding and support is so important to me. ”
Zhang Li listened quietly on the side, her heart full of gratitude. She knows that this hard-won acceptance is the greatest support for the relationship between the two.
As time passed, Li Ming and Zhang Li began to plan their future together. They decided to start small, such as participating in senior activities in the community together and developing new hobbies together.
"Lao Li, how about this pottery class? We can do pottery together. Zhang Li held a community activity flyer and said excitedly to Li Ming.
Li Ming smiled and nodded, "Good idea, Zhang Li, I heard that doing pottery can calm people's mood and exercise hand-brain coordination." ”
The interaction between the two became more and more natural, and they began to do chores together, go for walks together, and even attend friends gatherings together. Their relationship gradually deepened in their daily lives and became a good story among neighbors.
"Lao Li, you are now a model couple in our community. Lao Wang jokingly said at a party.
Li Ming and Zhang Li looked at each other and smiled, they knew that this happiness was not easy to come by, but they cherished every minute and every second now.
With the blessings of his family and the envy of his friends, the relationship between Li Ming and Zhang Li became more and more stable. They have proved with practical actions that true love is not limited by age, and happiness can be controlled by themselves.
This article is a microfiction, please do not sit in the opposite seat