Li Ming sat on an old-fashioned sofa, remote control in hand, aimlessly switching TV channels. It has been three years since his wife passed away, and his life is like this empty room, without the excitement and warmth of the past. He sighed and decided to bring some change to his life.
"Xiao Chen, you're here!" Li Ming's voice carried a hint of anticipation and joy. Xiao Chen, a young girl from the countryside, has just walked into Li Ming's home to become his new nanny.
"Hello Mr. Li, I'm Xiao Chen. Xiao Chen smiled, revealing two sweet dimples, her voice crisp and energetic.
"Come, sit down, you're welcome. Li Ming pointed to the chair opposite and motioned for Xiao Chen to sit down.
After Xiao Chen sat down, the two began their first exchange. Li Ming asked about Xiao Chen's family situation, and Xiao Chen curiously asked about Li Ming's daily life.
"Teacher Li, what do you usually do?" Xiao Chen asked curiously.
"I'm just reading books, writing, and occasionally playing chess with old friends. Li Ming replied with a smile, a hint of loneliness flashing in his eyes.
"Do you like to listen to music? I can put some on for you. Xiao Chen suggested.
"Oh, you can play music?" Li Ming was a little surprised.
"Of course, when I was in the countryside, I used to help the old people in the village play music, and they liked it. Xiao Chen said confidently.
"That's great, I've got some old records here, see if you can put them on. Li Ming took out a stack of dusty records from behind the sofa.
Xiao Chen took the record and skillfully put it on the record player. After a while, melodious music began to play in the room. Li Ming closed his eyes and swayed gently to the music, with a long-lost smile on his face.
"Teacher Li, look, isn't this much better?" Xiao Chen looked at Li Ming, his eyes full of concern.
"Yes, Xiao Chen, you are really my little lucky star. Li Ming opened his eyes and looked at Xiao Chen gratefully.
Since that day, Xiao Chen has become an indispensable part of Li Ming's life. She not only took care of Li Ming's daily life, but also brought him long-lost happiness and companionship. The relationship between the two has also quietly changed unconsciously.
Xiao Chen's arrival added a touch of color to Li Ming's life. She is not only diligent and capable, but also delicate, and can always give Li Ming the right care and help when he needs it. Every day, she prepares a hearty breakfast for Li Ming, and then walks with him to breathe fresh air in the park.
"Teacher Li, look, how beautiful these flowers are!" Xiao Chen pointed to a blooming peony in the park, with a bright smile on his face.
"yes, it's beautiful. Li Ming responded, but his gaze stayed more on Xiao Chen's face, and the smile was even more moving than a flower.
As time went on, the relationship between the two grew closer. Xiao Chen not only takes care of Li Ming's daily life, but also often chats with him and listens to him tell stories about his youth. Li Ming found that he became more and more dependent on Xiao Chen's company, and her presence made him feel relieved and happy.
One day, Xiao Chen was busy preparing dinner in the kitchen, while Li Ming was sitting in the living room reading a book. Suddenly, he heard a brisk singing voice from the kitchen, it was Xiao Chen humming.
"Xiao Chen, what song are you singing?" Li Ming asked curiously.
"Oh, it's an old song from my hometown called 'Jasmine'. Xiao Chen replied, but the work in his hand did not stop.
"Can you teach me to sing?" Li Ming suddenly became interested.
"Of course, Mr. Li. Xiao Chen smiled and put down the kitchen knife in his hand, walked to Li Ming's side, and taught him to sing sentence by sentence.
"What a beautiful jasmine flower, fragrant and beautiful, full of branches......" Li Ming sang along with Xiao Chen, although a little out of tune, his face was full of childlike excitement and happiness.
In this way, Xiao Chen used her singing voice and enthusiasm to slowly melt the loneliness and loneliness in Li Ming's heart. The friendship between them, in the bits and pieces of daily life, gradually sublimated into an indescribable deep emotion.
Li Ming's children learned about the intimate relationship between their father and Xiao Chen by chance. Their hearts are filled with worry and uneasiness that their father is being emotionally cheated. The topic was brought up during a family dinner over the weekend.
"Dad, we heard that you and Aunt Xiao Chen are very close, which makes us a little worried. Li Ming's eldest son, Li Qiang, spoke first, with concern in his tone.
"Yes, Dad, you're not too young, and we're worried about you. Daughter Li Fang also agreed, frowning.
Li Ming put down the chopsticks in his hand, calmly glanced at the children, and slowly spoke: "Are you worried that I will be deceived? Xiao Chen is a good girl, she has brought me a lot of happiness. ”
"Dad, we know you're lonely, but you have to consider our feelings. Li Qiang's tone became a little excited.
"Yes, Dad, see if you can reconsider and find a wife of the same age, so that we can rest assured. Li Fang added.
Li Ming was silent for a while, and then said slowly: "I know you are for my good, but the relationship between me and Xiao Chen is sincere. I'm old, but my heart is not old, and I need emotional companionship. ”
"Dad, we're not against you finding a wife, we just think that Aunt Xiao Chen is too young, which is not suitable. Li Qiang tried to convince his father.
"Whether it's suitable or not, I know in my own heart. Li Ming's tone was firm, and his eyes revealed a trace of undoubted determination.
The atmosphere at the dinner table became a little awkward, children, you look at me, I look at you, I don't know how to continue the topic. Xiao Chen silently cleaned up the dishes and chopsticks on the side, her eyes revealing a trace of helplessness and worry.
"Dad, we're not trying to interfere in your life, we just want you to think about it. Li Fang's voice softened a little, and she tried to ease the atmosphere.
"I said, children, I thank you for your concern. But I hope you will respect my choice. After Li Ming finished speaking, he got up and left the table, leaving a table of silent children and Xiao Chen.
The atmosphere of the family gathering was a bit heavy, and Li Ming's children sat on the sofa with different expressions. Li Ming sat between them, while Xiao Chen stood quietly behind him, his hands clasped nervously.
"Dad, we still don't think the relationship between you and Aunt Xiao Chen is not suitable. Li Qiang spoke again, with a hint of persistence in his tone.
Li Ming took a deep breath, he knew that this was a problem that had to be faced. He slowly stood up and turned to look at Xiao Chen, his eyes full of warmth and firmness.
"Kids, I know what you're worried about. But I want to tell you that Xiao Chen is more than just a nanny for me. Li Ming's voice was calm and powerful.
"And what is she?" Li Fang asked, with a hint of puzzlement in her tone.
"She is my friend, my confidant, and an integral part of my life. Li Ming's words shocked everyone present.
"Dad, what do you mean by that?" Li Qiang frowned, obviously not quite understanding his father's words.
Li Ming turned to face his children, his eyes full of seriousness and expectation.
"I'm older, but I also need companionship, someone to share with me. Xiao Chen gave me this, and she made me feel happy and feel that life still has meaning. Li Ming's words silenced the children.
"But, Dad, don't you think it's a bit..."Before Li Fang's words could be finished, he was interrupted by Li Ming.
"I know what you're worried about, but trust me, my feelings for Xiao Chen are sincere. I chose to live with her because I felt happy. Li Ming's tone was firm, and his eyes revealed a trace of unquestionable determination.
"Dad, we're not against your pursuit of happiness, it's just..." Li Qiang wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Li Ming.
"Kids, I understand your concerns. But I also hope that you will understand me and respect my choice. Li Ming's words made the children fall into deep thought.
Xiao Chen stood aside, her eyes full of gratitude and admiration. She knew that Li Ming's words were not only an affirmation of her, but also a protection for her.
"Dad, we..." Li Fang wanted to say something, but was gently interrupted by Li Ming.
"Alright, boys, I'm sure you'll understand. Now, let's go ahead and enjoy this wonderful night. Li Ming smiled and sat back on the sofa, and Xiao Chen also sat gently beside him.
Family gatherings continued, and while the children were still a little apprehensive, they began to try to understand and respect their father's choice. And the relationship between Li Ming and Xiao Chen also got a new definition in this family gathering.
As time passed, Li Ming's children began to understand and accept their father's relationship with Xiao Chen. They realize that their father's happiness and joy are the most important thing, and Xiao Chen brings this to his father.
"Dad, we thought about it for a long time and decided to respect your choice. On a sunny afternoon, Li Qiang expressed their decision to Li Ming on behalf of the whole family.
"Really, kids, thank you for your understanding. Li Ming's eyes flashed with tears, and his voice was a little choked.
"Yes, Dad. We also wish you happiness. Li Fang also smiled and said, her eyes full of sincerity and blessings.
Xiao Chen stood aside, so moved that he couldn't speak, but just held Li Ming's hand tightly. She knew how difficult it was to come to this moment.
"Aunt Xiao Chen, welcome to be a member of our family. Li Qiang stepped forward and shook Xiao Chen's hand, his eyes full of friendship and acceptance.
"Thank you, thank you. Xiao Chen's voice trembled a little, but her face was filled with a happy smile.
Since then, Li Ming and Xiao Chen's lives have become warmer and happier. The children often brought their families to visit them, and the family was happy and full of laughter.
"Xiao Chen, look, this is a painting painted by my grandson, and it is really good. Li Ming held a painting and proudly showed it to Xiao Chen.
"Really? Let me see. Xiao Chen took the painting and looked at it carefully, her eyes full of appreciation.
"Aunt Xiao Chen, I painted the scene of you and your grandfather walking in the park. There was a hint of pride in the little grandson's immature voice.
"The painting is so good, I was moved. Xiao Chen gently stroked her little grandson's head, her eyes glistening with tears.
Li Ming looked at the scene in front of him, and his heart was full of gratitude and happiness. He knew that he had made the right choice and found happiness and joy in his old age.
"Xiao Chen, thank you, it was you who made my old age so beautiful. Li Ming held Xiao Chen's hand and said affectionately.
"Teacher Li, thank you too, you have given me a warm home. Xiao Chen's voice was choked with a hint of choking, but her face was full of happy smiles.
In this way, Li Ming and Xiao Chen, with the blessing and company of their families, spent a warm and happy old age together.
This article is a microfiction, please do not sit in the opposite seat