The sun is shining warmly in the community, and Mr. Zhu is busy at home. He cleans, prepares ingredients, and looks forward to the arrival of his brother's family while working.
Since the death of his parents, Mr. Zhu has been sponsoring his younger brother Zhu Xiaoming and his family. Although it may feel like a heavy burden at times, the thought of them being happy and healthy makes me feel relieved.
"Ding Dong!" The doorbell finally rang, and Mr. Zhu hurriedly opened the door, greeted by the smiling face of his younger brother Zhu Xiaoming. He was holding Mr. Zhu's beloved little nephew Zhu Hao in his arms, his wife Li Yan and daughter Zhu Li followed behind, carrying some small gifts in his hands.
"Brother hasn't seen you for a long time! How is Lili doing at school lately?" Zhu Xiaoming asked happily.
"It's okay, it's just a little mischievous. Li Yan took over the conversation, her tone helpless but full of pampering.
"Haha, it's exactly like you when you were a kid!" Mr. Zhu smiled and patted his younger brother on the shoulder.
Zhu Xiaoming's expression was lively when he spoke, and his wife Li Yan nodded and smiled from time to time. Julie was a little shy, but when she saw her uncle, she threw herself into his arms and begged for a hug. And the little nephew Zhu Hao had no scruples, and he was familiar with the house.
"Slow down, be careful of falling!" Mr. Zhu hurriedly grabbed Zhu Hao and hugged him. The little one giggled, not afraid of life at all.
"Haohao is just too active and lively, and he is really worried. Li Yan said helplessly, "Don't blame him." "
"Why, I like this little guy so much. Mr. Zhu kissed Zhu Hao's face, "Come, let's have lunch!"
Everyone sat around the dining table, and after a while, they ate cleanly, and Mr. Zhu had time to ask about Zhu Li's study.
"School life is pretty good, but it's a little too much homework. Zhu Li bit her chopsticks and said in a childish tone, "I hate doing math problems the most, it's always wrong." "
"That's not good, if you don't even study math well, you'll suffer in the future. Mr. Zhu patted the back of her hand, "I was good at math when I was a child, do you want my uncle to teach you?"
"Okay, okay!" Zhu Li's eyes lit up, and Zhu Xiaoming and Li Yan also nodded again and again.
"Is it going well at work?" Mr. Zhu turned to his younger brother and asked with concern.
"Hey, it's okay. Zhu Xiaoming spread his hands helplessly, "It's too difficult to do business now, the boss is squeezing hard, and the salary can't rise much." But I had no choice but to bite the bullet. "
Mr. Zhu patted him on the shoulder and encouraged, "You have to hold on, there will definitely be a better way out in the future." "
"yes, I'm just complaining. Zhu Xiaoming nodded, his tone firmer, "As long as you can support your family, nothing else matters." "
Then, Mr. Zhu turned his attention to Li Yan and asked her about her family.
"It's true that life is not easy, but when we are together as a family, we feel that nothing else matters. Li Yan talked about how she takes care of the housework and educates the children, "The greatest joy of every day is to watch the two children grow up healthy and happy." "
Zhu Hao seemed to understand his mother's words, and grinned happily, revealing a cute little tooth. Mr. Zhu smiled slightly, and a burst of warmth welled up in his heart.
In this peaceful atmosphere, Zhu Hao suddenly spoke: "Uncle, why do you have to give us money every month?"
There was a sudden silence in the room, and everyone looked at each other. Mr. Zhu was stunned for a moment, and then looked at his younger brother Zhu Xiaoming, with questions in his eyes.
"Alas, this child. Zhu Xiaoming hurriedly explained, "I am letting them learn the truth of gratitude from an early age." Every month my uncle gives us money, and we have to be grateful. "
"Yes, yes, we pray every month that my uncle is healthy and all the best!" Li Yan hurriedly agreed.
Mr. Zhu listened, frowning slightly. This monthly tribute of 4,000 yuan is the responsibility he took the initiative to assume after the death of his parents. At that time, Zhu Xiaoming had just entered the society, and his income was meager, so he really needed funding. But time has passed, and now that Zhu Xiaoming has a stable job, Mr. Zhu can't help but be a little shaken.
"Uncle, are you unhappy?" Seeing this, Zhu Li hurriedly covered her mouth.
"Definitely, definitely!" Julie nodded vigorously.
"Okay, don't talk about these things, let's have tea and chat. Mr. Zhu picked up the teapot and poured everyone a cup of fragrant tea.
The family members said a word, and the atmosphere soon became lively again. But Mr. Zhu's heart couldn't be calm for a long time. He was wondering if it was really time to be independent.
After his brother's family left, Mr. Zhu weighed it repeatedly at home alone. On the one hand, 4,000 yuan a month does have a certain burden on his economy; On the other hand, if the younger brother's family suddenly loses this income, life will be too tight. After much deliberation, Mr. Zhu finally made a decision: starting next month, he will no longer give financial assistance.
"Brother, are you serious?" Zhu Xiaoming was slightly surprised, but quickly nodded yes, "It's okay, I understand your thoughts." Thanks to your funding all these years, I have been able to work with peace of mind, and now it's time to learn to be self-reliant. "
Seeing his brother's determined appearance, Mr. Zhu was sincerely grateful. He patted Zhu Xiaoming's shoulder and said solemnly: "You are no longer the hairy boy you were back then, now that you have your own family, it's time to create a better life for your family." Although the days ahead will be more difficult, I am sure that you will be able to face it bravely. "
"Brother, I will definitely redouble my efforts to let Lili and Haohao live a carefree life. Zhu Xiaoming's eyes were firm.
"That's good, that's good. Mr. Zhu nodded and said earnestly, "But you must remember that no matter what happens in the future, the relationship between our brothers will always be the same." If there is any difficulty, just come to me. "
"I know, brother. Zhu Xiaoming stepped forward and hugged Mr. Zhu, tears glistening.
In this way, Mr. Zhu is no longer the breadwinner of his younger brother's family, but their relationship has become stronger. Zhu Xiaoming began to work hard, trying to create better living conditions for his family. Li Yan is more budget-conscious, frugal and saving. Zhu Li and Zhu Hao saw it in their eyes, although they were still young, they gradually learned to cherish it.
A year later, Zhu Xiaoming received a salary increase for his outstanding work performance; Julie was admitted to a good middle school; Zhu Hao has also won various awards in kindergarten. The family's life finally took a turn for the better, and everyone was happy and happy.
On weekends, Mr. Zhu always calls them to his home. Everyone was having fun, just like before. It's just that this time, Zhu Xiaoming is no longer the one who was funded, but took the initiative to pay for Mr. Zhu's beloved tea.
"Okay, okay, then I'm welcome. Mr. Zhu took it with a smile, and his heart was warm.
"Uncle, now that our family has money, you don't have to worry about it. Julie said happily.
"Yes, yes, we will all rely on ourselves in the future!" Zhu Hao echoed, looking proud.
Looking at the innocent smiling faces of the children, Mr. Zhu was extremely happy in his heart. The former tribute can finally be waived; And the younger brother's family finally embarked on the road of self-reliance. At this moment, he felt that all the effort and effort he had put in before was worth it.
"Okay, okay, don't talk about that. Mr. Zhu waved his hand again and again, "Today is a festive day, let's eat more, drink more, and celebrate happily!"
"Wow, uncle, you're the best!" Zhu Li and Zhu Hao happily threw themselves into Mr. Zhu's arms, and Zhu Xiaoming and Li Yan were also full of relief.
In this way, the family spent a good night. Since then, Mr. Zhu and his brother's family have become closer, and they have supported each other and worked together, and finally they both live happy and healthy lives.
After Zhu Xiaoming's family gradually got better, Mr. Zhu also ushered in new changes in his life. For years, he has been making ends meet on a meager salary and the little savings left by his parents. Now that he can finally solve his financial worries completely, he is starting to think about his retirement.
One sunny morning, Mr. Zhu was packing his luggage at home. Today, he will go to the small town of Jiangnan to fulfill his long-cherished wish for many years. It was a pleasant place with easy access to transportation, and it was his ideal retirement destination.
"Brother, are you going to leave so neatly?" Zhu Xiaoming said with some reluctance, "Let's come back to see you often." "
"Silly boy, I'm not leaving, I'm just going to stay there for a while. Mr. Zhu smiled and patted his brother's back, "Besides, it's only a few hours' drive from here, and I can come back to see you at any time." "
"That's good, that's good. Zhu Xiaoming nodded again and again, obviously relieved.
"Uncle, if you're not happy there, you must come back immediately!" Zhu Li grabbed Mr. Zhu's arm and looked at him with blank eyes.
"Don't worry, what's upset. Mr. Zhu touched her head, "When the time comes, I will call you often, you have to answer." "
"Definitely, definitely!" Julie nodded vigorously.
"Uncle is gone, I have to miss you every day. Zhu Hao grabbed the corner of Mr. Zhu's clothes and said aggrievedly.
"Silly boy, my uncle is not going anywhere. Mr. Zhu picked him up and kissed him on the face, "We will have more chances to see each other in the future." "
Zhu Hao nodded, and a smile finally bloomed on his little face.
"Alright, it's time for me to go. Mr. Zhu picked up the last piece of luggage and took a deep breath, "You also have to work hard to live a better life." "
"Definitely, definitely!" Zhu Xiaoming nodded again and again, his expression extremely firm.
Everyone hugged each other and said goodbye, and the scene was very warm. After Mr. Zhu left, the life of Zhu Xiaoming's family was not greatly affected. They work and study as usual, but on weekends they will take time out to drive to the town to reunite with Mr. Zhu.
Mr. Zhu lives in a small courtyard with a pleasant scenery, and walks in the garden every morning to breathe in the fresh air. Occasionally, a walk around a nearby park or lake will take in the beauty along the way. Although life is hard, it is also very comfortable.
Sometimes, Mr. Zhu would return to the city to reunite with his brother's family. Together, they'll go to the park or cook a delicious home-cooked meal at home. Zhu Li and Zhu Hao are coquettish and cute all the time, while Zhu Xiaoming and Li Yan are busy taking care of their two children. The family was happy, just like before.
The days passed leisurely and happily. Mr. Zhu is happy to see his brother's family's life flourish and he himself has found unprecedented peace and ease in this town.
And just like that, five years have passed in the blink of an eye. Zhu Li has been admitted to the ideal university, and Zhu Hao has gradually grown into a young man. And Zhu Xiaoming and Li Yan are going farther and farther on the road of their careers, and their families are gradually getting richer.
One day, Zhu Xiaoming drove to the town to pick up Mr. Zhu and settle in the city.
"Brother, aren't you bored living in this small place for so long?" Zhu Xiaoming said with a smile.
"Bored? Mr. Zhu shook his head, "I've had a good time in the past few years." However, your life has stabilized, and it is time for me to go back. "
"That's great. Zhu Xiaoming clapped his hands happily, "I have prepared a room for you at home, you can just stay." "
"Well, but don't forget, I also want to keep some personal space to myself. Mr. Zhu said with a smile.
"That's nature, and we definitely won't bother you. Zhu Xiaoming nodded seriously.