That was in 1995. I accompanied my good sister Xiaomei to pick up her retired boyfriend, Zhang Jie. To be honest, I really didn't think much of him at first. He was not tall, dark-skinned, wore a plain green military uniform, carried a shabby backpack, and looked unremarkable.
"Xiaomei, are you sure he's your boyfriend?" I asked, half-jokingly.
Xiaomei glared at me, "Don't talk nonsense, others are very good." ”
After picking him up, we found a restaurant to eat. At the dinner table, Zhang Jie didn't say much, but every sentence seemed very real. I've always been straightforward, and I couldn't help but ask him, "What are you going to do when you retire?" ”
Zhang Jie was silent for a while, and then said, "I want to find a job first, save some money, and then do some small business on my own." ”
I smiled contemptuously, "It's easy to say, in this world, who doesn't want to make money?" ”
Now, 25 years later, I have to admire my vision at that time. Zhang Jie has gone from an ordinary retired soldier to today, step by step, and has become the owner of a well-known company. And Xiaomei and I have also witnessed each other's youth and growth.
Speaking of which, in the past 25 years, Xiaomei and I have been worried about Zhang Jie a lot. He started his business at that time, and Xiaomei and I lent him all our savings. At that time, I still silently prayed in my heart that he would not disappoint us.
In the early days of entrepreneurship, Zhang Jie suffered a lot. He gets up early and works greedily at night, running the market, pulling customers, and sometimes he can't even take care of eating. Xiaomei and I saw it in our eyes and hurt in our hearts, but we knew that all we could do was to support him.
One day, Zhang Jie came to me in a hurry and said, "Sister, I found a project, I think it will be successful!" ”
I glared at him, "Can you stop bragging?" ”
He smiled, "This time is really different, I'm confident!" ”
Looking at his determined eyes, I couldn't help but smile, "Okay, I believe you once." However, if you fail again, Mei Ke and I won't help you. ”
Zhang Jie nodded vigorously, "Thank you, sister, I will definitely succeed!" ”
Unexpectedly, that time, Zhang Jie really succeeded. His projects have been recognized by the market, and his business has grown bigger and bigger. Today, he owns a business of considerable size.
Today, 25 years later, Xiaomei and I get together and recall the events of those years, and I can't help but feel emotional.
"Why didn't I see him so promising?" I smiled self-deprecatingly.
Xiaomei also smiled, "This shows that you have a unique vision and can see that he is a potential stock." ”
We looked at each other and smiled, and those hardships and tears in the past have turned into happiness and laughter today.
"Zhang Jie, you kid, you really impress me." I was amazed from the bottom of my heart.
Zhang Jie smiled, "Thank you, sister, and thank you for your company and support." ”
Yes, time flies, time flies. After 25 years of ups and downs, the three of us have walked together. Those misunderstandings, quarrels, and tears have become our most precious memories. And Zhang Jie has also proved his value with practical actions.
Life is like a play, and drama is like life. Each of us has our own role to play on this stage. Sometimes, we get lost in the play, but there are always some people and things that let us find our way and move forward bravely. Let us cherish this hard-won fate, continue to move forward hand in hand, and write a wonderful chapter that belongs to us.
The wheels of time rolled forward, never stopping for anyone. Zhang Jie's company is getting bigger and bigger, and he has become a legend in our small circle. And I, too, in the process, witnessed the power of friendship and love.
That day, Zhang Jie suddenly suggested that he take us to see one of his new projects, a farm on the outskirts of the city. He said that this has been his dream for many years, to create a place away from the hustle and bustle of the city, where people can relax and enjoy nature.
"That's a good idea, but it's not a small investment, right?" I asked curiously.
Zhang Jie smiled slightly, with a determined glint in his eyes, "Yes, the risk is indeed not small, but I believe that as long as you work hard, you will always succeed." ”
Xiaomei interjected on the side, "He's like this, once he decides, he will go all out." ”
We drove to the farmstead, where there were green fields, sparkling lakes, and cattle and sheep grazing leisurely. Zhang Jie led us on a tour and detailed his plans: organic farming, eco-tourism, and health vacations...... Each one is filled with his enthusiasm and anticipation.
"You see, there will be a log cabin here in the future, where people can experience the idyllic life." He pointed to a place under construction, his eyes full of longing.
I looked at his intoxicated appearance, and I couldn't help but sigh in my heart, this man who was once despised by me has now grown into a responsible and visionary leader.
In the evening, we ate in the restaurant of the farm, Zhang Jie took out the old wine that he had treasured for many years, and the three of us chatted while drinking, talking about the changes over the years.
"Do you remember when we first met?" I asked Zhang Jie with a smile.
He nodded, "Of course I remember, you and Xiaomei didn't think very well of me at that time. ”
I took a sip of wine and looked out the window at the starry sky, "At that time, we were young and ignorant. Now it seems that your persistence and hard work are the most valuable. ”
Xiaomei also said with emotion: "Yes, over the years, the three of us have experienced too much together, and it is really not easy to get to where we are today." ”
The three of us toasted to each other, and the ups and downs of those years seemed to be in this wine, and we drank it all in one go, and all that was left was full of emotion and gratitude.
After dinner, we strolled along the path of the farm, the night breeze was cool, the insects chirped, and the frogs chirped, which made people feel extraordinarily peaceful. Zhang Jie suddenly stopped, looked at me and Xiaomei seriously, and said, "Actually, I still have one wish. ”
"What wish?" I asked curiously.
Zhang Jie took a deep breath and said slowly: "I hope that the three of us can always be like this, no matter how many years have passed, we can be like now, talk about everything, and support each other." ”
Xiaomei's eyes were slightly red, and she held Zhang Jie's hand, "Yes, we have always been friends like this." ”
I also nodded, and a warm current surged in my heart, "No matter what the future holds, we will always go on." ”
That night, the three of us made a promise for the future under the starlight of the farm. And those promises, like the brightest stars in the night sky, illuminate our way forward and warm our hearts.
Time flies like a white horse, and in a blink of an eye, a few years have passed. Zhang Jie's farm project has been a huge success and has become a great place for city dwellers to relax on weekends. And I, in the process, also felt the beauty of life and the preciousness of friendship.
One weekend, I came to the farm alone, looking for some peace. Walking through the fields, breathing in the fresh air, and feeling the baptism of nature, the worries and worries in my heart gradually dissipated.
Walking into a sea of flowers, I unexpectedly found Xiaomei. She was sitting among the flowers, a book in her hand, lost in thought. I walked over gently, sat down next to her, and said with a smile, "How can you sit here alone in such a beautiful weather?" ”
Xiaomei raised her head and smiled, "I'm thinking, the road we have traveled over the years, the people we have met, and the things that have happened, I am really emotional." ”
I nodded and said with emotion: "Yes, sometimes I wonder if it was our youth that slipped away quietly. ”
Xiaomei closed the book and looked at me, "But our friendship has become deeper with the passage of time." ”
At this time, Zhang Jie walked over, holding two glasses of juice in his hands, and said with a smile: "You two, are you saying bad things about me behind your back?" ”
I took the juice and teased, "How dare you, you're the big boss now." ”
Zhang Jie smiled, sat between us, and said, "No matter what I become, the friendship between us will never change. ”
The three of us looked at each other and smiled, and at that moment, it was as if we had gone back to twenty years ago, and we were still that carefree young people.
In the afternoon, we decided to go fishing at the lake. Zhang Jie taught us how to place the bait and how to observe the fish float. Although I was clumsy at first, under his guidance, I finally caught a fat fish.
"Look, I'll just say you can." Zhang Jie smiled and patted me on the shoulder.
I looked at Xiaomei proudly, "How is it, I'm amazing, right?" ”
Xiaomei smiled and shook her head, "You two, just like when you were a child, like to be competitive." ”
As the sun set, we returned with a full load of fish baskets. Zhang Jie personally cooked and cooked a sumptuous dinner for us. We sat around, eating food and chatting about the past.
"Do you remember when you were a child, the three of us stole watermelons together?" I brought up a long-forgotten past.
Xiaomei laughed, "How could you forget, we were chased all over the village at that time." ”
Zhang Jie also smiled, "Yes, although I was poor at that time, I was really happy." ”
The three of us had a wonderful time at the farmstead that night. We reminisce about the past, share the present, and look forward to the future. I found that although the years have left marks on our faces, our hearts are still young.
Such days have made me understand that life is not only busy and rushing, but also needs such leisure time, gathering with friends and enjoying the beauty of life. And this friendship also makes me firmly believe that no matter how difficult the future is, we will move forward hand in hand and face it together.
Time flies, time flies. In the blink of an eye, we are both middle-aged and have our own lives, but our friendship is still the same.
One weekend, Zhang Jie suggested going to his newly developed resort. This resort is located in a beautiful valley with fresh air and beautiful scenery. The three of us came here with our families and had a great weekend.
The resort is fully equipped with hot springs, swimming pools, gyms, and a variety of outdoor activities. We soaked in the hot springs and chatted, as if we had returned to the carefree days of our youth. Children frolic by the pool and laugh constantly.
"It's such a great place to spend a vacation." I said with emotion.
"Yes, Zhang Jie, you really have vision." Xiaomei also admired.
Zhang Jie smiled modestly, "This is all the credit of everyone, without your support, I wouldn't be able to go today." ”
In the evening, we enjoyed food in the resort's restaurant and chatted about each other's lives. Although we both have our own jobs and families, our friendship has never been alienated by distance.
"You know what? I've been learning to draw lately. Xiaomei said excitedly.
"Really? That's great, you've always loved drawing and finally had the time to make it happen. "I encouraged her.
"Yes, life is about constantly trying new things, so that life can be more exciting." Zhang Jie also said approvingly.
We had an unforgettable weekend. At the resort, we let go of the stresses of life, enjoyed the beauty of nature, and felt the power of camaraderie.
However, life is not always smooth sailing. Soon after, Zhang Jie's company encountered some difficulties, and his mood became heavy. Upon hearing the news, Xiaomei and I immediately rushed to his company to share some of the pressure for him.
"Zhang Jie, don't worry, we will always support you." I comforted him.
Xiaomei also held his hand tightly, "Yes, we will get through this together." ”
With the company and encouragement of his friends, Zhang Jie gradually regained his confidence. He actively coped with the difficulties, sought solutions, and finally managed to overcome them.
The years are like a song, and our friendship is stronger in the wind and rain. We have experienced the confusion of youth together, gone through the ups and downs of life together, and witnessed each other's growth together. No matter how many difficulties and challenges there are in the future, we will move forward hand in hand and face them together.
In this world, there are some things that money can't measure, like friendship. We cherish this hard-won friendship and believe that it will accompany us through every stage of our lives, forever.