My name is Zhang Jieheng and I was born in a remote village in the late 60s. Of the five children in the family, I am the youngest. At that time, the family was so poor that they couldn't even eat, let alone read and write. But I have had a dream since I was a child, that is, to get out of this yellow earth and see the outside world.
My family lives in the east of the village, and Uncle Li's family is next door. Uncle Li is an honest farmer, but he attaches great importance to the education of his children. His daughter, Li Zhaoxia, is the same age as me, and we have grown up together since we were children, so we can be said to be childhood sweethearts.
When I was a child, the children in the village loved to play with mud, but I preferred to sit on the threshold of Uncle Li's house and listen to Li Zhaoxia tell me stories. She talked about all the knowledge in the textbook, and I listened to it with relish. At that time, I secretly decided that I must be like her and one day be able to study.
I studied very hard, getting up before dawn every day and reading in the faint morning light. At night, under the kerosene lamp, I was often the last to sleep. The friends in the village laughed at me and said that I was stupid to read, but I didn't care. I know that only knowledge can change destiny.
In the year of the high school entrance examination, I was admitted to the technical secondary school with the first score in the township. When the news came, the whole village was boiling. Uncle Li patted me on the shoulder excitedly and said, "Zhang Jieheng, you are the pride of our village!" "At that moment, I felt that all my hard work was worth it.
During my years in school, Uncle Li's family gave me a lot of help. I remember one time when my family wanted to build a new house, but my family was so poor that they couldn't even afford a brick. After Uncle Li found out, he brought the strong laborers of the village to help without saying a word. They got up early and stayed up late and built three large tiled houses for us with their hands.
Another time, I was admitted to a technical secondary school, and the tuition fee became a big problem for my family. After discussing with Aunt Li, Uncle Li decided to use the only savings in the family to help me pay for my tuition. I still remember what Aunt Li said to me: "Zhang Jieheng, you are a promising child, we believe that you can succeed in your studies." ”
Li Zhaoxia's help to me is something I will remember for the rest of my life. When I was in school, she always helped me with the housework and gave me more time to study. On the day I left home for school, she drove me all the way to the entrance of the village. At parting, she quietly stuffed me with a cloth bag containing a few clothes she had sewn with her own hands and some dry food.
I clutched the bag tightly, tears rolling in my eyes. I knew it wasn't just a few clothes and dry food, it was what she wanted from me.
After graduating from secondary school, I became a tax officer. At that time, my colleagues were busy introducing me to people, but I only had Li Zhaoxia in my heart. I decided to stay true to my feelings and confess to her.
On the day of my confession, I was so nervous that my palms were sweaty. I plucked up my courage and said to her, "Chaoxia, would you like to be my wife?" When she heard this, tears welled up in her eyes, and she nodded vigorously.
We got engaged, and it was a simple affair, but I think it was the happiest moment of my life. After we got married, we worked together and our lives gradually improved. Our son was also born, and he was very clever and clever, which is our greatest pride.
I still remember the day I confessed to Li Zhaoxia. I stood in front of her house, clutching a bouquet of freshly picked wildflowers in my hand, and my heart was fluttering. I know it's the most important moment of my life.
I took a deep breath and plucked up the courage to say to her, "Chaoxia, you have been in my heart for so many years. I know I may not be the best choice, but I must be the most sincere. Are you willing to give me a chance to take care of you for the rest of your life? ”
She listened, tears rolling in her eyes, and then nodded softly. At that moment, I felt like the happiest person in the whole world.
Our wedding was a simple one, but I think it was the happiest moment of my life. After we got married, we worked together and our lives gradually improved. Our son was also born, and he was very clever and clever, which is our greatest pride.
We opened a small shop that sold daily necessities. Although the income is not much, it is enough for us to live. Every day, I take care of the shop with Chaoxia, although it is hard, but my heart is very sweet.
As time went on, our small shop grew bigger and bigger, and our business became more and more prosperous. We built a new house, bought a car, and our living conditions improved a lot.
The son was also very competitive, was admitted to university, and found a good job after graduation. Asaka and I are very pleased, and we are very proud of him.
Now, Chaoxia and I are over half a hundred years old, but our relationship is still the same. When we retire, we plan to travel together to see the world that we couldn't see when we were younger.
I'm looking forward to retirement. I want to go to the beach with Asaka and listen to the sound of the waves; I want to go hiking with her and get some fresh air; I wanted to sit in the yard with her, bask in the sun and chat.
I know that all this happiness is inseparable from the companionship and support of Chaoxia. I want to say to her: "Thank you, Chaoxia, thank you for giving me a warm home, thank you for accompanying me through the ups and downs of life." ”