In that quiet town, Wang Guiying would walk out of the small brick house on time every morning as usual. The brick house was small but clean, full of memories of her fifty years with her late husband. She always likes to sit leisurely under the old banyan tree in the park, watching the early morning sun penetrate the gaps in the leaves and cast dappled shadows.
"Grandma Wang, the jasmine flowers are blooming so well today, you see." Uncle Zhao walked over with the jasmine he had planted, his face full of wrinkles of joy.
Wang Guiying looked at the flower in her hand and laughed softly: "Uncle Zhao, your craftsmanship is really getting better and better." ”
The neighbors in the park love to chat with Wang Guiying, and she always brings laughter to everyone. Although she has no pension and no family to keep her company by heart, her optimism and independence are admired by everyone. From time to time, neighbors would send some home-grown vegetables and fruits, and Wang Guiying would always give back some homemade cookies or other small snacks, so that life was simple and full of warmth.
Everyone can't seem to see the secret hidden in Wang Guiying's heart. Only she knew that the old-fashioned porcelain vase in the corner of the house, carefully guarded by her and her husband, contained their life savings. Although the money is not much, it is saved by her and her husband's hard work bit by bit, which has extraordinary significance to her.
"Grandma Wang, I heard that there have been thieves recently, you should pay attention to safety at night." Aunt Li reminded her.
Wang Guiying nodded lightly: "Thank you, Aunt Li, I will be careful, and so will you." ”
When night falls, Wang Guiying always sits alone in a rocking chair, takes out those almost yellowed photos, and reminisces about the days spent with her husband. Sometimes, she also thinks of the years she has lived independently, although lonely, but also free. She knows that as long as she keeps this comfort, life will give her more surprises.
Although Wang Guiying is not wealthy, she knows how to make life enjoyable. Every weekend, she cooks something delicious and turns the otherwise quiet courtyard into a warm meeting place. The neighbors were also willing to help, some helped her trim the flowers and plants, and some taught her to raise goldfish. Although it is to help, in fact, everyone is here to enjoy the peace and fun, just like a family.
"Grandma, the red bean cake you made today is so delicious!" A little neighbor said happily.
Wang Guiying replied with a smile: "Of course, this is made by me with my mind." ”
Wang Guiying is satisfied with such a life. Although she lives alone, she never feels lonely in her heart. Her life is simple and content, and she knows it all because she has a casual heart and a pair of hardworking hands.
Wang Guiying's home in the town is notoriously clean and comfortable, although she is the only one who lives, but every corner of the home is warmly and lively. Over time, the home became a model for the neighborhood. One day, a relative suddenly visited and shattered the peace of the home.
Niece Li Hongchen is a strong woman with a good career in a big city, and she has not returned to the town to visit relatives for a long time, and suddenly expressed a strong interest in Wang Guiying. "Auntie, I'm really happy to hear that you are living comfortably here, and I want to come and see it." Li Hongchen said with a smile on his face with a thoughtful gift.
Although Wang Guiying was surprised in her heart, she still warmly entertained her niece. Sitting in Wang Guiying's well-tended courtyard for a long time, they chatted and recalled the past time, Wang Guiying was a little moved. However, when Li Hongchen inadvertently mentioned the topic of economy, Wang Guiying's heart fluctuated strangely.
"Auntie, it's definitely not easy for you to live alone. So many years of savings, you must take good care of them. Li Hongchen pretended to be concerned and reminded.
"Hey, money is something outside of my body, and I can't use it much by myself." Wang Guiying was vague, she was sensitive to the fact that in addition to family affection, her niece seemed to have other purposes.
Afterwards, Wang Guiying noticed that Li Hongchen began to visit frequently, and stayed in Wang Guiying's room for various reasons, as if he was looking for something. One night, Wang Guiying pretended to sleep, and she heard Li Hongchen quietly rummaging for something, and she couldn't help but have doubts in her heart.
"Auntie, what's good to eat, make me some?" The next day, Li Hongchen came to the kitchen again as if nothing had happened. And Wang Guiying smiled gently on the surface, but decided to observe secretly.
As time passed, Wang Guiying found that her porcelain vase seemed to have been touched. She decided to find an opportunity to explain to her niece in private, hoping that her niece would leave consciously. However, Li Hongchen continued to show deep "filial piety", and praised Wang Guiying from time to time for saving such a large sum of money by herself for so many years.
"Li Hong, you are so busy, you don't have to come to me often. I'm doing well on my own and don't need special care. Wang Guiying tried to tactfully refuse, but her instincts told her that it wasn't going to end so easily.
The niece's "care" gradually made Wang Guiying feel suffocated, and the conflict in her heart became deeper and deeper. On the one hand, she is reluctant to be suspicious of her relatives, and on the other hand, she is worried about her hard-earned savings. Wang Guiying began to think about how to properly deal with this sudden family crisis.
That afternoon, the sun was lazily shining in Wang Guiying's small courtyard, and the faint fragrance of jasmine wafted in the air. Li Hongchen, since he was politely rejected by his aunt last time, has found a new excuse - to help clean the house, observing the surroundings while cleaning.
"Auntie, sit down for a while, I'll clean up." Li Hongchen said as he reached out to tidy up the bookshelf, his eyes glancing at the porcelain vase placed in the corner from time to time.
Wang Guiying listened, but felt uneasy in her heart. "Don't be busy, I'll do it myself, you can go back and rest."
"It's okay, auntie, you are old, you should enjoy the blessings." Li Hongchen insisted, but the movements in his hands involuntarily sped up.
Wang Guiying got up slowly on crutches, trying to find a reason for Li Hongchen to leave the room, but at this time, she saw her niece reach for the porcelain vase. "What do you do?" Wang Guiying's voice couldn't help but rise.
Li Hongchen was stunned for a moment, and responded in a panic: "Oh, there is ash on this porcelain bottle, I'll help you wipe it." ”
Wang Guiying walked over and firmly held the porcelain vase: "Hongchen, we are all family members, and we have something to say." ”
Looking at her aunt's determined look, the smile on Li Hongchen's face became reluctant, and she slowly spoke: "Auntie, I have been in a bit of trouble in business recently, and I want to ask you to borrow some money." ”
Wang Guiying sighed deeply, she didn't expect her niece to come because of money. She finally understood the real intention behind this series of "care". "Hongchen, it's not easy for you and me, I can give you the money, but I hope you don't have such thoughts again."
Li Hongchen didn't expect her aunt to be so direct, a trace of embarrassment flashed across her face, but she quickly regained her composure. "I ...... I really didn't mean to, auntie, and I promise not to do it again. There was a slight choked in her voice.
Looking at her niece, the disappointment and anger in Wang Guiying's heart were difficult to quell. The years have precipitated too many memories, and those savings are not only money, but also a testimony of the ups and downs she and her lover have experienced together. "Hongchen, in life, greed is always unsatisfied. I didn't tell you before because I didn't want these things to affect our family relationship. ”
Later, Wang Guiying tried to tell Li Hongchen that the matter of money can be solved, but she hopes that she can face the difficulties of life independently, instead of being greedy for cheap. "Niece, you must think carefully about the relationship between people and money. Don't lose yourself because of money. Wang Guiying's words reveal the wisdom of life.
After that day, Li Hongchen did not come again. Wang Guiying secretly made up her mind that she must be more careful to protect her life and property. And the tranquility of the town, after this small turmoil, seems to have returned to the past.
Wang Guiying has gone through the ups and downs in her life, and she knows that this sudden family twist and turn is just a small episode on the road of life. Although she is still a little difficult to let go of in her heart, after this incident, she knows how to cherish the people around her who treat her sincerely.
It was another sunny morning, and she came to Uncle Zhao and Aunt Li's house. They are Wang Guiying's most trusted neighbors in the town, and they are also the people who have always given her the most care. "Uncle Zhao, Aunt Li, there is something I want to tell you." Wang Guiying spoke heavily.
"Gui Ying, if you have anything to say, we are a family." Uncle Zhao put his hand on Wang Guiying's shoulder and said kindly.
So, Wang Guiying confessed the secret and her own heart to them. She recounts the savings that were buried in the old porcelain vase at home and the family disputes that arose. Uncle Zhao and Aunt Li both showed thoughtful expressions after hearing this.
"Gui Ying, don't worry, we will keep this money for you. You've always been a strong person, and this little ordeal is nothing. Aunt Li said affectionately.
Wang Guiying felt unprecedented relief, she knew that although she was not rich materially, this wealth of family affection and trust could not be bought by any money. Since then, Wang Guiying's relationship with Uncle Zhao's family has become closer, with more laughter and joy.
Time flies, Wang Guiying's life is still simple and self-sufficient, and every flower and grass in the garden has grown more prosperously. In her quiet life day after day, she is more and more able to discover the beauty of life. In her own little world, she grows flowers, raises fish, makes biscuits, and shares the bits and pieces of life with her neighbors.
She began to teach gardening to the children of the town, passing on her life wisdom and experience to the next generation, which gave her a great sense of accomplishment and happiness.
People in the town say that Wang Guiying is like a bright pearl, even after the vicissitudes of life, it can still exude a warm and bright light. Her story tells everyone that true freedom is not only about external material satisfaction, but also about inner independence and freedom. Wang Guiying has found her own spiritual freedom, and behind her smile is an endless love for life and an infinite vision for the future.