Zhang Yuan looked at the only café in the town, and couldn't help but look forward to it. He pushed open the door lightly, and was greeted by the rich aroma of coffee and the gentle smile of his uncle Zhao Gang.
"Yuan'er, come, sit, sit here and talk." His uncle beckoned him to sit down, and the wrinkles on his face revealed the hardships of the years.
Zhang Yuan sat down and said cautiously, "Uncle, did you really decide to let me work in a café?" ”
"Of course." Uncle Zhao Gang wiped the table and said, "Haven't you always wanted to have a decent job, although it is simple here, it is solid enough." ”
Zhang Yuan's heart was full of gratitude, but he was also a little uneasy, "But uncle, I heard that the salaries of the employees here are quite high, I..."
Uncle interrupted him, "Don't worry about it, I'll take care of this." You just have to do your part and don't think about the rest. ”
In the first few months, Zhang Yuan showed more diligence and love for coffee than expected. But the good times didn't last long, and as time went by, the small doubts in the busyness also quietly took root in Zhang Yuan's heart.
By chance, Zhang Yuan saw the salary slip of his colleague Yang Qiang in the back kitchen. The number is 5,000 yuan, which is 2,000 yuan more than himself. The pimple in his heart was formed in this way, and it became more and more obvious.
At lunchtime, Zhang Yuan found an opportunity to talk to his uncle.
"Uncle, is my work performance not good enough? I see someone else's payroll, why is my salary lower than theirs? Zhang Yuan asked in a low voice.
Uncle Zhao Gang bowed slightly, with a hint of heaviness in his tone, "That's the case, other employees do have higher salaries than you." But don't think about it, there's my own considerations behind this. ”
"Consider? Uncle, I think I should at least know why. Zhang Yuan insisted.
Uncle was silent for a while, then sighed, "Don't worry, I've planned everything." You can bear with it this month, and I'll give you a salary increase next month. ”
Although his uncle's words were heartwarming, Zhang Yuan's heart was difficult to calm down, and he always felt that things were not as simple as they seemed.
In the days that followed, Zhang Yuan's doubts did not decrease. In getting along with his colleagues, he gradually discovered some little secrets hidden behind the salary gap. Zhang Yuan's dissatisfaction spread in his heart, and his work gradually lost its luster. Every day, in addition to staring at the hot coffee machine, his mind is more about the smiles of his colleagues and the salary slip that is 2,000 yuan more than himself.
That day, Li Xiao's appearance broke the calm atmosphere of the café. Li Xiao is a sunny and handsome young man, about the same age as Zhang Yuan, and they soon became good partners at work.
"Brother Yuan, I heard that you are the nephew of the boss, so it must be easy for you to work here, right?" Li Xiao quipped while wiping the table.
Zhang Yuan smiled dumbly, "Relaxed? Where am I as good as you think, and the salary is not as high as yours. ”
"Huh? How is this possible! Li Xiao looked surprised, and unconsciously stopped the movements in his hand, "I just ordered 5,000, you should at least be higher than me." ”
This speech was like an invisible blow, which brought Zhang Yuan's dissatisfaction to a peak. However, in Li Xiao's gag of opening the window, Zhang Yuan's mood unexpectedly improved.
One night, Zhao Gang, who was slightly drunk, inadvertently revealed a secret that had been hidden for a long time. It turned out that his uncle had already discovered Zhang Yuan's dissatisfaction and suspicion. In the face of this nephew who has been paying silently, he has his own plans.
"Yuan'er, uncle knows you've seen the payroll. In fact, I have been saving for you a down payment, and I want to buy a small house so that you and Xiaohong (Zhang Yuan's girlfriend) can have a stable home. Zhao Gang's words were full of apologies.
Zhang Yuan was stunned when he heard this, his mind was full of his uncle's words.
"The down payment is too expensive now, I don't keep more, how can you afford it alone." Zhao Gang continued, "I originally thought to surprise you when I got it ready, but I didn't expect you to misunderstand it for so long. ”
On the way home, Zhang Yuan couldn't calm down for a long time. The anger and grievances in my heart were gradually replaced by emotion and guilt. He began to reflect on his actions and whether he was too harsh on his uncle.
The next day, Zhang Yuan came to the café early and found his uncle.
"Uncle, I heard everything last night. Regarding the salary, I ...... I want to say I'm sorry. Zhang Yuan's eyes were a little moist.
Uncle looked at him, and his eyes flashed with relief, "Silly boy, what is there to be sorry for." Between family members, where can these be used. ”
So, under Li Xiao's witness and ridicule, the misunderstanding between Zhang Yuan and his uncle finally disappeared. However, Zhang Yuan's heart is getting heavier and heavier, and he knows that he must make a choice, not only for the future, but also for his deep love for his uncle. The wind chimes outside the window swayed in the breeze and made a pleasant sound. Zhang Yuan stood in front of his uncle Zhao Gang, his eyes were firm, but he couldn't hide the struggle in his heart.
"Uncle, I've decided, I want to resign." Zhang Yuan spoke quickly, "I need to be independent, I don't want to rely on you for everything." ”
Faced with this sudden declaration, Zhao Gang was stunned, and a trace of panic flashed in his eyes, "Resign?" Yuan'er, did you make this decision suddenly? Can't we sit down and have a good talk? ”
"Uncle, no matter how good you are to me, I can't always live under your protection." Zhang Yuan's words were resolute, but there was a hint of pain.
Zhao Gang stood up suddenly, took Zhang Yuan's hand, and said in an eager tone, "You know, my only wish for so many years is to let you live well." How can I rest assured that you are like this now? ”
Their conversation caught the attention of the other employees inside the café. Li Xiao quietly looked at it while continuing to work quietly.
"Uncle, I understand your painstaking efforts." Zhang Yuan softened his tone slightly, "But I always have to learn to face life by myself." Besides, I don't want Xiaohong to be estranged from you because of me. ”
Just when the two were at a stalemate, Zhao Gang suddenly spoke, as if he had made a lot of determination, "Zhang Yuan, you sit down, I have something to tell you." ”
Zhang Yuan was surprised and sat down according to his uncle's instructions. Zhao Gang's face was a little pale, not like his usual uncle who was always smiling.
"Years ago, when I promised your father to take care of your brother, I intended to raise you as my own child." Zhao Gang's voice trembled a little, "Over the years, I have been planning for your future, and even want to help you buy a wedding room. But I ignored your need to grow as a man, and the respect for your autonomy. "
Hearing this, Zhang Yuan's eyes were full of tears, he never thought that his uncle was not only burdened with the operation of a café, but also the commitment and love for his future.
"Uncle, I'm ......" Zhang Yuan's throat choked, and he didn't know what to do.
"Yuan'er, I was wrong." Zhao Gang's eyes were red, "If you insist on leaving, I won't stop you." But I want you to know that no matter where you go, this will always be your home. "
Silence spreads in the air. A few minutes later, Zhang Yuan wiped the tears from his face and stood up again.
"Uncle, give me some time to think about it." Zhang Yuan took a deep breath, "No matter what you decide, I will remember what you said to me today."
Zhao Gang nodded, with a relieved smile in his eyes. They tacitly knew that at that moment, the estrangement between the two was completely dissolved by the flow of emotion. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the streets of the town, and the golden light reflected the café where Zhao Gang and Zhang Yuan walked out. The two found a quiet bench and sat down, talking face to face.
Zhang Yuan took a deep breath and said, "Uncle, I've thought a lot. Actually, I know you've always been good for me, and I... I decided to stay and continue to help you. ”
Zhao Gang was overjoyed and held Zhang Yuan's hand, "Yuan'er, you can think like this, uncle is really pleased." Together, we work to make this café better. ”
"Well, uncle, I also hope that I can take on more responsibilities, not only for work, but also for family." Zhang Yuan said, the burden in his heart seemed to be much lighter.
"Well said." Zhao Gang nodded, "In the future, I also hope to pass on this store to you." It's not just an extension of home, it's a promise I made to your father. ”
The two looked at each other and smiled, and Zhang Yuan suddenly realized that he seemed to have rediscovered his original intention and direction.
A few months later, the café ushered in a slight change. Not only is Zhang Yuan more comfortable at work, he also introduces new elements and activities to the café to attract more customers.
At a family dinner, Zhang Yuan took out one thing.
"Uncle, here is my new logo for the café and the renovation plan. I'd like to hear from you. He took out the design and handed it to Zhao Gang.
Zhao Gang looked at these new designs, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, "This is very good!" It seems that you do have a lot of new ideas. ”
"We can try, change is always good, right?" Zhang Yuan asked.
Zhao Gang smiled and was extremely sure, "Of course the change is good." Take turns to make some changes, and the store will be more dynamic. ”
Since then, the uncle and nephew have worked for the same goal, supporting each other and running this place full of warmth and memories together. Zhang Yuan's girlfriend Xiaohong also joined them, and the three lived in harmony like a family.
At the end of the story, Zhang Yuan stands in front of the renovated café, looking at the bustling guests and fresh décor, his heart is filled with a sense of accomplishment.
"Uncle, you see, we did it." Zhang Yuan turned his head to Zhao Gang and said.
"Yes, Yuan'er, we did it together." Zhao Gang smiled and patted him on the shoulder.
At dusk, they sat together in front of the café, looking at the pedestrians coming and going on the street, and couldn't help but think: What is more precious in this world than the understanding and support of their families?
This content is a fictional short story, please read it rationally, and do not sit in the right seat