Li Fang stood in the kitchen, holding the fresh vegetables she had just bought from the vegetable market, but she was thinking about the recent changes in her work. She is 39 years old, single, and has been working as a live-in nanny for 15 years. She has served a wide variety of families, some warm and harmonious, some cold and detached, but recently she has found one thing in common: more and more single older men are willing to pay higher wages to hire female nannies.
"Sister Fang, what are you going to eat tonight?" Lao Zhang's voice came from the living room, interrupting Li Fang's thoughts.
"Professor Zhang, today I have prepared your favorite braised pork for you, as well as stir-fried vegetables." Li Fang replied with a smile, and skillfully began to prepare dinner in his hands.
Lao Zhang is a 65-year-old retired professor with a withdrawn personality who has lived alone since the death of his wife. Li Fang is a live-in nanny he hired half a year ago to take care of his daily life.
"Sister Fang, how long have you been a nanny?" Lao Zhang sat at the dining table, looked at Li Fang's busy figure, and suddenly asked.
"Oh, fifteen years." Li Fang replied while chopping vegetables.
"Fifteen years, it's not easy." Lao Zhang said with emotion, "Don't you feel tired? ”
"Tired is tired, but used to it." Li Fang smiled and shook her head, "Besides, every family has a different warmth, and I enjoy this job a lot." ”
Lao Zhang was silent for a while, and then said, "Yes, with you, this family is a little more angry." ”
When Li Fang heard this, she felt a little uncomfortable. She noticed a hint of loneliness and longing in Lao Zhang's eyes, which made her realize that Lao Zhang might not have hired her just for housework.
In the evening, when Li Fang was tidying up the housework, she overheard Lao Zhang chatting with a friend on the phone.
"Lao Wang, let me tell you, having a female nanny is different, and the home is a little warmer." Lao Zhang's voice carried a hint of pride.
Li Fang's heart sank, and she began to re-examine her work and relationship with Lao Zhang. She realized that these single old men hired female nannies probably out of more desire for family warmth than just for housework.
Li Fang's job at Lao Zhang's house is not only cleaning and cooking, she has gradually become an integral part of Lao Zhang's life. Lao Zhang's withdrawn personality makes him rarely communicate with people, but he always seems to have endless things to say to Li Fang.
One day, Lao Zhang was sitting in the study, holding an old book in his hand, but his eyes drifted out of the window, as if he was recalling something. Li Fang walked in lightly, ready to clean.
"Professor Zhang, you seem to be in a good mood today." Li Fang chatted while sorting out the bookshelves.
Lao Zhang came back to his senses and smiled slightly: "Yes, with you, the family is a little more angry." ”
Li Fang stopped what she was doing and looked at Lao Zhang: "You don't usually go out much, do you want me to accompany you to the park for a walk?" ”
A hint of surprise flashed in Lao Zhang's eyes: "Really? That's great. ”
In the park, Lao Zhang seems to be a different person, and he begins to talk to Li Fang about his past, his teaching career, his wife, and their shared memories. Li Fang listened quietly, occasionally interjecting a sentence or two, which made Lao Zhang feel very comfortable.
"Sister Fang, do you know? I haven't spoken so happily since my wife left. Lao Zhang said with emotion.
Li Fang's heart was a little sour, she realized that Lao Zhang's dependence on her was not only because of housework, but also because he was eager to communicate with others and enjoy the warmth of the family.
In the evening, Li Fang was preparing dinner in the kitchen, while Lao Zhang was on the side to help. They were cooking and chatting at the same time, and the atmosphere was warm and congenial.
"Sister Fang, the braised pork you made is really delicious, even better than what your wife makes." Lao Zhang praised.
Li Fang smiled: "Then you have to praise me more in the future, so that I have the motivation to do better." ”
Lao Zhang laughed: "Okay, good, I'll praise you every day in the future." ”
Through daily interactions, Li Fang gradually learned about Lao Zhang's inner world. She found that Lao Zhang was actually a very connotative person, but because he lost his lover, he became withdrawn and closed. Li Fang began to think that maybe she could do more than just housework, she could also become Lao Zhang's friend and even his family.
Li Fang's work in Lao Zhang's family is becoming more and more handy, and the relationship between her and Lao Zhang is becoming more and more harmonious. However, by chance, Li Fang overheard Lao Zhang's telephone conversation with an old friend, which gave her a new understanding of Lao Zhang.
That day, Li Fang was cleaning in the living room, and Lao Zhang was talking on the balcony, the voice was not loud, but it was enough for her to hear clearly.
"Lao Wang, let me tell you, since my wife left, I am really afraid." Lao Zhang's voice trembled a little, "That failed marriage made me have no confidence in establishing a new relationship at all. ”
Li Fang stopped what she was doing, and her heart was mixed. She didn't expect Lao Zhang to hide so much pain in her heart.
"However, the life of a person is really too difficult." Lao Zhang continued, "I invited Li Fang to come, I thought I was just looking for someone to do housework, but now, I find that I am more and more dependent on her. ”
When Li Fang heard this, her heart tightened. She began to re-examine her relationship with Lao Zhang, and also thought about her role in Lao Zhang's life.
In the evening, Li Fang was preparing dinner in the kitchen, while Lao Zhang was on the side to help. The atmosphere seemed to be a little delicate, and Li Fang felt Lao Zhang's eyes fall on her from time to time.
"Professor Zhang, when you were on the phone today, I accidentally overheard something." Li Fang cautiously spoke, trying to break the silence.
Lao Zhang was stunned for a moment, and then smiled bitterly: "Yes, I made you laugh." I'm a person who sometimes just thinks too much. ”
"You don't have to say that," Li Fang comforted, "everyone has their own past, and the important thing is how to face it." ”
Lao Zhang sighed: "Yes, I know." But that's easier said than done. ”
Li Fang thought for a moment, and then said, "Professor Zhang, if you want, I can accompany you to go out for a walk and get to know more people." ”
Lao Zhang's eyes lit up: "Really? That's great. ”
Since then, Li Fang has taken Lao Zhang to participate in community activities and encourage him to communicate with people. Lao Zhang also gradually opened his heart and began to accept new friends and a new way of life.
The festival bell rang, and Lao Zhang's home was also decorated with festive decorations, and the atmosphere was warm and festive. Li Fang prepared a sumptuous dinner and invited several neighbors to celebrate. Lao Zhang rarely relaxed himself, chatted and laughed with everyone, drank a few glasses of wine, and blushed on his face.
"Sister Fang, I'm so happy today." Lao Zhang raised his glass to Li Fang, his eyes were full of gratitude, "After you came, this family has the appearance of home." ”
Li Fang smiled and responded: "Professor Zhang, you are too polite, this is what I should do." ”
As the night deepened, so did the atmosphere of the party. Lao Zhang talked more under the influence of alcohol, he took Li Fang's hand and said with emotion: "Sister Fang, do you know? Since you've come, I feel like I'm alive again. ”
Li Fang was stunned for a moment, she felt Lao Zhang's hands trembling a little, and her eyes flashed with complicated emotions.
"Professor Zhang, you've drunk too much." Li Fang tried to withdraw her hand, but Lao Zhang held it tighter.
"No, I'm not drunk." Lao Zhang's voice was a little hoarse, "Sister Fang, I... I have a special feeling for you. ”
Li Fang's heart skipped a beat, she didn't expect Lao Zhang to be so direct. She took a deep breath and said calmly, "Professor Zhang, you are a good person, but I am your protector, and we should keep a certain distance between us." ”
Lao Zhang's eyes dimmed, he let go of his hand and lowered his head: "I'm sorry, I lost my temper." ”
Li Fang looked at Lao Zhang's lost appearance, and felt a little unbearable. She knew that this was an opportunity for her to help Lao Zhang get out of the shadows of the past more deeply.
"Professor Zhang, I can understand your feelings." Li Fang said softly, "But we need to give each other some space so that you can slowly adjust to your new life." ”
Lao Zhang raised his head, and a trace of gratitude flashed in his eyes: "Sister Fang, thank you, you are always so understanding." ”
Since then, Li Fang has paid more attention to the boundaries between her and Lao Zhang, and has also been more attentive to helping him integrate into the community and encouraging him to build new relationships. Lao Zhang, with the company and help of Li Fang, gradually walked out of the shadow of the past and started a new life.
After that festive night, Li Fang began to think deeply about how to help Lao Zhang. She realized that Lao Zhang needed not only a houseworker, but a partner who could help him rebuild his social circle and regain the joy of life.
The next day, Li Fang had an in-depth conversation with Lao Zhang.
"Professor Zhang, what do you think of participating in the community's calligraphy and painting class?" Li Fang asked tentatively while tidying up the living room.
Lao Zhang seemed a little hesitant: "I'm at this age, can I still learn?" ”
"Of course, you can learn regardless of age." Li Fang encouraged him, "Moreover, I can meet a lot of like-minded friends there." ”
Lao Zhang pondered for a moment, and finally nodded: "Okay, I'll try." ”
In this way, Lao Zhang, with Li Fang's encouragement, began to participate in various activities in the community. From calligraphy and painting classes to aerobics, to weekend tours for the elderly, Lao Zhang's social circle has gradually expanded, and his life has become colorful.
"Sister Fang, thank you so much." After returning from a trip, Lao Zhang excitedly said to Li Fang, "I feel ten years younger!" ”
Li Fang responded with a smile: "I'm also very happy to see you happy." ”
As time went on, Li Fang's work was no longer limited to household chores, and she began to provide more psychological comfort and emotional support. Lao Zhang's dependence on Li Fang has also changed from help in life to spiritual support.
"Sister Fang, with you, I don't feel lonely anymore." Lao Zhang said with emotion in a late-night conversation.
Li Fang gently patted Lao Zhang's hand: "Professor Zhang, we shouldn't be alone. You have me, I have you, and we are all part of each other's lives. ”
The changes of Lao Zhang and Li Fang have filled this home with more warmth and vitality. Li Fang is no longer just a simple nanny, she has become an indispensable spiritual mentor in Lao Zhang's life.
This article is a microfiction, please do not sit in the opposite seat