In a corner of the city, Li Ming and Wang Fang's family is as ordinary and warm as most families. Because the two have a surprisingly similar concept of money, they decided to adopt the AA system to manage their common living expenses after marriage. As an engineer, Li Ming's sensitivity to numbers is self-evident, and Wang Fang's design work in advertising agencies has given her a unique perspective on beauty and innovation.
Their lives are well organized, every penny of expenditure is based on evidence, and every account is clear and clear. Until one weekend, Li Ming received the news that his mother Li Xia was urgently admitted to the hospital, and the original balance in the family was broken. In the corridor of the hospital, Li Ming wandered back and forth anxiously, anxiety filling his silent eyes. My mother was hospitalized alone, and he was incapable of doing anything, and he couldn't delay his work.
In the evening, when he returned home, Wang Fang had already stewed the pork rib soup, and her care and thoughtfulness could always put a trace of warmth on the tight heartstrings. "Wife, I may have to go to the hospital a few more times during this time, and my mother needs someone to take care of me." Li Ming opened his mouth to speak, trying to gently talk about his pressure.
"Husband, you also know that we have always been in the AA system, and your mother's hospitalization is naturally your business." Wang Fang ate dinner slowly and said calmly, hiding her worries behind her smile. She does understand Li Ming's predicament at this time, but she also has her own work and life.
"Mom is in the hospital, as a son, I will do my best. However, I am really not able to do it alone. Li Ming's voice was helpless, and there was a hint of expectation for his wife in his tired eyes, "If you can help, even if you go to the hospital to see your mother ...... occasionally"
Wang Fang stopped what she was doing, "Being a daughter-in-law should indeed care about the health of your mother-in-law, but I also have my own job, and you know that I am busy with my recent projects." ”
Li Ming knew in his heart that his wife's independence and character made her unwilling to give her time for free, even if it was a family matter. "Wife, I understand what you mean, it's just ......" Before he finished speaking, Wang Fang interrupted him.
"Husband, we are husband and wife, but that doesn't mean we should expect something. I hope you understand that it's not a reluctance to help, but that everyone should be responsible for their own time. Wang Fang said softly.
Dinner for two ended in a delicate atmosphere. When night fell and the lights of the city gradually lit up, Li Ming returned to his study and looked at the neon outside alone, his heart full of confusion about the dilemma. He understands his wife's position, but at the same time feels the weight of being a son.
Wang Fang returned to her studio and looked at the blueprints in her hand, but her mind drifted to the dimly lit ward of the hospital. She draws grass with a brush, but the picture always unconsciously seeps into the lonely mother-in-law at the bedside.
Li Ming knows that Wang Fang has cultivated an independent personality in the environment in which he grew up, and this is one of the reasons why he chose her in the first place. But now, there is an emergency at home, and he hopes that his family can rely on and support each other. At this moment, the contradiction between family and economic concepts is magnified, and both stand on the edge of family affection and personal principles.
In the kitchen, the pork rib soup is steaming, but you don't feel warm. The psychological and emotional fluctuations of Li Ming and Wang Fang quietly rippled in the calm home.
As Li Xia's condition worsened, the days in the hospital became long and full of uncertainty. Li Ming tried to juggle his daily work with hospital care, but the double pressure made him feel more and more overwhelmed. He didn't want to give up his career, and he couldn't let his mother go. So, after some struggle in his heart, Li Ming decided to ask Wang Fang for help: "Wife, I know that we have always been in the AA system, and our time and energy are also precious. But now, my mother's situation is really making me feel ineffective, can you help me take care of my mother more during this time? ”
Wang Fang sighed softly, knowing that this was her obligation, even though she always believed that everyone should be responsible for their own choices. "I will do my best, but I also have my own job, and ......" Wang Fang did not agree immediately, the other party's silence made Li Ming's heart tighten, but he respected his wife's opinion and did not ask.
A few days later, Wang Fang agreed to come over to help Li Ming take care of his mother Li Xia. But as time went on, Wang Fang felt more and more pressure, and what was originally thought to be only a short-term help gradually evolved into a long-term burden. She was dissatisfied with this sudden "obligation", but she didn't know how to express it to Li Ming.
Gradually, this imbalance began to accumulate in her inner dissatisfaction and contradictions. It seems that her original independent life was forced to press the pause button, and all plans have become messed up due to Li Xia's illness.
It wasn't until a dinner that Li Ming saw that Wang Fang finally had a day's rest, so he took the opportunity to express his gratitude: "Wife, you have helped a lot during this time, I really thank you very much." ”
Wang Fang stopped what she was doing and looked at Li Ming with a serious expression: "Husband, I can help, but that doesn't mean I have to do this for free." You also know that I am very busy at work, and I also have my own life. So, if you need me to continue to take care of my mother-in-law, I hope to get some compensation. ”
"Compensation?" Li Ming's eyes were full of doubts, "We are a family, can we talk about any compensation at this time?" ”
Wang Fang replied indifferently: "When my mother-in-law is seriously ill, I am willing to do my best, but my time and labor also need to be respected. It's not a question of money, it's a matter of principle. ”
Li Ming's mood changed from gratitude to incomprehension, from incomprehension to helplessness. He never expected that in such a difficult moment, his wife's support would require conditions. The atmosphere between the two suddenly became solemn.
"And what do you mean ......?" Li Ming hesitated, with a hint of expectation in his voice, hoping that this was just Wang Fang's momentary emotional venting.
Wang Fang said calmly: "I help take care of my mother-in-law, yes, but I want 20,000 yuan for the bed." ”
The words fell, and Li Ming felt as if he had been hit hard. He always believes that husband and wife are partners in life, and they are also relied on in times of difficulty. But at this moment, Wang Fang's words made him wonder what the meaning of such a marriage and such a partner was.
Silence took over at the other end of the table, where two steaming bowls of noodles sat silently, the distance between them suddenly seemed to become distant.
In the living room after dinner, Li Ming and Wang Fang sat on the sofa in the warm light, and a debate about family responsibilities and individual freedom unfolded quietly. Li Ming's face was tired, but his voice was firm: "When facing difficulties at home, I think husbands and wives should support each other, especially in the face of a situation like my mother." ”
Wang Fang looked back calmly: "I understand your feelings, husband. But I also have my principle that everyone should have their own independence and dignity. No one should unconditionally sacrifice their own interests for the sake of others. ”
"But 'own people' shouldn't be within this principle, right?" , Li Ming's eyes showed a pleading, "We said that we would go through the difficulties hand in hand." ”
"The premise of working together is mutual respect, not passively accepting each other's expectations." Wang Fang is uncompromising and insists on her position, "Even if you are a husband and wife, you need boundaries." ”
The argument became intense, and the distance between the two people suddenly seemed to become distant. Li Ming became more and more anxious, "Do you really want me to pay you for the bed?" Is this your bottom line? ”
"It's not the bottom line, it's the principle. I'm willing to help, but I don't want it to be taken for granted. Wang Fang said lightly.
"When something like this happens at home, we should be in a tight group." Li Ming tried to keep his senses, "Money can be earned again, but family and affection are not commodities in the market." ”
"Feelings and family responsibilities should not be built at the expense of oneself." Wang Fang had no intention of loosening her notions.
The air in the room seemed to freeze in response to the debate, and the difference in perception between the two men was like a wall, separating them. The night outside the window gradually settled, and an indescribable weight filled the air.
"If I can't accept your terms, then how do we proceed?" Li Ming's voice carried a hint of helplessness.
"I don't know." Wang Fang was also silent, her eyes hiding mixed emotions.
The two sat in their respective positions, and although their bodies were close to each other, their hearts were like an ocean apart. Li Ming didn't understand why their marriage showed such cracks when the family needed unity the most; He didn't understand why Wang Fang was able to so calmly separate interests and emotions.
Wang Fang's heart also fluctuated. She didn't enjoy arguing with her husband, but she didn't want her principles to be compromised either. In the midst of this controversy, she began to reflect, is she really willing to pay such an emotional price?
In silence, the clock ticks in the living room, and the hanging family photos quietly bear witness to the couple's problems. The argument in a quiet day was like a storm, slamming the hearts of Li Ming and Wang Fang. The accumulation of emotions reaches its peak at this moment, and the understanding and commitment between them are put to the test during this sleepless night.
The tension eased after an in-depth conversation. For countless nights, Li Ming walked with Wang Fang on the quiet streets, and the two talked about their ideas and conflicts. Slowly, they began to think from each other's perspectives.
"I know you've always valued independence and freedom, and I understand your position that you don't want to do things for free." Li Ming said to Wang Fang on a hazy moonlit night, "If you feel injustice, then we can find a solution together." ”
"I've been thinking about it for a long time, too." Wang Fang turned his head, looked at Li Ming and said, "It is undeniable that I did have some fears of a sense of responsibility in marriage before. But I also understand that true families are built on close cooperation and understanding. ”
Gradually, the barriers between the two began to crumble. Wang Fang realized her husband's worries and efforts for the family, and Li Ming also understood Wang Fang's insistence on personal values. It is true that there are some differences in their perceptions, but the willingness to think for each other, to listen and to agree, makes these differences irrelevant.
Finally, on a sunny morning, the two sat at the dining table at home and shared breakfast. "I think we can set up a common fund." Wang Fang said, "It is used to deal with emergencies in our family, no matter what it is, we can solve it together." ”
Li Ming nodded and smiled: "I think it's a good idea." My mother-in-law is much better now, and she must want us to live in harmony as well. ”
"Yes," Wang continued, "and I think I should also learn to be more actively involved in the family, not just on the sidelines." ”
There was no argument in their conversation, only deep understanding and support. After the quarrel, the trust and acceptance between husband and wife become more precious. They learn to take a step back from arguments and look at life and family from a broader perspective.
The end of the story is not a happy reunion, but it also allows Li Ming and Wang Fang to understand the true meaning of family relationships. Every moment and conflict they have walked together in life has become an opportunity for them to understand and grow with each other. They have regained their original intentions and kept the promise they made when they were united: no matter what the future holds, understanding and support will be their common harbor.