Lao Zhang finally waited for this day - realizing his deputy senior title, which means that he can enjoy the country's retirement policy early and enter a slow life in advance. During his last week at the company, he proudly cleared his desk and filed all the printed documents, which were a symbol of his years of hard work. The company's colleagues also prepared a warm farewell party for him, and everyone sat together, reminiscing about Lao Zhang's bits and pieces, and at the same time not forgetting to ridicule the comfortable life he was about to embrace.
On the weekend before his retirement, Lao Zhang sat on the old sofa at home, flipping through the travel brochures he had carefully planned for Xiao Zhang's family. For him, this trip is not only a celebration of the beginning of retirement, but also a symbol of family harmony. He imagined running with his grandson in the sun, a happy smile on his face.
"Xiao Zhang, I think this itinerary is very good, how about our first stop to the Great Wall?" Lao Zhang said with interest on the phone.
"Dad, if you like it, I listen to you, and Li Mei will be very happy at that time. Just, should you bring a DSLR camera? You love photography, so it's time to take some good photos. The son replied on the other end of the phone.
"Our dad is so old, how can he still have the strength to carry such a heavy camera. Just pat it with your phone, the important thing is that everyone is happy. Lao Zhang said in a slightly nostalgic tone.
Xiao Zhang's gentle laughter came from the other end of the phone: "I know Dad, then I'll take mine, and I'll take a lot of pictures of you and your grandson when the time comes." "
"Oh yes, how is my grandson doing in school lately?" Lao Zhang asked, his face full of pampering.
"The little guy has improved a lot, he got a good score in mathematics, and the teacher praised him. But he always says that he wants to go to the beach to play during the holidays, and I see if there is anything to change in our itinerary. ”
"It's seaside, it's seaside. Let's make your child happy. Old Zhang Le replied hehehe.
A series of family conversations make the travel plan more concrete and full of life. And Lao Zhang is looking forward to the warmth and joy of this journey, and spending every unforgettable moment with his family.
In the next few days, Lao Zhang was busy preparing for the upcoming trip, from choosing travel supplies to confirming every detail of the trip. He always likes to prepare everything in advance so that he doesn't get scrambling when the time comes. He had booked his plane tickets and hotel long ago, and made an exhaustive travel list of everything he might need.
Finally, the day of departure came. Lao Zhang got up early in the morning, afraid of delaying the plane. He was more energetic than usual, and his whole person was full of energy. Xiao Zhang, his daughter-in-law Li Mei and grandson also arrived at Lao Zhang's house on time and prepared to leave for the airport together.
"Dad, don't worry, the plane is still early, we have time." Xiao Zhang looked at Lao Zhang's inspection of his luggage and couldn't help but make a joke.
"Hey, you know my temperament, I always like to prepare early." Lao Zhang smiled and shook his head, and then he looked at his grandson, his eyes were full of love: "Let's go to the Great Wall this time, you have to watch it carefully, and maybe you can show off to your children in the future!" "
"Grandpa, I will! I'm going to pick up the rocks and bring them back to my friends! The grandson said with a childish face, holding Lao Zhang's hand tightly.
With this warm conversation, the family set out on the road to the airport full of anticipation and laughter. The smiling faces and the warmth of the family revealed in the conversations indicate that this trip will surely be a wonderful memory. After the trip to the Great Wall, Lao Zhang's family went to the seaside city with great interest. The morning breeze blew away the fatigue of the long journey, Lao Zhang took his grandson to build sand castles on the beach, looking at the child's smile, his heart was full of relief.
However, as the journey progresses, some subtle changes begin to emerge. Xiao Zhang and Li Mei often quarrel over trivial matters, and it is obvious that there are differences in parenting concepts.
"Xiao Zhang, how can you do this to a child?" Li Mei said in a reproachful tone. "Let him play on the beach for so long, he has already sunburned, and he is going to cry for me again at night."
"But the child is happy, it's hard to travel, so let him play for a while." Xiao Zhang was obviously a little helpless, with justification and exhaustion in his voice.
This scene made Lao Zhang feel a little uneasy, he knew that each pair of parents had their own education methods, and his own intervention might not only not solve the problem, but also make the situation worse. But he also realized that his son's family's life was not as easy as he imagined.
As time passed, Lao Zhang witnessed more and more arguments between Xiao Zhang and Li Mei about the education of their children. Once, he couldn't help but interject: "Today's children need more love and freedom, don't they?" "
"Dad, I know you have your opinion, but we also want the best for our children." Xiao Zhang replied heavily, his voice mixed with defense and self-confession.
Li Mei also followed up and said: "Dad, I understand your kindness, but this is our child after all, and we are also doing our best for his future." "
Lao Zhang was silent, and his worries quietly spread in his heart. Even though it was on vacation, he could feel the weight of the pressure on his daughter-in-law's shoulders, which made his heart ripple. He couldn't help but wonder, what should his retirement have to do with this small family?
At dinner on another day, the tension was once again revealed. The quarrel between Li Mei and Xiao Zhang became more and more intense, and even a little out of control.
"Why can't you just put yourself in my shoes? You are so busy at work every day, and I am alone in the work of the children. Li Mei's tone was filled with grievance and anger.
Xiao Zhang soothed: "I also want to be able to accompany you more, but you also know how stressful my work is, and the company's project is about to enter a critical stage." "
This conversation made Lao Zhang feel lost. Obviously, Xiao Zhang's life is not as easy as he imagined when he first retired. The pressures of family and work make it difficult for Mr. and Mrs. Zhang to have the peace and harmony he wants.
That night, Lao Zhang walked alone on the beach by the sea, and the fine sand under the starlight seemed to tell the cycle of time. He looked at the dark sea, his thoughts racing. Is his expectation of retirement too ideal? Did he miss the opportunity to understand the real plight of his son's family?
At dawn the next day, Lao Zhang got up early and prepared a hearty breakfast. When Xiao Zhang and Li Mei sat down in surprise, Lao Zhang smiled and said, "My dear, I have seen your hard work. If I can help, just say. "
Li Mei looked at Lao Zhang gratefully: "Thank you, Dad." It's just that...... It's just that sometimes I don't know what to do. "
Lao Zhang nodded slightly, and he realized that this trip was not just for relaxation, but also an opportunity to understand his family. He had already decided that in these last days, he would make a difference and share something for his son's family. His care for the family is as deep as the ocean, and his retirement begins with every breakfast he makes for his family. The high-speed train on the return trip quickly crossed the boundary between the city and the fields, and shuttled through with the laughter and laughter of the family. Lao Zhang sat by the window, looking at the scenery flashing outside the window, but there was a different scenery slowly unfolding in his heart.
"Dad, look at how good this trip is, our family can be together, and you will live in our house in the future, we can do this often." Xiao Zhang seemed to be looking forward to such a day, and his tone was full of hope.
"Well, actually, ......" Lao Zhang touched his nose and hesitated. He thought that he had already proposed the idea of living with his son's family, but this trip had made him gradually see the differences between the two generations more clearly.
"Xiao Zhang, your current living conditions are really different from when your father was young." Lao Zhang tentatively expressed his thoughts, "I see that the pressure on both of you and your husband is not small, and with the problem of generation gap, the thinking of the older generation may not be able to adapt to the current rhythm." ”
Li Mei pursed her lips and said cautiously: "Dad, it's actually great to have you by our side during this time." It's just that we're also worried about whether it will make you feel constrained......"
"And sometimes we young people like things that don't necessarily suit your taste." Xiao Zhang took over the conversation, with a hint of apology in his words, "For example, the cartoon that your child likes may make you not rest well." ”
Lao Zhang listened to the words of his son and daughter-in-law, and his heart was mixed. He found that his vision of retirement was indeed a bit too simplistic and idealistic.
"A family should be a place where everyone can feel comfortable." Lao Zhang sighed and said earnestly, "Dad just thinks that there shouldn't be so many restraints and scruples between us." ”
The chatter and laughter of the other passengers in the carriage were interspersed with the silence between them, and Lao Zhang's heart had long since left the carriage and sailed towards the unknown future.
Just as the atmosphere of stalemate gradually became solemn, the grandson ran over, holding a family painting drawn by himself: "Grandpa, look, this is you, this is Mom and Dad, this is me, how happy our family is together!" ”
"Happy indeed, little one." Old Zhang Qiang smiled happily and stroked his grandson's head, "It's just that each of us must have our own little world, right?" It's like you have your own little room. ”
The child's childlike words were like a clear stream, which gently diluted Lao Zhang's worries and made him more determined in his thoughts. Lao Zhang's innermost desires and worries finally collided with sparks.
"Dad, what you want to say, we are all willing to listen." Xiao Zhang's face was concerned, respecting Lao Zhang's contemplation.
"Xiao Zhang, Li Mei, in fact, Dad has already thought it through." Lao Zhang held the chair with both hands and stared at the two of them, "I wanted to live with you before, but this trip made me realize that we actually need our own space. ”
The noise of the carriage seemed to be still at this moment, and Xiao Zhang and Li Mei exchanged a look, both with relief and understanding in their eyes.
"Dad, no matter what you decide, we've got your back." Xiao Zhang's voice was firm and gentle.
"We will come to see you often and hope you will come to us at any time." Li Mei added that there was reluctance in her eyes.
Lao Zhang knows that he has found the answer to his future choice. He wanted to respect each other while maintaining their freedom and independence, and this family conversation became the key to his decision. The high-speed train finally arrived at the terminal, and the family said goodbye and embarked on their own way home. Lao Zhang returned to the familiar and calm community, his steps relaxed and firm. Standing on his balcony, overlooking the city skyline, Lao Zhang's heart fluctuates with new waves.
That afternoon, Lao Zhang came to the community service center, and he planned to spend his spare time and energy on more meaningful things. At the entrance of the service center hangs an enthusiastic poster that reads, "Welcome to every volunteer."
It was crowded with people and a variety of classes and activities were underway. Lao Zhang found the person in charge, a kind old gentleman.
"Hello, I'm Zhang Dashan, I just retired and want to do some volunteer work." Lao Zhang enthusiastically introduced himself.
"Welcome, welcome! It's an honor to have someone like you join us. Mr. Zhang, the person in charge, held his hand, "What are your specialties, and we can arrange suitable work." ”
"I have been doing scientific research for decades, and I still have some understanding of physical chemistry. If I can help the children with their homework, or give the elderly some knowledge, I would be happy. The wrinkles on Lao Zhang's face appeared milder in his smile.
Lao Zhang quickly integrated into the big family of the service center. He explained the mysteries of natural science to the children and opened a small science lecture hall for the elderly. Every day his classes are packed, and his humorous way of explaining has won everyone's love.
Until one day after class, an old lady grabbed Lao Zhang's hand, her eyes were shining: "Lao Zhang, since listening to your class, I have a new understanding of the world." The Big Bang you are talking about, that's so interesting! ”
"Haha, I also enjoy every minute here." Lao Zhang responded with a smile, and the satisfaction in his heart arose.
At the same time, Xiao Zhang and Li Mei, who returned home, also discussed their father's affairs at home.
"Dad seems to be enjoying his life at the service center." Li Mei cleaned up the table, and her voice revealed relief.
"Yes, he's found a new direction and joy in life, and it seems that he prefers to keep his independence rather than live with us." Xiao Zhang sat on the sofa and agreed with his chin.
Lao Zhang sat in the study late at night, recalling the bits and pieces of the day, and couldn't help but feel a lot of emotion in his heart. He began to understand that retirement doesn't mean stopping there, but rather taking another journey to find that role and happiness that belongs to him.
The starry sky outside the window was dazzling, and Lao Zhang's heart had unprecedented peace and light. He asked himself softly, "Shouldn't my life be written by myself?" ”