In a small and unassuming town, Lao Lin, a retired teacher, lives alone in that old-fashioned villa that is a bit outdated. His wife died at an early age, and all along, he put all his thoughts on his only daughter Lin Xiaoqing. Lin Xiaoqing now works in Shanghai and rarely has time to go home to see her father.
"Xiaoqing, next time you come back, I have something important to tell you." Lao Lin said to his daughter in a recent phone call, with a hint of nervousness and expectation in his tone.
"Dad, you're always mysterious, what's the matter? Are you alright? Lin Xiaoqing was a little anxious on the other end of the phone.
"If your body is tough, you can rest assured. It's better to talk about this matter face-to-face. ”
A few weeks later, on a sunny afternoon, Lin Xiaoqing set out on her way home. She didn't know why her father suddenly called her back, and she was both curious and worried.
Pushing open the door, Lao Lin had already prepared a table full of dishes and an unopened bottle of good wine.
"Xiaoqing, you're back, seeing that you're so thin, aren't you eating well outside?" Lao Lin looked at his daughter lovingly, his eyes full of distress.
"What's the matter, Dad, you see, it's muscles, and the boss says I've been in good shape lately." Lin Xiaoqing squeezed out a smile and helped set the table.
After the meal, Lao Lin took out two real estate certificates and said earnestly: "Xiaoqing, I decided to transfer these two houses to you." You're older too, and I feel like this should be yours. ”
Lin Xiaoqing was stunned on the spot, and it took a long time to react: "Dad, what's wrong with you?" Why did you suddenly transfer the house to me? ”
"It's enough for me to live in one apartment by myself, and you can take these two apartments for investment or use for yourself, and I think this may be the best I can give you."
"But Dad, I don't need these, it's better for you to keep them for yourself."
"I know you're not short of this, but, it's not just about the house. I sincerely hope that the relationship between our father and daughter can be further advanced because of this decision. ”
Lin Xiaoqing's eyes were red, and she thought of her father's loneliness, and his heart that he always thought about. She held her father's hand tightly: "Dad, no matter what the house is, I will come back to see you more often, if you have anything, remember to tell me." ”
"Silly boy." Lao Lin smiled movingly, "Over the years, you have worked hard, and this is what Dad can do for you now." ”
At that moment, the distance between the hearts of the father and daughter seemed to be completely shortened. The sunshine of the story did not shine into his life as Lao Lin expected. On the second day of the transfer, he was excited and expectant, lying on the old sofa that had accompanied him for more than 20 years, picked up the phone, and dialed Wang Hongmei's number. This number, he can almost memorize it well, it is his girlfriend who has known him for many years, Wang Hongmei - a gentle and virtuous junior high school Chinese teacher.
"Toot-toot-toot", the phone was connected, but there was silence on the other side. Lao Lin waited patiently, hoping to hear the familiar voice. After the first call was not answered, Lao Lin dialed the second and third calls... Until the eighth pass, there was still a cold dial tone and no answer.
His heart fell from the clouds, into confusion and disappointment. In decades of relationship, they have never lost contact for such a long time, which makes Lao Lin's heart begin to have an ominous premonition.
Sitting alone in the living room decorated with memories of the past, Lao Lin's mind came to Wang Hongmei and his past: the sparkling West Lake, their arm-in-arm figures, the warm kitchen, the chicken soup Wang Hongmei stewed for him... Every scene flowed like a movie, and at this moment, her absence suddenly became so intense.
This is not the norm for Wang Hongmei, she has always been a punctual and responsible person, and she is loved by students and colleagues at school. There have been countless times, she gently reminded Lao Lin on the other end of the phone to take medicine on time, telling him to add clothes when the weather changes. Now, this attentiveness and care is abruptly interrupted, leaving only unspeakable loneliness and confusion.
Is it because she was not happy about the transfer of the property yesterday? But haven't they all talked about it and even planned their future lives?
Obviously, Lao Lin couldn't sit still, so he decided to go to the school to find Wang Hongmei in person. After arriving at the school, Lao Lin stopped outside Wang Hongmei's office door, and he knocked lightly.
A colleague's voice came from inside: "Lao Lin, why are you here?" Hongmei took a leave of absence today. ”
"Leave? She didn't tell me, do you know where she went? Lao Lin was a little anxious.
"She didn't say much, but she seemed to be preoccupied yesterday."
Preoccupied? Lao Lin's thoughts became even more confused, and he felt a little helpless.
In the next few days, Lao Lin went to Wang Hongmei's house several times in a row, but no one answered when he knocked on the door. He returned to school to try to find out, but no one seemed to know Wang Hongmei's whereabouts.
In the midst of this anxiety and waiting, Lao Lin felt isolated and helpless like never before. This time also made him have to face his heart - is he in a hurry to deal with real estate? Should I study with Wang Hongmei before making a decision? Maybe he's too self-righteous?
But in his heart, he always believed that Wang Hongmei would not stay away from him because of such a thing, and something else must have happened. Lao Lin began to worry about Hongmei's safety - did something really happen to this beloved woman?
Just when this nervous mood reached its peak, the phone rang suddenly, Lao Lin quickly grabbed the earpiece, and what came from the other end was finally Wang Hongmei's long-lost voice. "Limber, do you have something to do with me?" On the other end of the phone, Wang Hongmei's voice sounded a little tired.
Lao Lin asked excitedly and with concern: "Hongmei, where have you been these days?" I'm looking for you in a hurry. ”
"I'm sorry, Limber, I suddenly had some family matters, I didn't expect it to affect you." Wang Hongmei's voice was full of apologies.
"Family matters? But you'll have to tell me, too. Also, do we have to formally talk about the matter between you and me, the matter of obtaining the certificate? ”
There was silence on the other end of the phone for a while, and Wang Hongmei said slowly: "Actually, in the past few days, I have been reflecting on whether we are really suitable to come together. ”
Lao Lin was speechless for a while, and a fog rose in his heart: "Haven't we already had countless good days?" Isn't that enough to prove our feelings? ”
"No, Limber, you have given me a lot of warmth and care, but such a sudden decision ......"
Lao Lin felt faintly uneasy in his heart: "You mean that I transferred the house to Xiaoqing yesterday?" You know, I just want to have stability in my old age, so that Xiaoqing can feel my care. ”
"I understand your kindness, but have you ever thought of me? Xiaoqing and I are not biological mother and daughter, we will be together in the future......"
"Hongmei, we can take our time and get used to it."
Wang Hongmei sighed: "Uncle Lin, emotional matters can't be rushed. I need time to think. ”
After hanging up the phone, Lao Lin sat on the sofa blankly, his heart like a mess. He had to admit that he really didn't think about Wang Hongmei's feelings well.
Not long after, Lin Xiaoqing called: "Dad, I know about Aunt Hongmei, I think you are doing it a little impulsively." ”
"Xiaoqing, I ......"
"Dad, Auntie is also for your good, there are too many things to consider when the two old people remarry. Moreover, when you made such a sudden decision, did you ever think about your aunt's feelings? ”
Lao Lin was powerless to refute: "I know, it's my fault." ”
Lin Xiaoqing softened her voice: "Dad, I know you are lonely, but your life partner is not such a hasty decision. The relationship between you and your aunt is based on a deep foundation and does not need to be maintained with real estate. ”
"Xiaoqing, then you say, what should I do?" Lao Lin felt helpless and anxious.
"Let's give my aunt some time and space first, the relationship needs two people to maintain and manage together, and you can't make unilateral decisions."
"Okay, I'll listen to you." Lao Lin said softly, he knew that what he really needed at this moment was not just a feat like a real estate transfer, but more understanding and communication. A few weeks later, after a period of reflection and waiting alone, Lao Lin got in touch with Wang Hongmei again. With Lin Xiaoqing's encouragement and help, he learned how to communicate more effectively and how to express his feelings without being too impulsive.
"Hongmei, I didn't think about it that day, and I'm really sorry for causing you trouble." Lao Lin apologized to Wang Hongmei on the phone.
"Limber, in fact, I also have some family matters to deal with here. I've been thinking about it for a long time, we're not young anymore, and it's okay to let go of feelings in advance. ”
"That...... I've talked to Xiaoqing, if you want, we can try again. Lao Lin's heart was full of anticipation.
"Okay, we can take our time and get along for a while." Wang Hongmei's voice softened a lot.
Lao Lin decided to completely untie the knot with his daughter first. He found Lin Xiaoqing and confessed his thoughts and feelings.
"Xiaoqing, I know I was too impatient before, and I didn't think about Hongmei's feelings as much as I should."
Lin Xiaoqing responded lightly: "Dad, I can understand you." I also think that when I grow up, I will be better able to support your decision. ”
After properly handling the relationship with his daughter, Lao Lin was in a good mood. He knew in his heart that no matter how old he was, it was never too late to learn and change. As time passed, the relationship between him and Wang Hongmei gradually warmed up, and they began to participate in community activities together, exercise together in the park, and share daily dull time.
In the end, after experiencing mutual understanding and adaptation, Lao Lin and Wang Hongmei walked into the marriage registry office. Their hands were clasped together, and their faces were filled with smiles that could not be concealed.
"Hongmei, we can finally really start a new life."
"Limber, thank you for waiting, thank you for your understanding. I believe that our future will be better. ”
The relatives and friends around him applauded and blessed them, and Lao Lin felt that this was the most precious gain of his old age: a partner who understood him and was willing to spend the rest of his life with him, and a daughter who understood and supported his decision.
At that moment, a thought arose in Lao Lin's heart: On the road of life, isn't every choice worthy of our experience and learning?
This content is a fictional short story, please read it rationally, and do not sit in the right seat