The end of May in Shanghai is always humid and lively, with the green leaves of the trees lining the streets shaking off in the breeze and the sunlight shining through the cracks on the old-fashioned shikumen. Aunt Zhang packed up the old items in the house and carefully packed them into cardboard boxes one by one. The sound of local news came from the old-fashioned radio in the corner, but her mind was clearly not there.
"Uncle Liu, are we just going to leave our new home and not take a look?" Aunt Zhang turned to her husband who was repairing the electric lights and said, "It's almost time to move, and the house doesn't even look like it." ”
The screwdriver in Uncle Liu's hand turned a few times, without raising his head, and muttered: "What do you see, didn't the cadres of your community say it, our house is transparent from north to south, and the light is good?" Let's just move in. ”
"Yes, but I always want to see it with my own eyes. Niece Zhang Xiaoyun has been admitted to university, let's welcome her good news, shouldn't we also give her a good environment! Aunt Zhang said excitedly.
The husband put down the tools in his hand and finally looked at her seriously: "Okay, let's go over and see the new house this afternoon." ”
The afternoon came quickly, Aunt Zhang also dressed up, and Uncle Liu put on a shirt that he didn't usually wear. When they went out, the neighbor Aunt Wang came out: "Aunt Zhang, where are you going, you are dressed so energetically." ”
Aunt Zhang smiled and said, "Aunt Wang, tell you a good thing, we are going to see a new house, isn't our daughter also admitted to college, we are ready to move!" ”
Aunt Wang clapped her hands and applauded: "Oh, congratulations, Xiao Yun, that child is smart, Auntie, you have worked hard." ”
The new home is not far away, a few bus stops away, but Aunt Zhang is so excited that she seems to fly. After arriving at the station, the two of them held hands, as if they had returned to their youth, looking forward to a common future.
Downstairs in the new house, the community greening is good, and there is a small garden. Aunt Zhang looked overjoyed: "Uncle Liu, how good this garden is, we can take a walk here then." ”
"Yes," Uncle Liu replied with a smile, "how good it would be for the two of us to come here for a stroll in the evening." ”
They took the elevator upstairs, and Aunt Zhang didn't stop talking along the way: "I see that the neighbors here are of good quality, and I will say hello to the neighbors later, so that it will be convenient to get along in the future." ”
An old gentleman nodded and smiled in the elevator: "What I said is that everyone helps each other, and neighborly harmony is the most important." ”
As soon as the door of the new house was opened, the sunlight filled the entire living room, the clean room was empty, and the new wall reflected the light, which made Aunt Zhang happy. She turned around and hugged her husband: "Uncle Liu, look at how bright this house is, Xiaoyun will definitely like it." ”
"This welfare housing is really powerful, to have such a home, what is there in my life that I am not satisfied with." Uncle Liu's face was full of pride.
At this moment, they decided to take out their mobile phones to take pictures and leave the first images of this longing for a new life.
At this moment, Aunt Zhang's mobile phone rang, it was her son Zhang Qiang. "Mom, I'm almost at my new home, with all the daily necessities you want."
"Alright, alright, call me when it's time." Aunt Zhang is in a good mood like a little girl.
Hanging up the phone, Aunt Zhang pulled her husband to the balcony to look at the city outline in the distance: "When Xiaoyun comes back from winter vacation, three generations of our family will be reunited in this new family, then it will be a lively one!" Aunt Zhang's eyes sparkled.
It was in this longing that Aunt Zhang and Uncle Liu began the first chapter of their new home life.
In the scorching summer, in the hustle and bustle of moving, Aunt Zhang's forehead was already covered with beads of sweat. Boxes after boxes, moved from the old house to the new one. Every time she mentioned a piece of luggage, there was always a trace of loss on her face, and Zhang Qiang and Li Fang also felt extra hard.
"Mom, why can't Dad come over to help?" Zhang Qiang wiped his sweat and said with some dissatisfaction.
"Your dad is busy with work, we can handle this matter ourselves." Aunt Zhang tried her best to calm her tone, but there was helplessness in her tone.
At this time, Li Fang came in from outside with two large bags, obviously out of breath: "Auntie, you can't blame Uncle Liu for this, men, sometimes you can't get out of your career." ”
Aunt Zhang nodded: "Hey, what I know, it's just that I feel a little aggrieved." ”
Zhang Qiang interjected dissatisfiedly: "But I always feel that my mother has always been worried about our family." ”
Aunt Zhang sighed and was about to comfort her son when the ringtone of her mobile phone interrupted her. It was Zhang Xiaoyun who called, "Auntie, I'm admitted to college!" ”
Hearing the news, Aunt Zhang's eyes immediately lit up, and the tiredness seemed to be swept away: "Really, Xiao Yun?" That's a great thing! Which university did you go to? ”
"I was admitted to a prestigious university in the north." Zhang Xiaoyun couldn't hide the joy in her voice.
"Oh mom, that's great, you wait, I'll tell you Uncle Liu." Aunt Zhang was overjoyed, but she was faintly worried in her heart about whether Uncle Liu's perennial busy work would affect her support for Xiao Yun's future.
Hanging up the phone, Aunt Zhang turned to Zhang Qiang and Li Fang and said, "Xiaoyun has been admitted to university, we have to do a good job for her." ”
Li Fang hurriedly agreed: "Of course, you have to celebrate well, Xiaoyun's kid worked hard." ”
Zhang Qiang is more concerned about practical issues: "Mom, college tuition and living expenses add up to a lot, so we have to plan first." ”
This question made Aunt Zhang stunned in place, knowing in her heart that although being able to apply for welfare housing is already a big solution to the burden, for Xiaoyun's future, the economic pressure should not be underestimated.
"This matter, don't worry, Mom will find a way." Aunt Zhang tried her best to make herself appear determined.
"I'm not saying we don't have the ability, but Dad..."
Aunt Zhang interrupted him: "Okay, Qiangzi, today is a good day, let's not talk about these unhappy things." ”
Li Fang hurriedly changed the topic: "Auntie, how do you see the layout of the new home?" Do we need to buy something more? ”
"Don't worry, take your time, Xiaoyun will come back from the summer vacation and think about it together." Aunt Zhang's eyes were hazy and she was worried about tomorrow.
"Auntie, don't think too much, let's get the matter in front of you right now." Li Fang looked at Aunt Zhang, who had been tired all day, and couldn't bear her to work anymore.
In the evening, Uncle Liu finally rushed home, looking at the new home that had been built, he showed a long-lost smile: "Yes, thank you for your hard work." ”
Aunt Zhang just smiled faintly: "What can be bad about the empty house, have you heard about Xiaoyun?" ”
Uncle Liu nodded: "I heard that, what a smart kid." ”
"And what are you going to do?" Aunt Zhang was inadvertently tempted.
"I... This..."Uncle Liu was at a loss, obviously not fully thinking about it.
Aunt Zhang didn't ask again, she understood the importance of Uncle Liu's work, but as a mother, she understood the importance of home. That night, although the Zhang family moved into a new home, the real challenge of this family has just begun.
It has been 15 days since the move, and Aunt Zhang's new home has gradually gained the warmth of home, but during this time, she and her son Zhang Qiang have been deeply troubled by another problem - the problem of family focus and responsibility distribution.
After work one day, Aunt Zhang hurried home to prepare dinner, but the phone rang at this time. It was her boss, Director Li: "Aunt Zhang, I can't keep up with my work recently, do you have any family matters?" ”
Aunt Zhang replied anxiously: "Director Li, I have recently moved, and there are some things to deal with at home, don't worry, I will be able to adjust it in a few days." ”
"Okay, hopefully you'll adjust soon." Director Li didn't say much and hung up the phone.
Zhang Qiang listened to his mother's conversation and couldn't help frowning: "Mom, are you too tired?" Why don't I talk to my dad and let him take on some of it. ”
Aunt Zhang sighed: "It's useless, I understand your father's side, even if he agrees, there will still be such and such things that will trip him up at that time." ”
As she was talking, the doorbell rang, Aunt Zhang went to open the door, and there was an unexpected person standing outside the door - Uncle Liu's mother.
"Grandma, why didn't you tell us and came?" Aunt Zhang was a little surprised.
"I'm here to help you, no, I heard Uncle Liu say that you are too poor to open the pot." Mother Liu looked serious.
Zhang Qiang hurriedly explained: "Grandma, it's not that exaggerated, it's just a little nervous." ”
"Hmph, being nervous is being poor!" Mother Liu disagreed, and then suddenly changed the conversation, "I sold my old house, this is money." She pulled out a thick stack of passbooks and property deeds from her pocket.
Zhang Qiang and Aunt Zhang looked at each other, both a little speechless.
"Grandma, how can this work? That's what you rely on in old age. Aunt Zhang said in surprise.
Mother Liu waved her hand: "I have a pension, it's enough." I don't want Xiaoyun to have difficulties in going to school in the future, this child has a bright future, and she can't be dragged down because of money. ”
A warm current surged in Aunt Zhang's heart, and her uncontrollable eyes were red: "Mom, you are so good." ”
At this time, Uncle Liu also returned home in a hurry, saw his mother, and was stunned for a moment: "Mom, why are you here?" ”
"What to do? Take care of your unsuccessful son! Mother Liu was blunt.
Uncle Liu showed an embarrassed look on his face, he knew that he had really taken care of his family recently.
Aunt Zhang hurriedly said: "Uncle Liu, we still have to discuss Xiaoyun's tuition fee." ”
Uncle Liu nodded, he also knew that this problem would have to be faced sooner or later.
Everyone at the dinner table looked at each other, and Aunt Zhang tried to break the silence: "Thank you Mom for solving your urgent need." But we also have to think of a long-term solution. ”
Uncle Liu finally said seriously: "I know that I haven't done enough, and there are some problems in the company during this time, and I have to work overtime to deal with it." But I promise that I will take on as much responsibility as possible for my family in the future. ”
His attitude made Aunt Zhang feel a lot of relief, talking about this family, everyone should be responsible.
Mother Liu touched Zhang Qiang's head: "There is always a solution to the matter, the key is that everyone should think in one place and work hard in one place." ”
The family was silent for a while, and Uncle Liu stood up and proposed: "Why don't we renegotiate the division of family responsibilities now, for Xiaoyun's next college life, and for our family." ”
The proposal made everyone think about it seriously, and a pen and paper were spread out on the table, on which everyone wrote down what they could afford and what they expected for the future.
The meeting to redistribute family responsibilities continued into the night under soft lighting. Aunt Zhang, Uncle Liu and Mother Liu reached a consensus that they are all willing to make more efforts for the future of the family.
"I can apply for a change in my working hours at the company so that I can help more with the care of my family." Uncle Liu first put forward his plan.
Aunt Zhang nodded: "I can also discuss reducing overtime and strive to go home early to prepare dinner." ”
Liu's mother also said: "Although I am old, I can still help you do something, such as picking up Xiaoyun." ”
"Mom, you've done enough, we're young, we should bear more." Zhang Qiang said sincerely.
After some deliberation, the atmosphere of the family gradually became warm and harmonious. Uncle Liu opened a bottle of red wine treasured at home and confided in his guilt for many days: "I always neglected my family before, and from now on, I will be a qualified husband and father." ”
Aunt Zhang held Uncle Liu's hand tightly: "We are all a family, and if there is a problem at home, we will carry it together." ”
"Yes, it's always been my aunt who has been working hard, and I have to learn to share more." Zhang Qiang seems to have matured a lot.
In the middle of the night, the lights of Zhang's house were still on. The family sat in the living room and talked about each other's futures and dreams. Although there are still many uncertainties about the road ahead, their hearts are full of hope at this time.
"Then, we will start tomorrow according to the new division of labor, I will cook dinner, and Uncle Liu, you will be responsible for picking up Xiaoyun." Aunt Zhang took out her notebook and confirmed it one by one.
"No problem, starting tomorrow." Uncle Liu should be refreshed.
Mother Liu looked at this warm scene, and a smile appeared in the corner of her eyes: "I used to think if I could see the day when the family was harmonious, but I didn't expect it to come true tonight." ”
"Yes," Aunt Zhang smiled, "Home, after all, needs everyone to protect it together." ”
A breeze came from the room, bringing the coolness of the night, as if taking away the strife and anxiety of the previous days.
That night, everyone in the Zhang family was immersed in sweet dreams.
And Aunt Zhang saw in her dream that Xiaoyun was wearing a degree gown and standing gracefully on the school's podium with a confident smile on her face.
Early the next morning, Mother Liu said to Aunt Zhang before leaving: "Aunt Zhang, look, isn't this happiness." ”
Aunt Zhang sent Mother Liu away and stood in front of the window of her new home, unable to help but fall into deep thought.
The sunlight outside the window was just right, illuminating the whole house and Aunt Zhang's mood.
"Is this happiness?" She asked herself softly, a faint glint in her eyes.