I am Tang Yi, 56 years old this year, and I have been married to my wife for 33 years. We have a daughter who thought that her retirement life would be peaceful and peaceful, but unexpectedly, a sudden discovery completely shattered this tranquility.
It was a sunny afternoon, and it was with joy that I set out on a journey to visit my one-month-old grandson. The arrival of this new life has brought infinite joy to my life, as if adding a touch of color to my dull old age.
I remember a month ago, my daughter called and excitedly told me that she had given birth to a boy. At that time, I was ecstatic and immediately named my little grandson Tang Rui.
The son-in-law on the other end of the phone agreed with a smile, and also mentioned that their wedding room was too small and wanted to change to a bigger one. I immediately said that I wanted to go to see the little guy in person, and by the way, discuss the matter of changing houses.
Sitting on the train to my daughter's house, my mind kept thinking of my little grandson. Will he be as naughty as his dad was when he was a kid? Will he be as smiling as his mother? Thinking about it, the corners of my mouth unconsciously raised.
When I arrived at my daughter's house, my son-in-law greeted me warmly. He shouted "Tang Rui" one by one in front of me, and I heard it in my heart.
Looking at the baby one, I felt as if I had returned to my youth, and the joy and sense of responsibility of parenthood came back to me.
However, fate inadvertently prepared an unexpected turn for me.
That afternoon, when I was alone with my eldest grandson, this innocent child suddenly asked, "Grandpa, what is my brother's name?" Dad called Tang Rui for a while, and Sun Rui for a while. ”
This simple question was like a thunderbolt that shattered my beautiful illusions in an instant. I felt a wave of vertigo, as if something was churning in my stomach. Confused and uneasy, I forced my composure to calm my eldest grandson, and then left the room under the pretext of going to the bathroom.
I started rummaging through my daughter's house, looking for the household register. My hands were shaking and my heart was pounding, for fear of discovering something I didn't want to face. Finally, deep in the drawer of the study, I found the little red booklet.
The moment I opened the household registration book, the hidden truth was revealed in front of my eyes. The name of the little grandson is clearly written Sun Rui", not the Tang Rui I gave him. Suddenly, I felt the world spin and rage, as if the whole world was crumbling under my feet.
My mind went blank and countless questions swirled in my head: Why deceive me? Didn't they intend to use my name in the first place? What exactly is my place in this family?
Anger was mixed with deep disappointment and hurt. I felt betrayed by my loved ones and kept in the dark. Those good expectations and joys vanished in an instant, replaced by indescribable bitterness and anger.
I took a deep breath and tried to calm my excitement. I knew that the next thing I had to do was to face my daughter and son-in-law and figure out what was going on. But at the moment, I only felt a deep exhaustion and heartache, and I didn't know how to ask the truth that had struck me.
A wave of anger burned in my heart. I took a deep breath and tried to calm my emotions. I closed my eyes and thought back to when my daughter got married eight years ago.
At that time, my in-laws came to my house and told them about their difficulties.
"Brother Tang, let's be honest, our family really can't get the bride price money now." The father-in-law said with a sad face.
The mother-in-law also wiped her tears: "Yes, although our Sun Qiang has a stable job, his salary is not high, and buying a house is far away." ”
I looked at my daughter, who was sitting next to me, holding her fiancé's hand tightly, her eyes full of determination. I sighed, knowing that my daughter was determined to marry this man.
After some deliberation, we finally came to an agreement. I said to my in-laws, "Well, I don't want the bride price." For the down payment of the wedding house, our two families will pay half each. However, I have a condition, if the younger couple gives birth to two children in the future, the second child, regardless of male or female, must have the surname of our Tang family. ”
The father-in-law nodded again and again: "No problem, no problem!" Brother Tang, don't worry, we will do what we say! ”
Son-in-law Sun Qiang also solemnly promised: "Uncle and aunt, I promise you that I will definitely abide by the agreement." ”
When I think back to that scene, I can't help but smile bitterly. At that time, how could I have imagined that such a thing would happen?
I picked up my phone and called my daughter.
"Dad, what's wrong?" There was a hint of doubt in her daughter's voice.
I took a deep breath and said as calmly as I could, "Xiaoru, can you come to the house?" I have something to ask you. ”
In less than half an hour, the daughter arrived at home. Seeing my serious expression, she seemed to realize something, and her face was a little unnatural.
"Dad, what's going on?" She asked cautiously.
I looked her in the eye and said slowly: "Xiaoru, tell me honestly, why is Xiao Rui's household registration surnamed Sun instead of Tang?" ”
The daughter's face turned pale instantly, she lowered her head, and said in a trembling voice, "Dad, I'm sorry...... I...... I don't know what to say to you......"
Seeing my daughter's helpless appearance, I felt distressed and disappointed. "What the hell is going on? Didn't we say yes at the beginning? ”
The daughter raised her head with tears in her eyes: "Dad, I know we have failed to live up to your and Mom's expectations." But...... But I really don't want this to affect our family. ”
I sighed and asked, "Did your parents-in-law regret it?" ”
The daughter nodded and whispered, "Yes." At that time, I had just given birth to my second child and was still in the hospital, so they took the opportunity to register the child. By the time I knew it, it was too late. ”
I clenched my fists and tried to control my emotions: "What about your husband?" What did he say? ”
The daughter lowered her head and her voice became quieter: "Brother Qiang...... He said it was what his parents meant, and he couldn't help it. Dad, I know I'm sorry for you guys, but for the sake of my two children, I really don't want to cause family discord......"
Hearing this, the anger in my heart grew even stronger. Not only was he angry at his in-laws' treachery, but he was also disappointed in his son-in-law's weakness.
I finally understood why my daughter and son-in-law rarely let us visit them after the birth of my little grandson, apparently because we were worried that we would find out about it. And when they mentioned their little grandson in front of me, they always talked about a little Rui, and I couldn't find a problem. If it weren't for this accident, I probably don't really know what was going on.
I took a deep breath and tried to calm down: "Xiaoru, I understand your difficulties. But you know, it's not just a matter of surname, it's a matter of integrity and family relationships. ”
The daughter nodded, and tears began to roll in her eyes: "Dad, I know it's wrong." But what now? ”
I was silent for a while, and then finally made up my mind, "Well, now that the matter has come to this, I won't force you to change anything." However, I decided that I wanted to sell our two houses. ”
The daughter raised her head in surprise: "Dad, what did you say?" ”
I said firmly, "You heard me clearly. I'm going to sell two houses and take your mom out to enjoy life. Since your parents-in-law are so discredited, then I don't need to worry about you anymore, you don't want two suites. ”
The daughter hurriedly said, "Dad, don't be like this. I know you're angry, but isn't it too impulsive to sell your house? ”
I shook my head, "No, I think very clearly. We've done enough for you all these years. It's time to live for yourself. ”
I turned and left, ready to go back to my hometown. On the high-speed train, the mobile phone rang again. I answered the phone, and my son-in-law's panicked voice came: "Dad, I heard Xiaoru say, don't be angry, let's discuss something......
I interrupted him coldly: "Sun Qiang, needless to say. Make your own choices and bear the consequences. With that, I hung up the phone.
Back at home, I sat in my study and fell into deep thought. Looking back on all these years of dedication, I suddenly felt a wave of exhaustion. Perhaps, it's time to live for yourself.
Late at night, I lay in bed, tossing and turning. My wife noticed my abnormality and asked softly, "Old Tang, what's wrong?" Can't sleep? ”
I sat up and looked at my wife's concerned eyes, and a warm current welled up in my heart. I told her everything that had happened today.
After listening to this, my wife was silent for a while, then held my hand and said, "Old Tang, I support your decision. We have given so much for our children over the years. Maybe it's time to live for yourself. ”
I looked at my wife gratefully, "Thank you, wife." It's nice to have you around. ”
Early the next morning, I started working on the property. When the news spread, friends and relatives called, some for support and some for it.
My sister called and persuaded me to think again: "Brother, are you too impulsive like this?" After all, it's my own daughter. ”
I replied firmly, "Sister, I have figured it out. It's not just to punish them, it's for the happiness of me and your sister-in-law. Shouldn't we be living for ourselves all these years? ”
My sister was silent for a while, and finally said, "Brother, I understand your thoughts." I wish you all happiness. ”
A few days later, the son-in-law came to the door again and wanted to negotiate. I sat in the living room and looked at him calmly.
The son-in-law lowered his head and said hesitantly, "Dad, I know what we did wrong. Don't be angry, if there are any conditions, you can mention them, and we will do it. ”
I shook my head: "Sun Qiang, not all mistakes can be forgiven. Your choices have broken my heart. Now, I just want to live our own lives with your mom. ”
The son-in-law wanted to say something more, but I raised my hand to stop him. I stood up and motioned for the send-off: "Go back, take good care of Xiaoru and the children." After that, we will live our own lives. ”
Watching my son-in-law leave in despair, I had mixed feelings in my heart. But I know that this decision was the right one.
In the days that followed, my wife and I began to plan our new lives. We signed up for courses at the University for the Elderly, where we learned painting and photography. We also planned a long trip to cover all the great rivers and mountains of our motherland.
One night, my wife and I sat on the balcony and watched the starry sky. My wife leaned on my shoulder and whispered, "Old Tang, do you think we are too selfish?" ”
I took her hand and said firmly, "No, we're not selfish at all. We've given it for so many years, and now we just want to live for ourselves. This is the happiness we deserve. ”
The wife nodded, tears flashing in her eyes: "Thank you, Old Tang." It's good to have you. ”
We looked at each other and smiled, our hearts full of anticipation for the future.
The next morning, we packed our bags and prepared to embark on our journey. Just then, the doorbell rang.
I opened the door and saw my daughter standing in the doorway, her eyes red. She threw herself into my arms and cried, "Dad, I'm sorry, I'm really sorry." We were wrong, and we should not have lived up to your expectations. ”
I gently patted my daughter on the back, and I had mixed feelings in my heart. I know that this decision not only changed my life and my wife's life, but also made my daughter re-examine our relationship.
I took a deep breath and said to my daughter, "Xiaoru, Mom and Dad will always love you." But for now, let's live for ourselves. ”
My daughter looked up at me with teary eyes, and finally nodded, "I understand, Dad." Have a great trip. ”
Looking at the back of my daughter's departure, my feelings are complicated. I know that this decision may affect our family relationship to some extent. But I also understand that you can only be truly kind to others if you treat yourself first.
I turned to look at my wife, who was smiling at me. We walked out of the house holding hands and dragging our suitcases. The sun shines on us, as if gilding our new life with a golden glow.
I don't know what the future holds, but I know that at this moment, we are finally going to live for ourselves. This is not selfishness, but cherishing life, respecting self.
Maybe one day, when we have traveled all over the country and seen all the beauty of the world, we will revisit this experience. Maybe at that time, we will have new insights and make new choices.
But at the moment, we have chosen ourselves. Because we understand that only by loving ourselves first can we love others better. It was a brave attempt and a journey of self-redemption.
My wife and I looked at each other and smiled and set out on our new journey. No matter what the road ahead, we will walk together and face it together. Because we know that true happiness lies in each other's company.