Original article, first published on the whole network, it is strictly forbidden to carry it, and it is necessary to protect rights when moving. This article is a micro-novel, the plot is fictional, please read it rationally.
China in 1973 was in economic difficulty. The spring breeze of reform and opening up has not yet blown, and the shortage of materials has become the norm. Zhang Qiang and Li Ming are good friends who grew up together, and the two have been classmates since kindergarten. Zhang Qiang's family is ordinary, his parents are workers, although he is not rich, but the family loves each other, and his life is stable. Li Ming's family is even poorer, his parents are farmers, the family does not have much land, the harvest is not good, and he often has to worry about food and clothing.
One summer day that year, it was unusually hot. Zhang Qiang had just come out of the factory floor, sweat soaking through his vest. He wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, and was about to go home when he saw Li Ming running over from a distance.
"Zhang Qiang, wait for me!" Li Ming shouted breathlessly.
Zhang Qiang stopped and saw Li Ming sweating profusely and looking panicked. "Li Ming, what's wrong? What happened? Zhang Qiang asked with concern.
Li Ming took a few breaths and barely calmed down. "Something happened to me at home, and I ...... I need to borrow some money. He whispered, a little embarrassed in his eyes.
Zhang Qiang's heart tightened, he knew the situation of Li Ming's family, and he had never been comfortable. "How much do you need?" He asked directly.
Li Ming hesitated for a moment and whispered, "50 yuan." ”
$50 was not a small amount at the time. Zhang Qiang's monthly salary is only 80 yuan, and this 50 yuan is almost half a month's living expenses for his family. He frowned, but quickly decided.
"Okay, you wait for me, I'll get it to you when I get home." Zhang Qiang said firmly.
Back at home, Zhang Qiang took out his savings from the cabinet and was a little apprehensive, but he knew that this was the only way to help his friend tide over the difficulties. The mother saw Zhang Qiang rummaging through the cabinets, and asked suspiciously, "Qiangzi, what are you looking for?" ”
Zhang Qiang raised his head and explained, "Mom, Li Ming has an urgent matter at home, and I want to lend him some money." ”
The mother listened, was silent for a while, and finally nodded. "Well, the money you lend out may not be repaid, you have to know it yourself." She admonished.
Zhang Qiang smiled slightly, but his heart was extremely firm. "Mom, Li Ming has been my friend since I was a child, and I should help him."
With 50 yuan, Zhang Qiang hurried back to the agreed place. Seeing that Li Ming was still waiting there anxiously, Zhang Qiang handed over the money. "Let's use it, solve the urgent need first." He said.
Li Ming took the money, his eyes slightly reddened. "Zhang Qiang, thank you so much, I will definitely pay you back." He said.
Zhang Qiang waved his hand and smiled indifferently. "Don't think about paying back the money first, settle the matter at home first. Brothers don't have to see each other like this. ”
Li Ming nodded vigorously, and the two shook hands and said goodbye, their eyes full of trust and gratitude. The sunshine at the time of separation shone on them, as if it also witnessed this deep friendship.
A few days later, the urgent matter at Li Ming's family was resolved. Li Ming found Zhang Qiang again and said gratefully: "Zhang Qiang, this time it is really thanks to you. When I have the money, I'll definitely pay it back to you. ”
Zhang Qiang still smiled. "Don't take it to heart, we are brothers, and it is appropriate to help each other with something."
In this way, the two returned to their respective lives. Zhang Qiang continued to work diligently in the factory, while Li Ming continued to help with the farming at home. Although the days were still difficult, the friendship between the two became stronger at this moment.
One autumn 20 years later, the weather was slightly cooler. Zhang Qiang has retired from the factory and likes to work in the vegetable garden in front of his house in his spare time. He squatted on the ground, carefully pulling weeds, when suddenly he heard a familiar sound.
"Zhang Qiang!" He looked up and saw a well-dressed middle-aged man, standing not far away, looking at him with a smile on his face.
"Li Ming?!" Zhang Qiang stood up in surprise, unable to believe his eyes. Li Ming in front of him was wearing a suit, and his whole person exuded the atmosphere of a successful person, and he was like the young man 20 years ago.
Li Ming strode over and held Zhang Qiang's hand tightly. "It's me, Zhang Qiang, it's really me!"
Zhang Qiang patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile: "You kid, where have you been all these years?" Why did you come back all of a sudden? ”
Li Ming's eyes flashed with tears, "Zhang Qiang, I came back this time to repay your favor." ”
The two returned to Zhang Qiang's house, and Zhang Qiang's wife was busy making tea for entertainment. After Li Ming sat down, he took out a check from his bag and handed it to Zhang Qiang.
"Zhang Qiang, the 50 yuan you borrowed from me back then was life-saving money for me. Today, I brought 50,000 yuan, and I hope you can accept it. ”
Zhang Qiang was stunned, took the check, and glanced at the amount on it. "This ...... Li Ming, this is too much, it was only 50 yuan at the beginning. ”
Li Ming looked at him seriously, "Zhang Qiang, this 50,000 yuan is not only to repay your money back then, but also to thank you for your friendship." If it weren't for your help, I wouldn't be where I am today. ”
As he was talking, several of Zhang Qiang's relatives walked in. Zhang Qiang's cousin Daniel Zhang glanced at the check and said in surprise: "Yo, Zhang Qiang, you have made a fortune!" ”
Zhang Qiang smiled and did not speak.
Li Ming continued: "When I come back this time, I also plan to invest in my hometown and drive everyone to get rich together. ”
Daniel Zhang looked at the check, shook his head, and said half-jokingly: "50 yuan back then, and now I pay you back 50,000, which seems like a lot, but if you take that 50 yuan to invest, I'm afraid it's more than 50,000 now, right?" ”
Zhang Qiang listened and smiled slightly, "You have a point, but the 50 yuan is more of a friendship for me." ”
Daniel Zhang pouted disappetically, "Friendship is friendship, money is money, in this era, money is more important." ”
Zhang Qiang sighed, "Money is important, but friendship is more important." When Li Ming was in trouble, I helped him, and it was right. Now that he has achieved something, remember to come back and repay me, this friendship is priceless. ”
Daniel Zhang's mother next to her also interjected: "Qiangzi, you are right to think so, Li Ming can remember you, this intention is more important than anything else." ”
Li Ming nodded and said gratefully: "Zhang Qiang, when I come back this time, I also hope to accompany you more and relive the days when we were children." ”
Zhang Qiang patted Li Ming's shoulder, "Okay, let's have a good chat." ”
Li Ming's arrival brought a lot of surprises to Zhang Qiang's family, and Zhang Qiang's relatives gradually understood his cherishing of friendship. Although they still have their own opinions, it is more of a respect for Zhang Qiang.
That night, Zhang Qiang and Li Ming sat in the courtyard, drinking tea and chatting about the past. The moonlight shines on them, as if witnessing this deep friendship that transcends time.
A few days later, Li Ming decided to hold a small party in his hometown, inviting some old friends and relatives. The party was held in the courtyard of Zhang Qiang's house, where everyone sat together, tasted hearty home-cooked food, recalled the past, and the atmosphere was very warm.
Halfway through eating, Li Ming stood up, raised the wine glass in his hand, and said with a smile: "Relatives and friends, I am very happy to be here with you today. I would especially like to take this opportunity to say something that I will remember in my heart. ”
Everyone quieted down, and their eyes were focused on Li Ming. Zhang Qiang also put down his chopsticks and looked at Li Ming quietly, not knowing what he was going to say.
Li Ming cleared his throat and continued: "Twenty years ago, some changes happened in my family, and I urgently needed 50 yuan. For me at the time, it was astronomical. I found Zhang Qiang, and he lent it to me without hesitation. The 50 yuan was also a lot of money for him, but he didn't hesitate and gave it to me directly. ”
When Zhang Qiang heard this, he smiled slightly, recalling the scene back then.
Li Ming took a deep breath and continued: "The 50 yuan is not only money, but also a heavy friendship. It helped me get through the storm and gave me hope. Over the years, I have always remembered this kindness, and today I brought 50,000 yuan back, not only to repay the money of the year, but also to express my respect for this friendship. ”
After speaking, Li Ming raised his wine glass and toasted Zhang Qiang. Zhang Qiang was a little moved, the corners of his eyes moistened, he stood up, raised his cup, and clinked glasses with Li Ming.
"Li Ming, thank you." Zhang Qiang choked up and said, "But this 50,000 yuan is really too much, I can't accept it." ”
Li Ming shook his head and said firmly: "Zhang Qiang, this is not just money, it represents my gratitude and respect for you. Without your help, I wouldn't be where I am today. You have to take the money. ”
Zhang Qiang took a deep breath, looked at Li Ming's determined eyes, and finally nodded. "Okay, I'll take it, but this friendship is priceless."
Everyone raised their glasses and cheered for their friendship, and the atmosphere reached a climax. Zhang Qiang's cousin Daniel Zhang also stood up and said with a smile: "Zhang Qiang, Li Ming, your friendship is really touching, we should all learn from you." ”
After the party, Zhang Qiang and Li Ming sat in the courtyard, looking at the stars in the night sky, and their mood was extremely peaceful. Zhang Qiang said with emotion: "Li Ming, do you know? When I borrowed the 50 yuan from you, my family was actually in a difficult situation, but I knew you needed it more than I did. ”
Li Ming nodded, "I know, Zhang Qiang, that's why I've always kept it in mind." Now that I have the ability, I must repay you. ”
Zhang Qiang smiled, "Actually, friendship is much more important than money. The friendship we have today is more precious than anything else. ”
Li Ming said with deep sympathy: "Yes, friendship is priceless. We have to cherish it. ”
Zhang Qiang looked at Li Ming, his heart was full of gratitude and relief. Twenty years have passed, but the friendship has remained the same, and even strengthened. No matter how the years passed, they knew that this friendship would last forever and become the most precious treasure of their lives.
Through the story of Zhang Qiang and Li Ming, we see the power and preciousness of friendship. It transcends money, transcends time, and makes us understand that true friendship is priceless and the most cherished treasure in our lives.