Siheyuan: I live next door to Xu Damao, my last name is Cao

Liu Guangqi knows exactly what his parents are thinking.

The second aunt expressed her opposition so vehemently, but in fact, it was only because she was afraid that he would be "bound" by the Qi family in the future.

As a result, they are unable to devote themselves wholeheartedly to the task of supporting the elderly, and are unable to care for and serve them wholeheartedly and without reservation.

Over the years, the parents' obvious favoritism has been known to everyone, just like Sima Zhao's ambition - even passers-by on the street know it clearly.

Whenever there is something delicious to eat or drink, or nice clothes, shoes, socks, etc. at home, the first person that comes to mind is always his eldest son.

Moreover, on ordinary days, his parents are very caring and always ask about his well-being.

Isn't this just planting the seed of relying on the eldest son for old age in one's heart early on, and looking forward to a happy ending of enjoying a peaceful and worry-free old age in old age?

However, Liu Guangqi also had his own considerations and plans in mind.

He was not the kind of heartless and cold-hearted person. He definitely did not want to completely ignore his parents' kindness in raising him and flatly refuse to take care of them in their old age.

However, he really doesn't want to be bound by this extremely heavy "retirement expectation" so as to hinder his steps towards a brilliant future.

In the end, he missed out on those precious opportunities that could have completely changed his life!

Liu Guangqi took a deep breath, the sound of which could be clearly heard in the quiet room. His chest rose and fell as the sound came. He tried hard to suppress the restlessness in his heart, as if he wanted to swallow all the resentment and anxiety in his heart.

He looked up at the second aunt, his eyes were full of sincerity and persistence, and he tried to speak in a steady tone, trying to reason with her: "Mom, you and Dad raised me up, and I have this kindness engraved in my bones and remember it in my heart. How could I ignore your care in my old age? But times are different now, and we can't just focus on this little thing and block the way. Xiaohui's family has resources and connections. If she and I get together, and we become successful in the future, won't our family also benefit from it?"

As he spoke, he took a few steps, slow and cautious, and moved a little closer to the second aunt, shortening the distance between them, his eyes full of expectation and sincerity.

"When the time comes, won't it be easy for you to live in a spacious and bright house with clean windows and tables in your old age? You won't have to worry about food and clothing, and you will enjoy a peaceful life. Isn't it better than guarding this big courtyard, squeezing into this small and dark house, and living a tight life now?"

As he spoke, he gestured with his hands, describing what the beautiful future would look like, with a gleam of longing in his eyes.

As Liu Haizhong listened to his son's talk, a series of gorgeous and attractive pictures involuntarily emerged in his mind, and there was also a separate toilet.

No longer have to queue in the narrow corridor every morning to use the public toilet like in this slum, and endure the air mixed with all kinds of odors. In winter, the cold wind blows in through the door cracks, making you shiver, and in summer, it is hot and stuffy with mosquitoes buzzing around.

Moreover, if his son could really make a name for himself, and he could walk in the streets with his hands behind his back and his head held high, he would surely be met with envious glances and admiring comments from his neighbors behind him. Then he would gain a lot of glory and be very proud of himself, and his status and position would instantly be different from before.

After thinking about it, he nodded slightly, tapped his chin, cleared his throat and said, "Guangqi, what you said is not without reason. Our family has suffered for these years. It's time to look forward to a big change, live in a new house, and live a comfortable life."

There was a hint of excitement and expectation in that voice, and his eyes looked at his son with some recognition.

Liu Guangqi saw his father's expression relax, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, a hint of secret joy flashed in his eyes, and he was secretly happy, and hurriedly said: "Dad, don't worry, if I have a future, I will definitely think of you and mom first, let you enjoy a good life, live in the best place, don't have to worry about food and clothing, and make up for the hard days in the past. I will fan you in the summer and heat the kang for you in the winter, so that you two old people can spend your old age comfortably and happily, and I will never let you suffer any grievances."

He spoke sincerely, his eyes flashing with confidence and yearning for the future, his hands clasped in front of his chest, as if he was swearing to the sky, his expression solemn and sincere.

The second aunt watched coldly from the side. Seeing the father and son singing the same tune, the anger in her heart rose up, and her face became increasingly gloomy, like ink-stained cloth, so black that water could drip out of it.

Liu Guangqi knows his own son well, and he doesn't have that ability, so it's better to keep him closely by his side so that he can have better care of him in his old age.

She also didn't think about having a lot of conditions in the future. She just wanted someone to take care of them in their old age.

The second aunt stood up suddenly, the chair rubbing against the ground made a harsh sound, and she winked at Liu Haizhong, motioning him to go aside, muttering, "Old man, come here, I have something to tell you."

The second aunt strode towards the corner as she spoke.

After the two of them walked to the corner and avoided Liu Guangqi's sight, the second aunt lowered her voice. However, the urgency and worry in her words were like a heavy hammer, hitting the center of Liu Guangqi's bangs with every word.

"Don't just listen to that kid's empty promises. It's not that simple. The Qi family is far away in the Northeast, which is a long way away. They are unfamiliar with the place, and they don't have a son to support them. If there is any disturbance, Qi alone will have to travel back and forth between the two places, right?"

"In the Northeast, it's icy and snowy. When winter comes, the mountains are covered with snow and the wind is howling. It can freeze people's bones. The climate is very bad. We have no idea about the public security situation. If an accident really happens, not only will people get hurt, but who will we rely on for our retirement? We still have to find a wife who is close to us, stable, knows her background, and has neighbors and villagers who can help us. We can worry less and live a stable life."

As she spoke, she poked her chest in her bangs with her fingers, emphasizing her tone, her eyes full of anxiety and seriousness.

Liu Haizhong was still immersed in his fantasy of a bright future, but his wife's analysis was like a bucket of cold water poured over his head, and he woke up instantly.

He said with a look of annoyance, "Oh, why didn't I think of this? You are so thoughtful, mother. Far water can't quench a nearby fire. If we really run into trouble, our old bones won't be able to withstand the tossing, and Guangqi will also be dragged down. We really can't let him do whatever he wants. We need to think about this marriage again."

As he spoke, he slapped his forehead, his regret was evident in his words, and his eyes were full of self-blame and recognition.

Seeing her husband "repentant", the second aunt's expression eased a little, but she was still tense. She crossed her arms and said, "Humph, now you understand, don't be fooled by that boy's sweet words. We still have to plan for the rest of our lives. We can't let our emotions ruin the foundation of our retirement."

Although the tone was slightly softer than before, it still revealed unquestionable determination, and his eyes looked straight into his bangs, as if to consolidate his determination to "change his mind".

The two returned to their original positions. Liu Haizhong's attitude had changed 180 degrees. He cleared his throat and said to Liu Guangqi in a serious tone, "Guangqi, your mother is right. We can't just look at the immediate benefits. The Qi family is too far away. There will be troubles in the future. Elderly care is a big deal. We can't take risks. You should also stop thinking about it. You still have to listen to your parents and find a suitable girl nearby and live a stable life. This is the right way."

Liu Haizhong's voice was low and majestic, revealing the irrefutable parental authority. He looked at Liu Guangqi firmly, as if he wanted to engrave these words into his heart.

When Liu Guangqi heard this, he felt like he was struck by lightning. He stood there in a daze, his face full of disbelief, his eyes wide open, his mouth slightly open, unable to close for a long time. The feeling of aggrieved and unwilling in his heart suddenly surged up like a flood that broke through a dam, surging violently.

He was so anxious that he kept stamping his feet, stomping them alternately on the ground, making a "dong dong" sound, and shouted loudly: "Dad, Mom, how can you go back on your word? You were talking fine just now, why did you change your mind when you heard mom's nagging? What's wrong with Xiaohui's family being far away? What's the big deal? You can't break up my marriage because of this, it's too unfair!"

Liu Guangqi's voice became hoarse with excitement, and he sounded like he was crying. His eyes were red and tears were welling up in his eyes.

When the second aunt heard this, her eyes widened like bells and she poked Liu Guangqi's forehead with her finger. She poked Liu Guangqi's forehead so hard that it hurt. She said angrily: "You kid, why don't you understand your parents' painstaking efforts? We are doing this for your own good and for the good of our family. When you suffer a loss in the future, you will know how to regret it. Don't be stubborn anymore. This matter is settled!"

The second aunt spoke in a firm tone and did not tolerate any explanation, with an expression of anger on her face.

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense. Liu Guangqi's face flushed red, and the blush spread from his cheeks to his ears. His chest heaved violently, and his breathing was rapid and heavy.

He wanted to argue further, but looking at the resolute looks of his parents, that cold, unshakable gaze, he swallowed the words back at the tip of his tongue, stomped his feet hard, turned around and rushed into his room.

He slammed the door with a loud bang, and the sound of the door shaking the whole house, as if it was his final vent for his anger and helplessness.

The old couple were left outside the house facing each other in silence. Only the cold wind was still howling outside the window, as if sighing for the broken marriage. The sound of the wind was like a sad and mournful song, echoing for a long time in the silent night, plucking everyone's tense heartstrings.

Liu Guangqi rushed into the room, leaned against the door, slowly slid down to sit on the ground, held his head with his hands, tears streaming down his face.

He was filled with resentment and felt that fate was playing a joke on him. He finally saw the dawn of a new life trajectory, but it was ruthlessly extinguished by his parents.

He knew very well that his parents were worried about their retirement, but how could he give up his own future and his relationship with Qi Sihui so easily?

The wealth of the Qi family, Qi Sihui's smiling face, and the uncompromising faces of his parents kept appearing in his mind. He was struggling in pain, as if he was stuck in a quagmire, sinking deeper and deeper.

Outside the house, Liu Haizhong and the second aunt were speechless, silence enveloped them.

He was smoking a pipe with his bangs, the smoke blurring his expression. His heart was filled with concerns about his son's future security, but he also felt reluctant to shatter his hopes. He was full of contradictions.

The second aunt had a tense face and looked at Liu Guangqi's closed door. She clenched her hands unconsciously. She was sure that her decision was right.

But her son's reaction made her worried. She just gritted her teeth and maintained her determination, hoping that time would make her son "wake up", return to their preset track, and find a marriage that would make the whole family feel at ease.

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