now.
Cao's father still looked at Qin's father in disbelief. Even though he had confirmed the other's identity and could see a familiar face in the other's features, he still found it hard to accept.
Cao's mother opened her mouth but didn't say anything.
Qin's father: "It's me! How did you... become like this...? Didn't you go to Shanghai?"
Cao's father: "I...I...sigh..."
He couldn't help but sigh: The two of them sold their house and land in their hometown and went to Shanghai to live with their son, hoping to have a better life. But their daughter-in-law was too domineering, and even their son had no status at home, let alone the two of them. In addition, their daughter-in-law's family also lived with their son. The small house was crowded with so many people, which was very oppressive. When the old couple were in Shanghai, they would go out to find odd jobs whenever they had time during the day, partly to earn some money to supplement their household expenses and partly to leave that oppressive home.
At first, they were able to make a living by selling their house and land, plus the money the elderly couple earned from odd jobs.
They're nothing more than living under someone else's roof!
But the thought of living with my son in a big city and then with my grandson in the future makes it acceptable.
But their daughter-in-law keeps making a fuss about demanding money from them!
The excuses are numerous:
What, is your home missing an appliance?
Why do I need to take medication when trying to conceive?
Why does she want to buy cosmetics?
.....
If they don't get it, they'll make a scene and act out!
She was incredibly difficult and demanding, constantly shouting that she couldn't take it anymore, that she wouldn't raise the children, and that she wanted to divorce their son, etc.
The elderly couple naturally didn't want to see their son in a difficult position, so they kept giving him money. But they only had so much money, and in less than a year, all the money they had given them was gone.
I'm out of money!
The daughter-in-law's attitude deteriorated rapidly, from dislike to constant scolding, as if she were scolding her own children.
Call them useless? Say they can't earn money for their children, then look at how capable other people's parents are? Say people like them probably don't deserve to live in a big city.
Finally, they were told to leave and go back to their hometown. Their son didn't dare utter a word and just echoed their sentiments.
"Mom and Dad, why don't you go back to your hometown? You definitely won't adapt to a big city like Shanghai."
"My parents' house is only so big, it's too crowded for so many people. My wife is about to give birth, and there will be even less room then."
"Son, it's not easy for me to raise this whole family. Please don't make things difficult for us here. If you stay any longer, we'll have no choice but to get a divorce."
"Let's go! We'll come visit you when we have time... and you should raise some chickens, ducks, and geese and mail them to us..."
"I'm busy with work... so I won't see you off..."
...
What could they do after their son had put it that way? There was absolutely no way they could stay there.
I have no choice but to go back to my hometown!
But where do they have a home anymore? They sold it long ago!
They've sold their home! Going back means no land, no house, no money, and no way to live. Besides, these two proud people can't bear the shame, so they can only stay in Songjiang and rent a cheap basement to eke out a living.
Old Cao carried sacks for others, and Cao's mother washed dishes for others. Both of them had underlying medical conditions, so their expenses were already considerable. In addition, Cao He would often call them asking for money.
This made the already strapped-for-money couple even tighter, so they had no choice but to collect scraps to sell whenever they had free time.
When these two contacted their families, they said they were doing very well in Shanghai because they didn't want to embarrass themselves. At first, when they returned to Songjiang, they were really afraid of running into Qin Jiang. But as time went by, they realized how unlikely it was to run into someone in such a big city as Songjiang. Besides, they had heard that Qin Jiang was very powerful and influential, and that he traveled in luxury cars, so they were even less likely to run into him.
But they never expected to encounter Qin's father and mother in such a wretched state at this time and place...
This moment:
The four people looked at each other without saying a word; the once fierce confrontation was now just silence....
Qin's father: "Old Cao... what you've done..."
Cao's father: "It's a long story..."
Qin's father wanted to ask more questions.
brush!
Qin's mother tugged at his hand, and Qin's father reacted, "Um! Let's not talk about that! We've been apart for a long time, let's find a place to sit down and have a drink and catch up!"
Want something to drink?
Talking about old times!
After a slight internal struggle, Cao's father shook his head and said, "No... I have things to do... so let's not reminisce..."
One side.
Without saying a word, Cao's mother grabbed Cao's father's hand and left...
Qin's mother: "Wait..."
Cao's father and mother paused slightly.
Qin's mother: "It's been years since we last met. Let's have a meal together during the New Year!"
Cao's mother pulled Cao's father along as they continued walking...
Qin's mother was about to say something more.
Qin's father said, "Don't say anymore... They won't eat with us; this is the only dignity they have left."
"They are already very sad to see us like this, and eating together will only make them feel worse."
"Don't make things difficult for them..."
Qin's mother naturally understood the feelings of the two. As the saying goes, "The one who understands you best is your opponent." The two had been fighting for their whole lives and understood each other very well.
He believed that Cao's parents could see that he and Cao's parents had no intention of showing off. They were genuinely worried about them, and they even knew that if they asked him for help, he would definitely not stand idly by. However, knowing this was one thing, but their pride wouldn't allow them to do so, so they had no choice but to leave.
Qin's mother couldn't help but sigh, "How...how could this be..."
Qin's father: "We made the wrong choice..."
They could both guess the general situation Cao's parents had gone through. After all, elderly people from rural areas who migrate to big cities usually have their own difficulties, especially since such storylines are frequently depicted in television dramas. However, those dramas always end with happy endings, while Cao's parents in reality weren't so lucky. Or rather, their situation was the norm in reality...
Those bizarre happy endings only happen on TV...
...
This moment:
The scene of Qin's father and mother strolling around in elegance, accompanied by bodyguards, contrasts sharply with the scene of Cao's father and mother picking up trash with bags in their hands!
This moment:
Cao's father, who had always stood tall, was now completely bent over, his spirit utterly broken. His once-proud son had kicked him out of the house and made him scavenge for garbage, while the despicable son of the Qin family, whom he had looked down upon, now ensured that the Qin couple lived in luxury, their faces glowing with health, and they even had bodyguards with them whenever they went out…
That's a truly striking contrast!
That was incredibly painful!
That was absolutely devastating!