My romantic uncle

1

I always feel that living a life like my uncle's life is not a waste of time. In his time, it was rare for people to live such an elegant life. He does not have a high-ranking official or a big salary, nor is he a powerful figure in the business world. He is just an ordinary clerk, but he is still so extraordinary, like a legendary existence.

I haven’t seen him in over twenty years. He must be 65 years old, I don't know what his life is like now. The past events are vivid in his mind, and his appearance as a young man is still vivid.

Tall and thin, about 1.8 meters tall. What impresses me the most is always wearing a windbreaker or a woolen coat, walking with a strong wind, and standing in front of you, so stunned that no one dares to ignore it. His demeanor is comparable to that of Chow Yun-fat, his shiny black hair is neatly combed back, and his eyes are firm and sharp, as if he can see through your thoughts at a glance.

His home is located in a beautiful and ancient town in the south of the Yangtze River. It is a small building with three rooms and is built close to the river. It was also a place where I often played when I was a child. He was famous in that town for his suave style. Who could not pay attention to him? When he stands in a crowd, he is always the one who attracts the most attention. I heard that there were countless girls in town who had a crush on him, but in the end the invisible red thread of marriage made him choose my aunt.

2

The aunt who is about to get married can be said to be a beauty within ten miles. Oval face, watery eyes, fair skin, well-proportioned figure, gentle and generous temperament, she is one of the best. Although the two were brought together by a matchmaker, they fell in love at first sight and hated each other until it was too late. They are one of the so-called talented men and beautiful women, talented men and beautiful women.

Auntie is the most beautiful of the four sisters and the most pampered at home. My grandfather and grandmother's family was a big and prosperous family. My grandmother gave birth to eleven children, two of whom died in infancy. It is said that grandma gave birth to five sons in a row. Grandpa was anxious and worshiped Guanyin at home to ask for a daughter. Not long after, grandma became pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl on February 19th, Guanyin’s birthday. She is my mother. In the following years, three girls were born in succession, and my aunt was the second child. Ever since auntie found a partner, grandpa's house has been lively. This future son-in-law is very popular, the couple is very affectionate, and he has a decent job in Zhenjiang County, so everyone praises him unanimously. Grandpa liked it very much, and it didn't take long for the marriage of the two to be arranged.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the rural atmosphere was still conservative and simple. Every family liked to go from house to house to keep in touch. Grandpa's house is at the end of the village. It has five or six rooms and is in its own house. There is a dense bamboo forest behind the house and is surrounded by fields. Because there are many cousins, we children would get together to play during holidays, and grandpa’s house became our paradise.

Ever since I became a little sensible, I have known that my aunt and uncle are the most lovable couple in this big family. My uncle is a good talker, and with him around, he will never be left alone. He can mobilize everyone's emotions and take care of everyone's feelings.

My mother once told me: "Your uncle's ability to brag is second to none. Once he took a boat home from Zhenjiang. For more than two hours, the whole boat was full of people just listening to him telling stories. "The people on the boat were so excited that they forgot to get off the boat..." I seemed to see a vivid picture of a graceful young man with a spring breeze on his face and a carefree mind, holding a folding fan in the boat and talking. This picture will often be seen in the days to come. appeared in my mind. I was curious about where all the stories my uncle told me came from.

3

Grandpa was particularly fond of this son-in-law. He always looked at him with a smile and his narrow eyes, and spoke extremely politely. Grandpa is an authoritative figure at home. Once a tiger shows his face, young and old alike are like mice when they see a cat. No one dares to say anything. But there is an exception for my uncle. I will discuss with him any matters that cannot be decided at home. Auntie said that the only person in the family who can conquer grandpa is your uncle.

One time, my aunt and uncle came to my grandma’s house for dinner and were late. Grandpa would anxiously urge us little guys: “Quickly go to the path behind the house to see if they are here.” I would lead the way. Several younger brothers and sisters snuck out.

"Coming, coming." I heard my uncle's voice from a distance.

There was a radiant aunt sitting on the back of the brand new Phoenix bicycle. She held her uncle's waist tightly with one hand and rode towards us as if flying.

Before dinner starts, a dozen people including uncle, aunt, aunt, etc. will sit on the field in front of the door and chat for a while. I don't know what exciting topic my uncle talked about that day, but he picked up the petite aunt and spun her around.

Auntie giggled in his arms and kept saying, "Let it go, let it go."

That happy and sweet scene is still clearly visible in my mind. Perhaps my longing for a beautiful marriage was sown at that moment, and I secretly vowed to find a husband as chic and romantic as my uncle when I grow up.

4

Needless to say, my uncle has become the central figure in this big family. He seemed to have an adhesive on his body, and those who were close to him were involuntarily attracted to him. He would often bring fashionable gifts or goodies from the city to each of his relatives.

I always remember a beautiful little watch my uncle gave me when I was in elementary school, and the pink silk fluttering jacket he bought for me when I was in medical school in Zhenjiang. During school, he would also take time to buy some snacks to visit me, or take his daughter and me to play in Jinshan and Jiaoshan Parks. At that time, my uncle worked for a state-owned agricultural machinery company in Zhenjiang. Although he had a fixed salary, he did not have much money. He lived with his aunt in a house assigned by the company. He was able to spare time and spend money and materials to treat me, my niece. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart. I am closer to him than my own father.

When I was a child, I looked forward to the winter and summer vacations the most, because during the holidays, my aunt and uncle would invite my brother and me to stay at their house for a while. When I get tired of playing, I will talk to my uncle when I have something to do. He knows so much, and he seems to know the stories of every dynasty and generation. What I like most is watching him play the erhu, shaking his head and head with concentration, and then suddenly stopping and sighing in concentration. I always wonder how my uncle, who is humorous and optimistic, can make such a sad and sad voice, and the girl's heart will be depressed for a while.

When I grew up and went to medical school in Zhenjiang, I would also go to my uncle’s home in Zhenjiang on weekends. Auntie is a standard good wife and mother, with a good temper. I have never seen them argue, and I have seen my uncle make little jokes about her. Such a peaceful and harmonious life is enviable. Sometimes when I go home, I will see "The Romance of the West Chamber" and "The Peony Pavilion" on my desk. My aunt only went to school until she graduated from elementary school. She was usually busy with housework and did not read. My uncle likes books. He has an elegant temperament and can tell stories. This is related to the fact that he reads more books.

Sometimes he would play a piece of music for me to listen to, and I would sing a song to harmonize with it. I remember singing Sanmao's "Olive Tree" and he said it sounded good. I think my girlish feelings were enriched by his inspiration.

He is like my other father, like a mountain, standing on the path of my growth, and has a profound influence on me. After I started working, I was confused about my personal relationship, so I wrote to him to talk about it. In his letters, he would give me pointers, analyze the pros and cons, encourage me, and praise some of my strengths.

I always remember what he wrote: Among your many cousins, I only want to have this kind of communication with you. Because I see that you are someone who can understand my actions and thoughts.

5

A few years later, I came home from work to visit my parents. My mother suddenly said worriedly at the dinner table: "Do you know that my uncle and aunt are getting divorced?" I was so shocked that I almost choked on the food in my mouth.

"There is someone outside your uncle. The woman is working as a waitress in the hotel. She is young and beautiful, and the man is honest and kind. She is clamoring for a divorce to marry your uncle."

"Look at it , People who are eloquent and quick-thinking just make people uneasy!" Mom was nagging at the side.

I know that my uncle has always been very popular with women. When he was working at work, he would inevitably say a few flirtatious words to other women. It was just a spice in the boring life. How could he take it seriously? ?Auntie is such a kind and virtuous woman. Does uncle really have the heart to abandon her?

The undercurrent may have been lurking under the rock of marriage waiting to surge. Ordinary life tests every man and woman in the world. Gaps and cracks grow quietly in every seemingly normal day, casting a shadow over this seemingly flawless marriage.

My aunt was pretty when she was young, but now in her forties, she is no longer beautiful and doesn’t like to dress up. My uncle looked more energetic and capable. I think the change in external things is not the main reason. The spiritual life of the two is no longer in sync. My aunt has no job, studies little, and pays little attention to things that have nothing to do with food, rice, oil, salt, or having children. She cares about her husband and raises her children, which is her entire life. My uncle has a wide range of interests and hobbies. He not only plays the piano but is also good at singing and dancing. If there were no changes, Auntie would be very satisfied with such a stable and happy life.

6

I have never seen that woman. The youngest aunt gnashed her teeth with hatred when she mentioned her and called her a vixen. From her mouth, I got a general idea of ??the woman: she was in her thirties, had a mushroom haircut, was dressed in a fashionable and western style, and had a rather aggressive personality. She and her husband have been arguing for a divorce since she met her uncle. Maybe she has long been dissatisfied with her husband. Although her uncle likes her and is happier and more romantic with her, it is not to the point of divorce. My uncle didn't think about it at first. You have to know how much gossip a divorce would cause in those days. Where would you put your face in the workplace? What if you were fired?

Now he was forced by that woman and couldn't leave her for the time being, and his thoughts were often engaged in a fierce battle. On one side is a young woman who is willing to leave her family and her family for him, and on the other is a kind-hearted wife who has shared the joys and sorrows. He was caught in the middle and wavered, and when he returned home, he was naturally restless and depressed. The aunt learned about this from others, and when she saw that he was no longer as good as before when he came back, quarrels between the two occurred from time to time, with the potential to start a prairie fire.

Without that violent conflict, things might not have developed so quickly. My aunt is also a woman with a strong personality. How can she tolerate my sister being wronged like this? She rushed to Zhenjiang with several uncles, found the hotel where the woman worked, and found her and beat her up. The poor woman was beaten until she was on the ground screaming for help, and her face was scratched by her aunt. Later, the police came, and then someone from my uncle's workplace came to investigate. Not long after, my uncle was fired from his workplace.

Since this incident, my uncle has stopped coming home. He hated his aunt's large family for causing him to lose face, self-esteem, and job. This incident prompted him to make a decision, and he lived with the woman every day.

My aunt said to me: "On the day they signed the divorce agreement, your uncle burst into tears. He deserves it! Who asked him to die?"

The one who betrays the marriage is always the one who betrays the marriage. He will be criticized by thousands of people, and he can bear these, but leaving someone is saying goodbye to everything in the past. They used to be so loving and sweet, but now they have to break up and they are no longer relevant. All kinds of memories from the past are flooding in my mind, which makes me burst into tears. But anything in the world will often undergo qualitative changes when it develops to a certain stage. The invisible hand of fate will lead you towards the desire that was not your original one.

7

I heard that the woman got divorced and officially lived with her uncle soon. My uncle found another job as a sound player in a recording studio, which seemed to suit his taste. A few years later, my aunt married her new uncle, who was loyal and honest and treated her well. Unfortunately, he died of illness within a few years. To this day, the aunt is still alone, relying on her daughter to live. Unexpectedly, the fate of the aunt who was once the most promising would turn out to be full of twists and turns, which is disappointing.

My uncle's life is also full of ups and downs like novels and dramas. The two had been together for five or six years, and then the woman fell in love with a wealthy boss and secretly communicated with her. When her uncle found out, he left her in a rage and returned to the small town where he once lived alone.

My aunt thought that my uncle treated us well in the past, so without telling her, she went to the small town to find her uncle, hoping to bring them back together. After all, she still had a biological daughter. But my uncle has been through so many things and has no plans in this regard. He felt that he owed his aunt too much and could no longer make up for it. Living together again would only cause more sad past events.

I know that my uncle will always be a hurdle in my aunt's heart. I hate and love her at the same time, and we don't dare to mention him in front of her again. I hesitated several times to go see him, for fear of making my aunt sad. The passage of time may dilute the grudges and heal the scars, but the love and hatred deep in the memory will never be forgotten.

I still have regrets in my heart that I could not visit him again. I should visit him once, otherwise I will become an ungrateful person. Maybe my uncle is much older, but he will always be so romantic and free and easy in my heart. I only hope that his current life can be peaceful and peaceful.