In the next few days, Li Xiang's father finally recovered under the care of his family. However, his legs were disabled, which meant that his father would no longer be able to do heavy work from now on. At the same time, the family also owed huge debts for the treatment of his father's illness, which made the family even worse.
After being discharged from the hospital, the family returned home. That night, Li Xiang's mother called Li Xiang into the room alone.
"Li Xiang, you have also seen the situation of our family now. Your father will definitely not be able to do heavy work, and I, a woman, can't make much money. Our family still has a lot of debt. Mom is really taking your tuition fees. If you can’t come out, mom is really sorry for you.”
With that said, Li Xiang's mother hugged Li Xiang and started crying. She knew that Li Xiang's academic performance had always been excellent since he was a child. It would be unfair to this sensible child to make such a cruel decision now.
Li Xiang felt very sad when he saw his mother crying. He knew that his mother had always been a strong woman, and now the pressure and pain she endured for her family made him feel even more distressed.
"Mom, don't cry. I'm fine. I just don't go to school. I won't blame you. I'm a man and I should share responsibilities for this family. Don't worry, Mom, we will work hard together. Our family is very happy. You'll get better soon." Li Xiang comforted his mother, patting her back gently.
The mother raised her head while sobbing, her eyes full of guilt: "Li Xiang, it's my mother who is sorry for you and prevents you from continuing to go to school."
Li Xiang smiled slightly and said firmly: "Mom, don't say that. I know the difficulties at home. I will work hard to find a job to help the family pay off the debt. I believe that as long as our family unites as one, we will be able to overcome this difficulty." .”
Hearing her son's words, the mother's eyes flashed with relief. She knew that her son had become sensible and would share more responsibilities for the family.
"Li Xiang, you are really a good boy." His mother gently patted Li Xiang on the shoulder and encouraged him.
Li Xiang nodded, a firm light flashing in his eyes.
The next day, the alarm clock next to Li Xiang's bed rang at six o'clock on time. Li Xiang got up habitually, folded his quilt, washed his face, and brushed his teeth. Just as he was preparing to go to school with his schoolbag on his back, he suddenly saw his father using a cane and thought: I woke up and remembered what my mother said last night, that I could no longer continue going to school.
Li Xiang looked at his father's figure on crutches, and couldn't help but feel a deep sadness in his heart. He knew that from now on, he would never be able to go to school as carefree as before. He must give up his dream, work for his family, earn money, and pay off his debts. There was a flash of tears in his eyes, but they were quickly replaced by determination.
Li Xiang put down his schoolbag and came to the kitchen. His mother had already prepared the meal. Seeing Li Xiang come in, she took the initiative to serve Li Xiang a large bowl of rice and put the few pieces of meat into the bowls of her son and sister.
"Xiangzi, although the living conditions in our family are difficult now, you and your sister need to supplement some nutrition while you are growing. We only have some meat at home, so you and your sister can share it. Your father and I both When you are old, it doesn’t matter whether you eat or not.” Li Xiang’s mother said in a gentle tone.
"Mom, I don't want to eat. Give it to Dad. Dad is recovering from his injuries and needs nutrition." Li Xiangqian gave up the meat in the bowl.
At this time, when Li Xiang's father heard what Li Xiang said, he immediately put down the bowls and chopsticks in his hands and left the kitchen without saying a word. Li Xiang knew that it wasn't that his father didn't want to eat, but that he was filled with self-blame.
Looking at his father's limping back, Li Xiang felt mixed emotions in his heart. Although my father's legs were disabled, his self-esteem was still strong. He didn't want his family to see his weakness, let alone share his pain.
Li Xiang ate the meat and food in the bowl without saying a word, then picked up the hoe and went to work in the fields. Now is the busy farming season. The family has dozens of acres of fields, and the entire harvest is a considerable income. When Li Xiang was very young, he worked in the fields with his parents, and Li Xiang is also very familiar with the farm work at home. .
Since Li Xiang did not go to school for more than a month, the class teacher did not know what was going on with Li Xiang, so he decided to visit Li Xiang's home in person. Li Xiang's academic performance is so good, and he will take the college entrance examination next year. He is such a young prospect from a prestigious university. It is a pity for Li Xiang to delay his studies at this time.
It was Sunday off and the head teacher came to Li Xiang's home. Li Xiang's mother warmly entertained him and poured him a cup of tea.
"Auntie, did you know that Li Xiang hasn't come to school for more than a month?" The head teacher took the initiative to drop the topic.
Li Xiang's mother's expression was very calm. She was silent for a while, and then said: "Teacher, thank you for your concern. Our Li Xiang... has dropped out of school."
The head teacher was stunned for a moment after hearing what Li Xiang's mother said. He looked into Li Xiang's mother's eyes, trying to find some answers.
"Did you drop out of school?" the class teacher repeated in disbelief, "Why? Li Xiang's academic performance has always been very good. He is expected to be admitted to a prestigious university."
At this time, Li Xiang's father limped out. After seeing it, the head teacher quickly asked about the situation.
"Auntie, brother, what's going on?"
Li Xiang's mother sighed, her eyes slightly red: "Teacher, since his father fell from the construction site and was injured, he can't go to the fields to do heavy work. Since then, our family has lost its source of income, so let Li Xiang not Going to school is a last resort, and our family really has no way to continue sending Li Xiang to school."
The head teacher was silent for a while, and then said: "I understand your difficulties, but I really can't bear to see Li Xiang give up his studies like this. Otherwise, when I return to school, I will help you think of a way to let everyone Let’s collect some tuition together to help Li Xiang get into college.”
Li Xiang's mother heard a trace of gratitude in her eyes, but then said: "Teacher, thank you for your kindness. I also know that my son will definitely be admitted to college, but even if he can finish high school, what about college? The tuition for several years of college alone costs tens of thousands at least, not including living expenses. Do you think our family can still afford it?"
After listening to Li Xiang's mother's words, the head teacher fell into deep thought for a moment. He knew that this was indeed a very difficult problem. It was really unbearable for this family. No wonder Li Xiang didn't come to school for so many days. What a shame.
"Aunt, brother, I understand, I understand your difficulties. Come on, you can take out this little money. Although it is not much, it can be regarded as a little bit of my kindness. Your family is also in difficulty right now, so just think of it as a little bit of mine. Be loving.”
With that said, the head teacher took out some money from his pocket, gave it to Li Xiang's mother, and then turned around and left Li Xiang's house. At this time, Li Xiang was hiding in the corner. He knew that the class teacher had come to his home, but he did not have the courage to face the class teacher. His former class teacher cared for him very much.
