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Hidden Brilliance
墨書 Inktalez
My name is Li Wei, and I was born in a remote village where my family has three daughters. My father, Li Dashan, is hardworking and down-to-earth, while my mother, Wang Xiulan, is capable and nurturing. Although our family lives simply, it is filled with warmth and love. Our home is nestled in a small village surrounded by lush trees, where most houses are made of mud bricks, with a few made of bricks and tiles scattered about. The village is encircled by vast farmland that changes with the seasons; we plant in spring and harvest in autumn. The villagers rise with the sun and rest at sunset, leading a simple and unadorned life.
Our house is a typical mud-brick structure with a thatched roof and walls that are weathered but sturdy. Though small, it is efficiently laid out into three rooms: one for my parents, one for my sisters and me, and another serving as both kitchen and living room. In the kitchen stands a large stove that constantly emits steam, with pots simmering various home-cooked dishes that fill the air with enticing aromas. The living room features an old wooden table and several chairs, with a family portrait hanging on the wall—our most cherished memory.
My father, Li Dashan, is a diligent farmer who heads out every morning through the mist, carrying a hoe to work in the fields. His skin is tanned from the sun, his hands calloused from labor, yet he always wears a determined smile on his face. My mother, Wang Xiulan, manages household chores and farm work; she is skilled and can not only prepare delicious meals but also weave various practical items. Her hands seem to possess magic, transforming simple materials into exquisite creations.
Despite their hard work, our family's poverty makes it difficult to provide an education for all three daughters. Although my father works tirelessly, his meager income barely covers our basic needs, let alone the cost of sending all three of us to school at once. My sisters and I have been aware of our family's struggles since childhood, but we have never given up on our education. We cherish every opportunity to attend school and strive to learn in hopes of changing our family's circumstances.
I have always been clever and excelled academically, making my parents proud. Whenever the village children gathered to play, I was often the one they envied. Teachers frequently praised me, saying I would surely leave this small village one day to see a broader world. However, as time passed, the financial pressure on our family grew heavier. My two younger sisters, Li Na and Li Mei, reached school age as well, significantly increasing our household expenses. Each school season brought worry to my parents' faces as they fretted over tuition fees.
One night, my father was still calculating expenses under the dim light while my mother quietly mended clothes beside him. I tiptoed into their room and softly asked, "Dad, Mom, what will we do about tomorrow's tuition?" My father looked up at me with a hint of helplessness in his eyes and said, "Wei'er, don't worry; we will find a way for you and your sisters to go to school."
My mother set down her needlework and gently stroked my head. "Wei'er," she said softly, "you and your sisters are smart; you are our hope. As long as you study hard, you will surely change our lives in the future."
Even though my parents said this, I could feel the weight of their burdens. I began to think about how I could lighten their load. During the day, I attended school while helping my mother with household chores; after school, I would work at the village shop to earn some pocket money to contribute to our household expenses. My sisters followed my lead; we would help neighbors with tasks within our abilities in exchange for small payments.
However, these meager earnings were far from enough to cover the tuition for three children. One evening, as we sat together under the dim light of our home, my father sighed deeply and said, "Wei'er, we really can't solve the issue of your tuition fees. You and your sisters are good kids; you shouldn't let poverty hinder your futures."
Tears silently streamed down my mother's face as she tightly held my hand and choked out, "Wei'er, I'm sorry that I couldn't provide you with a better life."
A wave of sadness washed over me; however, I knew this wasn't the time to cry. Summoning my courage, I told my parents: "Dad, Mom, I'm aware of our situation; my two younger sisters still need an education. I've decided to drop out of school and go work in the city to earn money for them to attend school."
Upon hearing this, tears welled up in my parents' eyes. My father sighed again and said: "Wei'er, you have already become the pillar of this family; how can you give up your own future?"
I shook my head firmly. "Dad, Mom, you've worked hard all your lives. I don't want you to worry about our tuition anymore. I'll go to the city and send money back every month; I can definitely help the family."
My mother, Wang Xiulan, hugged me tightly, tears streaming down her face. "Wei'er, you're so understanding. We really don't know how to repay you."
Though my heart was filled with reluctance, my parents ultimately agreed to my decision. The next day, I packed a few simple belongings, said goodbye to my parents and sister, and boarded the train to the city.
At the moment I left home, I glanced back at the familiar adobe house, filled with a sense of longing and attachment. But I knew this was my only choice. I had to work hard to create a better life for my family.
The train slowly started moving, and the scenery outside began to blur. Sitting by the window, my thoughts raced. I remembered playing with my sisters when we were young, recalled the hardworking figures of my parents, and thought of the encouragement and expectations from my teachers. I silently vowed that no matter how difficult the road ahead might be, I would persevere and not let my family down.
The train traveled northward, passing through fields and villages until it finally arrived in the bustling city. Standing in the train station square, looking at the towering buildings and the bustling crowd, I felt both excitement and confusion. I knew this would be my new starting point and the place where I could realize my dreams.
I found a job at an electronics factory and began my working life. Every morning at six o'clock, I got up on time and walked to the factory to start my day. The workshop was filled with the roar of machines, and a pungent chemical smell hung in the air. Despite the harsh working conditions, I never backed down. I knew that every drop of sweat could pay for my sisters' education.
After work, I would take time to study on my own to improve my knowledge and skills. I hoped that one day I would have the opportunity to change my fate and no longer be just an ordinary worker. Whenever night fell and silence enveloped me, images of my family would fill my mind. I missed my parents' warm embrace and my sisters' innocent smiles. But I knew that only through hard work could I provide a better life for them.
Months passed; although my salary was meager, I lived frugally and sent money home on time each month. Every time I received letters from my family, I felt immense comfort and encouragement. My parents wrote that they had managed to cover my sisters' tuition fees and that they were doing well in school; their teachers praised their significant progress. My sisters wrote that they would study even harder so as not to disappoint me.
Despite life's hardships, whenever I thought of my family's support and encouragement, I felt an incredible drive within me. I knew that as long as I persevered, I could provide a better life for them. I would continue to work hard to create a brighter future for my family.
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