Chapter 18: Dad and Mom's Quarrel

  On Friday afternoon, after two classes, I didn't rush to finish my homework. I said goodbye to Xiao Xiao and headed straight to Dad's store with my backpack on my back. Before entering the door, I heard Dad and Mom arguing. After walking in, I found that there were not many people during this time period. Dad and Mom sat on both sides of the table, as if they were about to have a showdown.

  I walked over, trying to ease the tension, and said with a smile: "Dad, Mom, what's wrong? You two seem to be in a pretty tense atmosphere. Is our family going to have another family meeting - a meeting to criticize Dad? I'll definitely vote for democracy, so Dad, please show some gentlemanly demeanor. Mom, tell me, what happened?" My mom looked very angry and said: "Baby, you come and judge for yourself. Your aunt and I went shopping last time and found out that there's a small clothing store in Xiting that's up for sale. I discreetly asked about the price of the transfer, and also asked someone to inquire about the market price. It turned out that the price was not only reasonable but also slightly low. After contacting the seller, it turned out that the seller had an urgent matter at home and was eager to get rid of it quickly, which is why they lowered the price. Otherwise, they wouldn't have sold it. Baby, you know that although Xiting doesn't sell high-end goods, it's still a independent storefront with a good location, and business is pretty good. But today this afternoon someone called, and your dad happened to answer it. He complained that I didn't discuss it with him and took the initiative. I was just inquiring about it, and hadn't even made up my mind yet! If I had answered the phone today, I would have definitely held a family meeting tonight to discuss it with you all."

  Dad heard this and couldn't wait to say, "Baby, your mom is now very cunning. If I hadn't happened to answer the phone, she wouldn't have known how long to hide it from me. Do you know? She's already met with the seller and discussed prices. Even if she were to discuss it with me, at most it would be a final ultimatum. Is what she did wrong?"

  "Fine, Nan Zhenggang! You said you didn't ask anything, so how did you know we met? And what's the big deal about meeting anyway? I'm just informing you now, and that's not okay? Think back to when you wanted to start a small eatery after being laid off - didn't you secretly go check out the location, get familiar with the market, and even bribe our daughter? But when it comes to me, I'm not allowed? You say our family is democratic, but I think you're just an autocrat. To be honest, you just don't believe I can do well in the clothing business, and you want to keep me trapped in this small restaurant, working like a slave for you..."

  "Dad couldn't help but say, 'Wife, your words are too harsh. When have I ever looked down on you? When have you been treated like a servant here? You're at least the boss of this small restaurant, who dares to bully you? As for taking over that clothing store, I do have some personal motives. Our small restaurant is booming, and I hope we can open a bigger one in the future, not just stop here. I'm sure I'll overlook something if I'm alone, but you're more meticulous and clever. I believe you can help me run our small restaurant well. We don't have that much capital to take over another store. Can't we wait until we have more funds before taking over a store?"

  My dad and mom were getting louder and louder, and I was afraid someone would come to watch the commotion. They both had their own reasons, and no one could convince the other. I shouted for them to stop, but it didn't work. So I stood on a stool and yelled: "Dad, Mom, please stop! Let me say something." This finally brought them back from their argument, and they asked me to take sides. I expressed my opinion, although my intention was to support my mom. The current situation in the fashion industry is just so-so, but in the next few years, it really can make a lot of money. This is my mom's dream, and it has great prospects. Why not give it a try? However, first, I suggested that they each take 50 lashes to calm down. Then I said: "Dad, Mom, right now I don't support either of you. Listen to my opinion. First, Mom, you're wrong. Our family has always been democratic, so how could you keep such a big decision in your heart without saying anything? Second, Dad, you're also wrong. This is still at the store, and can't we discuss things at home? With all these people around, it's not good for business, and it will only add fuel to the fire. You've already scared away all the customers. Now, about Mom wanting to open a clothing store, I'll share my thoughts. Mom, I truly understand that fashion design has always been your dream, even until now. Opening a clothing store is just the first step towards realizing your dream, just like when Dad opened his small eatery. You should remember how eager he was and how happy he was afterwards. So, if you put yourself in Mom's shoes, you shouldn't blame her. As for the funding, have you guys thought about using the money you've been saving for my university education to cover the emergency?"

  Mom quickly said: "Baby, that can't be moved. What if we lose it? We'll have other ways anyway."

  I smiled and said, "Mom, money is lifeless, but people are alive. If it weren't for Dad's severance pay and the money we made from running the snack stand and now the small restaurant, how would we have saved up that much? Otherwise, you'd still be working hard to make ends meet, right? I know you're worried about losing money, but if you want to do this, you should have confidence in success. If not, then don't start at all. And you can also be the major shareholder and find a minor one, like Wang Xiaoxiao's mom. I heard from Xiaoxiao that her mom is currently having disagreements with her dad because of work, and Wang Dad wants her to focus on taking care of Xiaoxiao. He makes enough money driving a car to support the family, but Wang Mom wants to find something to do in her free time. She's bored at home every day playing cards with retired old ladies, and people are getting older. Why don't you try asking her? Maybe there's a chance. And what about Tang Auntie? Didn't she have similar intentions before?"

  Mom was delighted to hear that, saying: "Baby, you're really smart, Mom has already gotten your dad all confused, how come he didn't think of it. That old man, the funding issue can be resolved now, what else do you have to say, can you still oppose me taking over that store?"

  Dad didn't say anything, he just walked away with a sullen face. Before long, customers started coming in and Mom welcomed them with her usual smile, handing out menus and introducing our signature dishes. I went to take the orders and saw Dad's expressionless face as he quietly cooked in the kitchen. I thought to myself that tonight I must go back and comfort him, and also find an opportunity to tell him some news about his dream of opening a big restaurant, to cheer him up.

  At eleven o'clock in the evening, Dad closed his stall. He pushed a bicycle, and Mom and I walked beside him. The three of us walked home together. To be honest, Dad had saved enough money to buy a motorcycle, and Mom could also ride a bicycle. However, every night it was always Dad who took Mom back home, no matter how tired he was. This was the romance between them, and we couldn't let this good thing in our family create distance between them.

  I tried to chat with them about some interesting things in school and told some jokes, they all smiled politely, but I could tell that none of them were genuinely amused.

  After returning home, I took the opportunity to comfort my father while my mother was washing clothes. "Dad, actually Mom is also very hardworking, whether it's for our family or for your restaurant. She's now back and still doing laundry, and usually takes care of me meticulously. You should understand her too. You know that Mom is a strong-willed person with aspirations, and fashion design has always been her dream. Now that she finally has this opportunity, and our current situation can support it, why do you have to oppose her? This will only bring unhappiness between the two of you. Of course, you're also very hardworking, and your thoughts are considerate too - you're thinking for the sake of our family. However, since things have come this far, I hope Dad won't be unhappy, and that you can calmly accept Mom opening her clothing store. This way, both of you can fulfill your respective dreams, isn't that great? Moreover, Dad, they say distance makes the heart grow fonder - in the future, when you're not always nagging Mom about being too hasty, she'll miss you even more. Hehe, in short, our family of three should love and care for each other."

  "Dad stroked my head and said, 'Baby, don't worry about the conflicts between Mom and me. You're almost 10 years old now, I'm used to it. Your mom has a sharp tongue but a soft heart, I won't take it seriously. I also hope she can achieve her dreams. I just think too much sometimes, this personality is good sometimes and not so good other times... Mom gets angry for a reason too. Hearing you say that, it seems like I have no excuse not to apologize to your mom, haha..."

  After Mom finished washing and hanging the clothes and went into the room, Dad smiled foolishly and said: "Wife, I was wrong. I take back what I said before. Please forgive me. I support you to fulfill your dreams just as you wholeheartedly supported me."

  I stared at my mom, and she felt a bit embarrassed. She said: "We're old husband and wife, I won't take it to heart. Let's work together. Go to bed early, you still have to get up early tomorrow. And tomorrow afternoon I'll go talk to the seller again, if it's okay we'll finalize it. Let your second aunt take a look at the store, and you come with me to take a look too."

  Dad suddenly gave a salute and said: "Old lady, yes ma'am."

  "I continued: 'Mom, as Dad said, you are our family's tour guide, and he is the team leader.'"

  Mom said we are a pair of old and young treasures. My dad and I nodded, and the three of us, including my mom, all burst out laughing, and all the gaps disappeared, it's really great, I have a warm home.

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