Li Jianguo and I have grown old, our hair turned gray and wrinkles etched across our faces.
Time is a relentless chisel, carving the marks of the years upon us, yet it cannot take away the love that resides in our hearts. Every time I look in the mirror and see that elderly woman with silver hair, I am momentarily transported back to the spirited young girl I once was.
We may not be as energetic as we were in our youth, but our lives remain peaceful and happy.
Li Jianguo's legs are not as strong as they used to be; he always walks with a cane, moving slowly. My eyesight has also deteriorated, everything appearing somewhat blurry. Yet despite this, we persist in living our lives without wanting to burden our children.
Every day, we sit in the yard soaking up the sun, reminiscing about the beautiful moments of the past.
"Lin Xiaohui, do you remember what we looked like when we first met?" Li Jianguo loves to ask this question, even though he has asked it countless times before.
"I remember. You were wearing a blue work uniform, your hair all messy, looking like a silly boy," I reply with a smile, warmth flooding my heart.
"Oh come on, I was quite handsome back then!" he retorts defiantly, laughter crinkling the corners of his eyes.
The sunlight bathes us in warmth without being harsh. The old sycamore tree in the yard rustles softly, as if singing us an ancient lullaby.
Our children and grandchildren often come to visit us, bringing joy and vitality into our lives.
Our eldest son is now in his forties and has become a leader at his workplace. Every time he visits, he brings a pile of supplements that fill our refrigerator. Our youngest daughter works abroad and returns two or three times a year, staying for half a month each time to chat and laugh with us.
What brings us the most joy are our grandchildren. They flutter around us like little birds, chattering about their school adventures or playfully asking us to tell stories from the past.
"Grandma, tell me again how you and Grandpa met!" my granddaughter always insists, her big eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"I’ve told you this story eight hundred times already; aren’t you tired of hearing it?" I feign impatience while secretly feeling delighted.
Li Jianguo and I still hold hands as we walk together, chat together, and watch the sunrise and sunset together.
Every evening, we take a leisurely stroll along the tree-lined paths of our community. His hand is rough yet warm, just as dependable as it was decades ago. We don’t need many words; we simply walk quietly together, savoring this rare tranquility.
Sometimes, we would sit on the bench in the community, watching the sunset as the clouds in the sky turned golden red.
"Lin Xiaohui, meeting you in this lifetime is my greatest fortune," he suddenly said, his voice a bit choked.
I didn't respond, only tightening my grip on his hand. Some emotions don't need to be expressed in words.
We have been through so much together that our feelings have transcended love and become familial bonds.
From meeting and falling in love to getting married and having children, from youthful exuberance to gray hair, we have shared life's joys and sorrows. We have argued and had our disagreements, but in the end, we chose tolerance and understanding.
Those past storms have now become precious memories. Life is not a fairy tale; there is no everlasting perfection. Yet it is these imperfections that make our relationship more genuine and profound.
I know that my greatest gain in coming to this world is meeting Li Jianguo and our children.
Before my rebirth, I never imagined I would have such a life. Back then, I only knew how to chase fame and fortune, without understanding how to cherish those around me. Looking back now, I realize that the most precious things in life are not money or status, but those who love me and whom I love.
They gave me a complete home filled with endless love and warmth.
Home is not just a physical space; it is a sanctuary for the soul. In this home, I can shed all pretenses and be my truest self. No matter how noisy or complicated the outside world may be, returning home brings me inner peace.
Although my life has been full of twists and turns, I ultimately found my own happiness.
In the past, I sacrificed too much in pursuit of so-called success. After my rebirth, I learned to slow down, appreciate the scenery along the way, and cherish every ordinary yet beautiful moment.
Happiness is actually quite simple; it doesn't require great wealth—just having loved ones by your side, good health, and a peaceful mindset.
I am very grateful to the heavens for giving me this chance of rebirth to experience a different life.
Without this rebirth, I might never understand the true essence of life, never meet Li Jianguo, and never have this warm home. Fate has given me a second chance to reassess the meaning of life and redefine success and happiness.
On a tranquil afternoon, I peacefully closed my eyes, a blissful smile gracing my face.
That day, the sun shone particularly bright, and the flowers in the yard bloomed vibrantly. Li Jianguo sat beside me, gently reading the newspaper. I leaned back in the rocking chair, listening to the birds chirping outside, feeling an unprecedented sense of calm.
"Jian Guo, I'm a bit tired," I said softly.
He set down the newspaper and looked at me with concern. "Would you like to lie down for a while?"
I shook my head, simply smiling as I closed my eyes again. A wonderful lightness enveloped me, as if I were about to float away.
I knew my life was coming to an end, but I had no regrets because I had experienced the most beautiful memories and lived a happy life.
Life is like a book; it has a beginning and an ending. What matters is not how long it is, but how wonderful its content is. Though my book is about to close, every page is filled with love and happiness.
"Lin Xiaohui? Lin Xiaohui!" I heard Li Jianguo's anxious call from afar, but it was already fading from my perception.
I wanted to tell him not to worry; I was simply going to another world where I would wait for him. Our love would not end with the conclusion of life.
In my final moments, I reflected on my life, filled with gratitude and contentment. I didn't know if there would be another chance at rebirth, but if there were, I would still wish to meet him again, to build this home together and live the same ordinary yet happy life.
Because that was what I wanted—the simplest and most precious happiness.
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