A happy future is not something that comes easily; it requires two people holding hands and working hard for it. Today, I’m sharing a touching love story about striving for happiness together with you all.
1
That day, when Sha Jingliang came home from work, he saw Xu Ying with a sullen face. Before he could ask what was wrong, Xu Ying spoke first, “You knew about your brother’s plan to open a store, didn’t you?”
“I heard him mention it some time ago. Why? Isn’t that a good thing?”
“Of course, it’s a good thing, but do you know how much money your dad gave him this time?”
Sha Jingliang sighed, “Why are you bringing this up again? Even if my dad gave some money, it’s his wish. Is it really our place to interfere?”
Both Xu Ying and Sha Jingliang graduated from prestigious universities and had decent incomes, while his brother and sister-in-law only finished high school. Recently, his sister-in-law ran for assistant manager of a supermarket but failed due to lack of qualifications. Moreover, his brother’s logistics company was not doing well, and he got laid off from his transportation job. Forced by circumstances, the two of them decided to open a small supermarket.
It was a matter of necessity, and Xu Ying had no reason to compete with them, but she just couldn’t stand her in-laws’ favoritism.
Perhaps Xu Ying’s displeasure was evident on her face, so her father-in-law took another 10,000 yuan from his dwindling savings to help them with their mortgage.
Xu Ying didn’t care much about the money itself; she just wanted her in-laws to be fair.
After her father-in-law left, Sha Jingliang snapped at her, “Is this really necessary? We’re not struggling financially. Do you really need to take that money?”
Xu Ying looked up at him, “If you don’t like it, we can always get a divorce.”
Sha Jingliang frowned, wanting to say something, but in the end, he just shook his head in frustration and went into his study with his iPad.
His attitude only made Xu Ying more upset. During that time, both of them felt disheartened, and their relationship hit a low point.
Soon, his brother and sister-in-law’s supermarket opened and thrived. Thanks to their experience and hard work, the business quickly became stable. What bothered Sha Jingliang even more was Xu Ying’s constant nagging after that, “You need to work harder. We can’t let your brother and sister-in-law earn more than us.”
Hearing this repeatedly, Sha Jingliang grew increasingly annoyed, “Do you think life is a competition? Do you think winning will increase our happiness?”
Xu Ying had no answer, but she was stuck in a negative loop she couldn’t escape.
2
While Xu Ying was urging Sha Jingliang to get a promotion and raise, his brother had an accident while delivering goods.
After the surgery, he was out of danger, but he needed long-term care. His sister-in-law stayed with him day and night, and the supermarket’s business suffered in her absence. She decided to close the store temporarily.
One day, Xu Ying and Sha Jingliang visited his brother in the hospital, suggesting that his sister-in-law hire a caregiver while their parents took turns helping. She could return to manage the business. But his sister-in-law smiled calmly, “No, money can’t buy everything. If your brother doesn’t recover well, it will affect him for life.”
These words left Xu Ying stunned. Watching her sister-in-law tirelessly care for her brother, Xu Ying felt a sudden emotional shift. Maybe her sister-in-law couldn’t articulate deep principles, but her actions showed the true meaning of love between husband and wife.
Reflecting on her own marriage, Xu Ying realized she had been busy competing for her in-laws’ favor and comparing incomes with her brother and sister-in-law. Despite living in a big house and driving a nice car, she knew she had ultimately lost.
In her pursuit of happiness through competition, she had forgotten to nurture her own happiness with Sha Jingliang. She hadn’t noticed that for a long time, Sha Jingliang had come home with a furrowed brow.
Until that night, when Sha Jingliang told her his company was facing severe financial problems and was on the brink of bankruptcy, leaving him unemployed.
3
This news took Xu Ying by surprise. In the past, her first thought would have been the embarrassment it would cause in front of family and friends, followed by blaming Sha Jingliang.
But this time, she didn’t complain. Instead, she walked up and hugged him, saying, “It’s okay. We’ll face this together. If you lose your job, we’ll find another.”
Sha Jingliang was stunned, unable to react for a moment. Xu Ying felt a sudden surge of empathy.
Finding a new job was not easy for Sha Jingliang. After assessing their savings, Xu Ying suggested, “Haven’t you always wanted to start your own business? Why not take this chance?”
Unexpectedly, Sha Jingliang hesitated, “No, what if it fails?”
Xu Ying looked at him and said, “If it fails, we’ll just live in a smaller house. Go for it. I support you.”
After hearing this, Sha Jingliang joyfully picked her up in his arms.
For a long time, Xu Ying pondered what true happiness is. From her brother and sister-in-law, she gradually realized that happiness is not something you compete for or compare. It’s something that two people who love each other strive for together.
Soon, his brother was discharged, and the supermarket reopened. Meanwhile, Sha Jingliang’s business plans began to take shape.
Xu Ying knew the road ahead was long, but she would always hold Sha Jingliang’s hand and strive for happiness together.
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “