I paid off thirty years of mortgage by growing fruit trees in the countryside. When I said I wanted to move to the city to be near my children in retirement, my whole family unanimously rejected the idea.
My wife said, "The city is different from the countryside. You won't be able to adapt. Stop getting these sudden ideas."
My daughter and son-in-law also frowned and objected:
"Dad, you're getting on in years. Don't put yourself through all that. You should just stay at home in the countryside!"
When I felt unwell, I went to a city hospital for a checkup and stopped by home on the way.
That's when I discovered that my wife's childhood sweetheart, He Bai, had moved into my house long ago.
They were celebrating his birthday, laughing and chatting as if they were a real family.
My heart turned to stone. I demanded to know why they were treating me this way.
But my wife and daughter accused me of being petty.
"It's He Bai's birthday. You're being so stingy! Don't you dare come to the city without asking again!"
I gave them what they wanted. After selling my house, I moved into a retirement home in the capital.
For the rest of my life, I'll love only myself.
