I am an ordinary rural woman from China. Although I am not young anymore, I still struggle to make a living for my family. It was a cold winter day, and the only warmth in our cave dwelling came from the thin blankets and the stove, but the warmth from the stove could not ease the worries in my heart.
In this small village, no one dares to claim they are very wealthy, but we are not short of food and clothing either. However, I gradually felt the merciless passage of time. The children have grown up and need to go to the city to make a living, but they cannot forget their responsibilities at home. I understand that I cannot rely on them and must find a way myself.
So, I heard that there was a wealthy woman in the city who needed a nanny, offering a salary of 8,000 yuan per month. For us rural people, 8,000 yuan is an astronomical figure. Without much thought, I resolutely embarked on the journey to the city.
In the city, I met the wealthy woman, a person who looked extremely affluent. She talked to me about the job responsibilities, and I knew that the tasks were not too difficult, so I gladly accepted the job.
However, to my surprise, there was a twist hidden in this story. The woman's son, a handsome and charming young man, seemed to have a particular interest in me. He was always hanging around me, occasionally offering me some fruit or small gifts. I didn't think much of his actions, after all, he was the young master of the house, and it was not unusual for him to be polite to the nanny.
As time went by, I gradually realized his intentions. On a cold night, he suddenly confessed his feelings to me. I was shocked, confused, and somewhat touched. Under his persistent pursuit, I began to develop an inexplicable fondness for him.
However, this relationship was fraught with complications. His wife, a seemingly gentle but inwardly sinister woman, discovered our relationship. She was furious and caught me red-handed, demanding that I leave the house immediately.
I was disappointed and somewhat helpless. I initially thought I could change my family's life through this job, but I never expected to get caught in the whirlpool of an illicit love affair. I left the city in sorrow and returned to my hometown.
When I got home, I saw my daughter-in-law. She was sitting on the heated kang bed-stove, looking haggard and utterly exhausted. She told me she had hired a nanny for 3,000 yuan a month. I felt a pang of sadness. I had struggled in the city for 8,000 yuan a month, while she could only afford to spend 3,000 yuan on a nanny at home. It was as if I saw my own future. I might never earn as much as she does; I might never enjoy the kind of life she has.
So, I made up my mind to save up for my own coffin fund. I could no longer rely on others; I had to plan for my old age with my own hands.
I started farming and raising chickens, counting every penny carefully. I no longer hoped for wealth and luxury; I only wished to enjoy my old age in peace without worrying about making a living.
Time flew by, and before I knew it, I had grown old. But I had carved out my own piece of the world. I had saved enough for my coffin fund, and I no longer had to worry about making a living. My life might not be rich, but it was real. It was something I built bit by bit with my own hands. This is my story, the story of an ordinary rural woman.
