
Raising the Neighbor’s Son Through Four Years of College – Now That He’s Wealthy, He Never Visits My Father, Yet My Dad Says: ‘It’s Better That Way!’
Raising the Neighbor’s Son Through Four Years of College – Now That He’s Wealthy, He Never Visits My Father, Yet My Dad Says: ‘It’s Better That Way!’
"He doesn’t need to repay us, but at least he could visit my father. Now that he’s living comfortably, he’s forgotten all the kindness he once received—how ungrateful!" his biological son said with resentment.
When I was 20, a heartbreaking incident happened in my village. Our next-door neighbors tragically passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning on a freezing winter night. They left behind a son named Quân, who was five years younger than me. At that time, he was just 15 years old, a high school freshman, and an excellent student. That sudden tragedy changed Quân’s life forever.
After Quân’s parents' funeral, relatives and villagers helped with the arrangements. My father didn’t immediately think of taking him in since he still had an uncle and a maternal uncle. Initially, Quân stayed with his relatives, but conflicts arose over time, and he eventually decided to live alone in his parents' house. Seeing him struggle by himself, my parents took him in as a foster son, offering him food, guidance, and emotional support.
Supporting Quân Through College
After high school, Quân passed his university entrance exams and wanted to continue his studies. However, his uncles disapproved, insisting that he should work in the coal mines for a stable income. For the first time, Quân stood his ground, determined to pursue education. In the end, my father stepped in to support him financially, covering his tuition and living expenses for four years.
At that time, my father gave him 3,000 yuan per month (about 10 million VND), which was a significant amount given my father’s modest income. Despite this, he willingly helped. As Quân started working part-time, he tried repaying small amounts whenever he visited home, but my father always refused. In fact, before each school year began, my father would give him another 3,000 yuan. Quân was always grateful.
After graduating, he stayed in the city for work. In the early years, he would return home often, bringing gifts and nutritious food. Within the first two years of working, he even repaid my father a total of 150,000 yuan (about 500 million VND). Although my father initially refused, he eventually accepted to make Quân feel at ease.
However, over time, Quân’s visits became less frequent.
A Wedding Gift and a Final Visit
As Quân reached marriageable age, he returned to introduce his fiancée and visit his old home. He also stopped by our house to see my parents. Upon hearing about his upcoming wedding, my father took out 1,000 yuan and told him, "If you need more for the wedding, just let me know." But this time, Quân refused, saying, "I’m doing well now, Dad. I have a house, money—I’m not struggling anymore. You’ve done too much for me already, I can’t take more."
He invited my father to his wedding, saying, "I’m not having a ceremony in the village since there aren’t many people here. We’ll be celebrating in the city—if you’re feeling well, please come." My father smiled and agreed.
After a brief chat, Quân and his fiancée left. Watching their car disappear into the distance, my father turned to me and said, "He’s had a tough life. When he gets married, make sure to send double the wedding gift." I nodded and transferred 1,300 yuan—1,000 from my father and 300 from me.
The ‘Foster Son’ Who Disappeared
After the wedding, it was as if Quân had vanished. No calls, no visits. Four years passed, and while my father never mentioned him, I couldn’t help but wonder: "Why hasn’t Quân come back or even called?"
My father simply replied, "It’s the same for you—you’re busy with your own life. Do you really expect him to visit?"
I chuckled but still felt indignant. "His parents are gone. You were the only one who truly cared for him, who supported him through school. He doesn’t need to repay you, but he should at least visit. Now that he’s successful, he’s forgotten everything—how heartless!"
But my father only laughed and said something unexpected: "It’s better that he doesn’t come back."
I was taken aback. He continued, "If he doesn’t visit, it means he’s doing well, keeping busy, and not wandering aimlessly. And think about it—every time he came home, he always brought expensive gifts. If I accepted them, I’d feel guilty. If I refused, he had already bought them. I don’t want to burden him or expect anything. He has his own life now. If he doesn’t visit, it means he’s happy. That’s enough for me."
I asked if he ever felt hurt, but he just smiled and said, "I helped him back then not because I expected him to repay me. It was just a small thing, nothing worth mentioning. They say true kindness asks for nothing in return. If you help someone, don’t hold onto it."
At the time, I didn’t fully grasp his words. I felt it was unfair that someone who had given so much received so little in return. But as I grew older and faced similar experiences, I finally understood—true kindness is given without expecting anything back.
My father had done a great deed without seeking rewards. Perhaps, that is the most profound kind of generosity.
This heartfelt story, originally shared by Mr. Zhang on NetEase, has touched many readers across China.
News in the same category


A bli.nd husband regains his sight, but doesn’t tell his wife and realizes he’s been lied to for years

Daddy's Last Visit – A Final Goodbye That Changed Everything

The homeowner's outcome surprised many

The truth about the housekeeper

All the relatives were worried that the bride and groom would be biological sib.lings, but then

Man Forced to Pay Child Support for 16 Years Due to Birth Certificate Error—Court Finally Rules in His Favor

After 5 Years of Caring for His Sick Wife, a Husband Mysteriously Vanishes—Even Stranger Is His Brother’s Reaction

Tears fall over photo series of 83-year-old woman with hunched back struggling to pick up trash at night to raise 2 gran.dch.ildren

Strange story is true

The secret behind the necklace my husband gave me

My family left grandma alone at the restaurant to skip the bill - too bad they reminded me of my granddaughter

The sho.cking secret behind the pestle

The Party of Fate: When My Husband's Secret Was Exposed on New Year's Eve

A Wo.man Notices Her Boyfriend Vanishing with Her Sister After Work and Decides to Follow Them One Day

The special love story of a couple with a nearly 30-year age gap makes everyone admire

I almost fai.nted when I met her

The doctor advised to remove the breathing tube, but 4 months later the woman came back to life, surprising everyone
News Post

What to Do When You’re on a High Floor During an Earthquake: Simple Yet Crucial Guidelines

Never keep these 4 relics

Your IQ is above 140 if you can find the missing number in 5 seconds!

Discover 5 Incredible Foods That Naturally Eradicate Intestinal Worms and Revitalize Your Gut Health

You're considered high IQ if you can find the mistake in 4 seconds.

HERE'S WHY YOU SHOULD PUT GARLIC IN YOUR EAR:

This Is the Nemesis of Fishy Odor: Add One Spoonful for Tender, Perfectly Seasoned Fish!

Japanese Don't Need Refrigerators: 3 Brilliant Ways to Keep Vegetables Fresh, Proving Their "Smart IQ"

3 Abnormal Reactions When Drinking Water That May Signal Li.ver Can.cer Warning Signs

7 Common Signs of Peripheral Facial Nerve Palsy That Many Often Overlook

From the earthquake in Myanmar, what do experts warn about high-rise buildings?

The air conditioner exploded while running normally, important notes for prevention

Man paralyzed overnight, doctor warns of 'silent kill:er'

Caring for My Over-70 Mother-in-Law for 10 Years; I Went Looking and Discovered an Unbelievable Scene

6 People Who Should Never Eat Red Meat, According to Dietitians

A dog approaches you

New Study: Can.cer Risk Increases 5-Fold If You Drink That Popular Beverage Every Day

How to Naturally Eliminate Dust Mites and Bedbugs from Your Mattress

How many eggs should you eat a week?
