I was sitting at my desk when another graduate student in my lab approached me. "Can you help？" he begged.His experiment wasn't working and he desperately needed help.I was a fifth year Ph.D.student，the senior member of the lab at the time.As I had many times before，I gave in and said yes.
   I had a hard time saying no to such requests.I was new to the United States，having moved from China for graduate school.I found it difficult to make new friends and discover afterwork activities I enjoyed.My lab-mates served as my primary source of social connection.I feared that if I brushed them off，I'd lose their favor.
    After I graduated and started a job in industry，I continued to carry the same attitude with me，and it continued to cost me.It wasn't until my wife gave birth to our first child that I realized how thin I had stretched myself and how misguided my priorities（重要的事）were.While she lay in a hospital bed in the early stages of labor （分娩陣痛），I sat nearby，busy in correcting a work report on my laptop for my colleague.Hours later，after hearing my daughter's first cry and watching her tiny fingers grab tightly onto mine，it dawned on me that I should have been fully present during my daughter's birth.
   From then on，I determined to spare more time for my family by reducing my work tasks and carefully considering each request for help.I still enjoyed cooperating with others，but I dealt with mutually（共同地）beneficial tasks first，rather than accepting everything that came my way.
   I noticed many benefits，and few disadvantages.My daily work schedule was not so crowded.I no longer worked overtime，and I was able to improve my work performance by focusing more on important tasks.I was also pleased to discover that "Sorry，I'd love to help but I have a deadline coming up" is an acceptable response to a request for assistance.Most colleagues seem to understand.
   It's hard to say "no" to those you work with.But I've learned that sometimes that's the best way to avoid too much workload and lead a freer and happier life.

（1）Why was it hard for the author to refuse others' requests in school？

A

A

A．He was eager for a bond with others.
B．He was interested in helping others.
C．He was fond of doing experiments.
D．He was the most experienced student.
（2）What made the author carefully consider each request for help？

C

C

A．His graduation.
B．His wife's request.
C．The birth of his daughter.
D．The unhealthy state of his body.
（3）What does the author think is the priority now？

C

C

A．Writing a report.
B．Connecting with others.
C．Accompanying his family.
D．Requesting others for help.
（4）What happened to the author after refusing others？

D

D

A．He got along badly with his colleagues.
B．He got a lot more vital tasks.
C．He received assistance from his colleagues.
D．He got less work and more joy.