My mom said, "I wish I could be like that. That way, my brother would have everything settled down and wouldn't have to worry about finding a good wife." I pretended to be fine, but deep down, I was heartbroken. Growing up, my parents had favored my younger brother. If I graduated from college and stayed home without working, I'd be scolded every day, while my younger brother could have a good meal and a comfortable home. I didn't stay in the city where I went to college after graduation because I was homesick. Now I regret it. Why did I come back to apply for a civil service position? Isn't it good for me to stay in the city where I studied and work hard?

My parents didn't like my girlfriend in college, so we broke up. Her family was less well off than mine. My parents insisted that even if I wasn't as capable as Tan Nian'an and couldn't find a wife as good as her, I couldn't find someone too bad. What did they mean by "not too bad"? It meant someone who could pay for a house and a car outright, so both of us could have a house and a car. There were certainly girls in our town who met these criteria, but why would anyone be interested in me? Although I was handsome and had a teaching position, a girl with these qualities would naturally be pursued by better-off boys.

My parents asked someone to introduce me to a girlfriend, but I've met several, and none of them are suitable. I have my requirements, and so do others. The principal said I'm a good person and set me up with a geography teacher at school. She has a regular job, just like me. She has an oval face, fair skin, rosy lips and white teeth, a nice figure, and a bright smile. We have something in common. I quite like her, but my parents don't agree. Why? Because she's not from here, and her family isn't well off. Not only would she have to pay outright for a commercial apartment and a car, but according to local customs, she'd also have to give a much larger betrothal gift than we do here.

My geography teacher and I broke up. She was heartbroken and later applied for a transfer. This Lunar New Year holiday, my parents kept arranging blind dates for me. I realized they really didn't love me. They even agreed to introduce me to someone who was divorced and had children. Why? Because that divorced woman with children had a house, a car, and savings. Of course, I didn't agree. I'm a teacher with a job, so why should I be someone's stepfather?