In the serene village of Bailong, where morning mist lingered over the green rice fields and the sound of roosters echoed through the air, Mei Lin sat quietly at the dinner table. The aroma of steaming rice and home-cooked dishes filled the room, and her entire family was gathered around, chatting and laughing over their meal.
Her elder brother, Liang Chen, sat beside her, a protective and caring presence. He always supported her, no matter how bold her ideas seemed. As he noticed her distracted gaze, he nudged her gently.
"Mei Lin, eat properly," he said softly, smiling. "You've been staring at your bowl the whole time."
She took a deep breath, then finally spoke, her voice firm yet gentle. "I… I want to study further, Liang. I want to go to college in the city. I want to learn, explore, and make something of myself."
The room fell silent for a moment. Her parents exchanged worried glances. Her mother, hands still busy serving food, frowned slightly. "City? College? Mei Lin, why would you need that? Your studies here are enough. You have your family, your home — why leave?"
Her father's voice joined in, a little sterner. "Yes, daughter, what is the need for all this? You are safe here. You don't need to chase dreams that could only bring trouble."
Mei Lin felt a spark of determination ignite in her chest. She looked at her brother, whose eyes shone with quiet encouragement. He gave her a small nod, silently telling her, Do it. I believe in you.
She took a deep breath and pressed on, her tone calm but unwavering. "I understand your concern, Mother, Father. I truly do. But I want to try. I want to study in the city, learn new things, and grow. I don't want to live my life wondering what if. Please… just let me try."
Her parents exchanged glances again, this time longer, heavier. The discussion continued, voices rising and softening, words clashing between worry and determination. Mei Lin remained steadfast, while her brother quietly supported her, interjecting every now and then to back her up.
Dinner continued, but the air was thick with tension and hope, the kind that only comes when a young heart is ready to chase its dreams. For Mei Lin, that dream was clear: the city, the college, the chance to step beyond the fields of Bailong and carve her own path.
After finishing their meal, the family slowly began clearing the plates. Mei Lin rose from the table, moving to help her mother. She washed a few dishes, arranging them neatly, her mind still racing with the same thought.
"Mom," she said softly, her hands wet with soapy water, "I really want to continue my studies… I want to go to college in the city. Please… just hear me out."
Her mother paused, drying her hands. She looked at Mei Lin, concern written deep in her eyes. "City? Mei Lin… you are only seventeen. How will you manage there? You don't know anyone. You don't even understand the dangers… and what about this home? Your family?"
Mei Lin's voice remained steady, though her heart beat fast. "I understand, Mom. I know it won't be easy… but I have to try. I want to study. I want to make my own life."
Her mother shook her head slowly, a mix of worry and maternal stubbornness in her expression. "No… I cannot allow it, Mei Lin. It's too risky. You must stay here, help at home, and live safely."
The kitchen grew quiet, the tension hanging in the air like a storm waiting to break. Mei Lin finished the last dish in silence, then stepped back. Her brother, Liang Chen, gave her a small reassuring nod from across the room, silently telling her that he believed in her dream.
One by one, each family member retreated to their own room. Mei Lin lingered for a moment, staring at the closed door of her parents' room, feeling the weight of their worry but also the fire of her determination. She knew deep inside that if she didn't take this step now, she might never get the chance to chase her dream.
As she finally left the kitchen and walked toward her own room, Mei Lin made a quiet promise to herself: "I will find a way. No matter what, I will study in the city."
Scene Shift:
The living room of Li Wei's family home was spacious, modern, and sleek — a stark contrast to the quiet city streets Mei Lin had just left behind. Li Wei lounged casually on the sofa, flipping through channels on the large TV. He looked effortlessly stylish, every inch the confident young man who had mastered the art of charm.
Meanwhile, his parents were busy in the study, discussing company matters with the C.E.O. of their firm. Li Wei's mother, traditional and strict in her ways, had always maintained a sharp eye on her son, even in the midst of her busy schedule. As soon as she returned from the study, she took a seat beside Li Wei, her expression serious.
"Li Wei," she began, her voice calm but firm, "you know I want what's best for you. A good, traditional wife… someone who respects our ways, someone you can settle down with."
Li Wei let out a small scoff, rolling his eyes. "Mom… seriously? I'm not interested. Those traditional girls… ugh, they're so boring. No way I'm marrying anyone like that."
His mother frowned, clearly disappointed, but continued patiently. "It's not just tradition… it's stability, respect… a future you can rely on. Don't dismiss it so easily."
Li Wei shook his head, running a hand through his hair. "No. Way. Absolutely not. I have my life to live, my rules. I'm not ready for all this… marriage stuff."
With that, he stood abruptly and walked toward his room, slamming the door lightly behind him. Silence filled the living room. His mother's lips pressed into a thin line, her disappointment evident. After a moment, she too sighed and retreated to her own room, leaving the house quiet except for the faint hum of the television.