“I remember you were born in ’87, right? Which month?”
“December.”
Director Liu nodded. “Right, right, December. I remember. Your boyfriend is your college classmate, and you’ve been together all these years, haven’t you? Speaking of which, in our line of work, if it weren’t for a campus romance, with how busy you are, where would you find the time to date, right?”
Thinking about the relationship that had lasted from her youth all the way to now, Ding Yawen was quite satisfied. She nodded. “Mm-hmm.”
Director Liu rubbed his hands together. “Ah, time flies. I still remember when you first came to intern under me—you were just a young girl back then. Now it’s been over ten years. You’ve worked for over a decade, and you’ve been in this relationship for over a decade too. Yawen, when are you going to let Old Liu here drink at your wedding?”
Ding Yawen’s smile slowly faded. After joining the company, she had always worked under Old Liu. Back then, Old Liu was still a deputy director and couldn’t make many decisions on his own. As his subordinate, Ding Yawen had worked hard and tirelessly, and over the years, she had truly brought him a lot of credit.
It could be said that half the reason he was able to become director was thanks to her contributions. Their tacit understanding wasn’t built overnight either. She had thought Old Liu wanted to discuss work with her today, but instead, he brought up her marriage.
Director Liu’s eyes drifted as he continued, “Your sister-in-law was complaining to me just yesterday. Even though my child is grown up now, there’s still so much to worry about. You can’t afford to be careless at all.”
Ding Yawen couldn’t hold back any longer. She hadn’t come here to chat idly with Old Liu. “Eldest Brother, did you call me here today just for small talk? What exactly do you want to say?”
Director Liu hesitated but still handed her the folder beside him. “Alright, here’s the thing. Last time you mentioned transferring positions to me, and I’ve thought about it. After all, you’re a key contributor to our department and have been with me for so many years. I should find you a position with a proper established post.”
Ding Yawen opened it and was completely stunned. She looked at Director Liu in disbelief. “Eldest Brother, you want me to be an assistant director?”
Director Liu quickly explained, “How could that be, Yawen? Don’t I know what you’re capable of? The assistant director position isn’t for you. The station is planning to launch a new program, and there’s a deputy director position open. I intend to apply for it for you. You studied directing before, so this should be no problem for you. Being a deputy director isn’t as exhausting, and you can balance it with family life. After transferring, you can rest assured get married and have children.”
Ding Yawen closed the file and handed it back to Director Liu. Standing up, she said seriously, “Old Liu, I’ve been with you for twelve years. You know my personality better than anyone. Do you really think I would take a deputy director position with no real authority, no substantial work, and just a fixed salary?”
Director Liu rubbed his forehead. “Yawen, I’ve watched you grow. How could I possibly harm you? The deputy director position is a decision I made after careful consideration. You’re a woman, thirty-three years old now. You should prioritize your family…”
“I won’t do it! Cancel it for me.” Ding Yawen didn’t hesitate. “What I want is to work in front of the camera, Director Liu. If you won’t help me, that’s fine. I believe in my own abilities. I’ll fight for that anchor position myself.”
Ignoring Director Liu’s calls, she picked up her laptop bag and walked out.
Her mind was in turmoil the whole way. Ding Yawen truly couldn’t understand why women were expected to sacrifice their careers for family. Couldn’t women strive harder and push forward? If she were a man, Old Liu definitely wouldn’t have said those things today—no matter what, he would have applied for a better position for her.
Assistant director! Whoever wants it can have it.
For Ding Yawen’s convenience, the rented apartment was near the TV station. Huang Jianhui worked at a highway toll station, working half the month and resting the other half. He didn’t have any particular hobbies; on his days off, he stayed at home cooking, doing chores, and playing video games.
As soon as she opened the door upon returning home, Ding Yawen smelled the aroma of fish porridge. She changed her shoes and walked in, asking curiously, “Weren’t you supposed to go to work today?”
Huang Jianhui brought the porridge he had simmered: “You came back just in time, breakfast is ready. I’m working tomorrow—you remembered wrong.”
Ding Yawen washed her hands and sat at the table to eat: “Too many things going on, I got confused from all the business trips and miscalculated the days.”
Huang Jianhui was very understanding of Ding Yawen’s hard work. Knowing she would return this morning, he had prepared a hearty breakfast in advance. He asked, “Yawen, what would you like for lunch? I’ll make you some soup.”
Ding Yawen wasn’t picky: “Anything is fine. I didn’t sleep all night and I’m a bit tired.”
Huang Jianhui licked his lips, as if he had something to say, but hearing Ding Yawen say she was tired, he swallowed his words: “Mm, after you finish eating, go take a shower and rest. I’ll call you when lunch is ready.”
Ding Yawen was sharp and could tell at a glance that Huang Jianhui had something on his mind. She said bluntly, “I won’t be able to sleep with something weighing on my mind. Do you have something to say to me?”
Huang Jianhui stood up, walked behind her, and gave her a massage while saying softly, “Yawen, I wanted to talk to you about… marriage.”
Ding Yawen frowned and said unhappily, “Didn’t I already tell you? I’ll consider marriage after turning thirty-five. I’m so busy right now, how would I have time to get married?”
Huang Jianhui quickly said, “Thirty-five… that would make you an older mother, which isn’t good for your health, Yawen.”
Ding Yawen put down her chopsticks unhappily: “This was already agreed upon long ago, and I won’t change my mind. Medical science is so advanced now—plenty of people have children at forty. Having a child during the prime time for striving would delay my career, Huang Jianhui. You know I won’t do that.”
Huang Jianhui added, “But I’m the only son in my family, and you’re the only daughter in yours. I want to get married and have children earlier.”
Ding Yawen understood immediately. Huang Jianhui was a gentle person with little initiative. After all these years on the highway, he had only managed to become a team leader. Usually, she made all the decisions, and Huang Jianhui never opposed anything she did. For him to suddenly bring up marriage today—it must be a request from either his mother or hers.
“Don’t say any more. You have free time, but I’m different. I’m as busy as a dog every day—no time to get married. I won’t.”
Huang Jianhui grew anxious: “I know, but Yawen, you should slow down a bit and consider me, consider our family, shouldn’t you? Look at Lu Jiaping—she already has two children, but we…”
Ding Yawen was furious: “Huang Jianhui, what’s wrong with you? When we graduated, I made it perfectly clear to you—I’m a striving woman of the new era, not a little woman who relies on family or a man. Now you’re comparing me to Jiaping?”
Huang Jianhui repeatedly waved his hands, trying to explain, “No, Yawen, that’s not what I meant…”
Ding Yawen ignored him. Without finishing her meal, she turned and entered her room, slamming the door shut in protest.
Huang Jianhui sat dazed at the dining table, rubbing his temples. After a long while, he finally stood up and began clearing the dishes from the table.