Zhang Xiaoyun is a 35-year-old single woman who works as a design director at an advertising agency. Despite her successful career, she is still labeled as a "leftover girl" by her relatives and friends.
"Yunyun, you're so old, aren't you in a hurry to find someone?" Zhang Xiaoyun's mother often said, "Do you want me to introduce you to a few people?"
"Mom, don't worry about that. Zhang Xiaoyun always replied like this, "When I meet the right person, I will naturally get married." "
Zhang Xiaoyun doesn't feel that she has anything "left", she just hasn't met the person who makes her heart move. However, for the sake of her family's expectations, she decided to try a blind date.
On Saturday afternoon, Zhang Xiaoyun was arranged to go on a blind date with a man named Wang Lei. He is 38 years old and a middle manager in a company. The two meet at a high-end restaurant.
When Zhang Xiaoyun walked into the box, she saw that Wang Lei was already waiting there. He was a little shorter than Zhang Xiaoyun imagined, only about 170. However, he was wearing a very expensive suit and an expensive watch, and he looked quite generous.
"Hello, I'm Wang Lei. It's a pleasure to see you today. Wang Lei said politely.
"Hello, I'm Zhang Xiaoyun. Zhang Xiaoyun also smiled and said hello, and then sat down opposite Wang Lei.
The waiter quickly ordered some food for them, and the two began to chat. Wang Lei said he was an only child and currently lives in Beijing with his parents. He is busy with his job, but his income is okay. His greatest hobby is golf.
"Miss Xiaoyun, what about you, what do you do?" Wang Lei asked curiously.
"I work as a design director at an advertising agency. Zhang Xiaoyun replied, "Our company mainly does brand design and marketing planning for some well-known brands. "
"Oh, that must be hard. Wang Lei nodded approvingly, "But it also sounds promising." "
The two chatted like this, and the atmosphere was quite harmonious. However, with the three towels of wine, the topic began to turn to the issue of marriage and children.
"Miss Xiaoyun, you are indeed a little old now. Wang Lei said bluntly, "If the two of us are really suitable, are you willing to consider getting married and having children as soon as possible?"
Zhang Xiaoyun was stopped by Wang Lei's straightforward question. She didn't have much expectations for this blind date, but now when she heard him say this, she was even more disappointed.
"Mr. Wang, I didn't expect you to mention the issue of getting married and having children so soon. Zhang Xiaoyun pondered and spoke, "Of course, I also hope to form a happy family in the future." But before that, I hope to find someone who truly loves me and respects me. "
Hearing Zhang Xiaoyun's answer, the smile on Wang Lei's face gradually disappeared. "Miss Zhang, don't worry about it. I mean, if the two of us are really suitable, wouldn't it be nice to get married and have children as soon as possible?"
"Mr. Wang, your perspective is too one-sided. Zhang Xiaoyun tried to stay calm, "Getting married and having children is an important part of life, but it's not all. First of all, we must find the right person and run the marriage and family together on the basis of mutual respect and love. The fact that you're expecting me to have a baby for you right now makes me feel like you're not taking me seriously at all. "
"Miss Zhang, there is some truth in what you said. Wang Lei sighed, "But you can't deny that if a woman doesn't get married and have children at your age, she will really be 'leftover'." You should think twice. "
Hearing Wang Lei's words, Zhang Xiaoyun finally couldn't bear it anymore. "Mr. Wang, your idea is too traditional! Even if I don't get married and have children, I will definitely not be 'leftover'. I have my own business, I have my own life, and there is nothing 'left'. Your idea of treating women as fertility machines is what I hate the most. "
Zhang Xiaoyun pounded the table excitedly, attracting the attention of other diners. She knew that she was a little out of shape, but she really couldn't tolerate Wang Lei's contempt and discrimination against her.
"Hey, Miss Zhang, you're so serious. Wang Lei waved his hand disappreciatively, "I didn't mean to discriminate against you, I just told the truth." If you still want to get married, you have to put your heart on it as soon as possible. At your age, it's not easy to find a good man. "
"Look at me, I'm a big dealer, and I'm in a good position. If you marry me, your life will definitely be very rich. Besides, if you don't have children, you're really going to be 'overage'. When the time comes, you won't be able to give birth if you want to. Wang Lei's tone carried a hint of sarcasm.
Zhang Xiaoyun was so angry that she trembled, and she couldn't wait to splash the wine on Wang Lei's face on the spot. She had never met such a brazen and superficial man. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. She knew that there was no point in continuing to argue with Wang Lei. He's simply a hopeless machismo who doesn't respect women at all.
Zhang Xiaoyun looked around and saw several couples eating warmly. They looked at each other and smiled, their faces beaming with happiness. Zhang Xiaoyun secretly thought to herself, I also hope to have such a marriage one day. But the premise is that I have to find someone who truly loves and respects me, not someone like Wang Lei.
At this moment, Zhang Xiaoyun noticed that a young man was walking into the box with a happy expression. "Honey, I'm sorry to keep you waiting. The man said, sitting down beside his wife.
Seeing this warm scene, Zhang Xiaoyun couldn't help but sigh that the essence of marriage is mutual love and respect. She was determined that she would never let anyone describe herself as a demeaning word like "leftover woman" again. She would rather be single than marry someone like Wang Lei.
At this moment, Zhang Xiaoyun's mobile phone suddenly rang.
Zhang Xiaoyun glanced at the caller ID, it was her best friend Xiaohong calling. She thought about it, but chose to answer.
"Hey, Xiaohong, what's the matter?" Zhang Xiaoyun lowered her voice.
"Yunyun, how are you doing over there? Xiaohong's voice revealed a hint of anticipation.
Zhang Xiaoyun glanced at Wang Lei opposite, and saw that he was checking something with his mobile phone, so he moved his mobile phone closer and whispered: "Let me tell you the truth, this man is simply a machismo." He didn't take me seriously at all, he just wanted to find a fertility tool. "
"Huh, such an exaggeration?" Xiaohong was surprised, "What the hell happened?"
"What a complete fool!" Xiaohong said indignantly, "Yunyun, don't be fooled by him." You're the most independent and assertive woman I've ever met, how can you marry someone like this who only hurts women?"
"Don't worry, I won't agree to marry him. Zhang Xiaoyun said with a smile, "But then again, don't always treat me as a 'leftover girl'." I'm proud to be single. "
"Hey, don't mind. Xiaohong waved her hand again and again, although Zhang Xiaoyun couldn't see it, "I'm just joking." If you marry, you will marry, if you don't marry, it doesn't matter, I will always support you. "
Zhang Xiaoyun listened to it, and her heart felt warm. It's great to have such a close friend.
At this moment, Wang Lei suddenly spoke: "Miss Zhang, am I speaking a little too bluntly?
Zhang Xiaoyun was a little surprised by Wang Lei's words, but still nodded.
"Then I apologize to you. Wang Lei continued, "I admit that my concept is indeed a bit traditional and conservative. But I didn't mean to offend you, I was just too blunt. I really hope to find a soulmate and start a family with her. But I can understand what you think, we are too new to each other. "
After hearing this, Zhang Xiaoyun secretly wondered if Wang Lei's words were just justifying himself. But at least he was self-aware, which made her let her guard down a little.
"So, let's put the previous topic aside and have a good chat. Wang Lei said with a smile, "I really want to know more about you, and I hope you can get to know me more." "
So the two began to chat about their respective hobbies, work situations, etc. Gradually, the atmosphere became much more harmonious. Until he left, Wang Lei did not mention the issue of marriage or childbirth.
"So, Miss Xiaoyun, let's talk another day?" Before leaving, Wang Lei said earnestly.
Zhang Xiaoyun thought about it and nodded. "Okay, we'll talk another day. "
"Yun Yun, I heard that the situation of your blind date with that Wang Lei yesterday was not ideal?" There was a hint of worry in her mother's voice.
"yes, Mom. Zhang Xiaoyun said bluntly, "That man is simply a machismo, and he doesn't take me seriously at all." "
"Tsk, this kind of person is really hateful!" The mother shook her head on the other end of the phone, "Treating women as only reproductive tools is simply insulting the dignity of women." Yunyun, don't be fooled by him. "
"Don't worry, Mom, I won't agree to marry that kind of person. Zhang Xiaoyun smiled and said, "But don't always treat me as a 'leftover girl'." What is it about me to be single at this age? I'm so proud. "
"Hey, Mom didn't mean that. The mother explained again and again, "Mom is just worried that you are too picky and miss out on your true destiny." But if you insist on being single, your mother will definitely support you. As long as you're having fun. "
Zhang Xiaoyun listened to her mother's words, and her heart felt warm. It's great to have such a thoughtful mother.
The morning's work went in an orderly manner and everything was normal. But at noon, Zhang Xiaoyun's mobile phone rang, and the caller ID was Wang Lei.
Zhang Xiaoyun hesitated, but still pressed the answer button.
"Hello, Miss Zhang. Wang Lei's voice came, "Did I disturb you?"
"No, no, you say. Zhang Xiaoyun said calmly.
"Well, I'll get straight to the point. Wang Lei paused, "I'm thinking, why don't we make an appointment to meet again?" I think there may have been some misunderstanding between us yesterday, and I hope to explain it well." "
Zhang Xiaoyun did not reply immediately, but pondered for a moment.
"Okay, let's see you again. She finally said, "But you have to promise that you won't say that kind of vulgar thing again." "
"I promise, I'll pay attention to the wording. Wang Lei repeatedly promised, "Then at three o'clock this Saturday afternoon, how about we meet again at the restaurant yesterday?"
"No problem. Zhang Xiaoyun nodded.
On Saturday afternoon, the weather was fine. Zhang Xiaoyun put on a decent professional dress and came to the restaurant agreed with Wang Lei.
This time, Wang Lei looked more gentlemanly and polite. He took the initiative to pull out a chair for Zhang Xiaoyun and ordered a glass of her favorite red wine for her.
"That, Miss Zhang. Wang Lei said apologetically, "I apologize to you for the gaffe last time." I did say some very hurtful things, and I was too blunt. "
"It's okay, I don't mind anymore. Zhang Xiaoyun waved her hand, "But you have to promise that you won't say that kind of thing again in the future." "
"I assure you. Wang Lei nodded, "I've already reflected, my views are too old." You are an independent, confident modern woman, and I deserve respect for your outlook on life and values. "
Zhang Xiaoyun looked at Wang Lei's sincere look and nodded. "Very well, I believe in you. "
So the two began to chat again, and the topics involved work, life, hobbies and other aspects. Gradually, Zhang Xiaoyun discovered that Wang Lei was not a bad person, but his concepts were a little traditional. Moreover, he is also taking the initiative to change his mind.
In this way, the two gradually narrowed the distance. Until he left, Wang Lei did not mention the issue of marriage or childbirth.
"So, Miss Xiaoyun, let's talk another day?" Wang Lei said diligently.
"Okay, we'll talk another day. Zhang Xiaoyun nodded, a smile on her face.
She thought to herself, maybe Wang Lei is not a complete machismo? Through more understanding and communication, maybe both sides can change some of their preconceived notions.
And all she has to do is stick to her principles and pursuits, and never compromise. As long as she finds someone who truly loves her and respects her, she will not hesitate to marry him. Otherwise, she would rather be single than marry someone who doesn't respect herself.