Chapter 1553: Chapter 1554: Standards for a Marriage Partner
"Hmm, I like to hear that."
For the first time ever, your grandfather, who always disapproved of the son-in-law, suddenly said that.
With the two men at home having spoken, your mother, as the future mother-in-law, couldn’t help but shrug slightly: "Alright, a life with dreams is indeed beautiful, but..."
Saying this, your mother turned to look at you, her eyebrows lowered slightly: "You little rascal, this means I’ll have to raise my expectations for you. Huaxia University, no problem, right?"
You mimicked your mother’s gesture and shrugged: "Even if there is a problem, I’ll have to go."
"It’s just that this little brat only just came back, and soon he’ll have to leave again." Looking at her son, your mother’s eyes revealed reluctance.
"A good man sets his sights far and wide. The child has grown up; it’s time for him to spread his wings and fly." Tonight, your father’s words were obviously more than usual, and there was more sentiment in his speech.
Three years ago, a sudden severe illness nearly took his life. If it weren’t for the longing in his heart for you, who hadn’t returned for three years, your father might have passed away. In the most trying time of his life, you miraculously appeared, even though you only stayed for a few hours before leaving. At least he knew his son was safe, and more mature and stable than before. As a father, he kept encouraging himself to live well for his wife and children, and also for himself.
After you returned home, the burden in your father’s heart was finally relieved. After the corruption incident in the education bureau, his heart gradually cooled. Now, for him, the meaning of family and life far surpasses that of so-called career.
"Dad, do you have something on your mind?" Although you hadn’t been home for six years, in your impression, your father was always someone who couldn’t hide his emotions. Although he was reticent, his facial expressions were easy to read.
Your mother glanced at your father and couldn’t help but smile: "You, you just can’t keep things to yourself."
Upon hearing your mother’s words, both Li Qiyi and you simultaneously turned to her. The siblings knew very well that it was easier to get information out of your mother than your father.
Seeing both children looking at her, your mother said, "Your dad has already submitted his resignation to the education bureau. The leaders have also responded, and in two months, your dad will officially retire."
"Hmm?"
You were slightly surprised, but before you could speak, Li Qiyi interjected, "Dad is only fifty! By official standards, he’s still in his prime."
"After the recent commotion, he gave up. Actually, when he wanted to enter the education bureau, I advised him against it. After all, your dad’s silent and introverted nature wasn’t suited for administrative work. His immediate supervisor was reluctant, but he insisted, so there was no stopping him. However, having worked together for over a decade, he used his connections to ensure your dad could retire early. This way, when word got out, it’d sound better, given that your dad is a somewhat renowned professor in the education field."
"Honestly, I do agree with Dad’s decision. But what’ll he do with all his free time after retiring?"
Your mother smiled and continued, "As for me, after teaching your cohort, I’m also planning to retire."
"No way?" you and Li Qiyi said in unison.
"By then, you’ll both be in university, and just like your grandfather said, when the kids grow up, it’s time for them to spread their wings and pursue their dreams. So, your dad and I decided to go back to our hometown in Mianzhu and support education in the rural areas."
"Hmm, that’s a nice idea." Your grandfather nodded, "Helping the kids in the mountains come out and see the vast world is much better than facing a pile of documents in an office."
"I’m fine with it, but I’m worried that Dad’s health might not keep up."
"Your dad is strong. Once in the mountains, his health will only improve; the air is fresh there, unpolluted. Besides, I’m a bit tired of the city life too." At this point, your mother stretched lazily, and you noticed your father’s hand was already around your mother’s waist. The couple smiled at each other, serene and content.
Lastly, your mother looked at Li Qiyi and said, "Little Yun, don’t say your mom is nagging you, but you’re no longer young. It’s time to think about your life’s big decisions."
Whenever this topic came up, Li Qiyi got a headache, and this was why she usually didn’t want to come home. Your mother’s nagging was on par with Monk Tang’s!
"Mom, please stop nagging. I know my own affairs. I haven’t found someone suitable yet, but once I do, I’ll definitely bring them to meet you. Even if you both move back to Mianzhu, I’ll still bring them there!" To reassure your mother, Li Qiyi emphasized this heavily.
"Hmm, that’s music to my ears." Your mother nodded, "I was actually planning to set you up with a group of potential matches—"
"A group?!" Li Qiyi immediately felt dizzy.
"Don’t be so dramatic. I was just talking, hadn’t done anything yet. Later, I thought about it, and realized that my daughter’s conditions are so good and her standards are high too—blind dating would just lower her value."
"Yes, yes!" Li Qiyi nodded repeatedly, relieved.
"But!" Your mother suddenly stressed, "There are three types of people who can never be my son-in-law! First, no young men, no effeminate men, no dead gay guys!"
"Of course!" Effeminate men are generally repulsive to any normal woman. Li Qiyi declared her determination and resolve firmly.
"Good. Secondly, it can only be Huaxia people; no foreigners allowed!"
Li Qiyi nodded repeatedly: "Mom, your standards are my standards, don’t worry."
"Thirdly, the person must be good-hearted and kind; height cannot be less than 1.8 meters; must be healthy and sun-kissed in appearance, can’t have long hair, and can only have black hair, no dyeing allowed; no fatty, can’t be too skinny either, no sharp face, nose must be a bit high; limbs must be complete, no disabilities whatsoever, not even hidden ones..."
After listening to a long list of demands, Li Qiyi’s head dropped, and with both hands raised, she surrendered. Having such an exceptional mom truly left her at a loss for words.
After the family banquet ended and it was still early, you decided to send your grandfather and Yan Zisu back to the nursing home. Initially, Li Qiyi was also planning to see them off, but she got a call halfway and left by herself.
Watching everyone leave, your mother slowly walked back to the room, stretching lazily and sitting on the sofa. Your father was already tidying up the dishes, getting ready to wash them.
After more than twenty years of marriage, the job of tidying and washing dishes had always been your father’s responsibility. The couple’s division of labor was clear, and their happiness was mutual.