Chapter 80: Marriage Pressure

The same question was asked a few days later when Yin Mengxi accompanied Xiao Zhi to visit his parents.

That day, she was far more nervous than he was. But unlike her, he wasn’t amused by her anxiety. He had already informed his parents ahead of time that he would be bringing his girlfriend home, giving both sides ample preparation. He even spent several days helping her pick out gifts for his parents.

Even so, she still felt uneasy as the car entered the gated villa community, her heart racing wildly. He held her hand reassuringly, saying, “They really like you. If they ask anything, I’ll answer. Don’t be afraid.”

What good did it do? He soothed her, but her nerves remained untamed—two separate worlds colliding.

In reality, his parents were exceptionally warm and welcoming.

Xiao’s mother was a professor at A University and currently the head of the history department—a woman Yin Mengxi had met before. She was elegant and intellectual, exuding grace. Xiao’s father, though equally refined, carried an aura distinct from academia—more akin to the composed and steady demeanor of the business leaders Yin Mengxi had interviewed at the station.

They shared a lavish dinner at home. The grandeur of the villa initially made Yin Mengxi feel constrained, but the relaxed and cheerful atmosphere at the dining table gradually eased her tension. She was finally able to engage in light conversation with the elders. They, too, brought up the topic of their past breakup, but compared to Yin’s parents, who had been entirely unaware, Xiao’s parents seemed more apologetic toward her.

“This is all Xiao Zhi’s fault,” his mother sighed repeatedly. “He must not have taken good care of you, making you endure so much hardship.”

“When you’re in a relationship, you need to take responsibility seriously—you can’t be careless or half-hearted,” his father chimed in, reprimanding his son. “Back then, you dated for so long but never brought her home. What were her parents supposed to think?”

It was stern.

These accusations clearly shouldn’t have fallen solely on Xiao Zhi—he hadn’t been the one dragging his feet about meeting the parents; that had been her. But when she tried to explain, he cut her off again.

“Yes, it was my fault back then,” he continued his habit of shouldering all the blame, his gaze fixed on her as he addressed his parents. “I won’t let it happen again.”

Those simple words carried the weight of a steadfast promise. And just a few days prior, his explanation to her parents had been even more detailed—

“In the past, I was too careless and narrow-minded,” he had answered her father’s question sincerely. “Before Xiao Xi graduated, we had disagreements about our future plans. She was working herself to the bone during her internship, but I failed to understand why she was pushing herself so hard.”

“She’s someone who’s always willing to give, yet rarely shares her struggles with others. As her boyfriend, I should have proactively noticed the signs—that she lacked security, that she was exhausted and feeling wronged, that she craved understanding and encouragement… But I didn’t see any of that at the time.”

“But now I do.”

“I’ll listen to her thoughts more attentively, respect the life she wants, and do everything I can to make her feel secure… I truly hope to walk this path with Xiao Xi forever, and if I’m fortunate enough, I’d like to spend my life taking care of her.”

—All the blame fell on him.

Ironically, they both seemed determined to shoulder responsibility for their past mistakes. Whether privately or in front of each other’s elders, neither backed down. For instance, now she was cutting him off in front of his parents—

“That’s not true,” she firmly denied his words. “He never made me feel wronged or neglected his responsibilities.”

“It was me—I always thought I wasn’t good enough, worried your parents wouldn’t like me… When we were juniors, him telling me to focus on my studies was actually for my own good. At the time, I didn’t understand many things, and the decisions I made were foolish and impulsive…”

Her emotions fluctuated more intensely than his, and as she spoke, her eyes began to glisten with tears. Xiao’s mother and father quickly comforted her—one gently patting her back while the other handed her tissues, leaving Xiao Zhi little room to intervene.

“Silly child, how could we not like you?” Xiao’s mother’s eyes brimmed with affection as she patted her back soothingly. “We knew about your relationship back then. When I asked Dean Hu from your journalism department, he told me you were an exceptionally talented and wonderful young woman. We’ve always hoped to meet you sooner.”

“It was unfortunate that you two parted ways for so many years, but what’s done is done. What matters is the future—you have no idea how long Xiao Zhi wallowed in despair after you broke up. There was a period when he stopped studying altogether, which infuriated his advisor. Later, when people tried to set him up with other women, he refused every time. Your father and I even thought he might stay single forever…”

A single dinner at her future in-laws’ house not only earned her a generous red envelope but also unexpectedly revealed some previously unknown details. On the way home, Yin Mengxi was in high spirits, sitting in the passenger seat and peppering Xiao Zhi with questions.

“Were you heartbroken for a long time?”

“You stopped studying?”

“Did Mr. Jia scold you? What did he say?”

“Who wanted to set you up with someone?”

“What about Tang Fei? Didn’t she keep pursuing you?”

On and on she went.

Xiao Zhi sighed as he drove, recognizing her buoyant mood. While relieved that the meeting with his parents had gone smoothly, he couldn’t help but feel exasperated by their talkative nature. Faced with her relentless questioning, he resorted to vague responses: “It was just like that… breakups, you know.”

She wasn’t satisfied. With the weight lifted from her chest, she felt unusually lighthearted, her usual reserved demeanor replaced by playful curiosity. Despite knowing he preferred not to dwell on the past, she persisted.

“Did you date anyone else during these seven years?”

“Why not?”

“And if we hadn’t reunited, what then? Would you have stayed single forever?”

On and on she went.

He had never realized how talkative she could be. Their intimacy grew subtly, layer upon layer. Though exasperated, he felt a sweetness in her persistence. His final answers came tinged with restrained emotion.

“No, I didn’t date anyone else.”

“Because I kept thinking of you, and I never felt drawn to anyone else.”

“Marriage isn’t something you force… so I stayed single.”

He seemed to possess an innate talent: using the plainest tone to deliver the simplest words, yet leaving profound imprints on her heart. Days turned into months, months into years, and she would remember them all—the warmth and meticulousness he had always given her.

Their love was like that—ordinary life didn’t seem particularly unforgettable, but only after losing it did she realize no one could replace him. Like the fleeting spring between winter and summer, its presence might not be obvious, but it quietly nurtured boundless vitality.

After meeting each other’s parents, the pace of their romance accelerated.

Marriage had been placed on the agenda, with both sets of parents urging them forward. Yin’s mother called her daughter nearly every other day to check on her relationship with Xiao Zhi, fearing any mishaps.

“When are you planning to get your marriage certificate? Are you going soon?”

“Xixi, let me tell you—Xiao Zhi is such a wonderful young man. Why didn’t you ever bring him home when you were in college? If you had, maybe we’d have grandchildren by now!”

“Oh, speaking of grandchildren—your aunt brought her granddaughter over yesterday. She kept hinting around about you, but I told her you’re already with someone outstanding and talented. She didn’t believe me! When you have the wedding banquet, you must save her a seat so she can see I’m not exaggerating!”

Yin Mengxi found it exhausting. Every phone call dragged on endlessly, requiring her to repeatedly assure her mother that her relationship with her boyfriend was progressing smoothly before she could finally hang up. No sooner had she ended one call than another message arrived from Xiao Zhi’s parents, inviting her over for dinner every few days. Once seated at the table, subtle hints about marriage were inevitable.

“Xixi…” Xiao’s mother held her hand earnestly. “How are you two planning for the wedding? When will you register?”

“Your father and I hope you can settle things by the first half of the year. Look how well you two get along—it’s unnecessary to delay further, don’t you think?”

“You don’t need to worry about the ceremony arrangements—your father will handle everything. Of course, your parents’ opinions matter too. We’d like to meet them soon. After all, we’ll all be family—we should get to know each other better…”

Their eagerness rivaled her mother’s.

Yin Mengxi was willing to marry, but when Xiao Zhi had hinted at it earlier, she had evaded the topic tactfully. Recently, work had been hectic. She was revising the proposal for A University’s project, filming footage, and piecing together storylines. She was determined to produce results that would reassure Director He and Teacher Luo.

“Auntie, I’m really busy with work this first half of the year,” she explained apologetically. “I have a project due at the end of May, and afterward, I may start a new one. My supervisor is helping me secure opportunities…”

Hearing this, Xiao’s mother grew concerned. With one project after another, when would they find time to finalize their plans? Just as she was about to press further, Xiao’s father, who had been quietly listening, interjected with a question: “Child, you work at A City Television Station, right?”

“Yes, Uncle,” Yin Mengxi nodded obediently. “The Humanities Documentary Channel.”

He nodded thoughtfully, as if pondering something. After a moment, he asked, “Who’s the station director? Still Hong Jun?”

Yin Mengxi was puzzled by the sudden question but nodded nonetheless. “Yes.”

“I’ve known him for many years,” Xiao’s father said, his brows relaxing into a gentle smile. “Don’t worry about work-related matters. If you encounter difficulties, feel free to tell me. If your project schedule is tight, we can adjust it. If you need help setting up a new project later, I can assist.”

Yin Mengxi: “….”

This turn of events was unexpected, leaving her momentarily stunned. Upon reflection, it made sense—Xiao’s father was in the cultural industry, so connections with media professionals weren’t surprising. Still, the notion that her future father-in-law knew the station director felt surreal. Perhaps life itself was like that—when things didn’t go smoothly, they stayed that way for a while, but once they did, blessings seemed to pour in excessively. Who would’ve thought she might someday become someone with influential connections?

Yin Mengxi’s feelings were complex. On one hand, she appreciated the warmth and kindness of her future in-laws. On the other, she was reluctant to let marriage interfere with her career. She had worked tirelessly in this field for ten years, solving problems independently without relying on anyone. If she suddenly leaned on her husband’s family after marriage… that…

She pursed her lips, hesitant to reject the elders directly. Instead, she discreetly signaled to her boyfriend sitting beside her. Xiao Zhi glanced at her, perhaps recalling past events, his expression tinged with subtlety.

“Mom, Dad,” he sighed. “Xiao Xi and I will discuss marriage at our own pace. Pressuring her too much will only add stress.”

“As for work, I want her to pursue her own ambitions. Too much interference from those around her would be overstepping. Let’s respect her wishes in everything.”

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Author’s Note:

Teacher Xiao’s survival instincts are strong: “I won’t interfere with your work, and neither will my parents. We truly have no intention of meddling. Please don’t break up with me, thank you, thank you!”