Seventy-One: Lele’s Father

Although I was utterly reluctant, the day still arrived as scheduled.

“Lele, what am I supposed to wear to meet your dad?” I wedged my phone between my shoulder and ear, sifting gloomily through my closet. It was all Lele’s fault—who needed to suggest meeting the parents out of the blue? Honestly, making trouble out of nothing.

“Just wear whatever you want. My dad’s pretty easygoing,” Lele replied, her side of the line sounding a bit noisy.

“Are you already on the bus?” We’d already agreed—she’d come pick me up, then we’d go to her place together.

“Yeah, I’m almost there. Hurry up, Miss Princess!” Lele urged.

No matter what she said, this was meeting my future father-in-law. However casual it was, I couldn’t just wear anything. But with so many clothes in my wardrobe, not a single outfit looked formal enough. What if I made a bad impression on Lele’s dad? That would be a disaster. I really had no choice. After all, I’d just finished my freshman year of college—who would have thought I’d be dragged into meeting my girlfriend’s father so soon, and for such a strange reason?

I hung up and suddenly remembered an old steel-blue shirt my dad had bought me in my first year of high school. I’d thought it looked old-fashioned and had never worn it, but it was probably formal enough.

With time running short, I moved quickly, rummaging through my closet to find the storage box. It was heavy as ever! After a Herculean effort, I dragged it out, and thankfully, the shirt was still there.

Having worn nothing but oversized T-shirts for ages, switching to a proper shirt felt odd—I stared at myself in the mirror for ages but still felt awkward. But so be it! For Lele’s sake, I’d make the sacrifice this once.

With the shirt sorted, picking out pants was easy—I simply grabbed a pair of jeans.

“I’m here, Beizi Pig.” Just as I finished getting dressed, Lele called again.

By the time I dashed downstairs, she was already waiting at the entrance.

“Pfft…” The moment she saw me, Lele burst out laughing. “You… you look just like…”

“Like what?” I pouted, knocking her lightly on the head.

“Like Chan Siu Chun from ‘Young and Dangerous’…” She was laughing so hard she could barely finish her sentence.

Since starting college, I’d shaved my head down to a buzz cut for convenience—no more fussing with hairstyles or getting up early. Now, with Lele’s comment, I did feel a bit like Brother Chicken from the movies.

“Fine, I’ll go change.” I was speechless. Trying to look formal, and instead I’d ended up looking the opposite.

“No, no, it’s fine! You look great like this!” Lele hurried to loop her arm through mine.

“But you just said I look like a gangster. What if your dad thinks you brought one home?” I grumbled.

“It’s fine, seriously. You look good.” Before I could protest, Lele dragged me forward. “Let’s go, my dad’s waiting for us!”

Sitting on the bus, I couldn’t help feeling like everyone was staring at me strangely.

“It’s just my imagination,” I tried to reassure myself.

The ride felt endless, every moment uncomfortable, but thankfully our stop came soon enough.

I’d walked the road to Lele’s house for five years—every tree and blade of grass was familiar. But this time, my mood was entirely different.

It was summer. Passing by the open-air pool, I caught a glimpse of a long-legged beauty sitting by the water, but my mind was elsewhere.

Nervous and uneasy, I reached Lele’s door. She took out her keys to unlock it.

“Lele, I’m nervous,” I confessed, pressing her hand and pointing to my chest.

“My dad’s not a tiger—he’s not going to eat you. It’ll be fine!” Lele turned, planted a soft kiss on my cheek, then slid the key into the lock, turned it, and opened the door.

“Dad, we’re home!” Lele called out as she took off her shoes. In moments, a middle-aged man stepped briskly to the door.

Lele had said her dad was nearly fifty, but to me, he looked quite young. His gold-rimmed glasses gave him a scholarly air, nothing like the legendary big boss who did business overseas. Dressed casually in a vest and shorts, he seemed approachable, and my nerves eased.

“Hello, Uncle,” I stammered at Lele’s prompting.

“You must be Xiao Li! Come in, come in!” He welcomed me warmly, handed me a pair of slippers from the rack, and said, “Here, put these on. Make yourself at home.”

I almost laughed—if only he knew: when he’s not around, I already do feel at home here…

Lele sat with us a while on the sofa before standing up. “Dad, Xiao Bei, you two chat. I’ll go cook.”

Her father waved her off. “Let your grandma handle the food. I think this young man’s pretty shy—if you leave, he’ll get even more embarrassed.”

“Hah, as if! He’s never struck me as shy…” Lele stuck out her tongue and darted into the kitchen.

“Um, Uncle, I…” The moment Lele left, awkwardness flooded back. I had no idea what to say.

“Xiao Li, there’s something I want to discuss with you.” The smile vanished from Lele’s father’s face, replaced by seriousness.

My heart clenched. “Yes, Uncle?”

“Do you truly care for Lele?” He looked me straight in the eyes, his tone even.

“I love Lele,” I replied, nervous but unwavering.

“But what if… what if Lele can’t bring you happiness?” For some reason, a hint of sorrow flickered in his gaze.

“Why?” I asked, puzzled.

He put a cigarette between his lips, offered me the pack. I shook my head, so he put it away and lit his own.

“Lele’s mother and I both live abroad most of the time. In the future, Lele might choose the same path. Have you considered that?” He took a long drag, finally speaking after a lengthy pause.

“Yes,” I answered honestly.

“Then tell me, how do you feel about it?” He flicked ash into the tray and fixed his gaze on me.

“I… I really don’t know…” I lowered my head, unable to meet his eyes. If that day ever came, perhaps I’d have to let her go.

He patted my shoulder. “I know it’s a tough choice. Think carefully. Some things can’t be decided by feelings alone.”

“But I…” It seemed as if he was against us being together.

Sensing my mood, he gave a bitter smile. “I’m only reminding you. Be prepared—that in the end, it might not be Lele who walks beside you. But no matter what, I’ll respect your choices.”

“Dad, what are you two talking about? Dinner’s ready!” At that moment, Lele poked her head out from the kitchen, a gleaming spatula in her hand.

“Alright, go call Grandma. We’re coming.” Her father smiled gently, then stood and patted my knee. “Come on, Xiao Li! Let’s eat.”

(Chapter revision completed on 2010.9.21)