New Year's Notes

I decided to take 10 minutes to write this blog.

Last week, I went to Suzhou to meet her parents. My first time meeting them. Super nervous, but tried to act calm. Haha.

Felt like a negotiation.

I have nothing, yet I hope they’ll let me marry their daughter.

Could only be honest, say everything straight. I told them I have no house, no car, and the house in my hometown is in bad shape. Might still not afford a house for many years. Also told them I’m starting a business, doing a small trade.

Her family gave me some conditions. They hope their daughter can have a stable life, a harmonious family, good relations with me and my family.

During the meal, her mother and elder brother stepped out for a moment. Then, her usually reserved father seriously said that for long-term development, renting a place in Hangzhou first makes more sense. He even laid out a buy vs rent comparison. I was very moved.

Her mother can’t bear the thought of her daughter going far away to Changsha. It’s an issue. I also don’t know when I’ll go back to Changsha.

At night, her elder brother “threatened” me. Speaking of her brother, he’s actually like half a senior, 46 years old. He told me he used to be a hoodlum in his youth, solving everything with fights; no three or four people could get close to him. His grandfather was an officer in the Kuomintang Army, had over 80 disciples. In their village, the Kang clan has 200 to 300 people. Then he told me not to let his sister suffer in vain in the future. And then, with those leopard-like eyes, he gave me a meaningful look. Haha. It was practically intimidation.

I know how to cherish this.

These past few days, though tense and tiring, have been very happy.

Meeting the parents, I’ll leave it at that.

Another thing, I’m on annual leave this week.

Talking about work, I’m really thankful to my colleagues. Also grateful to the boss. I’ve enjoyed getting along with everyone, they’ve helped me a lot, sharing breakfast when I forget mine, and being forgiving.

Special thanks to Dongdong, that “bird man,” for his support and understanding of my work.

Lately, I don’t even know how to be a designer anymore. Just feel stuck, stifled, don’t know where to start. Spent a week on a leaderboard logo with no progress.

Originally planned to take this break after the New Year, but decided to use these 5 days to think things over properly.

I have many ideas to sort out, some to summarize. Also need to do some visual and creative exercises.

I hope these 5 days will bring some results.

I’ll head back to Changsha on the 24th, hope to see some friends then.

Happy New Year, everyone.