Chapter 35: She Is Not the One for You

Even though He Tianran had issued such a blunt ultimatum, He Panshan showed no intention of leaving.

After the meal, He Panshan sat on the sofa, skillfully opening up a game console to play. The electronic devices in this apartment—including the high-end computer in He Tianran’s bedroom that cost over ten thousand—had all been sent over by his father, piece by piece, after the man had grown tired of using them himself.

He Tianran and Wen Liang were washing the dishes in the kitchen. Wen Liang seemed to have something on her mind, but He Tianran spoke first:

"I'm sorry, Wen Liang. My dad probably has something to discuss with me today, so I won't be able to keep you company..."

"I understand. It’s rare for you to see your father, so I shouldn't intrude."

The girl nodded indifferently, shaking her damp hands before drying them with a paper towel.

"I shouldn't meddle in your family matters, but your dad brought a whole bunch of things when he came over, which shows he really cares about you."

He Tianran remained silent, offering no response. Wen Liang felt it wasn't the right time to overstay her welcome, so she walked out of the kitchen and smiled at He Panshan:

"Uncle, I have a class this afternoon, so I have to head out now. I'm really sorry..."

Hearing this, He Panshan quickly put down the controller and asked, "You have classes on the weekend, Xiao Wen? Can't you stay a little longer?"

"It’s for a training course. I need to get going."

"Well, next time you come over, just have Tianran let me know in advance. I didn't even bring you a gift this time."

"No need, Uncle. You’re too kind. It should be me giving you a gift! Don't bother getting up, I’ll be off!"

After giving He Tianran a look that suggested they would be in touch, Wen Liang took her leave.

Once she was gone, He Panshan settled back onto the sofa to resume playing FIFA 21. He Tianran sat down beside him, feeling bored and helpless, left only to watch.

On the screen, the players were locked in a tense struggle for the ball. He Panshan’s hands moved methodically, his gaze fixed on the game as he repeated his earlier question:

"What exactly are you thinking?"

"That depends on what you’re asking about."

He Tianran crossed his arms. He knew his father too well: outwardly exuberant, but inwardly an autocratic man who rarely turned back once he had made up his mind—even when dealing with his own family.

In the living room, only the slightly impassioned voice of the Chinese commentator filled the air. A moment later, after He Panshan maneuvered Wu Lei to score a goal, he said in a low voice:

"I can’t tell if the girl is good or bad yet, but I like her personality and her looks are outstanding, but she just isn’t right for you."

He Tianran retorted sarcastically, "Oh, here comes Mr. Know-It-All again."

The middle-aged man raised an eyebrow and asked with forced patience: "Does Xiao Wen know about your family background?"

"I didn't tell her, but in Hong Kong, there shouldn't be anyone who doesn't know who you are."

"If she only found out today, then that’s acceptable."

"Do you think that anyone who tries to be friends with me is only after your money?" He Tianran asked, his temper flaring.

"With your personality, it’s not a certainty, but it’s nine times out of ten."

His father’s nonchalant tone filled He Tianran with disgust.

"I taught you when you were a kid: before you judge people or actions, ask yourself 'by what right?' If you can't figure it out, then don't do it. Now, let me ask you: if that girl didn't know you were my son, why would she like you? Because you rot in your room all day? Or because of how you strum a guitar?"

"Can you stop thinking everyone is as materialistic as you?"

He Panshan laughed at his son’s question. "You don't understand. This isn't about materialism. Just by saying that, even ten years from now, that girl wouldn't be right for you. Even if you were together, it wouldn't end well."

He Tianran sneered, "Since you’re so insightful, I don’t see that you’ve done so well yourself. I’m a living example of that, so please, stop trying to lecture me, okay?"

*Snap!*

A gust of air brushed He Tianran’s face as the man hurled the game controller to the floor. The casing shattered, and parts scattered everywhere.

The man, seasoned by years in the business world, suppressed his anger. He lit a cigarette, and only after it had burned halfway down did he speak calmly:

"Your teacher called me a few days ago to report on your grades. He said you've made great progress."

"What are you trying to prove? Showing off your fatherly love?"

*Sizzle.*

The sound of the burning cigarette filled the air. After a long pause, He Panshan exhaled a cloud of smoke and said:

"It means you aren't a fool, and you’re still worth saving."

He Tianran showed no fear, his eyes cold and lifeless. "And if I hadn't improved, would I be beyond saving? A monthly test doesn't prove anything. Maybe I’ll drop a hundred points next time. Should I say you’re celebrating too early?"

He Panshan sighed, helpless. "You harbor too much resentment toward me. I can’t have a proper conversation with you like this. If you stay like this, the issues between us will never be resolved."

"Then don't resolve them. I think things are fine the way they are. When I turn eighteen and become an adult, we’ll go our separate ways. You don't need to worry about whether I live or die."

"..."

The two were silent. He Panshan finished his cigarette and asked an inexplicable question:

"Do you know why graduates from top-tier universities have a higher acceptance rate when applying to our company?"

He Tianran couldn't be bothered to respond, so He Panshan answered himself:

"Among you young people, there's a popular saying that talented people can go anywhere. That is a fact, but the reality is that if a company has to choose between a graduate from a first-tier university and one from a third-tier college, any company will choose the former, even if the student from the third-tier college is incredibly talented..."

"It’s not just a matter of credentials. The pace of life is getting faster, and everyone’s time is precious. Few 'talent scouts' spend time digging for 'thoroughbreds.' We prefer talent that is visible. If you get into a first-tier university, it proves one thing: for twelve years—six years of elementary school and six years of middle and high school—you consistently and diligently did one thing: you studied, and you achieved excellent results. That is the embodiment of value."

"The faster society develops, the rarer this attitude of doing things diligently becomes. Son, after your mom smashed that guitar you were always playing, you gave up. Now you’re in your final year of high school. I’m not against you dating, I just don't want it to affect you, especially now, at the final hurdle where you need to prove your value."

He Panshan spoke slowly, and though He Tianran didn't want to listen, he heard every word. His tone softened as he hesitated, trying to defend himself:

"Dad, Wen Liang isn't what you think. She’s very good to me, she..."

The boy trailed off. How could his father ever believe in something like a "rebirth"?

"She just isn't right for you. At least, not right now." He Panshan naturally took over the conversation, repeating what he had said before.

"How do you know it's not right?"

Facing his son’s stubborn response, the man smiled.

"When Xiao Wen was cooking for you, and when she said that you two 'still' aren't together."

He emphasized the word "still" and recalled: "She... is too eager. I don't know what happened between you two, but I get the feeling this girl is trying too hard. That’s not a good thing. Even if she is a good girl, if you don't grow, she will never be right for you."

"..."

He Tianran felt a pang of realization and couldn't help but ask: "When two people are together, do they necessarily have to be 'right' for each other?"

He Panshan took a cigarette from the pack, held it to his nose, and sniffed it, but this time he didn't light it.

"When your mother and I decided to be together, we didn't consider that question either."

They sat in silence. After a long while, He Tianran asked the question he had hidden deep in his heart:

"Why... when you decided to divorce, didn't you ask for my opinion?"

It was bound to come up eventually. He Panshan sighed heavily.

"Children who haven't grown up always hope their parents won't separate. Asking is a waste of time. When you have your own life, you’ll understand why I didn't ask you—it was actually for your own good."

Suddenly, the man noticed something. He tilted his chin, interrupting He Tianran’s distraction, and asked:

"When did you buy that guitar?"

"..." He Tianran replied, "...Wen Liang gave it to me."