Chapter 3
Compared to Americans, Chinese people are more concerned about face. The purpose of holding weddings—especially large-scale weddings—is fundamentally driven by social needs, to allow others to witness happiness, to receive monetary gifts, to showcase connections, and... for vanity... Of course, the pursuit of the "sense of ceremony" in weddings is also very important, but "sense of ceremony" is, to put it bluntly, an elevation of money and time. For example, having a wedding at the Palace of Versailles is more ceremonial than having one in a small square by the roadside, a 100,000 yuan diamond ring is more ceremonial than a 1,000 yuan ring,... Of course, the pursuit of the "sense of ceremony" in weddings is also very important, but "sense of ceremony" is, to put it bluntly, an elevation of money and time. For example, having a wedding at the Palace of Versailles is more ceremonial than having one in a small square by the roadside, a 100,000 yuan diamond ring is more ceremonial than a 1,000 yuan ring, and a wedding planned for three months is more ceremonial than one thought about for only three days.
She just called out to me and asked if I knew her. Cheng Yin shook her head and said, "But how could I possibly know her?"
If there are no unforeseen circumstances, they should be coming
Xi Yu pondered, perplexedly poking the notebook where she recorded information with the tip of her pen
Xi Yu was taken aback upon hearing this. Even someone as slow-witted as she was able to discern the implied meaning in Li Zewen's words, which seemed to suggest that he was helping her to delay Cheng Yin.
Cheng Yin smiled and said: "According to common reasoning, this is the case. However, I recently saw a news report stating that 'the latest survey shows that the more money is spent on weddings, the higher the probability of relationship breakdowns.' It mentioned that when young couples prepare more for their wedding and get entangled in various trivial matters, they are more likely to develop conflicts."
Really, Cheng Yin's lips curled slightly as she thought, someone like Li Zewen must have saved the Earth in a past life
"It's nothing, it's just on the way," said Li Zewen
"... ... um ... ... actually, it's nothing serious ... ..." Xi Yu shook his head, "It's fine, I interrupted."
Long time no see
This is it. The national conditions are different, the ethnicities are different, and the social environments are different. At least in China, the more money spent on a wedding, the lower the divorce rate is certain to be
Li Zewen merely glanced at her, and a hint of a smile in his eyes could be considered a response
Do you have no impression at all
returned yesterday
Yes
"No rush," Li Zewen said leisurely, "Isn't Qi Yu looking for you? Have you finished your discussion?"
"That is indeed the case." Cheng Yin blinked her beautiful eyes and said, "The way smart people think is different from that of ordinary people."
Her departure was so swift, consistent with her usual decisiveness. In response to Qi Yu's abrupt exit, Li Zewen did not call out to her, but instead opened the car door for Cheng Yin, signaling her to get in.
Cheng Yin laughed exaggeratedly and said: "The Ma family has truly invested a tremendous amount of capital. I just learned that they actually invited over one hundred tables! Just think, with ten people at each table, that's nearly one to two thousand people. I have attended quite a few wedding banquets, but I have rarely seen one of this scale. I heard from the newlyweds that they spent half a year just preparing for this wedding."
Two years ago, she began hosting a music talent show. This program is not merely a showcase of vocal skills; the contestants are original singer-songwriters or fresh composers. The guests provide feedback and suggestions for improvement on their songs. While the concept of the show may not be entirely novel, it excels due to the producer's exceptional skills and high ability to realize ideas. Every segment strives for perfection, resulting in outstanding program effects that quickly gained nationwide popularity. Many have remarked that this show has "rescued the increasingly declining original music industry" and has also led to a significant breakthrough in Cheng Yin's career.
Li Zewen smiled and said, "Intelligent people are not necessarily good at socializing"
Li Zewen, dressed in a crisp white shirt and navy blue suit trousers, appeared tall and well-proportioned. He stood beside the sleek, glossy black car and smiled as he asked his second question: "When are you returning to the country?"
Xi Yu, filled with curiosity, clicked on one of the episodes to start watching—heaven knows how many years it has been since she seriously watched a television program. At this moment, she had to apply the same level of seriousness as in academic research to study these videos. To her surprise, upon watching, she found that the program was indeed quite good. An original song that was not particularly impressive was transformed to such an extent that it met the standards of a complete makeover, enough to astonish passersby. Moreover, Cheng Yin's performance in the program was exceptionally outstanding, with a stream of clever remarks, well-timed critiques, and insightful commentary, showcasing her quick wit and extensive knowledge. To her surprise, upon watching, she found that the program was indeed quite good. An original song that was not particularly impressive was transformed to such an extent that it met the standards of a complete makeover, enough to astonish passersby. Moreover, Cheng Yin's performance in the program was exceptionally outstanding, with a stream of clever remarks, well-timed critiques, and insightful commentary, showcasing her quick wit and extensive knowledge.
However, it should not be considered strange
After all, this Cheng Yin has a good relationship with Li Ze Wen
Cheng Yin did not quite understand this allusion. She smiled at Li Zewen, turned around, and placed her hand on the car door handle: "Professor Li, shall we go?"
According to online sources, the earliest information about Cheng Yin can be traced back to her middle school years, where she attended a school in the provincial capital of Anjiang, one grade lower than Qi Yu. She then pursued her university education at the Communication University of China, where she worked as a reporter and anchor at a television station while still in college. She participated in several competitions and won several awards in broadcasting and hosting. After graduating with her bachelor's degree, she joined China Central Television, initially hosting a reading program that invited celebrities to recommend books, which received a positive response. A year later, she hosted a variety show for a duration of one year. These two early hosting roles allowed her to accumulate some fame within a limited scope.
After graduating with a bachelor's degree, Xi Yu went abroad to pursue further studies in atmospheric sciences at the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology, focusing on atmospheric dynamics. Thirty years ago, atmospheric sciences were an absolutely obscure discipline. However, as countries around the world have gradually begun to pay more attention to environmental issues over the years, atmospheric sciences have gradually become a prominent field of study—more students are enrolling in this scientific discipline, and various funding sources have increased. The climate change of the Earth is a grand topic that is inextricably linked to every country. In her research, Xi Yu encountered international political issues that were more complex than climate issues. Therefore, she took a course in International Organizations taught by Li Zewen at the neighboring Harvard University to supplement her political knowledge—this social science knowledge did not significantly aid her research but merely served to broaden her perspective.
Li Zewen said, "When I was in the United States, I taught her a lesson"
She sat down in front of the computer at her desk, entered keywords, and began to search. Although she is a host who often visits others, once a person gains fame and becomes a public figure, the attention from others towards her will also escalate. There are at least several million entries related to Cheng Yin in the search engine, and this information encompasses all aspects of her life
Cheng Yin was taken aback and nodded slightly: "It is said that a professor from the United States conducted the survey"
"Indeed, it is quite a large scale," Li Zewen remarked casually, "Then their relationship must be quite good"
This description is absolutely correct, as Li Zewen indeed served as her teacher
This was the first sentence spoken by Li Zewen
Having known each other for a full two years, she was well aware of the formidable nature hidden beneath Li Zewen's elegant and handsome exterior. Even as a dutiful student, she had been tormented to the point of nearly jumping into the Charles River at midnight. When she needed something from him... she would probably have to pay a hefty price.
Li Zewen has a handsome and attractive face, with a nose bridge like a peak, soft lip lines, and distinct facial features that seem to have been outlined by an artist. Coupled with his rimless glasses, he exudes not only handsomeness but also a rare elegance. Of course, if one were to score him, he might fall slightly short compared to those in the entertainment industry who rely solely on their looks for a living, yet the aura he possesses is unmatched throughout the entire entertainment circle. Cheng Yin has certainly encountered many individuals who thrive on their talents, some of whom are aloof, proud, or arrogant, but Li Zewen is different from them. He is undoubtedly confident, yet not ostentatious; he is wise, yet not showy. The saying "a person with knowledge naturally exudes grace" is vividly embodied in Li Zewen. Even if you do nothing but gaze at him, you can appreciate him for a long time.
Cheng Yin changed the topic and asked with a smile, "By the way, are you coming to the wedding banquet tomorrow?"
"No, I am from MIT," Xi Yu quickly replied
But ... let's just forget it.
Not necessarily. Where is the news source you are looking at
Professor Li, this is indeed the case
"Are you coming to the wedding?" Li Zewen asked
Cheng Yin's expression relaxed slightly as she asked, "So, does that mean she is also a student at Harvard?"
Li Zewen looked at her deeply and asked, "Are you sure?"
She and Li Zewen have known each other for quite some time, and she fully recognizes that this distinguished professor possesses a high level of competence in all aspects. The woman whom he deems worthy of his attention and personally comes to pick up and drop off cannot simply be someone who is good-looking. She recalls that once after class, she happened to see a particularly beautiful foreign girl who took the initiative to invite Li Zewen to a party, but Li Zewen shook his head and declined her kind offer—at that moment, the boy beside Qi Yu was almost in shock. It is worth noting that the girl had blonde hair and blue eyes, long legs and a slim waist, embodying the beauty that most people admire. Even Qi Yu thought that the girl was extraordinarily beautiful, making it incredibly difficult to reject her.
The two individuals sat in the back seat. Cheng Yin glanced back at Qi Yu, who had already disappeared into the hotel lobby, and a fleeting sense of doubt crossed her mind. However, she would not show it in front of Li Zewen. She raised her hand, her fair fingers gently brushing aside the hair at her temples, and smiled casually, saying, "Professor Li, thank you so much for coming to the hotel to pick me up"
Xi Yu then explained, like a good student, that her reason for being at the hotel was that a good friend was getting married, and she had returned to the country to serve as a bridesmaid. Her demeanor was serious, as if she were answering a teacher's question in class
"She is pursuing a Ph.D. in the sciences and chose an elective course that is not particularly important." Li Zewen skillfully turned the car and asked, "Did she come to you for something? What did she say to you?"
"Hmm, I am sure." The dimples on her face were deeper than before as she decisively waved goodbye, "I am going back to my room, Professor, Miss Cheng, goodbye"
Indeed, I have no impression at all," Cheng Yin laughed lightly, "I have never heard anyone ask me like that. I almost started to doubt whether she had some issues with her mind, but since she is able to study at MIT, she should be quite intelligent.
After the initial three seconds of shock, Xi Yu had calmed down considerably. For her, encountering various coincidences was not uncommon, and she should not be surprised by such trivial matters. The last time the two met was over a month ago at the MIT graduation ceremony, and this time, they found themselves at the entrance of a five-star hotel in their home country, arriving simultaneously without any prior arrangement. This coincidence still made one feel the wonders of life.
Cheng Yin turned her face slightly and said with a beaming smile. After all, she was half a part of the entertainment industry, encountering numerous individuals who relied on their looks for a living every day. She had seen many beautiful and handsome faces, yet she still couldn't help but focus her gaze on the man beside her
It is quite a coincidence to encounter your student so easily in the country. What do you teach her
The higher the level of the wedding, the more guests there are, the more intense the emotions expressed at the banquet, and the lower the probability of divorce. This is because the essence of a wedding is a contract; the larger the scale of your wedding, the more time, social, and financial costs you have invested in getting married, which in turn increases the cost of breach of contract, leading you to think twice when considering divorce
At that time, the boys were murmuring, wondering just how high the professor's gaze was
Li Zewen leaned against the car door, smiling as he glanced at Qi Yu. MIT and Harvard, much like Kyoto University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, can be described as a pair of happy adversaries, each harboring a subtle disdain for the other. You think I am petty and unscrupulous, while I believe that no matter how well you study, you can only end up working for me— in short, students from both schools are adamant about not allowing anyone to mistake them for graduates of the other institution, and Qi Yu is a typical example of this.
Now it was Cheng Yin's turn to be surprised. She looked to the left at Li Zewen and to the right at Qi Yu, her face showing a slight expression of doubt
It seems that an answer can be provided now
How is it, Professor Li, do you know her
The bride and groom had other plans for the evening, but they thoughtfully arranged a lavish dinner for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Xi Yu, lost in thought, ate her meal without even realizing what she had consumed. When someone from the groomsmen's group tried to engage her in conversation, she did not catch what was said and simply declined the suggestion from one of the groomsmen to go to a bar, returning to her room filled with confusion.