Conflict

Dear Huan, Recently, our exchanges through letters have become fewer, but I don’t think it’s a bad thing. Most of the time, we’re able to openly and sincerely share our thoughts with each other. However, there are things that our clumsy tongues can’t quite express—words on paper still carry a unique power. Lately, I’ve noticed that something seems off with you. I’ve asked you about it, and your response was that you’re worried about the upcoming separation we’ll soon face. That’s something I think about every day, too. But with you, I’ve also detected another subtle shift—something about the feeling of love, or the lack thereof. ...

13:32 First Time Stir-Frying Spicy Chicken I used too little oil for frying the chicken, so the meat didn’t dry out enough. I overlooked the saltiness of the fermented bean paste, which led to oversalting. I accidentally set the rice cooker to “keep warm” instead of “cook,” so I took the opportunity to fry a potato and mix it in. I continued stir-frying the chicken over low heat, and by adding the potato, the spicy chicken dish turned into a dry pot chicken with potatoes. ...

Dear Zhuzhu, Coming to my home has hurt you deeply, and seeing you in pain makes my heart ache as well. I’ve never believed that marriage must have parental blessings to be happy—happiness is something we define for ourselves. Our relationship, including the decision to marry, was made thoughtfully by the two of us. How many of our parents’ generation married for love? At least my parents didn’t. My father, in particular, carries more of a sense of responsibility than love. Perhaps his perspective has limited his ability to recognize or feel love, but that doesn’t mean our happiness needs his approval. ...