Low self-esteem, sensitivity, and suspicion: these are almost all labels that come from one’s family of origin. Unloved as children, unable to love as adults. Developing a people-pleasing personality can affect a child for their entire life.
The protagonist of this story, Wen Qi, could be another you in this vast world, struggling in the mire of her family of origin but unable to escape.
Dad doesn’t care, Mom doesn’t love me. I’m the second child, and there’s nothing I can do.
Wen Qi was never welcome at home. As her father put it, “That second kid is no good at all!”
Her mother would say, “You don’t know how to be grateful. Your parents gave you life, what more do you want? You’re a girl, all you need to know is east from west and which restroom is for men or women!”
Both her parents were high school graduates from the 1960s, yet Wen Qi and her two sisters were all illiterate. Her father was like a puppet, with no thoughts of his own. Her mother cared about nothing but playing mahjong every day. Then disaster struck without warning: her father’s death brought the whole family crashing down...
Wen Qi: I’ve never believed in true love, because I don’t deserve to be loved!
Zhang Yan: You just have to stay right where you are. Let me love and cherish you. I wasn’t part of your world before, but I’ll spend every day of your future by your side!
An older woman and younger man, married first and falling in love later.
I hope every child hurt by their family of origin can learn to heal. Love yourself well! Love yourself well! Love yourself well!
