First Marriage

In 1987, 22-year-old Qian Xiwen kept striking out on blind dates. Raised by her grandmother from childhood, she had vowed that she would take her grandmother with her and care for her after marriage. Then Yan Ru, her former middle school classmate, offered to introduce her to her two older brothers. At their meeting, the elder brother, Yan Hu, was steady and quiet, while the younger, Yan Jia, was cheerful and talkative. Qian Xiwen was initially drawn to the younger brother, but Yan Ru honestly warned her that he was stubborn, while her elder brother Yan Hu was dependable and the sort of man who would share responsibility. Xiwen came to her senses and asked Yan Hu outright whether he was willing to help care for her grandmother. He solemnly promised, "Your grandmother will be my responsibility too." His words made her decide to marry him without hesitation.

After the wedding, Yan Hu quietly brought her grandmother to live with them and cared for her sincerely, as if she were his own grandmother. They stayed in the village, leased fish ponds, and raised pigs, gradually building a comfortable life. Yan Hu kept his promise through his actions, her grandmother enjoyed a peaceful retirement, and their family lived in harmony. Looking back years later, Xiwen knew that her choice, founded on responsibility and commitment, had given both her and her grandmother the most secure happiness.