The Sacred Contract

Perhaps every father felt a measure of displeasure when he saw the first man his daughter brought home. Zhang Tie could tell that Beverly's father was somewhat displeased with him, though he had kept it under control—at least until dinner was over.

After dinner, Beverly and her mother went to the kitchen to clean up, leaving the living room to Zhang Tie and her father. Before entering the kitchen, Beverly gave Zhang Tie a worried look. Zhang Tie answered her with a reassuring smile.

"Beni has mentioned you at home before. I can tell she likes you very much." Behind thick crystal spectacles, Beverly's father scrutinized Zhang Tie's expensive outfit with a critical, complicated gaze, as though examining a balance sheet with impressive figures. Accountants' exacting eyes often saw beyond appearances, focusing instead on the internal, crucial logic tying things together. "I know what rich people's lives are like. The clothes you're wearing now may be worth several years of my salary. I also know how rich people treat women. I only want to ask you one question: do you intend to marry my daughter someday?"

The moment that question was asked, before Zhang Tie could answer, a loud clang... came from the kitchen—the sound of a metal plate falling to the floor.

Beverly's home was not very large, just three bedrooms and a living room, less than a hundred square meters. Her father had not lowered his voice. The reason he had not asked the question directly at the dinner table, in front of everyone, was probably because he did not want to embarrass Beverly too much. Asking now spared her that embarrassment while also letting her hear what Zhang Tie truly thought.

Zhang Tie had not expected Beverly's father to open with such a sharp question. He understood