===

''I haven't given up life for religion or social humanity work,'' Wang Lian said. ''You talk about leading a balanced life—that's just what I am doing. You know very well where I stand in my career; you're aware of my performance''.

''I know, and that's what I mean—that if you did not get involved with these sort of activities, you can progress further still,'' Wang Shu said.

''I cannot progress anywhere else. If you think that I'll scale the Mount Everest of my profession by giving up all this, then you're mistaken''. He paused.

''Think about your future, about getting married. Who'll accept you if you have this sort of an approach to life?''

''I've thought about it, father. I don't want to get married''.

Wang Shu laughed out. ''That's childish! That's what they all say. You should remember your ―adventur,'' he said.