At lunch, we passed on gossip as usual. I told my colleagues a story about one of my high school classmate. K was brilliant and always top student in class. She got her master degree in Qinghua and went to Caltech to pursue her Doctor Degree. However two years later, when everyone was waiting for her next shot, she dropped school with high performance, got married, and settled down as a stay-at-home wife. I know I should respect her decision, but I couldn't help but thinking: what a waste! However, Jeffrey disagreed, and he said with great sincerity: “I think she made a very smart decision.” “But how?” I stared at him in confusion. Jeffrey is the least person I expect to react this way. As an expert in engineering, he knows how hard it must be to achieve what K has gained, and how impossible to drop it half-way.

“You see, a successful woman usually ended up badly in marriage. Look at those females in power, you would know.”

I bit the inside of my lip to hold back any rejoinders. That particular subject might get into some unpleasant waters. Besides, part of his words is true. Especially in our company, only several females managed to crack in the glass ceil and stepped into the power. However, none of them are successful in marriage—either divorced or remained single at some unpleasant age.  In public eyes, they are not as successful as those girls who married themselves off to the men with deep pockets. They drove BMW, minicooper or Mercedes to the office, doing some reception job. Although their salary is not enough to pay the Gucci bag they've carried, they are still seen as role model for many others. Their chic appearance plus their connections alone are enough to make them valuable in the company.  Sounds sad? Then Welcome to the real world. 

I have no intentions to climb up the company ladder and by no means would I sacrifice my family to my career. However, I still feel upset as if a cold hand squeezed my heart while this realization crept in: Despite all the talks of equality, there is really no fair game exist.