Paper Ring

When a couple enters into marriage, they begin to grope their position in the family.
Using the Mid-Autumn Festival as the occasion for a marriage proposal, Nai presents mooncakes that his mother rarely buys, but Jingyiu's family has access to even better mooncakes. Nai also brings a homemade wine made by his father, but Jingyiu's family assumes it is a cheap knock-off. Jingyiu's family intentionally tests Nai's abilities by serving seafood, but when the seafood is brought to the table, Jingyiu's mother refuses to eat it and opts for pre-made food from the refrigerator.
Seemingly, Jingyiu and her mother argue over the issue of being raised in a single-parent household. However, regardless of whether Nai is from a single parent or whether Jingyiu's mother is similarly affected by growing up in a single-parent family, these arguments are merely excuses that parents deliberately use to reject this young man. Behind the problem lies the fact that the parents look down on Nai's background and abilities. Jingyiu's mother's obsession with cleanliness in the household is also a form of mental cleanliness regarding family values, which instinctively resists Nai as a potential partner. Therefore, Jingyiu confronts her mother, asking, "Why is it that even though you and him both come from single-parent households, your single parent status is seen as acceptable while his is seen as problematic?" Jingyiu deeply understands her parents' mindset, which is why she did not mention him to her parents until Nai is admitted to postgraduate school.
Faced with the pressure from their families, this couple can only immerse themselves in an idealized emotional realm. A promise, a ring made of paper, a paper ring transformed into a real one, and finally, a photo of the perplexed couple—these are all reasons they find to continue on their uncertain journey of marriage.