By Chen Xiaolai

Grandma’s View on Woman

By Chen Xiaolai

M y grandma,Mao Junru,believesthatabeautiful woman should meet three conditions,and then a man would like to marry her.

Firstly,theeyebrowsandeyes should keep flat.When talking to people,a woman should listen to the other attentively,with eyes looking into people’seyes,oreyebrowskeeping downward.It is impolite to raise eyebrows or moving eyes back and forth.

Secondly,thenoseshouldbe straight.As the highest curve on the face,the nose of a woman should be straight rather than flat or swelling. The nostril should not be upturned; otherwise it will look like a pig nose with scallion.

Thirdly,the teeth should be white and well-arranged with uniform size. The upper lip should be thinner than the lower lip.Smile without showing the teeth.

The three features resemble the shape of I.The horizontal line on the top refers to morality.Looking around during talking means that this woman is calculating and the husband should be careful.The vertical line in the middle refers to intelligence and ability.Upright nasal bridge means that she is assertive,and is capable of balancing the relationshipwithsisters-in-lawand managing family finance.The husband will be free of worries.Well-arranged white teeth mean that she is good at keeping secrets,and symbolize health and beauty.It’s pleasing to the husband’s eyes.In addition,tooth is an important tool for good appetite.Without healthy teeth,she will not be in good health,let alone the foul breath.

(FromXiaolai’s World,New World Press.Translation:Li Li)