The Formula for Wearing a Skirt

Old Chen's greatest pleasure after retirement was not enjoying his grandchildren, but researching "dressing formulas." He firmly believed that everything in the world had its own rules, and dressing was no exception. Ever since he saw the "perfect pairing formula for skirts and shoes" on a short video platform, Old Chen had become obsessed.

The formula stated that an A-line skirt paired with white sneakers was a symbol of youth; a pleated skirt with Mary Jane shoes was the epitome of elegance. Old Chen memorized these formulas by heart and even made them into exquisite cards, which he stuck all over the walls of his house.

Old Chen's daughter, Xiaofang, scoffed at this. She believed that clothing was a matter of personal freedom and preference, and that there was no such thing as a formula. But Old Chen retorted, "What do you know? This is science! If you don't follow the formula, you're just dressing haphazardly and have no taste!"

Xiaofang was too lazy to argue with him and just assumed he was suffering from senile dementia.

One day, Xiaofang's company organized a team-building activity with a "retro" theme. Xiaofang rummaged through her wardrobe and found a long-forgotten floral dress, paired with a pair of old-fashioned high-heeled leather shoes. She spun around in front of the mirror, feeling pretty good about it, and then left.

Just as she reached the bottom of her company's building, she saw Old Chen, holding his "formula cards," stopping her like he was catching a spy. "Xiaofang, these skirt and shoes are not right! There's no such combination in the formula. You'll be laughed at for wearing them like this!"

Xiaofang sighed, "Dad, this is a retro style. It's supposed to be different. Why don't you understand?"

"No, no! Retro style also has its formulas! Look, this floral dress should be paired with... what should it be paired with?" Old Chen flipped through his cards, unable to find a shoe that matched the floral dress.

Looking at Old Chen's anxious expression, Xiaofang suddenly felt a bit amused and a bit sad. She knew that Old Chen wasn't really concerned about dress-up formulas. He was just trying to find some sense of control and certainty in his retired life.

Xiaofang had an idea and said with a smile, "Dad, how about this? I'll dress according to your formulas today, but you have to listen to me. Whatever I wear, you wear."

Old Chen perked up immediately, "Okay! You said it!"

Xiaofang pulled out a large sports T-shirt and a pair of dark blue denim shorts from her wardrobe. Old Chen looked puzzled, but he obediently put them on. Then, Xiaofang pointed at her high-heeled leather shoes and said, "Dad, put these on!"

Old Chen's eyes widened, and he pointed at his feet, "Me? Wear high heels?"

Xiaofang smiled and nodded, "That's right. The formula says, be bold and break through yourself."

Old Chen hesitated for a moment but still put on the high heels. He stumbled a few steps and almost fell. Xiaofang quickly helped him.

"Dad, how do you feel?" Xiaofang asked, trying not to laugh.

Old Chen's face turned red. He looked down at the high heels on his feet and then at his sports T-shirt and shorts. He suddenly burst into laughter, "This... this is too absurd! It turns out the formula isn't omnipotent!"

That day, Xiaofang and Old Chen attended the company's team-building event in "non-formula" outfits. Old Chen wobbled as he walked in high heels, causing everyone to burst into laughter. But he laughed more happily than anyone else.

After the team-building ended, Old Chen tore off all the formula cards from the walls. He said to Xiaofang, "Girl, I'll never believe in any formulas again. I'll just wear what I like."

Xiaofang smiled and nodded. But she knew in her heart that although Old Chen might no longer be obsessed with dress-up formulas, he would surely continue to find his rules, his order, in other areas. Just like this world, which seems absurd but is filled with established "formulas," where people struggle but cannot escape.