By Xiao Wu, video by Zou Fei

Chongqing - “Not many people in the UK get married in their 20s. They prefer to do it in their 30s. That’s a little bit different than most people in China. I think people in China like to get married a little bit younger. For me, it’s good.” Said Mark Curtis Watson, who has already started a sweet family in Chongqing at the age of 26.

Two years ago, Mark came to Chongqing to teach English. “I’m from quite a small town. The big change was to move into a city with really tall buildings all around me. Also, I knew Chongqing was going to be hot when I came here. I thought I was going to try something crazy,” Mark described his first impressions of Chongqing. Mark enjoys teaching English to locals here. “People want to speak with me in English every day.” He was impressed by the people he met and their enthusiasm to learn the language. Mark graduated from Manchester University, majoring in music production. In Chongqing, he still gets the chance to keep his love for music alive. As a part-time job, Mark plays at bars and clubs and has gained a considerable number of fans in the city.

Mark's family

Mark met his wife Lina at a friend’s birthday party. Lina is a typical Chongqing girl, pretty and outgoing. “I wasn’t drinking alcohol, while everybody else was drinking. Maybe people thought I was a little boring. I ended up talking with Lina. She also invited me to her company’s party later.” Mark recalled the first encounter between his wife and him. Now he is already a proud father of an adorable 6-month-old baby girl.

“[Getting married] gives me more direction in life. A bit more responsibility. I have more motivation in life. For me, it’s good.” Said, Mark.