This New Year, compared to last year’s sowhat quiet family reunion dinner, everyone from the hotown ca this year. Except for Qi Taiguo, who was on holiday duty, everyone was present. After a lively al, we gathered around the television to watch the gala and made dumplings to ring in the New Year.
The room was bustling, and Cheng Su wore a wide smile. This is what makes it aningful; this is how New Year should be — the whole family watching the gala, making dumplings, chatting about everyday matters. That’s New Year.
Mother Qi talked the most, gossiping about the village, moving from one household to another, then talking about Aunt’s family.
"...That heartless Weixia is really cruel. It’s already New Year, yet there’s no news, no money sent back, and he hasn’t even co. What’s the point? Weiqiu’s marriage has been dragging on. Once people hear she wants to marry with her widowed mother, they imdiately back away and shake their heads. That’s how it is — who wants to marry both mother and daughter? Those willing to are either widowers with children or have so minor disability, which Weiqiu doesn’t want. Your aunt calls almost every day, crying and wailing. Sigh." Mother Qi shook her head, sighing, as her hands quickly wrapped the dumplings.
"Actually, it’s been so long. If Weixia would just co ho for the sake of Weiqiu, aunt would be happy no matter what. Or are we going to let the girl wait until she’s an old maid?" Qi Fenglian comnted.
"That’s why having a son is a must. It’s not that daughters are bad, but for taking care of you in your old age, you still rely on sons. When daughters grow up, they belong to other families. If you fall sick, no matter how much your daughter cares, can she co and see you every day? Will her in-laws be happy?" Mother Qi said: "Setting aside everything else, just look at your aunt’s case — it’s a typical example. If Weixia were around, carrying the responsibilities of a son, would it be hard for Weiqiu to get married?"
Qi Fenglian, being a married-out daughter herself, listened with slight awkwardness.
"Now the country advocates that having children of any gender is the sa, but that’s just empty words — it’s not the sa at all! Just look at your aunt!" Mother Qi scoffed: "You must have sons."
Qi Fengping noticed Cheng Su’s displeased look and discreetly kicked Mother Qi under the table.
"You nasty girl, kicking ..." Mother Qi glared, seeing her signaling with intense eye motions, then glanced at Cheng Su, whose face had darkened, and awkwardly shut up.
"Is Sister-in-law Qi here?"
At this mont, soone called from the doorway, and Cheng Su threw down the dumpling skin in her hand and walked out.
Qi Fengping quickly whispered: "Mom, how can you say such things in front of her? Aren’t you just pressuring people?"
"I’m just speaking about things as they are!" Mother Qi retorted.
"Then keep it simple. People might think you’re talking about them!" Qi Fengping replied.
"Yes, Mom, don’t talk about these things in front of her anymore. If the child hears, they might take offense!" Qi Fenglian also advised.
Mother Qi opened her mouth but defiantly said: "I see, you all side with her; even the queen isn’t as precious."
Cheng Su greeted the newcor while everyone stopped talking. The visitor was Qiui from upstairs, Platoon Leader Lu’s wife, who brought her child down to watch TV!
Qiui exchanged a few pleasantries, let her son play with Baobao, washed her hands, and joined in making dumplings.
Soon after, Guiying arrived, carrying her son, followed by two wives from the sa floor who didn’t want to miss out. Chunhua and Hualing went ho for the New Year; otherwise, it would be even livelier.
The small apartnt of dozens of square ters was filled with the sound of television, the laughter of children, and adults and wives wrapping dumplings and chatting. Bustling yet cozy.
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