This New Year, compared to last yearâs somewhat quiet family reunion dinner, everyone from the hometown came this year. Except for Qi Taiguo, who was on holiday duty, everyone was present. After a lively meal, 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 meaningful; this is how New Year should be â the whole family watching the gala, making dumplings, chatting about everyday matters. Thatâs New Year.
Mother Qi talked the most, gossiping about the village, moving from one household to another, then talking about Auntâs family.
"...That heartless Weixia is really cruel. Itâs already New Year, yet thereâs no news, no money sent back, and he hasnât even come. Whatâs the point? Weiqiuâs marriage has been dragging on. Once people hear she wants to marry with her widowed mother, they immediately back away and shake their heads. Thatâs how it is â who wants to marry both mother and daughter? Those willing to are either widowers with children or have some minor disability, which Weiqiu doesnât 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, itâs been so long. If Weixia would just come home for the sake of Weiqiu, aunt would be happy no matter what. Or are we going to let the girl wait until sheâs an old maid?" Qi Fenglian commented.
"Thatâs why having a son is a must. Itâs 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 come and see you every day? Will her in-laws be happy?" Mother Qi said: "Setting aside everything else, just look at your auntâs case â itâs 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 same, but thatâs just empty words â itâs not the same at all! Just look at your aunt!" Mother Qi scoffed: "You must have sons."
Qi Fengping noticed Cheng Suâs displeased look and discreetly kicked Mother Qi under the table.
"You nasty girl, kicking me..." 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 moment, someone 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? Arenât you just pressuring people?"
"Iâm just speaking about things as they are!" Mother Qi retorted.
"Then keep it simple. People might think youâre talking about them!" Qi Fengping replied.
"Yes, Mom, donât 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 isnât as precious."
Cheng Su greeted the newcomer while everyone stopped talking. The visitor was Qiumei from upstairs, Platoon Leader Luâs wife, who brought her child down to watch TV!
Qiumei 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 same floor who didnât want to miss out. Chunhua and Hualing went home for the New Year; otherwise, it would be even livelier.
The small apartment of dozens of square meters was filled with the sound of television, the laughter of children, and adults and wives wrapping dumplings and chatting. Bustling yet cozy.