This New Year, compared to last year’s 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 — 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 come. What’s the point? Weiqiu’s marriage has been dragging on. Once people hear she wants to marry with her widowed mother, they immediately 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 some 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 come home 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 commented.
"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 come 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 same, but that’s just empty words — it’s not the same 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 me..." Mother Qi glared, seeing her signaling with intense eye motions, then glanced at Cheng Su, whose face had darkened, and awkwardly shut up.
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