Đang tải thông tin quảng bá...
Called a Failure at the Family Gathering, I Turned the Tables with Just One Line
NovelShort
Hoàn thành
As graduation neared, I got a job offer from a big company in Akso City. The salary was $70,000 a year and my parents were thrilled. I knew how my relatives were, so I kept telling them not to tell an...
Chương (6)
第1章
As graduation neared, I got a job offer from a big company in Akso City. The salary was $70,000 a year and my parents were thrilled.
I knew how my relatives were, so I kept telling them not to tell anyone. They agreed right away. But at a dinner party, my aunt, who always looked down on my family, purposely asked about my plans after graduation.
My father couldn’t hold back and told her. Right away, the relatives started criticizing me, their faces filled with disdain.
“Why didn’t you take the civil service exam or go for a master’s degree?”
“Exactly! What’s the point of a high salary? A stable job is better!”
“You worked so hard to support your son through college and he still went to work in another city! What a failure!”
“All those years of study were wasted! He’s not even as good as my daughter. She went to vocational school right after junior high!”
I sighed to myself. I knew this would happen. I finished my beer in one gulp and stood up.
“Aunt Virginia, if I’m not wrong, my cousin graduated over five years ago. He should’ve passed the civil service exam by now, right?”
“Aunt Madison, my cousin finished vocational school and now makes at least $1,400 a month, right?”
The table went quiet as soon as I finished.
——
Seeing my aunts’ unhappy faces, I lifted an eyebrow. They had mocked my family plenty over the years.
Seven years ago, my family bought a local car. My parents had saved for a long time before deciding. They were really happy when they picked it up and even posted a photo on WhatsApp.
My aunt quickly commented: [Oh no, I’ve heard of that cheap brand. It gets rusty in two years, uses too much fuel and breaks easily. My family bought a Toyota last year. It was pricey but classy. I don’t know why you would buy a local car.]
My dad looked at his phone, wanting to type something, but in the end, he didn’t reply. Five years ago, on my mom’s birthday, my dad used his savings to buy her a coat that cost over $112.
When Madison came over and saw it, she picked up the hem, touched it and sneered, “Sister-in-law, this fabric is so plain. I’ve never even heard of the brand. My daughter bought me a cashmere coat last month and even with a discount, it still cost $394.”
My mom quickly put the coat away in the closet and never wore it again. Last year, when we renovated the house, my parents chose good-quality, affordable local tiles.
When Virginia heard about it, she came over and tapped the floor with her heel. “These tiles crack easily. We use imported ones; one tile from ours could cover several square meters of your house.”
As she turned to leave, her handbag “accidentally” hit a metal bucket in the corner, spilling white paint all over the floor.
She just said, “Why leave things lying around like this? It looks like a dump.” Then she wiped her shoe with a tissue and left.
My father quietly crouched down and slowly cleaned it up with a small shovel. I once confronted them about it.
Why did they say such hurtful things? Why did we always have to endure it? My parents immediately started lecturing me.
“They’re family. We see them all the time.”
“That’s just how they are. Their words are harsh, but they don’t mean any harm.”
“What do you know, kid? Don’t meddle in adults’ business!”
I used to put up with it, too. But today, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. The frustration I’d bottled up for years was finally boiling over.
Just then, Virginia finally spoke. “Actually, my son passed the exam this year and got a job at the city’s finance bureau; it’s a top place!” She lifted her chin, looking very proud.
Madison quickly jumped in, talking fast as if she didn’t want anyone to cut her off.
第2章
“What a joke! My daughter makes over $1,400 a month. She even bought a white Mercedes this month. For her, that’s just half a year’s salary; no big deal.”
I laughed and said, “Aunt Virginia, the interview list for this year’s provincial civil service exam came out two days ago. I checked it; there’s no one with a surname Gildon listed for any job in the city’s Finance Bureau. My cousin’s name isn’t there at all… unless he changed his last name.”
The table went silent. Virginia’s face turned red, then pale.
I looked at Madison and said, “Aunt Madison, that white Mercedes my cousin showed on WhatsApp; was it an A180? Last month, my classmate and I saw the same model at a used car market. It was nine years old with 170,000 kilometers, priced at $2,500 and still negotiable. So that’s what counts as half a year’s salary for my cousin. That’s quite high.”
Madison’s teacup clattered onto the saucer, splashing tea all over the table. A few seconds later, Virginia jumped up and pointed a finger close to my face. “What nonsense are you talking about? My son passed the written exam, but the interview list isn’t out yet. What do you know?”
Madison slapped the table, spilling even more tea. “Exactly! What my daughter buys is none of your business! It’s a Mercedes-Benz, a luxury car! How could it cost only $2,500? That’s cheaper than a minivan! You’re just a college student who hasn’t even graduated. What do you know about cars? You’re just jealous!”
The other relatives started talking loudly all at once, like a buzzing hive.
“How can he talk like that…”
“College has made him arrogant. He even dares to talk back to elders now.”
“He’s got such a sharp tongue.”
“Yeah, Virginia and Madison used to spoil him.”
“Young people these days have no respect for elders…”
I waited for them to quiet down, then said, “Aunt Virginia, the civil service interview list is public. The Finance Bureau section shows all the names and exam numbers. If you don’t believe me, I can send the official link to the group. We can all check whether my cousin’s name is there.”
Virginia’s face went from red to pale and she said nothing. I then turned to Madison.
“Aunt Madison, the sale record for that Mercedes A180 is on several sites. The latest transfer was on the 15th and it sold for $2,300. I even have the dealer’s number. We can call and ask if my cousin was the buyer.”
Madison’s chest rose and fell quickly as she pointed at me, stuttering “You… you…” but couldn’t finish a sentence.
A usually quiet uncle frowned and said, “Tristan, even if you’re right, you shouldn’t talk to your elders that way. Your parents are here. It’s disrespectful.”
I looked at him calmly and said, “Uncle, respect goes both ways. When they mocked my parents and me in front of everyone, were they being respectful?”
The table went silent again. My dad, who had been quiet, suddenly shouted, “Enough! Just because you got a job doesn’t mean you can talk to your aunts like that! Show some respect for your elders!”
My mom tugged my sleeve, pleading, “Tristan, say less. Apologize quickly and it’ll be over.”
第3章
In the past, I’d usually stay quiet in situations like this. But this time, I didn’t. I turned to my parents, speaking clearly but calmly.
“Mom, I’ve respected them for years, but respect isn’t one-sided. They’ve humiliated our family repeatedly and every time you told me to endure it for harmony, does that mean they can trample on us and we have to smile? Seven years ago, when we bought a car, you were happy, but one comment from Aunt Virginia made you sulk for days. Five years ago, Dad gave you a coat and after Aunt Madison’s sarcastic remarks, you never wore it. Last year, during renovations, Aunt Virginia spilled paint and didn’t apologize, leaving Dad cleaning for ages, almost unable to stand straight. Have you forgotten all this?”
My dad started to speak. My mom’s eyes turned a little red and she looked away.
Virginia sneered sharply, “Fine! Everything we say is wrong. Now that your son is successful, we’re not even allowed to speak?”
Madison said sarcastically while packing, “Yes, we’re poor relatives and can’t keep up with you. If your standards are too high, we won’t come again!”
They both stood up, chairs scraping loudly. Virginia went to the door, then forced a smile at my parents. “Brother, sister-in-law, you’ve raised a great son. So capable. Our useless son can’t compare at all.”
Madison snorted, “We’ll rely on your son to bring honor to the family. We’ll just stay out of the way.”
No one stopped them. They slammed the door and left. The others in the room looked at each other in silence.
The happy gathering ended in chaos. After the relatives left, my dad closed the door, turned to me with a pale face and said, “You brat, you think you’re grown up? You embarrassed Virginia and Madison in front of everyone! How are we supposed to face our relatives now?”
My mom sat on the sofa, eyes red and voice shaking with tears. “Tristan, what have we taught you? No matter how harsh elders are, you can’t talk back! Now look, this could ruin our family ties!”
I stood straight and said, “Dad, Mom, you know how Aunt Virginia and Aunt Madison have treated us. They mocked us when we bought a car, complained about Mom’s birthday coat and even interfered during renovations. When have they ever respected us?”
“That doesn’t give you the right to be so disrespectful!” My dad slammed the table. “No matter what, they’re still your elders! Has all your education gone to waste?”
“Books didn’t teach me to just endure humiliation,” I said calmly. “Real relatives don’t constantly mock you; they only wish you well. Aunts like Virginia and Madison only humiliate us. Cutting ties isn’t a loss.”
“You… you’re talking nonsense!” my dad shouted, shaking with anger as he yanked off his belt. “I’ll beat you today, you unfilial son!”
第4章
My mom hurried over and grabbed his arm. “Honey, don’t hit him! Tristan is still young and doesn’t understand…”
“He’s over twenty and about to start working. Still a child, you say?” My dad cursed, but my mom stopped him, so the belt didn’t hit me.
That night, I went to my room and my phone kept buzzing. I checked it and saw the “Loving Family” WhatsApp group was full of messages.
Virginia was the first to comment: [Wow, the Gildon Family has a big shot now! He’s going to Akso City and becoming a big boss, amazing!]
Madison added: [We poor relatives won’t even try to associate with him now, or people might think we’re jealous.]
[He doesn’t respect us elders anymore! His words are getting harsher; how can we say anything now?]
[Yes, I’ll never attend family gatherings again, so I won’t get in his way.]
An uncle said: [Tristan used to be so honest. How did he become so sharp-tongued after going to university?]
Virginia replied: [He got a job, so he’s become arrogant. He doesn’t respect his parents, let alone us!]
Madison added: [My eldest brother and sister-in-law are the same. They don’t even correct their rude child. He’s going to be a real problem!]
I stared at the messages on the screen, my fingers turning cold. But the reply that hurt me most was my father’s.
[I’m sorry, everyone. The child is still young and doesn’t understand. I apologize for him! He had a few drinks and spoke without thinking. Please don’t take it to heart. I’ll bring him to apologize in person another day!]
The more humble he acted, the more arrogant my aunts and uncles became.
[No, we can’t accept such a generous gesture.]
[Exactly, what if he says something wrong and embarrasses us in public? How will we save face then?]
[By the way, brother, are the things your son said—the exam list and the used car record—true?]
I couldn’t take it anymore. I sent screenshots of the evidence I had ready to the group chat. Instantly, the chat went silent; all the relatives who had been talking just moments ago were quiet.
Virginia commented: [You… you must have faked this screenshot!]
Madison added: [Tristan, you’ve crossed the line!]
As I was about to type, a notification appeared: [You have been removed from the ‘Loving Family’ group chat by the owner!]
I stared at my phone in shock for a few seconds, then laughed bitterly and threw it onto the bed.
A while later, my mom opened the door, eyes still red. “Tristan, your dad was just angry and didn’t want you to say anything wrong, so he removed you from the group chat… Don’t blame him.”
“Mom, I don’t blame Dad,” I said, shaking my head. “But I don’t think I did anything wrong, either.”
She sighed and sat beside my bed. “Actually… I remember everything you said. I haven’t forgotten.”
I asked, “Then why did you keep tolerating it?”
“It’s just a habit,” she said softly. “We always think it’s wrong for relatives to fight. It’s bad for them and for us.” She paused, then gently patted my hand. “Go to bed early.”
After my mom left, I picked up my phone and looked at the family group chat I could never rejoin, but I didn’t feel sad about it.
Instead, I felt a strange relief. Maybe this was part of growing up, seeing some people clearly, leaving others behind and moving forward freely toward your own life.
第5章
Outside my door, I heard my father pacing in the living room, his steps heavy and restless. This time, I didn’t go out to comfort him as I usually did. Some boundaries, once set, are hard to erase. Some truths, once said, are hard to take back.
The next few days were quiet. But I knew Virginia and Madison wouldn’t let it go easily, so I prepared in advance.
Sure enough, on the day I got my graduation certificate, a big group of relatives came to the door.
Virginia led the way, followed by Madison, my cousin, my older cousin and several distant uncles and aunts who liked to join in. The large group crowded into my living room, making the spacious room feel cramped.
My mother quickly went to pour tea, while my father stood in the middle of the room, his face showing clear unease and anxiety.
“Brother, sister-in-law,” Virginia spoke first, loudly as if the neighbors needed to hear. “We’re here just to demand an explanation! Look, this is my son from the Finance Bureau! His official employment notice just came out!”
She held up a piece of paper, almost pushing it into my dad’s face. “Last time, your Tristan slandered him, saying he failed the exam. This can’t go unchallenged!”
Several relatives leaned in to look, clicking their tongues in disapproval. Madison immediately spoke up, just as loudly as Virginia. “And our daughter! Look at that, a brand-new Mercedes, an E300!”
She pointed downstairs at a white Mercedes, shining in the sunlight. “Last time, Tristan said it was a beat-up used car worth $2,500. That’s nonsense! We need an explanation today!”
My cousin stood to the side with her arms crossed, face blank but eyes showing slight condescension. The other relatives started whispering among themselves.
“Exactly, Tristan’s words were really hurtful last time.”
“How could he speak about his own family like that?”
“Virginia and Madison are elders who raised him and he didn’t respect them at all.”
“This bad influence can’t continue; they need to be properly taught.”
“Too much studying makes people arrogant; they don’t even understand basic respect for elders.”
“If this isn’t resolved today, we can’t remain relatives.”
Their voices from the slightly open doors and windows drew neighbors, who peeked into the hallway and whispered to each other.
My parents grew more embarrassed. My father kept bowing. “I’m so sorry, everyone. The boy is young and doesn’t understand…”
My mother, holding a cup of tea with trembling hands, pleaded, “Virginia, Madison, have some tea and calm down. Tristan knows he was wrong…”
第6章
“Knows he was wrong?” Virginia snapped, almost spitting. “If he knows, he should leave and apologize to us and his cousins in person! Admit he slandered us last time and spread rumors!”
Madison nodded eagerly, her fingers tapping the coffee table. “Yes! He must apologize publicly and explain! Otherwise, people will think my daughter drives a junk car and we can’t have that!”
“Apologize!”
“He must apologize!”
“Hurry up, act like a man and take responsibility!”
The relatives cheered louder and louder, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
My dad’s temple throbbed. He turned to my bedroom door, trying to control his anger. “You brat! Come out and apologize properly to your aunts and cousins!”
My mom looked toward my room, her eyes anxious and helpless. Amid the noise and stares, I opened my door and stepped out. Everyone’s eyes immediately turned to me.
Virginia and Madison’s eyes were sharp, full of smugness and provocation. My cousin held his head high and my older cousin sneered in disdain.
The other relatives held their breath, expecting me to bow and admit defeat. I walked to the center of the living room, looking over their red, upset faces.
Calmly, I took my phone from my pocket, swiped a few times and found a contact. I looked up and spoke calmly.
“Aunt Virginia, Aunt Madison,” I paused, “I’m asking one last time. Do you really want me to apologize here in public?”
Virginia, angry at my attitude, spoke even more sharply. “Nonsense! Of course, you must apologize! Weren’t you so capable last time, so good at investigating? Now the truth is out! What do you say?”
Madison’s tone was just as harsh. “What? You’re scared? In front of all these relatives and neighbors, take back the lies you spread last time! You must apologize today, whether you like it or not!”
“Yes! You must apologize!”
“Come on, don’t waste time!”
“The evidence is right here; still going to deny it?”
The relatives grew restless again, constantly urging and accusing me. The neighbors outside the door talked even louder.
My parents closed their eyes, looking humiliated and helpless. I looked at Virginia and Madison, confident and relentless.
I smiled and typed, “Okay!”