Dad came over, knocked on my door, and called out, "Xiaohe?"
"Come in," I said.
Dad pushed the door open, looking happy. "Stop writing. Your mom wants you to come out; your Elder Sister is back."
I put down my pen and said, "Alright then."
Once I was out, Mom was standing in front of the mirror wall, admiring her new scarf. I lowered my head and gave a soft, submissive "Mom." She acted like an empress dowager, telling me in a tone of condescending grace, "Juyan bought you a gift too. Go take a look."
"Oh."
I walked over to Elder Sister, said "Welcome back, Elder Sister," and sat down. Then I took the gift box she handed me.
The box was square and small, wrapped in gift paper, looking quite unremarkable. But when I opened it, there was actually a jade bangle inside!
Mom had been watching me open the gift in the mirror. Seeing the bangle, she immediately walked over and asked Elder Sister, "What is this? Why did she get a bangle? Did you mix up our gifts?"
Seeing the bangle, I had thought it was a mistake too.
At my age, who would wear such old-fashioned jade?
But as soon as Mom spoke, I immediately put the bangle on. I specifically held my arm up and said to my sister, "Look, Elder Sister, it’s not too big or too small—it’s perfect."
Mom sat down beside Elder Sister, took off the cashmere scarf from her neck, and kept urging her to ask Juyan if there had been a mistake.
Elder Sister clearly didn't know what Juyan had bought for us, because she looked a bit confused now. "It's not a mistake... He said the big box was for you, and the small one was for Xiaohe."
I glanced at the big scarf box, then at Mom’s hesitant expression, and felt a surge of secret satisfaction.
She definitely had her eye on the jade bangle.
Even though I didn't like jade, I wasn't about to give it to her.
Before Mom could say anything, I stood up and hurried to the kitchen. "Dad! Dad! Look! Brother Qi bought me such a beautiful bracelet!"
Dad was placing the freshly boiled dumplings on the table. He picked up my hand and looked. "My, this jade is truly exquisite. So green and translucent—it must have cost a fortune."
Then he said to Elder Sister, "Xiao Xun, tell Juyan not to buy such expensive things in the future. Last time he bought us cigarettes, alcohol, and pearls, and now jade for Xiaohe. You both work so hard; you should save your money instead of being so extravagant. You two haven't settled on a new place yet, have you? I must pay the down payment for you, so you must accept it when the time comes."
Elder Sister said, "No need, Dad. You and Mom should keep that money for Xiaohe. We earn enough; don't worry about us. Perhaps he felt bad for not bringing Xiaohe a gift last Christmas, so he used the New Year as an excuse."
Then, she said to me, "Sorry, Xiaohe. I was so busy buying New Year goods for the house that I forgot to get you a gift. I'll give you a red envelope tomorrow."
I felt quite embarrassed. My showing off the bangle like that felt as if I were pointing a finger at her: *Look, your boyfriend knows to buy me things, but you, my own sister, don't care about me at all.*
I truly didn't mean that, though. Just as I was about to say it wasn't necessary, Mom immediately seized the chance to stand up. "You're still just a child yourself, what kind of red envelope are you giving? Tomorrow, when we meet Juyan's family, his elders might give your sister pocket money, so you shouldn't give anything. Don't spend more than you earn; you have no planning at all..."
She only had affection for her "little calf"—Elder Sister. I didn't want to hear her go on, so I went into the kitchen to help carry the food.
While setting the chopsticks, I forgot I was wearing the bangle and knocked it against the glass table with a crisp *clink*.
I was terrified and quickly raised my hand to check it.
Whew, it was perfectly fine.
It would have been such a pity if I’d chipped it.
I was just about to take it off when Mom snapped at me, "Have you shown off enough? It’s almost time to eat, why are you still wearing that? You’re always so careless—I suppose you won't be happy until you break it! You just can't stand to see nice things, can you?"
Dad couldn't help but say, "Alright, alright. If the child likes it, let her wear it. She didn't break it, so stop nagging. It's the New Year; stop scolding the child."
Mom grumbled a few more times, finally satisfied, and let out a huff before falling silent.
Elder Sister patted my shoulder, sat down next to me, and whispered, "Xiaohe, Mom just has a sharp tongue. Don't take it to heart."
"Oh."
I looked down at the glistening bangle.
For a moment, I really wanted to jump off the balcony wearing it.
In the end, I didn't dare.
I dejectedly took it off, put it in my pocket, and picked up my chopsticks amidst the chorus of the Spring Festival Gala.
***
After what Mom said, the reunion dinner felt like a lump in my throat.
Fortunately, while watching the Gala, I saw the photos Yan Luo sent from America.
Most were street scenes: bustling roads, heavy traffic, beautiful skies, and neon lights that never dimmed.
There were also photos of Brother Qi’s new home and a group shot of the Yan Family Members.
I hadn't seen Brother Qi since he left to study abroad. In my memory, he was a gentle, shy, and unremarkable young man, but now, he looked completely different in the photos.
He was taller and more handsome. His bangs, which always hung over his eyes, were brushed back. He wore silver-rimmed glasses and a textured coat. He looked every bit the noble son of an "old money" family, making the goofy, peace-sign-flashing Yan Luo next to him look like the dim-witted son of a landlord.
Elder Sister leaned over when she saw them. "Is this Brother Qi? I haven't seen him since he went to America; I almost didn't recognize him."
I immediately flipped through the photos for her, my tone filled with pride. "Look, Elder Sister, isn't Brother Qi handsome now? He’s a doctor at a private hospital, and he even bought a house this year!"
"Mm, Brother Qi is truly a role model for us." Elder Sister saw the group photo of the Yan Family Members and asked, "Did the aunt and uncle go to America this year too?"
"Yeah." I felt very regretful mentioning it. "They said they’d take me along as long as I had a passport and visa, but..."
Elder Sister said, "You didn't get them done? That’s such a pity. I’ve never been to America. If you had gone, you could have seen a different cultural environment and broadened your horizons."
Mom immediately chimed in, "The Yan family was just being polite! A round-trip ticket costs over ten thousand—who would waste money on an outsider? Only she would be silly enough to take it seriously!"
Elder Sister also thought it unlikely the Yan family would spend that much on me, so she laughed it off and moved on.
Mom asked her where she planned to go for her honeymoon with Juyan.
Elder Sister said shyly, "Maybe Phuket."
Mom waved her hand in disapproval. "That place isn't very safe. You should just go to America and do a grand tour. Thinking about how you’ve only focused on studying all these years and never traveled, my heart aches. I feel like I've really shortchanged you. You go ahead and enjoy yourselves; Mom will sponsor you, and your Dad will chip in too."
Dad nodded. "That's right. Go wherever you want; don't worry about the money."
Elder Sister thanked Mom and Dad, while I stood there feeling sour bubbles of resentment rising in my heart.
Why was there no money when I needed my passport and visa, yet they’d sponsor Elder Sister’s honeymoon and tell her to "go wherever she wants"?
Mom even told them to go to America—wasn't that meant to provoke me?
My heart was filled with anger, and even the Gala seemed ugly now. I stood up and said, "I'm tired. I’m going back to my room to sleep."
Mom replied, "Fine, sleep then. Who asked you anyway?"
"..."
I bit my lip and walked toward my room.
Fine.
If you won't let me go abroad, I'll make you miserable.
I won't show up tomorrow!
Even if they beat me, I won't go!
Dad, seeing the situation take a turn, hurried after me. "Xiaohe! Xiaohe!"
He followed me into the room, lowered his voice, and said gently, "Xiaohe, your mom is just a proud woman who never yields in an argument. Dad knows you're hurt. It's the New Year—for mine and your Elder Sister’s sake, don't hold it against your mom. Just give in to her a little."
Hearing this, I pushed him out and slammed the door shut with a loud *bang*!
All day long, it’s always about her bad temper, "give in to her," "don't hold it against her."
Is it that people with good temperaments deserve to be bullied by those with bad ones?!
I won't give in! I won't! I...
***
Early the next morning, the house was bustling for Elder Sister's big event. Mom was criticizing Dad’s fashion sense, telling him which suit to wear with which tie, bossing him around.
I was awake, but I wouldn't get up.
Elder Sister knocked on the door, Dad knocked on the door, but I ignored them both.
The two pioneers retreated, and I assumed Mom, the fierce general, would be next to face me head-on. To my surprise, she just said lightly from outside, "If she won't come out, we don't need to take her. If Juyan’s family asks, just say she went to America on a trip with friends."
These words hit me like a bolt of lightning.
If my presence didn't matter, why did she stop me from going abroad?!
Was she that stingy about spending money on me? Did she hate seeing me do well?
I pushed the door open and rushed out, choking up as soon as I spoke. "You said I couldn't go to America because I had to be there for Elder Sister’s engagement, so why are you lying to them now? You’re a liar! You’re biased! I hate you! I despise you!"
Dad hurried forward to grab me, trying to stop me from speaking. I struggled and wailed, "Why are you holding me? She’s the one who’s wrong! I don't want to see you people anymore—you’re all bad people!"
Mom didn't come near me at all; she stood far away as if this had nothing to do with her.
She was dressed in her most expensive finery today, even wearing that string of Tiannv pearls.
She fixed her hair and makeup in the mirror wall and then called out to the bewildered Elder Sister, "Xiao Xun, grab your bag. We're leaving."
Elder Sister probably hadn't expected the conflict between Mom and me to be so sharp. She said somewhat reluctantly, "Mom, let’s bring Xiaohe. We can't leave her home alone..."
Mom said, "Bring her for what? Can't you see how she’s acting? Like everyone owes her something. If we take her out, who knows what kind of scene she’ll make in front of the Ju family? If she ruins her own reputation, that's one thing, but if she gives the Ju family a bad impression of you and our family, it will affect your marriage."
Elder Sister didn't want to be late, so she sighed, grabbed her handbag, and went to the foyer to put on her shoes.
Dad hadn't said a word, but just as Mom urged him to hurry, he suddenly said, "Xiao Xun, I’m sorry. I won’t be going today; I’ll stay home with your sister."
Before Elder Sister could say anything, Mom blew up. "You’re not going? This is Xiao Xun’s life event! If you don't go, how am I supposed to explain? What will they think of Xiao Xun?!"
Then she finally looked at me, gritting her teeth. "It's the New Year, and you have to make everyone miserable, don't you? You didn't get to go to America because you didn't test well—why are you taking it out on us? You hate me, right? Fine! From now on, I won't say another word to you. Do whatever you want! Xiao Xun! Let’s go!"
Then she glared at Dad. "And you! Xiao Xun is your daughter too! If you don't go today, I’ll divorce you!"
Dad fell silent for a moment, then finally looked at me, pleadingly. "Xiaohe, go wash your face and change your clothes. Come with us..."
Fine. Fine.
It always ends like this.
Every time, it turns into me being the unreasonable one.
But this time... they won't have it easy!
Doesn't Mom love Elder Sister? Doesn't she like this son-in-law?
I’ll make sure Elder Sister can't get married!
I shouted at the top of my lungs, "Juyan isn't a good person! He touched me!"
The moment the words left my mouth, the whole family went cold.
Mom’s eyes widened, her lips trembling. "You... you..."
Elder Sister stood there, frozen in astonishment.
Dad held my shoulders, his voice weak. "What you said... is it true? When... when did he..."
"Christmas! The first time he came to our house!"
I felt incredibly guilty saying this.
But looking at Mom’s devastated face, it felt better than anything...
***
Mom’s face turned deathly pale. Her body swayed, and she suddenly slumped into a chair. She looked at me, unable to speak, just gasping for air.
Elder Sister dropped her handbag without even realizing it. She walked over quickly and grabbed me, her eyes wide. "Xiaohe, you can't just blurt out things like that because you're angry at Mom... Christmas Day? How could that be? He was with us the whole time, and even at night, we were sleeping in the same bed! How would he have the chance? How could he possibly..."
"He did touch me." I pulled away from her, took two steps back, and looked at the three of them. "That night, you were sleeping very soundly, Elder Sister. He came in and you didn't even know. Not only did he touch me, he kissed me..."
"Lianhe!" Elder Sister suddenly screamed hysterically. "Do you dare take responsibility for what you’re saying right now?!"
I was startled by Elder Sister, who had never been angry before. My hands curled into fists unconsciously.
Whether it's true or not doesn't matter anymore.
My testimony is the only thing that matters.
As long as I insist Juyan touched me, then regardless of whether he did or not, he becomes a pervert who molested his sister-in-law.
Am I really going to frame Brother Juyan, who has been so good to Elder Sister, my parents, and me?
Last time I fought with Mom and ran out, he took off his own clothes to give to me and bought me medicine.
This time, he even bought me such an expensive New Year gift.
Am I really going to ruin his and Elder Sister’s bright future just because of a fit of anger toward Mom?
Can I really take responsibility for the consequences of these words?
In that moment of hesitation, Mom saw the flaw. She suddenly regained her strength, pushed past Elder Sister and Dad, rushed over, and slapped me so hard I hit the wall. Then she grabbed me and started a brutal barrage of blows!
"How could you be so vicious!"
"How can you spout such shameless lies!"
"Juyan is marrying Xiao Xun soon! He isn't blind—why would he be interested in you? How could you ever compare to your sister?"
"You're just jealous of Xiao Xun! You have to destroy her lifelong happiness!"
I exploded as well. While crying and screaming, I raised my arms to defend myself and fight back. "I'm not jealous of Elder Sister, I just purely hate you! You don't care about me at all; you only ever suppress and belittle me! You never take my grievances to heart! Yes, I am lying! I want to slander your perfect son-in-law! I want to make sure that every time you see him in the future, you remember what I said today! I want to plant a thorn in your hearts that you can never pull out!"
Mom and I were locked in a tug-of-war. Dad stepped in to pull us apart, while Elder Sister watched coldly from the side.
In the struggle, I tugged at Mom’s necklace. She felt it, clutched her neck, and backed away.
But it was too late.
With all my resentment and grievance, I pulled hard. The necklace snapped, and the pearls scattered in the air, falling onto the floor with a rhythmic clattering, bouncing everywhere.
Mom was left with only a few pearls and the broken chain in her hand.
She looked down at the pearls scattered all over the floor, then at the broken debris in her hand.
Then, she slowly looked up at me. The look of pure hatred—as if she wanted to grind me to dust—made me shudder.
Dad was stunned to see I’d broken her precious necklace. He finally snapped out of it, but just as he was about to speak, Mom dropped the broken chain on the ground, took a deep breath, and said to Dad, word by word:
"You don't need to go today. I’ll go with Xiao Xun alone. From this day forward, I consider myself to have no daughter named Lianhe."
***
With a loud *bang*, the front door was slammed shut. Mom and Elder Sister were gone.
The sound of fireworks could be heard from far and near, making the silence in the house even more deathly.
My hair was a mess from Mom’s beating, and I sat on the floor sobbing.
Dad pulled me up and wiped the tears from my face. His voice sounded like he was sleepwalking. "Xiaohe, tell Dad... did Juyan really bully you?"
"I don't know..." My tears kept falling. I shook my head blankly. "I don't know..."
All that remained in my mind were the things Mom had called me.
She called me vicious and shameless.
She said I couldn't compare to Elder Sister; she said I was jealous.
She didn't want me anymore...
Dad sent me back to my room. He didn't hit or scold me; he just smoothed out my hair and left, saying, "Calm down for a moment," before closing the door.
Then, he called Mom from outside. Because his voice was so low, I couldn't hear clearly, but I caught a few sentences.
"You must ask him."
"It can't just end like this."
"I believe Xiaohe."
"Until this is cleared up, I won't agree to this marriage."
After hanging up, he started sweeping up the pearls, then went to the kitchen to busy himself.
Before long, he came to knock on my door. His voice was back to normal. "Xiaohe, come out to eat. Dad made you milk tangyuan."
Hearing his words, my heart ached even more.
I had such a good father, so why was I always so obsessed with how Mom treated me?
If she preferred Elder Sister, let her prefer her. If I hadn't been greedy and demanding, things wouldn't have ended up this way.
I walked out. Dad wiped my face with a warm towel and led me to the table, handing me a spoon. "Eat."
I looked at the tangyuan and the poached egg in the bowl, and tears started streaming down again.
Dad sat beside me and wiped my tears away, his tone without a hint of blame. "Don't cry anymore. Eat some tangyuan first."
I forced myself to stop crying and asked him, "Dad, aren't you blaming me?"
Dad sighed. "If this is true, your mother and I will definitely pursue it to the end. If you just said it in the heat of the moment to make her angry... you will have to apologize to your Elder Sister and Juyan."
"...Mm."
I picked up the spoon and started eating the poached egg. Dad saw me eating too fast and couldn't help but say, "Eat slowly. Nobody is rushing you."
I paused, then put down the spoon. "I forgot Mom wasn't home."
Dad’s expression stiffened noticeably, then he lowered his head to eat his own bowl of tangyuan.
I noticed he kept sniffling, so I asked him, "Dad, are you crying?"
Dad looked up and smiled at me with red-rimmed eyes. "The tangyuan is too hot."
I said, "Then blow on it before you eat."
"Alright."
After finishing the tangyuan, I offered to wash the dishes. When I came back out, Dad shook the red envelope in his hand. "It's the first day of the New Year—did you forget something?"