Feng Qingxue d three yuan, and additionally contributed two yuan on behalf of Uncle Lu.
When she got married, her uncles, aunts, and elder cousins had all given her five yuan each, but she couldn’t outshine her elders in contribution.
Her parents had both passed away. Her two brothers, Feng Qinglei and Wind Qingyu, should have given their own gifts. But now only Feng Qinglei is giving one yuan, and there are people behind their back laughing at how they don’t know how to handle interpersonal relationships.
This is not a question of poverty, it is a lack of thoughtfulness.
Wang Fengqiao sighed, "Your brothers have no ambition at all!"
Feng Qingxue chose not to comment.
While the pair was deep in conversation, a handsome middle-aged man in his forties, tall and handsome, dressed in a neat, eighty percent-new, woolen Zhongshan suit, wearing Badaling shoes, a gemstone flower on his hand, and a pair of glasses on his nose, walked in. He dusted off the mud from his shoes and greeted Wang Fengqiao with a ’Miss’.
Feng Qingxue was unsure whether he was addressing Fengqiao as the youngest sister or as a lady of wealth. "Is it our fourth uncle who’s here? It is indeed a privilege to have your esteemed presence!" Wang Fengqiao replied, her tone indifferent.
Fourth Uncle? Wasn’t that her maternal uncle?
Wang Zhenguo had a total of seven siblings; from eldest to youngest they were: Wang Zhenguo himself, Feng Qingxue’s first aunt Wang Fengmei, second uncle Wang Zhengtao, third uncle Wang Zhenghai, Feng Qingxue’s mother Wang Fengying, young aunt Wang Fengqiao, and fourth uncle Wang Zhengjun.
"What are you talking about, this is my home too. It can’t possibly be a lowly place," said Wang Zhengjun with a chuckle, looking rather poised. Wang Fengqiao, however, did not bother to mince her words, "Oh my! Seems like you finally remembered your old home at Wanglou Brigade. Sadly, this is beneath your high and mighty position, it seems our humble abode is now unworthy of your esteemed visit!"
Having heard that his younger brother turned up, Wang Zhenguo promptly abandoned his guests to come inside. After hearing this conversation, he chastised his younger sister. "Fengqiao, watch your mouth!"
"Big brother!" Wang Fengqiao held her brother in high regard and she immediately closed her mouth at his admonishment.
Wang Zhenguo smiled at Wang Zhengjun, "Don’t take it to heart, our sister has always been quick with her tongue. Do you remember this girl with your sister? Xiao Xue, come, let me introduce you. This is your Fourth Uncle."
Feng Qingxue stepped forward and smiled politely, "Fourth Uncle."
Noticing the military coat on Feng Qingxue, Wang Zhengjun’s face showed a hint of confusion, "Big Brother, who is she?"
"Oh, you’ve never met her. This is your second sister’s daughter, Qingxue. She’s also married into our Wanglou Brigade." Wang Zhenguo introduced them to avoid any awkwardness in the future. Then he changed the subject, "It’s rare that you’re back. Let’s have a good drink at lunch today!"
He’d prepared liquor for the banquet, albeit cheap local wine, which was nothing compared to the Moutai wine served during Lu Jiang’s wedding.
Wang Zhengjun agreed, "Let’s listen to our eldest brother!"
Wang Zhenguo made a gesture inviting him to come outside, while Wang Zhengjun, dusting non-existing snowflakes off his suit, strode ahead with his head held high, much to Wang Fengqiao’s irritation. She was almost compelled to confront him.
Coming to one’s brother’s house for a celebratory feast, who behaves and walks ahead of the host?
Working in the city for a few years doesn’t make you so important.
"Little aunt, don’t be angry, look, big uncle didn’t express any annoyance." Wang Zhenguo scolded his little sister but was polite and hospitable to Fourth Uncle, as if he were hosting guests. Such is kinship; he prioritizes reprimanding his sister, probably out of fear that she’ll be reviled by Fourth Uncle. After all, better offend a gentleman than a villain.
Upon hearing this, Wang Fengqiao dropped her anger.