Xiaoxiao and Yang Ming also followed them outside. Xiaoxiao’s mother said with concern, "You two rest in the room. If you want to eat something, I’ll bring it to you later."
Xiaoxiao and Yang Ming exchanged glances, seemingly understanding each other’s thoughts. It was the first time their parental homes were meeting, and if something wrong was said and a fight started, how could they not be there?
"Mom, we need to go. Isn’t this banquet arranged to celebrate my waking up? There’s no reason for me not to go. Besides, we’ll just sit there, not do any work."
Upon hearing this, Xiaoxiao’s mother realized this was reasonable and then agreed, "Alright then."
The banquet was set up in the courtyard, with relatives’ tables for men and others for women. Xiaoxiao, her parents, her older brother’s family, and Yang Ming’s parents all sat at one table.
Yang Ming’s father and his family, learning that the banquet was arranged by Xiaoxiao’s uncle, were internally stirred. They all knew Xiaoxiao was the favorite at home, but they hadn’t realized she was favored to this extent—that her uncle had even slaughtered a pig for the celebration.
After everyone was seated, the banquet began, and both families eagerly drank and ate since they had been too upset to eat much over Xiaoxiao’s incident.
Now they were all in high spirits and chatted joyfully. Xiaoxiao had thought this meal could pass without incident, but unexpectedly, the conversation at their table turned sour.
The main reason was that everyone was happy and had drunk a bit too much.
The topic was broached by Yang Ming’s mother, as she said, "In-laws, oh, it’s really nice to have these children, but it would be even better if our third son could add another grandson for me to hold."
At these words, Xiaoxiao’s mother frowned, "In-laws, that’s not right. Our Xiaoxiao is supposed to have a girl first, so you’ll have to wait longer to hold a grandson."
"The first child should be a boy!" Yang Ming’s father, having drunk a bit too much, blurted out without thinking, "How can there be no son? Our third son still needs a son to support him in his old age."
At this, Mr. Zhong became displeased, "You already have so many sons; aren’t you satisfied yet?"
"I only have four sons; even if I had eight, I wouldn’t complain."
"If you want a son, go ahead and have one yourself. Our Xiaoxiao is meant to have a girl."
"You want a girl, let those from the Zhong Family who have so many sons have them."
Meanwhile, people at the other tables, hearing the noise, unanimously declared, "Our Xiaoxiao must have a girl."
Xiaoxiao, hands to her forehead, thought, This bunch of relatives, crazy about having a girl. Moreover, it’s not like she could decide what to have.
"Daughter, push hard and give dad a granddaughter!" Mr. Zhong added.
On the other end, Yang Ming’s father echoed fiercely, "Son, push hard and give your dad a hefty grandson."
"..." Yang Ming was helpless; his dad, usually so quiet, was now really on a roll when talking to the in-laws.
Xiaoxiao and Yang Ming quickly intervened their respective fathers.
"Daughter, what’s up?"
"Third son, what’s the matter?"
"Dad, having a child isn’t urgent, let nature take its course, what are you shouting for?"
Both dads, hearing this, laughed heartily, "Haha, right, the son-in-law is correct, whatever comes will come!"
"Haha, right, the third son’s got a point, let it be natural. But still, third son, you’ve got to push hard," Yang Ming’s father added jovially.
"..." These two elders, acting just like children.