Chapter 185: Family Reunion

The old madam couldn’t help but scold Gu Fei. "You’re always making a fuss. Bao’er is just a child, and besides, it’s New Year’s Eve! What’s the point of having all this food out if not for people to eat?"

"It’s up to his father to discipline him, not you!"

Without even glancing at the old madam, Gu Fei said coolly, "I didn’t want to say anything, either. Bao’er’s behavior is none of my business."

"But if he digs through the serving dish with his hands, how can anyone else eat from it?"

"I’m not scolding him; I’m teaching him some manners!"

Gu Zhong hadn’t thought Gu Fei was wrong, but he was deeply embarrassed.

The main problem was the comparison. Next to Hu Zi and Little Cao, Bao’er’s behavior was truly disgraceful.

Hu Zi was just as tempted by the food—his eyes were glued to the dishes on the table—but he remained seated, prim and proper, unlike Bao’er, who just grabbed at things with his hands.

As for Little Cao, she ate everything with unhurried, methodical grace.

’Only his son was an embarrassment.’

Seeing the old madam scolding Gu Fei, Gu Zhong—who knew full well his niece was not someone to be crossed—hastily intervened. "Mother, Little Fei is right. That boy Bao’er is just too unruly. He has to be taught! From now on, stay out of anything to do with Bao’er!"

The old madam froze for a moment before it dawned on her. ’I spoke up to defend my eldest son, but not only does he not appreciate it, he thinks I’m being meddlesome?’

The old madam’s face fell. "Every last one of you is—MMPH!" Before she could finish, the eldest aunt deftly picked up a meatball and stuffed it in her mouth, silencing her.

Gu Zhang shot a glance at his troublesome mother and waved his hand. "Everyone, take your seats. Sanlang, go light the firecrackers by the door. We’ll start the feast as soon as they’re finished."

Gu Sanlang scampered outside happily. A moment later, the sound of firecrackers erupted—CRACKLE! POP! BANG!—filling the doorway with smoke.

Her mouth completely stuffed with the meatball, the old madam looked around the room at her children and grandchildren. Her gaze passed over them one by one. ’Not a single one of them is on my side,’ she thought bitterly. ’All they know how to do is flatter the second son’s family.’

A bitter sorrow churned within the old madam. As she slowly chewed the meatball, tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.

The feast had begun, and the table was already bustling with noise and excitement.

Gu Fei had contributed a bottle of her Wuliangye for the occasion, which she’d poured into a different decanter.

Gu Zhang raised his cup. "Life is unpredictable. Who would have thought we’d all be celebrating the New Year here in Ping’an City, a thousand miles from home?"

"But the important thing is that the family is all together. That’s what matters most."

As soon as the words were out, the family’s daughters-in-law couldn’t help but dab at their eyes. The Gu Family was together, true, but their own natal families were still back in their hometown. They had no idea how they were doing.

When Gu Zhang saw Mrs. Chen’s eyes turning red, he realized his blunder. He let out a dry laugh and said, "Let’s eat, let’s eat! The food will get cold."

After eating for a bit, Gu Rong called out to Gu Fei from across the table. "Little Fei, this swan meat is to die for! It’s the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten."

Gu Fei turned back, beaming. "Then have some more, Little Uncle. I made plenty. There’s still more in the pot, and you can take the rest home with you to enjoy later."

She had never cooked swan before; she’d just used her recipe for dry-pot turtledove. ’They’re both birds, right? It should be close enough.’

’In fact, I think the dry-pot swan isn’t as good as turtledove,’ she mused. ’Turtledove meat is much more tender. There’s a reason for the old saying about "flying doves and running hares."’

Ms. Qian had been preoccupied with the braised pork and hadn’t gotten around to the swan yet. Upon hearing Gu Rong’s words, she quickly snatched a piece for her own bowl.

The adults ate and drank at a leisurely pace, but the children finished quickly. Hu Zi was the first one done. Rubbing his belly, he walked over and said, "Dad, I’m going to go play in the courtyard."

Gu Zhang stopped him. "Hold on, come get your lucky money before you go play."