Called a Failure at the Family Gathering, I Turned the Tables with Just One Line novel
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 couldnt hold back and told her. Right away, the relatives started criticizing me, their faces filled with disdain.
Why didnt you take the civil service exam or go for a masters degree?
Exactly! Whats 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! Hes 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 Im not wrong, my cousin graduated over five years ago. He shouldve passed the civil service exam by now, right?
Aunt Madison, my cousin finished vocational school and now makes at least 0-0,400 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, Ive 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 dont know why you would buy a local car.]
My dad looked at his phone, wanting to type something, but in the end, he didnt reply. Five years ago, on my moms birthday, my dad used his savings to buy her a coat that cost over 0-012.
When Madison came over and saw it, she picked up the hem, touched it and sneered, Sister-in-law, this fabric is so plain. Ive 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.
Theyre family. We see them all the time.
Thats just how they are. Their words are harsh, but they dont mean any harm.
What do you know, kid? Dont meddle in adults business!
I used to put up with it, too. But today, I couldnt hold it in anymore. The frustration Id 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 citys finance bureau; its a top place! She lifted her chin, looking very proud.
Madison quickly jumped in, talking fast as if she didnt want anyone to cut her off.
What a joke! My daughter makes over 0-0,400 a month. She even bought a white Mercedes this month. For her, thats just half a years salary; no big deal.
I laughed and said, Aunt Virginia, the interview list for this years provincial civil service exam came out two days ago. I checked it; theres no one with a surname Gildon listed for any job in the citys Finance Bureau. My cousins name isnt there at all unless he changed his last name.
The table went silent. Virginias 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 thats what counts as half a years salary for my cousin. Thats quite high.
Madisons 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 isnt out yet. What do you know?
Madison slapped the table, spilling even more tea. Exactly! What my daughter buys is none of your business! Its a Mercedes-Benz, a luxury car! How could it cost only $2,500? Thats cheaper than a minivan! Youre just a college student who hasnt even graduated. What do you know about cars? Youre 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.
Hes 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 dont believe me, I can send the official link to the group. We can all check whether my cousins name is there.
Virginias 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 dealers number. We can call and ask if my cousin was the buyer.
Madisons chest rose and fell quickly as she pointed at me, stuttering You you but couldnt finish a sentence.
A usually quiet uncle frowned and said, Tristan, even if youre right, you shouldnt talk to your elders that way. Your parents are here. Its 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 doesnt 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 itll be over.
In the past, Id usually stay quiet in situations like this. But this time, I didnt. I turned to my parents, speaking clearly but calmly.
Mom, Ive respected them for years, but respect isnt one-sided. Theyve 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 Madisons sarcastic remarks, you never wore it. Last year, during renovations, Aunt Virginia spilled paint and didnt apologize, leaving Dad cleaning for ages, almost unable to stand straight. Have you forgotten all this?
My dad started to speak. My moms eyes turned a little red and she looked away.
Virginia sneered sharply, Fine! Everything we say is wrong. Now that your son is successful, were not even allowed to speak?
Madison said sarcastically while packing, Yes, were poor relatives and cant keep up with you. If your standards are too high, we wont 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, youve raised a great son. So capable. Our useless son cant compare at all.
Madison snorted, Well rely on your son to bring honor to the family. Well 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 youre 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 cant 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 Moms birthday coat and even interfered during renovations. When have they ever respected us?
That doesnt give you the right to be so disrespectful! My dad slammed the table. No matter what, theyre still your elders! Has all your education gone to waste?
Books didnt teach me to just endure humiliation, I said calmly. Real relatives dont constantly mock you; they only wish you well. Aunts like Virginia and Madison only humiliate us. Cutting ties isnt a loss.
You youre talking nonsense! my dad shouted, shaking with anger as he yanked off his belt. Ill beat you today, you unfilial son!
My mom hurried over and grabbed his arm. Honey, dont hit him! Tristan is still young and doesnt understand
Hes over twenty and about to start working. Still a child, you say? My dad cursed, but my mom stopped him, so the belt didnt 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! Hes going to Akso City and becoming a big boss, amazing!]
Madison added: [We poor relatives wont even try to associate with him now, or people might think were jealous.]
[He doesnt respect us elders anymore! His words are getting harsher; how can we say anything now?]
[Yes, Ill never attend family gatherings again, so I wont 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 hes become arrogant. He doesnt respect his parents, let alone us!]
Madison added: [My eldest brother and sister-in-law are the same. They dont even correct their rude child. Hes 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 fathers.
[Im sorry, everyone. The child is still young and doesnt understand. I apologize for him! He had a few drinks and spoke without thinking. Please dont take it to heart. Ill bring him to apologize in person another day!]
The more humble he acted, the more arrogant my aunts and uncles became.
[No, we cant 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 saidthe exam list and the used car recordtrue?]
I couldnt 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, youve 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 didnt want you to say anything wrong, so he removed you from the group chat Dont blame him.
Mom, I dont blame Dad, I said, shaking my head. But I dont think I did anything wrong, either.
She sighed and sat beside my bed. Actually I remember everything you said. I havent forgotten.
I asked, Then why did you keep tolerating it?
Its just a habit, she said softly. We always think its wrong for relatives to fight. Its 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 didnt 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.
Outside my door, I heard my father pacing in the living room, his steps heavy and restless. This time, I didnt 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 wouldnt 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. Were 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 dads face. Last time, your Tristan slandered him, saying he failed the exam. This cant 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. Thats 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, Tristans 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 didnt respect them at all.
This bad influence cant continue; they need to be properly taught.
Too much studying makes people arrogant; they dont even understand basic respect for elders.
If this isnt resolved today, we cant 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. Im so sorry, everyone. The boy is young and doesnt 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
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 cant 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 dads 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. Everyones eyes immediately turned to me.
Virginia and Madisons 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, Im 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! Werent you so capable last time, so good at investigating? Now the truth is out! What do you say?
Madisons tone was just as harsh. What? Youre 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, dont 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!
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