During the New Year’s dinner, my cousin Arlo started boasting about his girlfriend, claiming she was a billionaire CEO, all while subtly flashing his knockoff Rolex. Then my other cousin, Hazel, jumped in to say her boyfriend was a Beijing big shot, waving her imitation Hermès bag at me and asking, “Ever seen one of these, cousin?” Funny thing is, the billionaire CEO and the Beijing tycoon they’re bragging about are listed on the same marriage certificate. I took a sip of my drink and texted Ezra: “Since when did you get a girlfriend?” He replied immediately: “Auntie, that’s not true. I just transferred you 5 million as a note saying ‘Spend freely!’” … On New Year’s Eve, following family tradition, we held an ancestral ceremony. My eldest uncle proudly announced he had booked a top-notch VIP suite at the city’s fanciest restaurant, Fancy City Restaurant, for our family gathering. He made sure to tell my parents: “Fancy City Restaurant is so exclusive. I had to ask a friend and wait six months to book it! Ordinary folks can’t just walk in.” “The food is exquisite, dishes like Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, sashimi, and Australian lobster. You probably haven’t had anything like it!” “Your family works hard all year round away from home, rarely experiencing such luxury. This is a chance to see and taste something new!” My grandmother had three children. My dad is the youngest, with my eldest and second uncles above him. My eldest uncle works as a subcontractor for a construction company, earning about a hundred thousand annually, and he’s always looked down on us. My second uncle is unemployed, spending his time idly around the village gambling, relying on his wife for financial support. Our family moved to Beijing ten years ago. My mom mentioned that every New Year, these relatives we rarely see can’t resist flaunting and ridiculing us. For the past few years, I’ve been too busy to visit. This year, I’m curious to see what they’ll pull. I smiled and said to my eldest uncle, “Sure, Uncle, we’re looking forward to it.” He flicked his cigarette ash and, with a tilt of his chin, remarked: “I checked, and it’s over an hour by bus on route 19 to Fancy City Restaurant, so you should start early!” Then he added, “Daphne, since you’re back, I’ve prepared a surprise for you.” At 5 PM, I arrived at the restaurant suite with my parents. My mom whispered to me discreetly: “Daughter, this place is smaller than where we usually eat.” Just then, my second uncle entered, overhearing, and raised his voice: “Sister-in-law! You can’t just work all the time. We need to learn to enjoy life too!” “People with no worldly experience get laughed at! No wonder Daphne is still single at her age!” “Oh, by the way…” He gestured outside. “That electric tricycle outside is yours, right? Better charge it up, or it’ll run out of power on your way back!” Cousin Arlo chimed in: “Hey, that’s why we, as children, need to work hard.” “Daphne, I’m just saying, you should at least get a car. Otherwise, in this cold winter, your parents will freeze on that tricycle!” He casually showed off his Audi car key, saying, “Learn from your brother. It’s not about showing off, but having pride. Get a good car and a good partner!” Then he flaunted his fake Rolex again, grinning with pride: “Dear elders and siblings, I don’t mean to brag, but my girlfriend is just too famous. Do you know who she is?” The whole table stared at him with curiosity. Cousin Arlo lowered his voice and whispered: “The billionaire CEO of Harmony Group!” “Check it out, this watch is just one of the many expensive ones she gifted me.” I almost choked on my soup but managed to keep my bowl steady. I wiped my mouth with a napkin: “Cousin, if your girlfriend is so amazing, why not bring her over for us to meet?” He glared at me, “What do you know? She’s a big CEO, very busy! As her boyfriend, I must support her work!” His words made all the relatives nod in agreement, their eyes filled with envy. I almost burst out laughing, confirming with him word by word: “Cousin, are you sure? Your girlfriend is the CEO of Harmony Group?” He lifted his head proudly: “Of course!” I widened my eyes, feigning admiration as I looked at him: “Cousin, I heard the CEO of Harmony Group is mysterious. There are no photos of her online, and she’s rarely seen. How did you pursue her?” He stood with his hands on his hips, looking even more smug: “Pursue her? She pursued me! It was love at first sight! I’m so handsome; it’s only natural she’d like me. I couldn’t shake her off!” Not wanting to be left out, cousin Hazel stood up, holding her knockoff Hermès, and loudly announced: “I wasn’t going to say anything, but since we’re family, it doesn’t matter.” “My boyfriend is also a big shot, just like the CEO of Harmony Group!” Everyone turned to her, and I poured myself another bowl of soup. Seeing my indifferent reaction, she quickly called out to me: “Hey, cousin, know Hermès? You might never see one in your life. My boyfriend gave it to me.” “Aren’t you working in Beijing? You must’ve heard of his name. It’ll shock you!” “My boyfriend is known as the Beijing tycoon, Ezra Taylor!” I gave her a surprised look. She seemed pleased with my reaction and continued confidently: “Cousin, why are you just drinking soup? Is it because you can’t usually afford such good dishes?” I took a sip of my drink and messaged Ezra: “Heard you got a girlfriend?” He replied instantly: “Auntie, that’s false.” Transferred me 5 million via mobile banking, noted as “Dear, spend freely!”
After receiving the money, I looked up at cousin Hazel: “Cousin, such a coincidence, your boyfriend is too busy to come too?” She scoffed, rolling her eyes: “Idiot! You think everyone is like you, working hard every day? He’s busy with billion-dollar deals.” “Daphne, don’t delay any longer. Staying single too long will mess with your mind. Look at you, turning into an old maid!” I pointed to the Buccellati necklace around my neck: “Who said I’m single? I have someone.” “Look, a necklace from my partner. It took six months to order, just got it, said I should wear it for fun.” “And guess what, he’s busy too.” Cousin Hazel burst into loud laughter, mockingly: “Daphne, you’re lying through your teeth!” “What takes half a year to order?” “This looks like a $9.9 package from Bargain Bin!” “Are you going to return it after wearing it?” Everyone at the table laughed hysterically, leaning back in their seats. Aunt Vera laughed the loudest, even hiccupping: “Haha, this silly girl has been single too long, spouting nonsense!” My mom’s face turned a bit pale. She nudged me discreetly, and I patted her hand under the table, signaling her to calm down. My eldest uncle blew on his tea and kept glancing outside, seemingly waiting for someone. After a while, someone opened the door. An elderly couple and a chubby middle-aged man entered. My uncle’s eyes lit up, and he stood up: “Ah, Mr. Beckett, you’re finally here! We’ve been waiting for you!” He eagerly had the server add chairs. The middle-aged man called “Mr. Beckett” had thinning hair slicked back with gel, making him look even greasier. His belt couldn’t hold his large beer belly, and he emitted an unkempt odor. Cousin Hazel covered her nose in feigned disinterest. My uncle beckoned me over: “Daphne, this is Mr. Beckett from our construction site. His family is well-off and drives a Mercedes.” “Though he’s divorced and a bit older, his child is with the mother, so he has no burden.” “I think divorced men know how to treat women better!” “You’re not young anymore, quite a match.” I felt nauseated, slamming my chopsticks down: “Uncle, what do you mean by this? I already said I have someone, no need for introductions.” My dad’s face darkened too: “Nolan, we’re here to eat as family, what are you doing?” The elderly couple scanned me from head to toe with critical eyes. The old lady said with disdain: “Too skinny, won’t be good for childbirth. I’m waiting for a grandchild.” I held back my disgust and messaged Ezra: “Come quickly, or your wife will be sold off.” Then I sent a location pin. Uncle wasn’t expecting my refusal, slamming the table, speaking earnestly: “Daphne, stop lying!” “You’re not getting any younger. You avoid coming back for New Years because you’re single!” “I know working is tough, but don’t delay yourself!” “Your parents spoil you, not worrying about your marriage. They’ve let you become an old maid.” “Today is New Year’s Eve, a good day! Mr. Beckett is reliable, let’s just settle the marriage!” Then I shared my location. Uncle was taken aback by my refusal. He slammed the table and said sternly, “Daphne, enough with the lies!” “You’re not getting any younger. You keep avoiding coming home for the holidays because you don’t have a boyfriend!” “I understand work is hard, but you can’t put your personal life on hold forever.” “Your parents are clueless and just indulge you without worrying about your future. They’ve let you become a spinster.” “Today is New Year’s Eve, a perfect day! And we know Mr. Beckett well, so let’s just arrange this marriage!” Instead of getting angry, I laughed, “Uncle, let me repeat: my partner and I are very happy together. I’m sorry, but your efforts are in vain.” Aunt snorted with laughter. “Daphne, there’s no need to lie to save face. Look at your shabby state. What kind of good partner could you possibly find?” The designer clothes I had custom-made looked like gray rags to them. As soon as Aunt finished speaking, Cousin burst out laughing, openly mocking: “Oh dear, poor Daphne! Look at us, we all have rich and successful partners. She’s just a poor single worker. Must be so miserable. It’s New Year’s, let her have her moment without calling her out.” Cousin lifted his chin, his eyes full of mockery. Just as I was about to respond, my phone screen lit up. The message was from “Gatekeeper of Love.” Cousin, with his sharp eyes, caught a glimpse and laughed, holding his stomach. “Gatekeeper of Love, Daphne, is that your boyfriend?” With that, all the relatives turned their attention to me, ready for a spectacle. He raised his voice and said: “Oh, so your partner is a security guard! No wonder you kept it from us.” “Next time, I’ll ask my girlfriend if her company needs more security staff? Maybe get your partner a better salary!” Uncle’s expression was full of disdain: “Daphne, a security guard? Come on, break up and join Mr. Beckett, and live a harmonious life!” The old couple took the opportunity to approach, pulling out a gold bracelet, trying to slip it onto my hand: “You’re getting older, forget about dowries and gifts. Take this big bracelet and give us a grandchild soon.” Uncle signaled to my cousin and his sister, and they each grabbed one of my arms: “Daphne, dating a security guard is pointless. While you’re still young, find someone wealthy.” “Take the Beckett family bracelet! We’re just waiting for your wedding banquet!” I shouted, “What are you doing!” 3. I kicked Cousin in the stomach, and she let out an “ouch” and released my arm. She lost her balance and fell into “Mr. Beckett’s” arms, who took the opportunity to grope her. Cousin screamed in anger. The private room door was kicked open, and a man strode in. This man wore gold-rimmed glasses and a black wool coat, his face slightly sweaty, clearly having rushed over. His gaze swept the room, landing on me. I gave him a look. He understood and strode over to “Mr. Beckett,” landing a punch. Surprisingly, the scholarly-looking man had an astonishingly strong punch. The table of relatives was shocked. “Mr. Beckett” screamed in pain: “Do you know who I am? How dare you hit me!” Uncle was also alarmed: “Who are you? How can you hit people like this?” “Mr. Beckett’s” mom was furious, shouting at the stranger: “Why did you hit my son! Call the police! I’m calling the police! You won’t get away!” The man ignored them, standing by like a steadfast pine, hands clasped. The door was still open, and the wind and snow blew in, bringing a chill. A tall man in a suit walked in gracefully, much taller than the previous one. In the wind and snow, his face was more handsome than any popular star, so stunning that it was hard to look away. With broad shoulders and long legs, his perfectly tailored suit made him look tall and elegant, walking like he was on an international runway. The man exuded a natural aura of authority. Cousin gaped at him, her face full of admiration and infatuation. Mr. Beckett quickly stood upright, bowing and trembling as he spoke, “Mr. Ezra… What brings you here? You…” Ezra had a faint trace of anger on his face: “I heard noise outside, where did he touch?” Mr. Beckett’s face turned red, kneeling in terror, slapping himself: “Mr. Ezra, I was overcome with lust and groped.” Ezra kicked him over. Mr. Beckett curled up on the ground, not daring to get up: “Mr. Ezra, well kicked, well kicked.” Cousin Hazel blushed, her eyes sparkling, hurriedly tidying her clothes. She showed a shy expression, touching her hair: “Mr. Ezra, thank you for standing up for me, I’m so happy.” Ezra frowned at her: “Who are you? Was it you he touched?” “I’m here to find my wife.” Wife???
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