Jade's eyes lit up. "Mom, since you didn't say no, I'll take that as a yes!"
At the dinner table, the family chatted happily about the past, effectively walling me out. An outsider at my own daughter's table.
Jade attentively ordered a bottle of Moutai to impress her father-in-law. Then, she ordered a serving of imperial bird's nest stewed with snow frog for her mother-in-law.
"Does your mother want one too?" Zoey asked politely.
Jade waved her hand dismissively. "My mom doesn't like that stuff. She says it's all marketing gimmicks and scams. She prefers snow fungus!"
She turned to the waiter. "Bring my mother a bowl of snow fungus and pear soup."
I sneered internally. Seven years ago, during Jade's confinement, Zoey had hypocritically sent a few boxes of bird's nest as an excuse for not visiting, claiming her "old ailment" had flared up. I had made one comment about the quality back then, and Jade had held a grudge ever since.
"You all eat slowly. If it's not enough, order more."
I stood. "I'm going to the restroom."
I walked out of the private room and went straight to the front desk.
"Waiter." My voice was clear. "Bring out your most expensive liquor."
Five minutes later, I strolled out of the restaurant, two bottles of vintage red wine worth $200,000 tucked securely under my arm. I hailed a cab and headed straight for the airport.
Back in the private room, the restaurant manager pushed the door open, beaming.
"Congratulations to our honored guests! Your spending today has exceeded $200,000. As a token of our appreciation, please accept this collector's edition zodiac commemorative liquor."
He presented the gift on a tray, alongside the bill.
