“Books didn’t teach me to just endure humiliation,” I said calmly. “Real relatives don’t constantly mock you; they only wish you well. Aunts like Virginia and Madison only humiliate us. Cutting ties isn’t a loss.”
“You… you’re talking nonsense!” my dad shouted, shaking with anger as he yanked off his belt. “I’ll beat you today, you unfilial son!”
My mom hurried over and grabbed his arm. “Honey, don’t hit him! Tristan is still young and doesn’t understand…”
“He’s over twenty and about to start working. Still a child, you say?” My dad cursed, but my mom stopped him, so the belt didn’t 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! He’s going to Akso City and becoming a big boss, amazing!]
Madison added: [We poor relatives won’t even try to associate with him now, or people might think we’re jealous.]
[He doesn’t respect us elders anymore! His words are getting harsher; how can we say anything now?]
[Yes, I’ll never attend family gatherings again, so I won’t 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 he’s become arrogant. He doesn’t respect his parents, let alone us!]
Madison added: [My eldest brother and sister-in-law are the same. They don’t even correct their rude child. He’s 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 father’s.
[I’m sorry, everyone. The child is still young and doesn’t understand. I apologize for him! He had a few drinks and spoke without thinking. Please don’t take it to heart. I’ll bring him to apologize in person another day!]
The more humble he acted, the more arrogant my aunts and uncles became.
[No, we can’t 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 said—the exam list and the used car record—true?]
I couldn’t 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.