SNL 2020

United Front

I received some warm hugs from Qing's parents. I don't want to say this again but I feel like I really really have to so here we go...

I'm really happy that my fiancé parents love me. They don't just like me. They love me. They appreciate the fact that I am the one their son introduced to them. They value my worth in Qing's life. And they sometimes take my side during an argument with their son.

Mama: (looking at Qing) You want me to feel insulted that Dayu cherishes the teapot his mother gave to him over the one I gifted to him? Is that it?

Qing: Yes.

Mama looked at me and Baba, her eyes asking silently asking us what to do with her own son. I simply shrugged.

Baba: (to his son) Qing, let it go.

Qing: No. When Dayu learned that I broke Mama's gift to him rather than the one his mother gave to him, he said "thank God". Can you believe him?

Mama: I can believe him. I mean, I will surely feel the same way. I would rather break someone else's gift to me rather than the ones my parents gave to me. I still have the fan and handkerchiefs your grandmother gave to me with my initials hand embroidered on it. I would rather lose all the things your Baba gave to me than lose those. (to Baba) I'm sorry, Honey...but you know that right?

Baba: (nodding) Of course. I remember how Mama smiled when she saw you using the things she gave to you. I also still have the wallet my own Baba handed down to me. A bit worn at the edges but it was made from premium leather so it's still good.

Me: Oh that's nice. My Baba has a lucky wallet. He said his own Laoye gave it to him when he graduated from high school. He still have it.

Mama: We should always value the things our elders gave to us. I am glad the teapot your Mama gave to you is still intact. But I feel bad for the one that got broken. Would you like me to buy you another one, Dayu ah? Something with a more delicate design, perhaps?

Me: (nodding) That would be lovely, Mama.

Mama: (suddenly excited) Oh! There is an online shop that sells handpainted ceramics and teapot sets. We should check that later and choose something from their selections. I will buy it for you.

Me: Really? Lets do that.

Mama: (taking my hands) Yes! Lets do that. Oh I feel excited already.

Me: Me too!

Qing: What the fuck is going on?!

We all looked at him. Qing looked part confuse, part angry. I patted his back.

Me: It's alright, I forgive you for breaking that teapot.

Qing: And I still feel angry that you extended your stay in Heilongjiang.

Me: You should really learn to let go the unnecessary anger inside you. That's not healthy.

Qing: (groaning) Being with you is not healthy for me. You stress me out.

Mama: You stress yourself out. Dayu is just being himself, stop being grumpy. Come on Dayu ah...I'll show you a new recipe I learned from this famous chef who has a brand new TV show...

Mama dragged me to the kitchen. Qing was left looking baffled. I feel for him really...but what can I say...?

Qing's mother loves me and I cannot do anything wrong in her eyes. Qing just have to deal.

While we were having dinner, we discussed several topics.

Baba: Your Mama and I will visit your Uncle Stan next week. He contacted pneumonia and now recovering.