Chapter 1385: Miao Family Gathering

Talk about it tomorrow?

That’s just an excuse.

After leaving here, the next night, May 1st sneaked in through the back window and found she had already left, and he never passed by the villa again.

The villa can be sold, but in the end, he can’t stop worrying about Little Jiu.

Just like his mom said, he hurt her.

But reason told him that inappropriate means inappropriate, he didn’t want to be like those friends who indulge in a casual romance or play some hideaway with a beloved.

He envied his parents’ relationship the most; he wants to have a perfect love.

But Little Jiu is not his mom, and he is not his dad.

He is powerless to pamper a woman so much that the whole world has to follow her lead. His heart cannot accommodate a woman entwining him like vines.

He quietly went to Little Jiu’s university, watching her go from being downcast to mingling joyfully with her surroundings, then saw her having parties with classmates celebrating gaining United States citizenship.

May 1st quietly withdrew, letting go of his last remaining attachment to her.

Being as rational as she is, since she’s found the path she truly wants, he no longer has any concerns; this outcome is undoubtedly the best.

What is love?

May 1st doesn’t want to delve into this question; the previous flutter of the heart, without a certain ability to protect it, is indeed too cheap.

“Son, are you catching a cold?”

Hearing the familiar voice on the other end of the phone, May 1st smiles brightly, “Mom, I can hear the sound of firecrackers; I miss you.”

“You little rascal, don’t you miss your dad?”

May 1st immediately bursts into laughter.

Home is still his home; everything in the world can change, but only family affection, only the love of the parents who care for him silently behind him, remains unchanged.

“Dad, are you jealous? Have you prepared your old son’s New Year’s money? If I say a few more words about missing you, will you give me a few more red envelopes?”

“Are you doing this on purpose? All of your dad’s money is in your mom’s hand. Wife, can I make a preliminary advance with you? Your son is bullying me.”

“You two father and son debating, don’t drag me into it. Dumb! Just stuff a penny in each red envelope.”

May 1st laughs heartily. His parents make him feel a pang of longing.

The New Year in a foreign country has long passed; when it’s New Year’s Eve, even Santa Claus has sneaked back home to sleep; the streets are just like any other day, without a hint of New Year’s flavor.

After being personally escorted into the car by Aunt Miao, May 1st suddenly understands why his mom values the reunion dinner so much; besides the year-end feast, isn’t it about enjoying a warm atmosphere?

He, after all, is still unfilial.

“Hey, kid, are you being polite to Aunt now? Are you short on money recently? Why didn’t you tell me? Don’t sell that house, Aunt will give you a big red envelope later.”

“Aunt, I truly don’t lack money. I usually live at school; if the house is left empty, I have to hire someone to tidy it up, not to mention the waste, it’s also inconvenient to refuse classmates visiting.”

“Does your mom know? She asked me to take good care of you, don’t ruin the relationship between us sisters.”

“Oh, how could I dare. As I said, my mom says to follow my own choice.” May 1st changes the topic, “Are my brother and sister at home? Why didn’t they come over?”

“They wanted to come, but I didn’t agree. Who knows if they’ll be fooled by you like last time.”

“…”

The car kept moving forward, and May 1st was surprised to realize something. This direction is not towards her husband’s home; but since he’s already here, he just goes with it without asking for answers.

The villa was located in a very famous area of New York, the wealthiest district, some of his schoolmates lived in this area and he had visited previously.

It was only when the car stopped at a large villa that he noticed a group of people standing on the lawn at the entrance, well, three old men and two old ladies led the group.

May 1st, with sharp eyes, noticed the sheepish Miao Tianming and shook his head with a laugh. There’s a kindhearted lie; how could he blame his little uncle?

Once the car stopped, May 1st adjusted his clothes and immediately pushed open the car door, stepping forward to greet the crowd.

Though his grandma’s identity was not suitable to be publicized, the Miao family’s elders never mentioned it, and his cousins of the same generation truly treated him well.

Especially the three old folks, who had repeatedly urged him over the phone to visit, but who let them be scattered across the world?

He had intentions to visit them, but was unable to find the time. Fortunately, his outgoing third granduncle had met him before, so it wouldn’t feel unfamiliar.

Originally, May 1st thought he would be spending the New Year with this group, but he was wrong; he supported himself with Miao family’s granduncle who wouldn’t let go of his hand.

Upon entering the living room, he saw a crowd of people!

All dressed, young and old alike, either in Tang suits or in qipaos. It seemed the entire family had gathered in New York to celebrate the New Year.

After greeting everyone, May 1st was pushed by Miao Tianming to a room to change into a Tang suit, which felt weird to him — he had never worn one at any formal occasion before.

In his memory, when they were young, his mother had them wear silk Tang suits as pajamas to sleep, until the domestic situation changed.

Those little garments were also hidden away, and according to his mom, saved for their children as pajamas in the future.

Before he left the country, when the situation relaxed, parks filled with elderly men wearing Tang suits practicing Tai Chi; of course, his mom had prepared them too.

But accustomed to wearing military uniforms, he and his two brothers, and even his father, were reluctant to wear them in the Big Courtyard, being looked at as performing monkeys.

If his mother’s majesty were present, she would definitely be smiling broadly. She loves traditional things, liking nothing more than that—especially her heart’s delight—the qipao, and even during those years, she secretly tried them on, asking his father how they looked.

“Little uncle, is there any master specializing in making qipaos here?”

“Yes, I heard the women gathered together this afternoon, saying there’s an old gentleman with great craftsmanship in Chinatown, and they’ve made appointments to visit together.”

Hearing it was an old gentleman, May 1st was a little disappointed; his mom has very discerning taste, preferring those with embroidered qipaos, especially the relics left by his great-grandmother Gu Mingzhu.

“Is there anyone particularly good at embroidery?”

“That would need to ask big aunt; she knows someone but it’s very expensive. You know, embroidery has become a craftwork nowadays. Less and less people know how to embroider, the old generation’s eyesight is failing, and my sister doesn’t think much of the skills of young apprentices.”

May 1st nodded in agreement, pondering finding someone to inquire about it later.

Without waiting for him to ask around, Miao Tianming eagerly found Madam Miao.

Upon learning Zhou Jiao likes these, Madam was delighted; back when she moved abroad, she brought a lot of dowry, including quite a few qipaos.

She’s too old to wear them, while the younger generation prefers Western attire, not only do those kids disdain them, she couldn’t bear them being ruined.

No doubt about it!

Her husband privately advised her that since the girl is her brother-in-law’s only daughter, if she likes them, give them all as keepsakes.

The lady, spirited and invigorated, stood up and strode back to her bedroom.

What for?

To make a phone call! Asking the housekeeper in Hong Kong to quickly mail the items here.

Old age, old age, forgetting things easily, better not forget about it again.