Madison’s teacup clattered onto the saucer, splashing tea all over the table. A few seconds later, Virginia jumped up and pointed a finger close to my face. “What nonsense are you talking about? My son passed the written exam, but the interview list isn’t out yet. What do you know?”
Madison slapped the table, spilling even more tea. “Exactly! What my daughter buys is none of your business! It’s a Mercedes-Benz, a luxury car! How could it cost only $2,500? That’s cheaper than a minivan! You’re just a college student who hasn’t even graduated. What do you know about cars? You’re just jealous!”
The other relatives started talking loudly all at once, like a buzzing hive.
“How can he talk like that…”
“College has made him arrogant. He even dares to talk back to elders now.”
“He’s got such a sharp tongue.”
“Yeah, Virginia and Madison used to spoil him.”
“Young people these days have no respect for elders…”
I waited for them to quiet down, then said, “Aunt Virginia, the civil service interview list is public. The Finance Bureau section shows all the names and exam numbers. If you don’t believe me, I can send the official link to the group. We can all check whether my cousin’s name is there.”