You Are Momo's Elders

"You're really getting married?" Big Aunt asked Gong Mo. "Where's your fiancé?"

"He went back. You'll be able to meet him tomorrow," said Gong Mo.

"Why such a rush? I've never even heard a peep about this before!" Third Uncle said reproachfully.

Gong Mo explained, "I never thought about getting married so early, but he was going to the capital for work, so I'm going with him. I don't know when I can come back, so I thought we should get married first. It'd be more convenient when we're there. If he happens to make good progress in his career, I'll be able to have a share if he decides perhaps to buy a house there."

As she said that, Gong Mo couldn't help but chuckle at the end.

Little Aunt sniggered. "Enough, we're family. Why tell us such a grandiose tale? We know what you're talking about."

Puzzled, Gong Mo asked, "What did I say? I don't get what you mean, Little Aunt."

Big Aunt joked, "What's so hard to get? You're so anxious to get married. What reason could you have if not because someone got you pregnant?"

Gong Mo's expression changed. Mama Gong wasn't happy either and she shouted, "We are all family. Be respectful!"

"Are we not showing respect?" Big Uncle said. "We're only saying this for your own good. Momo is young and gullible. But you're old and you should be more careful, lest she meet a lousy partner."

Mama Gong was infuriated! Old? Did he think she was like that old faded wife of his?

Third Uncle said, "Yeah! Even though you aren't very wealthy, you still have a house, and it's more than 100 square meters. How can a someone fresh from school afford that?"

"If he marries Momo, wouldn't the house go to him?" Third Aunt chimed in. "From the look of things, you shouldn't give birth to the child even if you're pregnant. He might think that he can bind her just by making her pregnant!"

Big Aunt said, "A modern woman can't be so foolish! What's more important, to have a happy life or a happy moment? I'd rather you abort the child then let him get whatever he wants! We won't let him take advantage of Momo!"

"Enough!" Mama Gong howled. "What's wrong with you all? Are you so eager to see Momo without a partner? Who told you she was pregnant?"

"What's the rush if she's not pregnant?" Second Uncle asked.

"I'm happy for her!" Mama Gong shouted. "Don't you see all the leftover women filling the streets? After not getting married after graduation, they remain single ten years later! I want to have a grandson to hug. Of course I want Momo to get married soon. Next year, I'll be carrying a big fat grandson for you to see! You'll all be envying me!"

"Mom." Gong Mo held her. "Don't be angry, I'm fine."

Mama Gong took a deep breath and said, "You all have gone too far! Is this how you should behave as Momo's elders?"

"We are just worried about Momo," Big Aunt said in a deflating manner. "Okay, okay, we won't comment anymore. I can see my niece's fiancé tomorrow, right? When will you be holding the banquet?"

"At the end of the month!" Mama Gong said in a huff. "Just get your red packets ready! You won't be stingy for Momo's wedding, right?"

A few of their faces changed slightly and they laughed mirthlessly. "Look at you.. Of course we'll prepare the red packets."

"But my Little Jin just started university, you know."

"Chengcheng is still in high school…"

"Feifei still hasn't gained much fame yet. Her expenses are high but there's hardly any income…"

"I understand." Mama Gong interrupted them. "Anyway, I'm not very well off, you know that. Momo is going to the capital soon. The cost of living there is high. Even finding a job requires money, so I'm not planning anything big. I'll save however much I can. So you don't have to give too much."