After Christmas, neighbors and friends usually stop by each other's homes.

My parents don't really enjoy these superficial greetings, but for the sake of harmony, they force smiles and pretend to warmly invite people to stay for dinner.

My brother is different; he ignores everyone, lounging on the couch and shouting, "Bingo! Bingo!"

During a conversation, Aunt Wang suddenly asked about me.

"Where's Stella?"

Seeing my parents' silence, she continued with a hint of implication.

"Stella is such a sensible girl. You've bought a house in the city now, so why do you send Stella to the countryside for the holidays?"

My parents forced a smile, looking a bit awkward...