As she gestured for everyone to gather around the cake, she subtly tugged at Zhou Qiqi and whispered quickly:
"Don't take it to heart. Her husband was just transferred from higher up to become the director of the Literature and Art Bureau. He's from Shanghai, so he's a bit arrogant. But considering that her husband and our Lao Zhuo are old classmates... today is a big day."
Zhou Qiqi forcibly suppressed her displeasure and maintained a calm expression.
Today is Zhuo Guangming's birthday; if things get awkward, it won't look good for anyone.
Singing "Happy Birthday" and cutting the cake brought the atmosphere back to life.
Cakes were a rare treat back then, and the children's eyes lit up.
The children held their slices of cake, their eyes sparkling.
Chen Jiaojiao couldn't contain herself and was the first to jump out, her voice sharp and bright:
"After cutting the cake, it's time to give gifts!"
She ran up to Zhuo Guangming, tilting her little face up with a hint of pride and ingratiation.
"I really like Brother Guangming, and I've always wanted a brother like you! I've picked out a really great gift for you!"
As she spoke, she took a beautifully packaged square box tied with a shimmering ribbon from her mother, Chen's mother, as if presenting a treasure.
Under the curious gazes of everyone, she eagerly opened it—
Inside was a gleaming, imposing metal wind-up robot!
The robot was finely crafted, with clearly defined joints, painted with bright red and gold paint, and had a wind-up key on its back.
In a small town in 1982, such imported mechanical toys were extremely rare and expensive, enough to make children scream with delight.
"Wow--!"
"It's a robot!"
Will it still move?
"How impressive!"
Sure enough, the children around, both boys and girls, immediately exclaimed with envy, and even a few adults couldn't help but take a second look.
Standing behind her daughter, Chen's mother smiled demurely, her chin slightly raised, her face revealing undisguised pride.
"This was specially brought back from the Shanghai Friendship Store by Jiaojiao's father; it's a genuine imported product."
She added a seemingly casual remark, which only added a touch of boastfulness.
With Chen Jiaojiao's outstanding performance setting a high bar, the gifts that the other children presented seemed much more "ordinary":
Several brand-new comic books, a set of colored pencils, a tin frog toy...
The children were happy to receive the gifts, and Zhuo Guangming politely thanked them and accepted them.
Finally, it was Zhouzhou's turn.
Holding a flat object wrapped in newspaper, she walked shyly to Zhuo Guangming, carefully unwrapped the newspaper, and revealed the gift inside.
It was a simple wooden frame containing a crayon drawing.
The picture shows a deep blue night sky, with large patches of stars painted with childlike strokes. A tiny, matchstick-like figure is trying to hold up a particularly large golden star, and next to it are several crooked, yellow moons.
The painting is full of childlike innocence and imagination, with bold yet harmonious colors, and an indescribable charm that shines through its simple brushstrokes.
Before Zhuo Guangming could speak, Chen Jiaojiao, standing on tiptoe, glanced over and immediately made an exaggerated pursed face, her voice just loud enough for those around to hear:
"Tch! Just a lousy painting? This is a birthday present? It's nowhere near as good as my robot!"
Her disdain was undisguised.
Chen's mother immediately pretended to scold, "Jiaojiao! How can you talk like that!"
He then turned to Zhuo Guangming, a fake smile plastered on his face, "Children's intentions are all good, but Guangming,..."
She abruptly changed the subject, her tone shifting to a condescending scrutiny as she pointed to the imposing robot on the table beside her.
"This painting is only good for a couple of glances, then it'll just sit there collecting dust. Our Jiaojiao's robot is much better; it's both functional and imposing, and boys all love it. It's so practical."
Her words sounded like she was advising Zhuo Guangming, but in reality, she was belittling Zhouzhou's feelings.
Several parents nearby looked at the painting and thought that the colors and composition were very childlike and more thoughtful than those gifts that were bought with money. They were about to say a few words of praise, but when they saw Chen's mother's expression, they swallowed their words and just smiled awkwardly.
Zhuo Guangming smiled politely.
"Thank you, Jiaojiao, and thank you, Aunt Chen. I like all the gifts the children gave me."
As he spoke, he took the picture frame from Zhouzhou's hand, and the next second, his eyes lit up as if he had discovered a treasure.
He looked closely at the little figures holding up stars and the crescent moons in the painting, a big, genuine smile spreading across his face.
"marvelous!"
Zhuo Guangming suddenly announced loudly, his voice filled with barely suppressed excitement.
"Zhouzhou's drawing is so good! I love it so much, Dad!"
He turned and shouted to his father, "Quick! Quickly hang this painting on the wall in my room! I want to see it every day!"
Mr. Zhuo was also touched by his son's enthusiasm. He smiled and walked over, took the framed painting, examined it carefully, and nodded in approval.
"Hmm, that's a really imaginative drawing! Okay, Dad will go hang it up for you right now!"
After saying that, he actually took the painting and went upstairs, his movements swift and decisive.
Zhuo Guangming happily followed behind.
This scene left Chen Jiaojiao completely dumbfounded. Her prized robot, which she was so proud of, was completely "neglected." She was so angry that her face turned red, and she stomped her foot hard, her eyes red with grievance.
The fake smile on Chen's mother's face froze instantly, turning extremely ugly. Her eyes were dark as she stared at the painting that Zhuo's father had taken away, then glanced at Zhouzhou who was standing quietly beside her, her lips pressed tightly together.
The atmosphere in the living room became subtly tense for a moment.
Seeing this, Zhuo's mother quickly smiled and raised her voice to smooth things over:
"Alright, alright, Guangming has received all the children's kind wishes, and he likes them all! Everyone, please don't stand there, make yourselves at home. There are cakes, snacks, and fruits all laid out, please help yourselves and don't be shy!"
She greeted him warmly, trying to break the awkward silence.
The guests followed suit, dispersing in twos and threes to get food and chat, as if the unpleasantness from before had been temporarily set aside.
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