Tea Leaves and Opal Necklaces

Dinner Celebration, Announcements, and Foreboding

Match Thirty-One: Dinner Celebration, Announcements, and Foreboding:

-Ju-

Saturday evening. We all ate at the Nobu Beijing restaurant. I had always wanted to eat at this place, but never had the time or the occasion.

"Is there where you want to eat?" Yao asked.

"Of course," I said. "I always wanted to try out that place."

"Alright," he said. "I'll be happy with what you pick." At dinner, the atmosphere put me in a relaxed mood. I think I might have been here before when I was little. I didn't exactly remember when, though. I looked at my clan from the head of the table. Everyone was lost in food and conversation. Mei threw back her head, laughing. I had my hand to my stomach. Yao held my other hand.

"You're not having the sushi tonight?" Szu asked.

"She can't, dear," Bik said. The younger girl tilted her head.

"Why not?" she asked. I sat back, smiling.

"You'll find out soon enough," I said. I reached over and picked up a dim son with my chopsticks. Bik stopped Szu from asking another question. The waiter came by our table with more drinks. I glanced between Biao and Chih over my non-alcoholic tea. Who was going to be the first one to make the announcement. I smiled over my glass. So far, Bik hasn't been running her mouth about anything. (That's a first.) The waiter came back to our table with the main course.

Halfway through dinner, Biao clanked his glass. All eyes fell on him as he stood up. Bik looked like she would fly away.

"Everyone," he said. "I have an announcement to make." Hen-to had to hold Bik's hand. Biao broke into a little smile.

"I passed my exams," he said. We all broke into applause. Biao bowed.

"Thank you," he said.

"That's my baby!" Bik said. "Now he needs to get married!" Xin blushed as Biao rubbed his forehead.

"Mom," he muttered. The nurse leaned against her husband, smiling.

"Why do you have to do that, dear?" Hen-to asked.

"Can you blame me?" she asked. "I want grandchildren!" Biao and Xin held their bright red faces. Chih laughed and smacked his brother on the back.

"You better get on it," he said. Biao looked at him, frowning.

"Shut up," he hissed, sitting down. Chih looked up to Bik and Hen-to's eyes on him.

"What?" he asked.

"Don't you have something to share?" the nurse asked. Chih gave her an innocent look.

"Hm?" he asked. Biao nudged him in the arm.

"Come on, man," he whispered. "Spit it out." Chih lowered his eyes. I raised my eyebrow.

"What are your exam results?" I asked.

"Oh," he said, softly. Bik narrowed her eyes at him.

"Chih?" she asked. My ear twinkled as I kept my focus on him. Was he... laughing?

"It's not good," he said.

"What?" the rest of the clan asked.

"I'm sorry," Chih said. Biao had the same facial expression I did. Bik's eyes widened as she started to panic. Hen-to raised his eyebrow.

"What grade did you make?" he asked.

"Not good," his younger son mumbled. I could've sworn that he was trying to keep from laughing. What are you up to? Bik frowned as her face turned pale.