My mom hurried over and grabbed his arm. “Honey, don’t hit him! Tristan is still young and doesn’t understand…”

“He’s over twenty and about to start working. Still a child, you say?” My dad cursed, but my mom stopped him, so the belt didn’t hit me.

That night, I went to my room and my phone kept buzzing. I checked it and saw the “Loving Family” WhatsApp group was full of messages.

Virginia was the first to comment: [Wow, the Gildon Family has a big shot now! He’s going to Akso City and becoming a big boss, amazing!]

Madison added: [We poor relatives won’t even try to associate with him now, or people might think we’re jealous.]

[He doesn’t respect us elders anymore! His words are getting harsher; how can we say anything now?]

[Yes, I’ll never attend family gatherings again, so I won’t get in his way.]

An uncle said: [Tristan used to be so honest. How did he become so sharp-tongued after going to university?]

Virginia replied: [He got a job, so he’s become arrogant. He doesn’t respect his parents, let alone us!]

Madison added: [My eldest brother and sister-in-law are the same. They don’t even correct their rude child. He’s going to be a real problem!]

I stared at the messages on the screen, my fingers turning cold. But the reply that hurt me most was my father’s.

[I’m sorry, everyone. The child is still young and doesn’t understand. I apologize for him! He had a few drinks and spoke without thinking. Please don’t take it to heart. I’ll bring him to apologize in person another day!]

The more humble he acted, the more arrogant my aunts and uncles became.

[No, we can’t accept such a generous gesture.]

[Exactly, what if he says something wrong and embarrasses us in public? How will we save face then?]

[By the way, brother, are the things your son said—the exam list and the used car record—true?]

I couldn’t take it anymore. I sent screenshots of the evidence I had ready to the group chat. Instantly, the chat went silent; all the relatives who had been talking just moments ago were quiet.

Virginia commented: [You… you must have faked this screenshot!]

Madison added: [Tristan, you’ve crossed the line!]

As I was about to type, a notification appeared: [You have been removed from the ‘Loving Family’ group chat by the owner!]

I stared at my phone in shock for a few seconds, then laughed bitterly and threw it onto the bed.

A while later, my mom opened the door, eyes still red. “Tristan, your dad was just angry and didn’t want you to say anything wrong, so he removed you from the group chat… Don’t blame him.”

“Mom, I don’t blame Dad,” I said, shaking my head. “But I don’t think I did anything wrong, either.”

She sighed and sat beside my bed. “Actually… I remember everything you said. I haven’t forgotten.”

I asked, “Then why did you keep tolerating it?”

“It’s just a habit,” she said softly. “We always think it’s wrong for relatives to fight. It’s bad for them and for us.” She paused, then gently patted my hand. “Go to bed early.”

After my mom left, I picked up my phone and looked at the family group chat I could never rejoin, but I didn’t feel sad about it.

Instead, I felt a strange relief. Maybe this was part of growing up, seeing some people clearly, leaving others behind and moving forward freely toward your own life.

Outside my door, I heard my father pacing in the living room, his steps heavy and restless. This time, I didn’t go out to comfort him as I usually did. Some boundaries, once set, are hard to erase. Some truths, once said, are hard to take back.

The next few days were quiet. But I knew Virginia and Madison wouldn’t let it go easily, so I prepared in advance.

Sure enough, on the day I got my graduation certificate, a big group of relatives came to the door.

Virginia led the way, followed by Madison, my cousin, my older cousin and several distant uncles and aunts who liked to join in. The large group crowded into my living room, making the spacious room feel cramped.

My mother quickly went to pour tea, while my father stood in the middle of the room, his face showing clear unease and anxiety.

“Brother, sister-in-law,” Virginia spoke first, loudly as if the neighbors needed to hear. “We’re here just to demand an explanation! Look, this is my son from the Finance Bureau! His official employment notice just came out!”

She held up a piece of paper, almost pushing it into my dad’s face. “Last time, your Tristan slandered him, saying he failed the exam. This can’t go unchallenged!”

Several relatives leaned in to look, clicking their tongues in disapproval. Madison immediately spoke up, just as loudly as Virginia. “And our daughter! Look at that, a brand-new Mercedes, an E300!”

She pointed downstairs at a white Mercedes, shining in the sunlight. “Last time, Tristan said it was a beat-up used car worth $2,500. That’s nonsense! We need an explanation today!”

My cousin stood to the side with her arms crossed, face blank but eyes showing slight condescension. The other relatives started whispering among themselves.

“Exactly, Tristan’s words were really hurtful last time.”

“How could he speak about his own family like that?”

“Virginia and Madison are elders who raised him and he didn’t respect them at all.”

“This bad influence can’t continue; they need to be properly taught.”

“Too much studying makes people arrogant; they don’t even understand basic respect for elders.”

“If this isn’t resolved today, we can’t remain relatives.”

Their voices from the slightly open doors and windows drew neighbors, who peeked into the hallway and whispered to each other.

My parents grew more embarrassed. My father kept bowing. “I’m so sorry, everyone. The boy is young and doesn’t understand…”

My mother, holding a cup of tea with trembling hands, pleaded, “Virginia, Madison, have some tea and calm down. Tristan knows he was wrong…”

“Knows he was wrong?” Virginia snapped, almost spitting. “If he knows, he should leave and apologize to us and his cousins in person! Admit he slandered us last time and spread rumors!”

Madison nodded eagerly, her fingers tapping the coffee table. “Yes! He must apologize publicly and explain! Otherwise, people will think my daughter drives a junk car and we can’t have that!”

“Apologize!”

“He must apologize!”

“Hurry up, act like a man and take responsibility!”

The relatives cheered louder and louder, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

My dad’s temple throbbed. He turned to my bedroom door, trying to control his anger. “You brat! Come out and apologize properly to your aunts and cousins!”

My mom looked toward my room, her eyes anxious and helpless. Amid the noise and stares, I opened my door and stepped out. Everyone’s eyes immediately turned to me.

Virginia and Madison’s eyes were sharp, full of smugness and provocation. My cousin held his head high and my older cousin sneered in disdain.

The other relatives held their breath, expecting me to bow and admit defeat. I walked to the center of the living room, looking over their red, upset faces.

Calmly, I took my phone from my pocket, swiped a few times and found a contact. I looked up and spoke calmly.

“Aunt Virginia, Aunt Madison,” I paused, “I’m asking one last time. Do you really want me to apologize here in public?”

Virginia, angry at my attitude, spoke even more sharply. “Nonsense! Of course, you must apologize! Weren’t you so capable last time, so good at investigating? Now the truth is out! What do you say?”

Madison’s tone was just as harsh. “What? You’re scared? In front of all these relatives and neighbors, take back the lies you spread last time! You must apologize today, whether you like it or not!”

“Yes! You must apologize!”

“Come on, don’t waste time!”

“The evidence is right here; still going to deny it?”

The relatives grew restless again, constantly urging and accusing me. The neighbors outside the door talked even louder.

My parents closed their eyes, looking humiliated and helpless. I looked at Virginia and Madison, confident and relentless.

I smiled and typed, “Okay!”