An uncle shook his head before turning toward Deyong, and the look he gave him carried an almost sympathetic amusement that was somehow more insulting than outright mockery.
"Honestly, Deyong, I almost feel bad for you."
The comment immediately drew attention from the people seated nearby, and several heads turned in his direction with interest.
Deyong looked up.
"Oh?"
The uncle smiled as he lifted his teacup.
"You spend decades raising a child, only for him to keep the patriarch waiting on a night like this. That cannot feel particularly rewarding."
A few people laughed.
The sound was not loud, but it spread easily around the table because the remark had struck exactly where it was intended to.
Deyong's expression remained controlled, though the atmosphere around him seemed to grow noticeably colder.
