Summary of a Chinese Family Story
On New Year's Eve, with snowflakes flying in the air, the festive atmosphere becomes even thicker. However, in the Yan family, the tension escalates. Once again, Yan Chuan and Mi Jia, a young couple, are having an argument. Then, the mother-in-law and aunt jump into the fray, berating Mi Jia for being a "sparrow turned phoenix," fortunate to become the daughter-in-law of the wealthy Yan family, but ultimately a "hen that doesn't lay eggs." In a fit of rage, Mi Jia throws out the word "divorce" and storms out of the door, leaving in a huff. Consequently, the mother-in-law, Qiu Sha, begins her rant once more, continuously blaming her son for marrying a woman who is not socially or financially compatible, accusing her of being too unruly and ill-mannered. After all, she reasons, coming from a lower-class background, Mi Jia is nothing more than a commoner.
In Mi Jia's eyes, however, this family is merely a façade, a so-called prestigious household that is, in reality, nothing but a typical nouveau riche Chinese family. Simply put, it spells one word: vulgar!