From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea ) novel Chapter 365

At this, the lady lowered her voice, brimming with pride, “Listen, darling, between you and me, a woman really needs a son. It’s only with a son that you can really stand tall. Honestly, in my quest for a son, I had to let go of two girls.”

Even though it was already the 21st century, many older folks still clung to outdated notions. Only a boy could carry on the family name, while girls were just seen as pretty additions. For a woman, not having a son meant facing humiliation both in public and in private. Speaking nicely, she said she let go of two girls. But in reality, they were abandoned. Back in the day, the number of people who would abandon their daughters in hopes of having a son was just too high...

Hearing this, Carole looked at the lady, astounded. Seeing Carole’s reaction, the lady sighed, a look of resignation on her face, “Ah, what can you do? If I hadn’t sent them away, we would’ve had too many kids to feed...”

Carole felt a pang in her heart. She thought of her own circumstances. Had her grandmother not taken her in, she would have been given away by her parents too. Sadly, her grandmother passed away too soon. She never got to repay her grandmother’s kindness.

When the topic shifted to her son, the lady’s face lit up with pride, “Thankfully, my son’s doing us proud! In his school, out of over 30 classes and 1600 students, he always ranks within the top 1000. I’m sure he’ll get into a great university!”

Carole maintained a polite yet awkward smile.

“And how’s your daughter doing?” the lady inquired further.

Carole responded modestly, “Just average.”

The lady chuckled, “Girls are never as clever as boys! It’s normal for your daughter to be average. Anyway, a high education for girls isn’t that useful; sooner or later, they’ll just end up getting married. A high school diploma is quite enough! Times have changed now; even girls can go to school. In our days, I didn’t even set foot in a primary school, but look at me, I’m doing just fine! My two little ones, just like me, haven’t seen the inside of a school.”

Carole just smiled, saying nothing. Because arguing with someone with such a different viewpoint was futile. Perhaps it wasn’t the lady’s fault. It was the tragedy of an era.

“Hey, what’s your Facebook? Let’s connect! When my son gets into university, I’ll invite you for a celebratory drink!”

“Thank you for the offer, but I’ll pass,” Carole declined politely.

The lady glanced at Carole, pressing on, “Aren’t you thinking of having another child? Doesn’t your husband mind? Oh, the man you were standing with, is he your husband?”