Our family moved here from China two years ago, and we 1 we were pretty well adjusted (适应) to American ways. This year my parents decided to give a 2 and invite some of our American friends.
The party went pretty well. Our guests were amazed at the flavour (味道) of all the special foods. "I loved the dishes. You and the girls must have 3 hours doing all the work!" Mrs. Black said to my mother. "The girls 4 the cutting and I'm sorry they did such a 5 job," said Mother.
I heard a little gasp (倒吸气) from my friend Kim. She told me she just didn't 6 why my mother said so. "She doesn't mean it! It's just the way she talks." Seeing her still confused 7 , I went on explaining, "Chinese parents consider it good manners to deny (否认) 8 about their children. Otherwise, it would be the same as bragging (吹牛)." Kim nodded slowly.
That Easter, the Blacks 9 our family for dinner. Mrs. Black cooked a huge ham. Mother said, "I'm not sure if I can eat one more bite. That was the 10 ham I've ever tasted!" "Aw, that ham was terrible," said Kim. "I bet you could do a lot better, Mrs. Yang."
There was an awkward 11 around the table. Clearing my throat, I 12 asked, "What made you talk like that?" "But you were the one who told me that saying nice things about your own 13 was the same as bragging!" she said. "I was just trying to 14 modest (谦逊的)!"
We looked at each other and everyone started laughing. Mrs. Black said, "That's all right. We know you didn't 15 it!"
