We call my mom’s eldest brother, Big Uncle and his wife, Big Aunt.  I’m not sure if that’s standard Chinese naming convention, but being the eldest of 12, I think he earned it.   We are told Big Uncle is notorious for taking the bill every time dinners are held. 

- setting the scene -

The second night in a row, we are out for dinner in HK with Big Uncle, Big Aunt, and Auntie Pandora.  After a delicious meal, Jonathan has successfully hidden the bill under his napkin and is waiting for the opportune time to approach the waiter.  Big Uncle takes a break to the washroom and Jonathan makes his move.  He gives his card to a waiter and comes back to the table with a grin.

We are sitting around the table working on dessert when our waitress comes back with the bill asking for someone to sign:

(translated from Chinese)

Waitress: Who will sign for this?
Jonathan: That’s mine. Thank you.
Big Aunt: Miss, please wait for my husband…
Jonathan: No no, please give me the bill
Big Aunt (sounding agitated): Miss! I said wait for my husband!
Jonathan: You’re too late old lady!  The deed is done!

note: some translation may have been paraphrased

Jonathan signs the bill and Joyce beams triumphantly.  Jonathan goes to retrieve his card. 

Jonathan: Wait a minute.   This is not my card.  Miss, I think you gave us the wrong bill.
Joyce: What?  Let me see the card. Who is Luen Ka Ho? No! That’s Big Uncle’s card!  You signed for Big Uncle!
Jonathan (sounding horrified): How is this even possible?  Nooo!!

Big Uncle saunters back to the table, suddenly looking a lot like Tony Soprano. 

Big Uncle: What’s with all the commotion?

- joyce