Albert (born 1950, of the 智 generation, the fourth in the series of generation names in my family when I was growing up) was left behind in Singapore to live with his paternal aunt when his father (of the 平 generation) went off to work on Christmas Island. Perhaps he was already at school, so the father didn't want to disrupt his education.
That branch of the family was a bit Peranakan in their lifestyle -- they didn't speak much dialect, never mind Mandarin.
Peranakan is the term for describing mostly, but not exclusively, Chinese people who'd settled in S.E.Asia adopting a Malay lifestyle: in dress (wearing sarong), in dietary habits (eating Malay food, and using their hands instead of cutlery), and in language (speaking Malay).
Fast forward to Albert now being in his teens, about 17. He met my brother, David (of the 平 generation, one generation above his), through Johnny (the son of my mother's midwifery colleague).
Albert then wrote to his father on Christmas Island, excitedly announcing, "I've made a new friend who shares our surname. And guess what?! He also has a 平 in his Chinese name, just like you!"
His father, making the connection instantly, wrote back and said, "He's your uncle, you fool!"
After that, I'd relentlessly press Albert whenever I saw him, "Call me Auntie, call me Auntie!" although he was three years older.
(Singapore, late 60s)
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