Madam Zhou sat on the sofa in the living room, the test papers Zhou Xiaoyu had just finished spread out in front of her. She held a red pen in her hand, marking through question after question, her brows furrowing deeper and deeper.
Zhou Xiaoyu sat beside her, head lowered, not daring to make a sound.
“This question,” Madam Zhou tapped the paper with her red pen, “wasn’t this just explained by the teacher yesterday? Why is it wrong again?”
Zhou Xiaoyu said softly, “I… I forgot.”
“You forgot?” Madam Zhou’s voice rose slightly. “You’ve done this type of question so many times, how can you still forget?”
Zhou Xiaoyu lowered his head even further.
The bullet comments floated by:
【This is suffocating】【Tiger Mom is in full force】【This kid is so pitiful】【If it were me, I’d break down already】
Madam Zhou took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. “Come here, I’ll call the teacher and explain it again.”
Zhou Xiaoyu moved closer and leaned over the paper.
Madam Zhou began explaining the problem again. Her voice was low, but the strictness still came through the screen. Zhou Xiaoyu listened carefully, nodding occasionally, frowning occasionally.
【Actually Madam Zhou is quite attentive】【Strict, but at least she personally tutors him】【Better than parents who don’t care at all】【But the pressure is really suffocating】
After finishing the explanation, Madam Zhou made Zhou Xiaoyu redo the problem. He picked up his pen carefully, solving it step by step, occasionally glancing at his mother’s expression.
Madam Zhou stared at his scratch paper, her gaze sharp like a surveillance camera.
【That look is exactly like my mom’s back then】【Childhood trauma resurfacing】【His mental strength is insane, my hands would already be shaking】
Zhou Xiaoyu finally finished and handed over the paper.
Madam Zhou checked it carefully, then finally nodded. “This time it’s correct.”
Zhou Xiaoyu let out a long breath, his tense shoulders relaxing.
Madam Zhou looked at him, a trace of softness flashing in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by strictness. “Rest for ten minutes, then do English.”
Zhou Xiaoyu nodded and leaned back on the sofa, closing his eyes.
【He looks exhausted】【He’s only in first year of high school and already like this】【But his grades are really good though—top three in the grade】
Madam Zhou looked at her son’s tired face. Her lips moved slightly as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she simply stood up and went to pour him some water.
The bullet comments caught that detail:
【Madam Zhou actually cares, right】【She just doesn’t show it】【Tiger Moms also love their kids, just in a different way】
Mrs. Zhao and Zhao Siqi were curled up on the living room sofa under the same blanket, watching TV. On the screen was a video of Zhao Siqi when she was little, dancing on stage with two little pigtails, spinning around like a cute little dumpling.
“Mom, I look so silly back then,” Zhao Siqi said, covering her face and laughing.
Mrs. Zhao smiled and hugged her tighter. “Not silly at all. You were adorable.”
“This move isn’t even standard if I look at it now.”
“You were only six years old then, you were already very good.”
The mother and daughter leaned against each other, laughing as they watched. The scene was warm like a drama.
【So healing! This is the correct way for mother-daughter bonding!】【The Zhao Family is really the cleansing stream of this season】【Siqi is so lively, completely different from her stage persona】【Mother is so gentle, even her voice is soft】
On the TV, little Siqi finished her dance and made a peace sign to the camera, showing a missing front tooth.
Zhao Siqi screamed, “Mom! Fast forward this!”
Mrs. Zhao laughed uncontrollably. “Nope, this is my favorite part.”
“Mom—!”
The two of them wrestled playfully, and even the blanket fell to the floor without anyone caring.
【Hahaha Siqi is too cute】【Mother teasing her daughter on purpose, so loving】
After they finished messing around, Mrs. Zhao picked up the blanket again and covered them both.
“Mom,” Zhao Siqi leaned on her shoulder, “what are we having for dinner tonight?”
“What do you want to eat?”
“Hmm… your braised pork, sweet and sour ribs, and also…”
Mrs. Zhao tapped her nose with a smile. “Are you ordering now?”
“I just want to eat it.”
“Alright, alright, I’ll make them all.”
【Siqi acting spoiled is so natural】【She clearly grew up in love】
Zhao Siqi suddenly remembered something and sat up. “Oh right, Mom, my classmate texted me saying she saw the Su Muzhe family livestream.”
Mrs. Zhao raised a brow. “Su Muzhe? The boy who plays piano very well?”
“Mm-hmm! His dad and mom are also amazing. That family trio performance made my classmates cry,” Zhao Siqi said excitedly. “Mom, when are we going to perform together too?”
Mrs. Zhao laughed. “Aren’t we performing every day already?”
“That’s different. That’s just for ourselves. I mean something for the camera.”
Mrs. Zhao thought for a moment and nodded. “Alright. After dinner tonight, we’ll play a piece too.”
“Yay!” Zhao Siqi cheered.
【Looking forward to Zhao Family performance!】【Siqi dancing, Mother playing guzheng—last time was amazing】
In Qian Duoduo’s room, the girl was standing in front of a mirror memorizing her lines. Script in hand, she muttered softly, occasionally pausing to practice expressions.
“Mom, come help me act!” she called toward the door.
Mrs. Qian walked in helplessly, smiling. “Again?”
“Please, Mom. This emotional scene is too complicated, I can’t handle it alone.”
Mrs. Qian took the script and glanced at it. “Another crying scene?”
“Mm-hmm, the part where the heroine finds out her true identity,” Qian Duoduo said, taking a deep breath. “Let’s start.”
Mrs. Qian read her line: “Child, actually… you are not my biological daughter.”
Qian Duoduo’s expression changed instantly.
Her eyes turned red, lips trembling slightly. Tears welled up but stubbornly refused to fall.
“You… what did you say?” Her voice shook with disbelief and despair.
“I found you at the hospital entrance back then…”
“No!” Qian Duoduo stepped back, tears finally spilling out. “Impossible! You’re lying!”
The bullet comments exploded:
【Damn! She started crying instantly!】【This acting is insane!】【Is she really only 14?】
Qian Duoduo cried heartbreakingly, tears streaming down her face as she still forced herself to continue speaking. Her trembling voice, broken gaze, and despairing expression stunned the audience.
After the scene ended, she wiped her tears and looked at her mother. “How was it?”
Mrs. Qian gave a thumbs-up. “Good. This scene passed.”
Qian Duoduo let out a long breath and collapsed onto the bed. “I’m exhausted.”
【So hardworking】【She’s only 14 and already like this】
Mrs. Qian sat beside her and massaged her shoulders. “What do you want for dinner tonight?”
“Anything. Just something to fill me up.”
“How about steamed fish?”
“Mm.”
“Stir-fried vegetables too?”
“Mm.”
“And—”
“Mom,” Qian Duoduo opened her eyes slightly, “you decide. I’ll eat anything.” Then she closed her eyes again.
Mrs. Qian looked at her tired daughter, a trace of heartache flashing in her eyes. She gently stroked her hair and said nothing more.
【Mrs. Qian looks so heartbroken】【Duoduo is really working too hard】【Hope she takes care of her health】