It was Spring Festival season. The capital’s Chang’an Avenue was decorated with colorful lights and festive ornaments, yet the usually crowded roads were unusually spacious and empty. Inside the CCTV headquarters, celebrities participating in the Spring Festival Gala hurried toward Studio No. 1, nervously preparing for the fifth rehearsal.
Chu Xiaoyi followed the staff at a brisk pace when a sharp dryness suddenly struck his throat. He coughed violently several times and instinctively tugged down the brim of his cap.
His manager, He Xin, noticed that his artist looked unwell and quickly handed him a bottle of water.
“Are you okay?” he asked worriedly. “Want some water?”
The assistant director leading them also stopped. The young woman looked at Chu Xiaoyi hesitantly, concern evident on her face.
Seeing everyone staring at him anxiously, Chu Xiaoyi didn’t want to delay the staff’s schedule. He immediately waved his hand to indicate that he was fine.
“It’s nothing,” he said in a hoarse voice. “I’ll just take some medicine tonight.”
He Xin watched as Chu Xiaoyi went onstage. Seeing him force himself through rehearsal despite his condition, he could only sigh quietly from a corner.
Chu Xiaoyi had caught a cold while filming. After the production wrapped, he rushed straight to Spring Festival Gala rehearsals without stopping to rest. After several days of intense rehearsals, it was no surprise that his health hadn’t improved.
But celebrities weren’t allowed to casually complain about exhaustion or illness—especially rising stars.
Although Chu Xiaoyi was currently one of the hottest young idols in the industry, nobody could guarantee that his popularity would last forever. The uncertainty gave him a constant sense of crisis, turning him into a machine that dared not stop moving.
After rehearsal finally ended, Chu Xiaoyi got a chance to rest. Sitting before a makeup mirror, he swallowed his medicine.
He Xin asked, “Are you going home this year? Should I have them send your luggage back first?”
Chu Xiaoyi blinked in confusion.
“I don’t have work?” he asked incredulously.
Had he fallen out of favor that quickly?
He Xin rolled his eyes.
“What work is there during Spring Festival? Besides the Gala performance?”
“But I always had work before…”
“The year before last, filming got delayed unexpectedly. Last year you were shooting Director Chen’s movie. Those were special cases. You deserve a year off!”
Chu Xiaoyi sat quietly in his chair, looking oddly lost.
He hadn’t expected to receive the luxury of a real vacation. For once, he could actually go home and celebrate the New Year properly.
“You should call your parents,” He Xin suggested. “It’s been years since you’ve gone back, hasn’t it?”
Over the past few years, Chu Xiaoyi had been busy as a spinning top. Even during Spring Festival he never truly slowed down. He barely had time to call his parents.
It couldn’t be helped.
Their schedules were completely different.
Chu Xiaoyi was either on a plane or on his way to one. By the time he was genuinely free, it was usually two or three in the morning. How could he call his family at that hour?
His father, Chu Jiadong, occasionally spoke with him over the phone, but the two rarely saw eye to eye. Their conversations usually ended after only a few sentences.
His mother, Xiao Bi, was a high school teacher and just as busy in her own way. Chu Xiaoyi had long since grown accustomed to it.
“I’ll call after the Gala,” he said. “Home isn’t far away. One phone call won’t make much difference.”
He hadn’t seen his parents for so long that he suddenly didn’t know what he would even say to them.
A strange homesickness mixed with nervousness welled up inside him.
At Yurongtai Residential Community, Han Ya took one look at the elegant tea room in the courtyard and immediately knew she had arrived at Teacher Xiao Bi’s home.
Back in her school days, Teacher Xiao had been graceful, refined, and approachable. She possessed a classic Eastern elegance and was highly popular among students.
Even years after graduation, Han Ya still remembered her vividly.
Of course, another reason students remembered Teacher Xiao so clearly was that her son had become a celebrity.
When Han Ya was a senior in high school, she had attended tutoring sessions at the teacher’s home. She had even met the young Chu Xiaoyi and chatted with him about popular singers.
No one could have imagined that today his posters would cover streets and alleys everywhere, making him an idol pursued by countless young girls.
Whenever Han Ya saw Chu Xiaoyi on television, his resemblance to his mother always reminded her of her former teacher.
Yurongtai was a famous luxury residential complex. Beautiful, peaceful, and surrounded by excellent scenery, it offered tranquility amid the city’s bustle.
Xiao Bi’s home occupied the ground floor and came with a spacious private courtyard that had been tastefully maintained.
“Teacher Xiao, Happy New Year!”
The moment Han Ya entered, she received a warm welcome.
Seeing her former student carrying numerous bags, Xiao Bi shot her a reproachful look.
“You didn’t need to bring so many things.”
Han Ya grinned.
“When I was in my senior year, I ate so many meals at your house. I have to make up for it somehow.”
Xiao Bi laughed helplessly and helped her put down the gifts before inviting her to sit.
Inside the house, two elderly people—a man and a woman—were sorting vegetables. Seeing Han Ya arrive, they greeted her somewhat awkwardly.
Xiao Bi introduced them.
“These are Xiaoxiao’s great-uncle and great-aunt on her mother’s side. They’re spending New Year’s Eve with us.”
“Happy New Year to both of you!” Han Ya said quickly.
“Happy New Year, happy New Year.”
The elderly couple looked a little embarrassed. Carrying their basin of vegetables, they retreated into the kitchen, leaving the living room to Han Ya and Xiao Bi.
Before long, Chu Jiadong emerged from the kitchen wearing an apron.
His face was glowing, and his voice was loud and cheerful as he greeted Han Ya. Then he immediately dashed back to continue cooking.
Han Ya couldn’t help teasing:
“Teacher Xiao, you’re amazing. President Chu is actually the one cooking?” She laughed. “A big boss who still does housework?”
Han Ya’s high school was one of the top three key schools in the city, and most of the female teachers there had married quite well.
Back then, one English teacher had been driven nearly mad by a struggling student and blurted out in frustration that if it weren’t for her ideals as an educator, she would never have come there to “experience life.”
Among the staff, Xiao Bi was relatively low-key, but students who were close to her knew that her family was quite wealthy.
Xiao Bi smiled.
“What big boss? These days he’s just staying home taking care of Xiaoxiao.”
Han Ya laughed.
“President Chu has both a son and a daughter now. He doesn’t need to keep striving anymore. He’s happier than plenty of real tycoons.”
Xiao Bi poured tea and set out snacks for her guest. After exchanging pleasantries and reminiscing about old times, they gradually got to the real reason for the visit.
Han Ya was now an educational psychology specialist. For a period of time, she had focused on research into gifted children’s psychology and education. After hearing about her expertise, Xiao Bi had contacted her former student to seek advice.
Looking troubled, Xiao Bi said,
“After I gave birth to Xiaoxiao, I went back to teaching pretty quickly. She stayed home with her father all day, fooling around and playing. I didn’t notice some unusual things…”
Han Ya chuckled.
“Listen to yourself. If simply fooling around with President Chu can produce a child prodigy, isn’t that a good thing?”
Xiao Bi sighed softly and lowered her voice.
“Honestly, I’d rather she were an ordinary child. You have no idea how strict her father used to be with Xiaoyi. If Xiaoxiao really has this kind of talent, won’t he push her to the limit studying, just like he did with Xiaoyi back then?”
Han Ya became thoughtful.
She had heard a little about the Chu family’s history.
Apparently, Chu Xiaoyi had wanted to become a singer when he was younger, leading to serious conflicts with his father, Chu Jiadong. Chu Jiadong had never fully forgiven his son for abandoning his studies.
Although Chu Xiaoyi was now successful and famous, that didn’t mean the wounds of the past had disappeared.
Han Ya reassured her.
“Don’t worry. Gifted children aren’t as mysterious as people think. Research on exceptionally talented children has become much more advanced both in China and abroad.”
“If Xiaoxiao’s intellectual development truly surpasses that of her peers, or if she possesses some special talent, then learning more would actually benefit her. Holding her back could hinder her development.”
“Have you heard of the Eighth Middle School’s gifted program? It’s specifically designed for exceptionally talented children and provides them with an appropriate learning environment.”
“If gifted children are placed in ordinary classrooms, they can actually develop a dislike for school. Their learning ability is so far ahead of their peers that they feel intellectually under-stimulated. Classes become boring to them.”
Xiao Bi nodded with a smile.
“You’re the expert in this field. That’s why I invited you to take a look.”
Han Ya replied,
“Let me meet Xiaoxiao first. I even brought some assessment materials…”
Before she could finish speaking, she noticed a little head peeking out from behind a nearby wall.
She paused.
The little girl looked like a porcelain doll, with bright, sparkling eyes. She appeared quite young and was secretly observing them from behind the wall, reminding Han Ya of the famous “secretly watching” meme.
Following Han Ya’s gaze, Xiao Bi immediately spotted her daughter.
“Xiaoxiao, what are you doing hiding over there?”
Chu Xiaoxiao wore straight bangs, with the rest of her hair neatly tied back. Her round little face resembled a soft rice cake.
In a sweet voice she said,
“Mom, I want to go play with Sister Yang Yin.”
“We’re about to eat. Come over and say hello to Sister Han Ya first. You can go out afterward.”
Chu Xiaoxiao examined Han Ya carefully.
It was as though she were observing something. Her large eyes blinked repeatedly.
Finding her adorable and well-behaved, Han Ya took the initiative.
“Hello, Xiaoxiao. I’m Han Ya. I used to be your mother’s student.”
Chu Xiaoxiao’s eyes were as clear and bright as gemstones.
She stared at Han Ya for a long time, so long that Han Ya became slightly confused.
For some reason, Han Ya felt as though the little girl had completely seen through her. She waited awkwardly for a response.
No one knew that young Chu Xiaoxiao possessed a special ability.
She could see the colors of people’s emotions.
In her eyes, everyone’s heart radiated a different color.
Her mother, Xiao Bi, was bright red.
Han Ya was orange.
Both colors represented kindness and goodwill.
Only after confirming that did Xiaoxiao lower her guard.
“Xiaoxiao, hurry and greet your sister,” Xiao Bi prompted when her daughter remained motionless.
Satisfied that Han Ya was sincere and harmless, Chu Xiaoxiao immediately relaxed and became much more lively.
“Hello, Sister. My name is Chu Xiaoxiao.”
Seeing how innocent, cheerful, and confident the little girl was, Han Ya finally relaxed.
She struck up a conversation.
“Xiaoxiao, I heard from Teacher Xiao that you’re very good at foreign languages. I’ve been wanting to learn some myself recently. Could I ask you a few questions?”
Han Ya had worked with many gifted children before and naturally understood the importance of speaking to them as equals.
Geniuses and prodigies often had unusual personalities. Adults who tried to throw their weight around usually ended up hitting a wall.
Chu Xiaoxiao tilted her head and thought for a moment.
Instead of answering, she suddenly turned and dashed away like a hopping little rabbit.
Watching the little girl run off, Han Ya looked helplessly at Xiao Bi, wondering what she had done wrong.
Xiao Bi couldn’t help laughing.
“You’ve stirred up a hornet’s nest this time. I doubt she’ll let you leave anytime soon.”
Han Ya blinked.
“…What?”
“In our family,” Xiao Bi said with a wry smile, “none of us dare casually say we want to ‘learn from’ or ‘ask advice from’ her.”
Han Ya: “?”
Before she could process that statement, she heard the rattling sound of wheels.
Rumble, rumble.
The little girl came charging back, enthusiastically pushing a gigantic whiteboard taller than she was.
She rolled it right into the center of the living room and brought it to a perfect stop.
Then she adjusted something on her iPad and handed it to Han Ya.
Instantly assuming the posture of a tiny teacher, she said with complete seriousness:
“Sister, please select the course you would like to study.”
Han Ya stared blankly at the iPad screen.
A long list of courses was displayed.
There were serious subjects such as English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and many others.
There were also decidedly less serious subjects, such as:
- Doing the splits
- Cat language
- Happy Match (a puzzle mobile game)
Han Ya: “…”
It seemed that something very strange had gotten mixed into the curriculum.
Han Ya patiently asked, “Can Xiaoxiao really do all of these?”
Chu Xiaoxiao puffed out her chest and planted her hands on her hips. Her little face was filled with pride.
“These are the things I can teach other people.”
In other words, any language she hadn’t mastered well enough to teach had not yet made it onto the list.
Seeing how pleased with herself she was, Xiao Bi couldn’t resist tapping her daughter lightly on the head.
“Don’t get too proud.”
Using her fingers to carefully illustrate the difference, Chu Xiaoxiao corrected her with complete seriousness:
“I’m only a little proud, not too proud.”
The childish way she muttered the words made Han Ya burst into laughter.
Xiao Bi was equally helpless. There was no stopping her daughter’s childlike boasting.
Suppressing her curiosity about the “Cat Language” course, Han Ya randomly selected something.
“Then I’ll choose Japanese.”
She didn’t mind playing along with Chu Xiaoxiao’s make-believe teacher game for a while. When she was a child, she and her friends had often played pretend games like teacher-and-student or doctor-and-patient. Those were unique and treasured memories.
Besides, pretend play was one of the best ways to observe a child’s thought processes and reasoning. It seemed like a good entry point.
The moment Han Ya chose a course, Chu Xiaoxiao enthusiastically sprang into action and even pulled out lesson plans she had prepared beforehand.
Noticing her daughter’s overwhelming enthusiasm, Xiao Bi looked at Han Ya sympathetically and sighed.
“You’re going to regret this in a minute. She really loves teaching people.”
For some reason, Chu Xiaoxiao’s favorite thing in the world was being a teacher. Nobody knew whether this talent had somehow been inherited from Xiao Bi.
Han Ya blinked.
“…?”
She had intended to observe Chu Xiaoxiao through a game.
What she hadn’t expected was that the little girl wasn’t pretending at all.
She genuinely intended to teach a class.
Chu Xiaoxiao dragged over a small chair and stood on it energetically. Writing on the whiteboard with a marker, she began her lesson.
After teaching for only a short while, she noticed Han Ya sitting silently.
Immediately dissatisfied, she demanded:
“Big Sister, why aren’t you reading after me?”
Han Ya: “…”
Because I only wanted to observe your language skills. I never actually intended to learn Japanese.
“I-I’m afraid my pronunciation won’t be very good…”
Chu Xiaoxiao responded solemnly, “That’s even more reason to repeat after me. Let’s do it again. A, I, U, E, O (あ、い、う、え、お).”
Han Ya looked troubled.
As a grown woman sitting in her former teacher’s living room, she felt far too embarrassed to suddenly start reciting a foreign language.
She cautiously suggested, “Xiaoxiao, I brought a set of test questions. Why don’t we solve some problems together instead?”
By now, Han Ya already had a preliminary assessment of Chu Xiaoxiao. There was no reason to remain trapped in Japanese class. She could move on to the next stage.
The tests she carried were specifically designed for gifted children and measured logical reasoning and visual cognition.
Chu Xiaoxiao immediately shook her head.
“No.” Her attitude was decisive. “You can’t quit halfway through learning. A, I, U, E, O!”
Han Ya forced a smile. “I’m not really at my best today. How about I come learn from you another day?”
Chu Xiaoxiao remained unmoved. “A, I, U, E, O!”
Han Ya: “…”
Chu Xiaoxiao repeated even louder: “A, I, U, E, O!”
Han Ya finally replied weakly, “A… I… U… E… O…”
Instantly satisfied, Chu Xiaoxiao continued, “Ka, Ki, Ku, Ke, Ko… (か、き、く、け、こ)”
Han Ya had no choice.
She ended up enduring a full forty-five-minute lesson from the little girl.
And not just any lesson—a high-intensity course where daydreaming was forbidden and students were required to repeat every line.
Whenever Han Ya tried to glance at her phone, Chu Xiaoxiao would give her a look of silent disapproval. The little girl’s judgmental stare made it surprisingly difficult to lose focus.
When the first Japanese lesson finally ended, Chu Jiadong chose that exact moment to call everyone to dinner, mercifully interrupting Chu Xiaoxiao’s plans for back-to-back classes.
Han Ya immediately felt as though a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders.
At last, she could stand up from the sofa.
After surviving such an intense lesson, she genuinely felt hungry.
At the same time, she silently congratulated herself.
Han Ya: Thank goodness I didn’t choose Cat Language. That would have been truly humiliating.
If she had selected Cat Language, she was convinced that Chu Xiaoxiao would have forced her to sit there and meow along with the lesson.
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