In September, Little Rice Cake finally reached the age to attend kindergarten.

Two months in advance, Fu Zhiyie contacted the best private kindergarten around. The mere requirements for family background alone were intimidating enough to make most people balk.

But the Fu family was hardly ordinary—a single phone call settled everything, and the staff on the other end sounded honored and effusively grateful.

Fu Zhiyie invested a hefty sum into the kindergarten, instantly becoming a VVIP member. Yet, what he truly wanted was something more than the perks.

Little Rice Cake didn't need any special treatment or privileges; all the family asked was that the kindergarten kept him safe and healthy.

On the phone, the board director agreed at once, nodding repeatedly. They immediately arranged for the teachers to undergo extra training.

Being able to have the son of the Fu family attending their school was a coveted privilege.

Because Little Rice Cake had never attended any early education or prep classes, Chi Chi started preparing him mentally a full two months ahead.

“Sweetheart, do you like playing with other kids?”

“I do, Mommy! Last time on the mall’s slide, there were so many kids.”

“Exactly. There will be lots of kids at kindergarten too. When you start, you’ll be able to play with friends all day long.”

“But… but what about Mommy?”

His big eyes clouded with a touch of sadness—did kindergarten mean he couldn’t stay close to his parents anymore?

“Mommy will take you to school in the morning and pick you up after you’ve had enough fun.”

“But… I’ll miss Mommy. I’ll miss you even at mealtime… and at naptime too.”

Chi Chi pulled her little boy close, sighing. She, too, was feeling anxious.

There were still two months to go, but she already couldn’t help worrying.

What if she couldn’t see Little Rice Cake?

What if he fell?

What if he didn’t eat well?

What if he cried and wanted her?

Chi Chi was fraught with nervousness, made worse by being nearly eight months pregnant. Ever since Fu Zhiyie secured the spot, she’d suffered from sleepless nights.

Her tossing and turning kept Fu Zhiyie restless as well, so he decided to have a heart-to-heart with their son first.

Seizing the moment while Chi Chi napped, he called Little Rice Cake over.

The little stool came out again. Little Rice Cake sat, nervously twisting his fingers.

Fu Zhiyie sat on the carpet at eye level with his son.

“Fu Xingshu.”

“Mm…”

A little guilty, Little Rice Cake’s voice was barely above a whisper. He’d been especially clingy with Mommy lately, knowing she was tired.

“You’re a little man, aren’t you?”

The boy nodded obediently. “I am.”

“And who are the girls in our family?”

“Mommy and little sister.”

“So will you protect Mommy and your sister? You have to be brave if you want to keep them safe, right?”

Totally shameless, Fu Zhiyie began to ‘pua’* his son. (*‘PUA’ is a slang term in China referencing persuasive, sometimes manipulative, pep talks or tactics—here, it’s playful family encouragement.)

Little Rice Cake made a little fist. “I’m brave! I’ll protect them.”

“Every child goes to kindergarten when they grow up. There are teachers to look after you and friends to play with. When Daddy was little, kindergarten was my favorite place.”

“Really…?”

Little Rice Cake blinked. Still, he looked a little nervous.

“Absolutely. And you’re only there for a short while—just the morning. Then after you’ve had your tasty afternoon snack, Mommy comes to pick you up.”

Patient persuasion, relentless progress.

“Tasty snacks? Then can I bring some home for Mommy?”

Fu Zhiyie raised an eyebrow, following his son’s train of thought. “Of course! Mommy will be thrilled, you know. The kindergarten snacks are only for kids, so she’s never tasted them. She’ll want them a lot.”

“Hmm…”

Little Rice Cake hesitated, wavering. Mommy had been queasy lately—surely she’d want something sweet.

His toes touched the ground, lips pursed in deep conflict.

Fu Zhiyie beckoned, and Little Rice Cake climbed off the stool, diving into his father’s arms.

“Daddy…”

“What are you worried about, sweetie?”

The child in his arms was soft and sweet, carrying the same comforting scent as Chi Chi—a smell that melted Fu Zhiyie’s heart.

“I’m afraid you’ll forget to pick me up. What if I get left in kindergarten forever?”

His big eyes grew wet—he was on the verge of tears.

Fu Zhiyie patted his back. “No way. Daddy and Mommy will always be the first ones to pick you up. Daddy’s got long legs, right? I’ll walk faster than all the other dads and be number one at the gate, waiting for you.”

“Really?”

“Really! I’ll even stay with you at kindergarten the first two days—go to school with you, alright? And if you don’t like it, we’ll just come home.”

Earlier on the phone, they’d said parents could accompany the kids for the first two days.

“Okay!”

At this, Little Rice Cake was finally reassured. He thumped his small chest.

“Alright. I’ll complete my mission—bring the snacks home for Mommy and little sister.”

He stuck out his palm for a high five, suddenly feeling that kindergarten wasn’t so much about school as it was about conquering snacks for his family.

“Good. And next time Mommy asks, make sure you comfort her. Tell her there are teachers and friends at school, and you’ll only be gone for a few hours, so she doesn’t miss you too much.”

“Remember, girls worry easily. If Mommy imagines you’re crying in kindergarten, she’ll be too anxious to sleep at night. And if your sister can’t sleep, she won’t grow up big and strong.”

Little Rice Cake nodded, wrinkling his brow. “That’s not right. I won’t let Mommy worry.”

“Great. Can you take care of yourself at kindergarten?”

“I can.”

“And if you have a problem?”

“Uhh… what do I do?”

“Just raise your hand and tell the teacher. Every teacher in kindergarten is super capable—they can help you solve anything.”

“Okay!”

Fu Zhiyie smirked to himself. It really is easy when your target doesn’t even have a kindergarten diploma.

With that, Fu Zhiyie settled his son’s worries, and confidence surged through him. Surely he could win over his wife just as easily.

He set Little Rice Cake to the side and headed upstairs.

Quietly, he opened the bedroom door. Chi Chi was still fast asleep.

Her sleep was always shallow at night, so she'd nap during the day, but even so, dark shadows had started to appear under her eyes.

Fu Zhiyie reached over, gently brushing her hair aside, and kissed her forehead.

The air conditioning was on, but he dared not set it too low.

Chi Chi was covered with only a thin blanket, a noticeably rounded bump underneath.

Fu Zhiyie rested his hand on her belly. This pregnancy hadn’t been any easier than last time—if anything, her symptoms had been worse.

She’d started feeling sick at three months, and had thrown up every day since.

He watched his sleeping wife for a while, and, seeing no sign she’d wake soon, picked up a book and flipped through it at the desk—his left hand turning pages, his right still holding Chi Chi’s small hand.

After a while, she stirred, slowly opening her eyes.

She woke groggy, head heavy, her belly weighing her down.

Chi Chi gathered herself, tugged gently at his hand. Fu Zhiyie looked down at her.

“Mmm… I’m awake now.”

Helping her sit up, Chi Chi’s breath eased, the tightness in her chest dissipating a bit.

“Where’s Little Rice Cake?”

“He’s downstairs playing with Zao Zao.”

He held her, hand gently supporting her belly. The baby inside her seemed to wake up too, giving a little kick.

Chi Chi nuzzled against his neck, sighing out a breath. “Let’s go downstairs.”

Little Rice Cake had always been an obedient child, taught from an early age not to touch dangerous things.

Still, Chi Chi couldn’t help but feel uneasy, leaving him alone downstairs.