Fu Zhiyie pinched her cheek affectionately and said, "He was very well-behaved and sensible, just sitting on the carpet playing with Zoey Zhang the whole time, not running or crawling around."
Fu Zhiyie gave his phone a little shake—on the screen was the live feed from the downstairs living room camera.
"The company just developed a new companion robot for the home. Once it's ready and Shiyi* comes back, Little Rice Cake will definitely love it."
"Mm, mm!"
"Baby, haven’t you always worried about him starting kindergarten? Why don’t we take him to an early education class for a couple of days, just to let him adjust?"
Fu Zhiyie had specially consulted a child development expert, who suggested letting children first practice socializing with other kids.
Learning how to join a group, how to communicate, share, and ask for help.
Plus, with Mom and Dad by his side, there wouldn’t be any separation anxiety. It would give him a buffer before starting actual kindergarten.
Cecilia’s eyes brightened. She’d considered it before, but with no experience, she hadn’t known what early education classes to look for.
"Hubby, how do you always know everything!"
She reached out and hugged Fu Zhiyie around the neck, pressing her face close. "How did you get so amazing?"
Fu Zhiyie loved his wife’s praise and affection. He turned his head and gave her a gentle kiss, smiling.
"No rush. Tomorrow, we’ll take Little Rice Cake there. They’ve got lots of classes—including art! He can choose absolutely anything he wants to try."
"Yeah, as long as he enjoys it. I don’t want Little Rice Cake to be burdened with learning too many things from a young age. One or two hobbies that he likes and sticks with are enough. What do you think?"
She had heard stories of parents whose kids, besides regular classes, had schedules packed with piano, dance, music, art—all kinds of lessons, every single week.
That kind of schedule wasn’t for her. She just wanted her child to grow up in a relaxed and happy environment.
Of course, she trusted Fu Zhiyie’s self-discipline and sincerity. Giving their child a good example, helping him develop good study habits, would be much better than forcing him to learn everything.
"I think it’s great. Our kid is definitely smart. Learning on his own initiative will always be more effective than us pushing him. In the future, I’ll exercise with him—we can swim, play tennis..."
Cecilia could already picture it: Little Rice Cake a bit older, following Fu Zhiyie out to play tennis, while she sat on the sidelines with their little daughter.
"That sounds wonderful... Hubby, I love you so much! Oh—and if Little Rice Cake plays basketball at school, can we come cheer him on and bring cold water?"
Fu Zhiyie laughed, helping her down from the bed. "He’s not even in kindergarten yet and you’re already planning that far ahead, baby. Let’s focus on helping our son settle into school first."
"Okay~"
After chatting for a while, Cecilia made her way happily downstairs.
Little Rice Cake was showing Zoey Zhang his picture book. He pointed at the illustrations, narrating the story out loud, full of expression.
Zoey Zhang, his dog, listened drowsily, resting her head on his leg, tilting her head as she forced her eyes open and endured the 'agony'.
(I’m just a poor puppy, but my little master makes me learn stories—woof woof T_T)
When Cecilia and Fu Zhiyie came downstairs talking, Little Rice Cake turned his small head. "Mommy, you and little sister are awake!"
Cecilia smiled. "Yes. What are you doing, Little Rice Cake?"
"I’m telling the little duckling’s story to Zoey Zhang. Zoey Zhang likes it a lot!"
He handed her the picture book as she sat on the sofa—it was the story she’d told him last night.
"Our Little Rice Cake is so amazing."
"Right, right! Mommy, I’m really amazing. When I go to kindergarten, I’ll even bring you some treats!"
Little Rice Cake nodded his little head, full of excitement.
"Treats?" Cecilia glanced at her son, then at Fu Zhiyie.
Fu Zhiyie just shrugged with a smile.
"Daddy said there are delicious snacks every afternoon at kindergarten, but only for the kids. I’ll bring you and little sister some too!"
Cecilia’s heart melted. "Thank you, sweetheart."
"Mommy, will snacks make you throw up?" Little Rice Cake looked at her in concern. Even though she tried to avoid showing it, sometimes he ended up seeing her feel unwell and throw up.
"No, Mommy doesn’t throw up anymore."
Fu Zhiyie lifted his son onto his knee. "Baby, tomorrow, Mommy and Daddy will take you to play, okay?"
"Play?" Little Rice Cake’s eyes lit up. Then he shook his head, "But little sister is in Mommy’s tummy. She can’t play."
"You love your balance bike and drawing, don’t you? They have both! Mommy and Daddy haven’t been to a kindergarten in ages. Will you take us there tomorrow?"
Fu Zhiyie handed the choice to his son, lacing each word with temptation.
Little Rice Cake’s eyes grew wide. "Okay! Then I’ll take you—and little sister—there to play!"
"And once your little sister is born, she’ll come to school with you too."
Having reached an agreement with their son, Little Rice Cake was now full of anticipation for tomorrow’s early education class.
He was so excited, he checked with Fu Zhiyie again before he went to sleep: "Daddy, we have to get up early tomorrow!"
"Alright, sleep well. As soon as we’re up, we’ll head out!"
……
Naturally, the next morning, both Little Rice Cake and Fu Zhiyie were awake.
Cecilia hadn’t gotten up yet, so Little Rice Cake picked out a snazzy outfit and had breakfast with Daddy.
Waited and waited~ and waited and waited~
At last, he saw Mommy come downstairs, and just like Zoey Zhang, he trailed after her everywhere.
Cecilia changed into her usual outing sneakers, and with Fu Zhiyie they drove to the early education center.
The place was in a fancy neighborhood, attended only by a few children. They didn’t just accept new kids off the street—each class only had three children.
Getting out of the car, the three of them were met by Lao San* at the entrance.
As soon as they walked in, the director greeted them warmly.
For Fu Zhiyie’s visit, the other afternoon classes had been rescheduled, so only the two classes Little Rice Cake signed up for had children attending as planned.
The director stooped down to greet him, "Hello there! What’s your name?"
Little Rice Cake looked up at the friendly stranger, a bit nervous. He moved closer to his mother’s leg, and Cecilia gently stroked his head in silent encouragement.
"I… my name is Fu Xingshu. My nickname is Little Rice Cake…"
His voice was small, but very clear.
"Hello, Little Rice Cake! You can call me Miss Bubble.*"
"Hello, Miss Bubble!"
Little Rice Cake’s eyes were striking—just like Cecilia’s, the irises were a light, glassy color, framed with long lashes like little fans. Every blink tugged at the teacher’s heart.
After greeting the children, Miss Bubble stood up and said warmly, “Mr. Fu, there’s a little time before class. You and your wife can walk your son around and get to know the place.”
"Thank you."
Strolling slowly together, they admired the walls covered with cute animals and bright, colorful castles. Little Rice Cake was totally fascinated.
"Daddy, is kindergarten this pretty too?"
"It sure is."
"Little Rice Cake loves it here!"
Seeing him happy, Cecilia felt relieved.
Soon the other children arrived—a little boy and a little girl.
The three of them went into the classroom. One whole wall was made of glass.
Cecilia and Fu Zhiyie sat outside, watching their child through the glass.
Like any parents, they worried and felt anxious...
At first, Little Rice Cake sat quietly, glancing back now and then to check for them through the glass.
Whenever he saw his parents looking, he’d turn back around, reassured.
After a few times, he soon got drawn into Miss Bubble’s story time, forgetting about Mom and Dad entirely.
With her eyes a little misty, Cecilia leaned into Fu Zhiyie’s embrace. He wrapped an arm around her waist.
She whispered, "Feels like just yesterday he was in his little crib, and now he’s going to school."
Fu Zhiyie stroked her cheek. "Going to school is great—I’ll finally get some alone time with my wife."
"..."
"Ah, nope, here comes another one."
Fu Zhiyie’s antics chased away any lingering melancholy in her heart.