Chapter Sixteen: The Awkward Brag Goes Live

“Time to eat, wash your hands and come to the table.”

Fortunately, Nan Jianlong’s call broke the awkward silence in the living room. Huanhuan and Yan Ziyou quickly ran toward the dining room, followed by Nan Li and Tian Yulan.

Everyone gathered around the round table. Nan Jianlong sat in the middle, with the two families on either side, leaving only Cai Juying still serving dishes.

“The soup is ready.”

“Lili, this soup—I only added mushrooms and goji berries, nothing else. It took me four or five hours to make. Have a taste and see if it suits your palate.”

Although Cai Juying meant well, Nan Li harbored little fondness for the woman who had taken her mother’s husband and her own father. She merely replied with a faint “thank you.”

But Cai Juying was already satisfied, smiling as she said, “We’re family, no need for such formalities. Lili, you look so well, rosy and radiant—hardly like a mother of two.”

Nan Li didn’t know how to respond. Tian Yulan, seeing her mother’s warm gestures met with cold indifference, felt deeply displeased and urged her mother to sit down and eat.

Nan Jianlong suddenly remembered he hadn’t brought out the gifts he had bought. He immediately asked Cai Juying to bring them out and handed them to the three children one by one.

Huanhuan and Chaochao were delighted with their gifts, but Yan Ziyou’s initial excitement faded upon seeing his present—it was exactly the same toy Nan Jianlong had given him last time.

Tian Yulan’s face darkened with anger. Yan Peng, knowing his wife well, quickly signaled her under the table to calm down, but Tian Yulan pushed him aside.

The more Tian Yulan thought about it, the angrier she became. Why did Nan Li and her family always do nothing but wait to be served when they came back home, while her mother had to grovel and flatter?

She could have tolerated that, but Nan Jianlong’s blatant favoritism toward her son and the others was unbearable.

How could it be that Huanhuan and Chaochao, who also called him “grandpa,” always received the gifts they wished for, while her own son was given the same gift twice, clearly showing he wasn’t in his heart?

Tian Yulan was the type who could endure personal grievances silently, but she would never stand to see her son treated unfairly or differently.

Though she held a modest leadership position and could keep her composure without flipping the table, her dissatisfaction and determination to reclaim her standing were already taking shape.

To strike the snake’s vulnerable spot, of course, she would seek help from someone skilled.

Tian Yulan already had a plan in mind.

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While everyone was eating, she suddenly sighed and said, “Our Ziyou really should learn more from Huanhuan. He’s just too introverted. I’m always encouraging him to develop hobbies, but he refuses. All he cares about is studying. Last semester, he ranked first in his class, and in every quiz this term, he’s been first. The teachers all adore him.”

Her words instantly changed the atmosphere at the table.

Nan Li remained silent, simply watching Tian Yulan’s performance. Yan Peng didn’t know how to respond either. Finally, Nan Jianlong praised Ziyou, “Ziyou, you’re really impressive.”

Seeing his father-in-law speak, Yan Peng quickly changed the subject, “Ziyou, keep up the good work. Let’s not talk about this during dinner. Here, have some wine.”

As Yan Peng deflected the topic, Zhou Chen raised his glass to clink with him, then glanced at Tian Yulan.

Most people would have stopped boasting after such an interruption, but he knew Tian Yulan was no ordinary woman; the real show was yet to come.

Sure enough, Tian Yulan did not disappoint. Before even taking a bite, she spoke again.

“Well, I’m quite content. Ziyou doesn’t have many other strengths. Other kids have to be scolded and pushed to study, but he’s always self-motivated.”

Zhou Chen did not interrupt. He quietly watched Tian Yulan’s display, feeling deeply moved. He wondered how their family had ever managed to eat meals like this. If it had been him, he wouldn’t have had the heart to eat in such an atmosphere.

Then Tian Yulan seemed to recall something.

“By the way, a parent from his class recently told me that Ziyou is just like the legendary ‘other children.’ They even asked how I raised and taught him, hoping I’d share some tips. But I have no experience—everything depends on the child’s own initiative. I just provide a little support.”

Looking around and seeing no response but noticing Nan Li’s gloomy expression, Tian Yulan felt quite pleased. She stopped praising her son and turned her attention to Huanhuan.

“By the way, Huanhuan, have you settled down for the new semester? How did you do on the last diagnostic test?”

Yan Peng covered his face, utterly embarrassed by Tian Yulan’s knack for hitting sensitive spots.

Huanhuan, caught off guard while eating, hesitated and answered dazedly, “The exam results aren’t out yet.”

Tian Yulan pressed on, “What about the last classroom test? How many points did you get?”

Huanhuan fidgeted, unable to speak. She had only scored a little over seventy and was too ashamed to say it aloud.

Watching the scene, Zhou Chen felt deeply displeased. Though he hadn’t been here long, Huanhuan was now his daughter. He might be dissatisfied with her grades, but no one else had the right to criticize.

Adult matters should be settled by adults; dragging children into it was beneath civility.

Especially seeing Huanhuan look at him with pleading eyes, Zhou Chen’s irritation grew.

“Huanhuan, why are you just standing there? Here, have a chicken drumstick.”

He picked up a drumstick with his chopsticks and smiled, “Remember what Dad says: gaining weight early isn’t a problem; gaining weight later will break the bed.”

Huanhuan didn’t understand and asked, “Dad, what does that mean?”

“It means it’s okay if your studies aren’t great now. Things will improve later. Our Huanhuan is so smart—singing, dancing, painting, she excels at everything. Studying well will be just as easy when you put your mind to it, right?”

Huanhuan immediately smiled brightly, “Yeah, yeah.”

Even Nan Li, who had been quite upset, smiled. She had almost spoken up earlier.

Tian Yulan’s expression darkened. Though Zhou Chen seemed to be speaking to Huanhuan, she felt as if he was mocking her.

So she quickly shifted gears and smiled at Zhou Chen.

“You’re all too optimistic. Nowadays, a solid foundation is crucial. Falling behind early often means staying behind. Children need to be nurtured from a young age. Let me tell you…”

“Hey, hey, we’re here at Grandpa’s house to have fun, why bring up all this?”

Sensing the tension rising, Nan Jianlong couldn’t sit still. He stood up at once and, before anyone else could speak, addressed Huanhuan.

“Huanhuan, that song you sang on stage today was wonderful. Ziyou didn’t get to hear it. How about you sing it here again?”

At the mention of singing, Huanhuan perked up, happily saying, “Sure! But without accompaniment, it might not sound so good.”

Nan Li immediately raised her hand, “Huanhuan, Mom will accompany you.”

Mother and daughter then began their performance—one singing, the other playing accompaniment.