Chen Jing watched the three children with a sense of confusion. From their movements, expressions, and words, she was certain they were siblings, yet there was a peculiar complexity to their family dynamics. They looked about ten years old, roughly the same age as her own daughter, yet they were meticulously tidying up rooms and the living area on their own. Their home seemed quite well-off, likely a four-bedroom apartment, a space typically managed by a household assistant. She couldn't help but wonder why no one had been hired to help. If they could afford such a spacious home, hiring a nanny wouldn't be difficult.
Curiosity about their upbringing stirred in her mind. Each child had specific responsibilities, yet the youngest boy held a firm grasp on the family finances—a role unusually mature for someone his age. Even more surprising was that he took on the task of cooking. Chen Jing was astounded. Her curiosity shifted focus; it wasn't just these children that intrigued her now, but rather their father. Who could raise children with such independence and structure?
Chen Jing glanced over at her daughter, who happened to look her way at the same time. Catching her mother's subtle smile, Ouyang Lan blushed and turned away, a mixture of embarrassment, shyness, and perhaps a touch of resentment flickering across her face. Smiling to herself, Chen Jing realized that nothing drove children harder than a sense of competition with their peers. She could already tell her little one would be in for quite the challenge.
Just then, she noticed the youngest of the siblings pull a stack of money out of his backpack. Instead of handing it to the cashier directly, he counted it meticulously and handed portions to the other two, saying, "Just give me the receipts. And keep in mind, while the listed price is 1,050, it's worth negotiating. The actual cost could be lower depending on your bargaining skills. Good luck! If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way—I've got things to do."
After the boy left, Chen Jing watched the remaining two approach the sales staff, employing every tactic imaginable—intimidation, persuasion, pleading—to get a discount. Even Chen Jing, an adult, felt slightly embarrassed by their persistence, yet the outcome was astonishing. They managed to secure the bikes for only 900 each, along with some additional items thrown in. Chen Jing wasn't concerned about the money itself, but the skill behind their negotiation was impressive and worth noting.
She glanced at her daughter again, noticing her stubborn expression as she bit her lip in determination. After making her own purchase, Chen Jing joined the group, watching the final adjustments and fittings with a smile.
"Who was that young boy?" she asked. "Lan Lan mentioned he's a classmate, correct?"
Shen Nan offered a small smile. "Yes, that's our younger brother. The three of us were born close together, but with a bit of a time gap. Just now we were just messing around. This is how we usually are—it's become our routine. If we go a day without teasing each other, it feels off."
Nodding, Chen Jing continued, "It's quite unique! I also heard you do household chores, even cooking. That seems rather young for such tasks. And your brother cooks for you too? Is he really up to it?"
"At first, the food wasn't great, but he's getting better. Our father's quite keen on building our independence. He believes it's important for us to learn young. It's part of a larger plan for our growth, I think. In some ways, our younger brother is actually much more skilled than we are." Noticing that her and her brother's bikes were ready, Shen Nan politely added, "Excuse me, Auntie, I'd like to test out my bike now. Goodbye, Ouyang Lan. Goodbye, Auntie."
With a wave, Shen Nan walked off, her carefree demeanor leaving Ouyang Lan looking more solemn.
After riding around for a few minutes, Shen Nan and her brother seemed pleased with their new bikes. The two kids beamed as they rode off together.
Watching them leave, Chen Jing turned to her daughter with a teasing tone. "Lan Lan, your bike should be ready soon. Let's head home! Those two are already far ahead. But, Lan Lan, it seems like you, as the squad leader, have some catching up to do. It's no wonder they're unimpressed with you."
"Hmph, I won't lose to her!" Ouyang Lan responded, her face set with determination.
Back at the apartment complex, Shen Zheng and Shen Nan were practically glowing with joy, thrilled with their new bicycles. At long last, they wouldn't need to depend on their younger brother's permission to use one. They spent the whole afternoon riding around until almost four o'clock. They hadn't realized how much time had passed until Shen Lang came home, his hands holding a bag emblazoned with the unmistakable "Xinhua Bookstore" logo. Shen Nan pouted at the sight.
"Little brother, you sure buy a lot of books, but I don't recall you ever surpassing me and brother in grades! What did you buy this time? More random stuff?"
Shen Lang, seemingly unfazed by the jab, handed her the bag. "It's an English-Chinese dictionary and a set of tapes. Want to give it a try?" With a teasing tone, he continued, "But let me warn you, it's not easy!"
Shen Nan immediately bristled, her face turning red with indignation. "You'd better watch it, little man! I'm not about to lose to you!" Her last remark ended with a loud "hmph," filled with frustration.
"Big words don't win any medals. Better save your energy."
Watching his siblings bicker, Shen Zheng stepped in to console Shen Nan. "Nan Nan, don't let him rile you up. I'll study with you so we can keep up with him. Anyway, we're in fourth grade now, so it's about time we start on English too. If we have time, maybe we could check out the classes at the Youth Center. I heard they offer English programs for kids."
"Hmm, you're right, brother. Our little brother's a troublemaker."
That evening, after a warm meal and a bath, the three children went to bed early, knowing school would start the next day.
The next morning, Shen Zheng and Shen Nan, full of enthusiasm, embraced their father as he prepared to leave for work.
"Dad, we got our bikes! But we've had to sign all sorts of 'unequal treaties' to get them! Dad, you have to help us get revenge. We're counting on you!"
Listening to his son's balanced recount, while ignoring his daughter's slight nudges under the table, Shen Zui could only shake his head with a chuckle. "I'm afraid I can't step into this battle. Remember, my job was only to advise. Any issues here are for you to figure out yourselves; that's where you'll learn! Besides, fairness would be lost if I got involved. Don't you agree?"
Shen Nan seemed to ponder this, her head slowly lowering in thought. After breakfast, she glanced at her watch and, with a soft tone, made her request. "Dad, my brother and I saw that our little brother has already started learning a foreign language. We want to check out the Youth Center's language classes."
This time, Shen Zui was momentarily surprised, then nodded with a smile. "Of course, go ahead. And if your brother gives you any trouble, just let me know—I'll deal with him on behalf of the whole family. Is that enough?"
"Thank you, Dad! We'll go now!" With that, she turned to Shen Lang, who was busy with something nearby, and called out, "We're off now, little brother. Want to come with us?"