Reflecting on his son's analysis, Shen Zui couldn't help but wonder if he, too, could untangle the complexities of a situation with such clarity. Was this truly his son? It seemed almost supernatural, how perceptive and organized he was.
Looking at his son, Shen Lang, who sat there with an innocent expression, Shen Zui felt compelled to speak. "Alright, I admit it—I underestimated you. But, my eldest son, since you've managed to map out the whole situation so thoroughly, do you have any predictions about how it will turn out? Don't tell me you don't know anything—I don't buy it."
Shen Lang lazily lifted his gaze, meeting his father's eyes before casting a brief glance at his older siblings. "I've only analyzed the situation. I didn't guide my brother and sister on what to do—that's entirely their decision. So, don't blame me for this."
Shen Zui let out a helpless chuckle and reclined heavily in his chair. "Fine, you won't be riding your bike to school today. I'll take you all. In the meantime, we should seriously discuss the possible repercussions of all this—these consequences are so severe that even I'm hesitant to think about them." His tone had grown more serious, almost formal.
At that moment, Shen Lang finished his last bite of egg, wiping his mouth with a napkin before speaking with calm indifference. "Dad, it's undeniable that our generation understands society and the world much earlier than yours. In your time, people only began to understand their own role in society at fifteen or sixteen, if not later. But for us, that's already outdated. My brother and sister are already showing signs of self-awareness. Are you planning to stifle that growth, or will you guide it to develop healthily?"
Looking at his older son and second daughter, who were eagerly awaiting his response, Shen Zui realized he was facing a choice: either he accepted it, or he didn't. If he chose "yes," it would create a gap between him and his three children. But if he chose "no," could he still call himself their father? He was troubled by the thought that perhaps he no longer held any superior authority.
After much contemplation, Shen Zui finally conceded. "If you're involved in this, you're responsible for it. That's my duty as a father. I'm curious to see how your generation's sense of self-awareness and judgment will hold up—I don't believe you won't hit a wall!"
"Wow!" Shen Zheng and Shen Nan exclaimed together. "Dad lost! Dad lost!"
Seeing their excitement, Shen Zui turned back to his youngest son, confusion clouding his features as he asked, "I say, Shen Lang, don't you think you're learning about society a bit too early? Who taught you all this?"
"I read books," Shen Lang replied nonchalantly. "I've been studying political economics. It's a bit too complicated and profound for me right now, but I think in three or four years, I'll understand it better."
Coughing awkwardly, Shen Zui quickly stood up from the dining table. "You can go ahead and pack your things. We'll leave soon." He cursed under his breath—his son was reading political economics? Something even he hadn't fully grasped. How had he fallen so behind his own child? Something had to be done. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized his only solution was to read the book himself.
"No need," Shen Lang replied as he grabbed his bag. "Fan Jun will be over soon. My brother and sister are used to getting to school ten to twenty minutes early. See you later, Dad!" He slung his leather backpack over his shoulder, the contents—mostly pens and a notebook—having little to do with actual studying.
Watching his son leave, Shen Zui was left feeling unsure whether he should be proud or frustrated. This kid had been hiding so much from him all along. While he'd always known Shen Lang was exceptional, he never imagined his son's thoughts, views, and worldview were so well-developed already. It was frightening, yet somewhat reassuring that Shen Lang had never openly revealed this side of himself. If it weren't for his older siblings, Shen Zui suspected he might have kept it hidden even longer.
Shen Zui could already foresee the consequences. The school would inevitably come to him, because no one would believe his children had come up with these ideas on their own. Even though Shen Zheng and Shen Nan had shown promise, to many people, they were still just children learning about life.
"Dad, what are you doing? Let's go!" Shen Nan called from the doorway, her impatience evident. "We're ready to go, just waiting for you!"
As Shen Zui drove through the neighborhood, he soon spotted Shen Lang and Fan Jun, slowly pedaling their bike ahead. It was almost agonizing how leisurely they were moving, but Shen Lang and Fan Jun seemed so calm and in control. From the back, Fan Jun waved at him, and after nudging Shen Lang, he turned and gave a casual wave in return.
As Shen Zui watched them, he spoke to his children in a serious tone. "I don't know if you two fully understand the problems your younger brother raised. You're going to face some heavy pressure in the coming time. Honestly, I'm not sure if you two are prepared for it."
Shen Zheng, holding his sister's hand, smiled faintly. "Dad, we didn't realize any of this before. After our brother explained things to us yesterday, we understood. What we want to achieve is completely at odds with what we've been doing. If we keep going down this path, we'll just become more ordinary, nothing more than obedient puppets. That's not what we want, and I'm sure you don't want that for us either."
Before Shen Zui could respond, Shen Nan joined in. "Yes, Dad, I've thought about it too. After becoming the class representative, I realized I hadn't really done anything for the students. I haven't improved myself or grown in any way. My brother and I have already made our decision."
"Don't you want to reconsider? Don't you want to explain things to Dad?" Shen Zui asked.
"Heh, little brother always says that a bold life doesn't need an explanation," Shen Zheng quipped.
"Hey, hey, can we stop talking about him? It's just frustrating," Shen Zui muttered with a sigh.
"Oh, Dad, that 'little brother' you're talking about is your youngest son!" Shen Nan teased.
When they reached the school gate, Shen Zheng and Shen Nan stepped out of the car and saw Ouyang Lan getting out of a car nearby. Ouyang Lan paused for a moment when she saw them but quickly smiled. She had heard about what happened yesterday, and she couldn't help feeling a little pleased with herself, even though she had nothing to do with it. The excitement this brought her was undeniable.