Chapter 146 : Ordinary Little Genius

Han Weiping said, “That’s right. What girl wouldn’t want a handsome guy in the future? Why would she settle for a chubby one?”  

Yu Xiaopang lowered his head and pinched the soft flesh on his belly.  

Woohoo… so sad.  

He just loved eating delicious food why did that have to make him gain weight? Would Xiaxia still like him?  

Seeing his disappointment, Han Weiping softened the tone, “You’re fine the way you are now. You’re still young, and you’ll slim down as you grow. But you can’t always think about eating at restaurants. If you want that, work hard and earn money to enjoy it later.”  

Yu Xiaopang perked up and said, “But Auntie’s birthday is coming up in a few days, and I can’t think of what to give her. I feel like giving her something delicious is the best gift.”  

Han Weiping was surprised. “Fang Xiaoluo’s birthday is coming up?”  

Yu Xiaopang nodded seriously.  

“Why didn’t you say so earlier? Alright, let’s go to the restaurant then.”  

Yu Xiaopang beamed. “Really, Mom?”  

“Why would I lie to you? Later, I’ll ask her whether she prefers lunch or dinner,” Han Weiping said.  

Yu Xiaopang quickly chimed in, “Mom, ask Uncle! He probably has it all planned already.”  

—

The next morning, Shen Haifeng announced that he would take Shen Haiping and Shen Jinxia to Qingshi Town.  

Fang Xiaoluo hesitated. “Are you sure you can manage it?”  

Shen Haifeng reassured her, “I promise we’ll be back quickly.”  

Shen Jinxia added, “Mom, I swear I’ll follow Big Brother and Second Brother the whole time.”  

After some thought, Fang Xiaoluo agreed. She knew Qingshi Town wasn’t far, and both Shen Haifeng and Shen Haiping were more reliable than most kids their age.  

“Alright then, but leave early and come back early.”  

—

The three children strolled through Qingshi Town until they reached the department store. After some discussion, they decided to make something themselves for Fang Xiaoluo to express their heartfelt sincerity.  

They bought a box of crayons, some plasticine, pretty buttons, colored paper, glue, and decorative plastic flowers.  

On the way home, Shen Haiping picked up small stones that caught his eye, carefully selecting each one.  

The three returned quickly, and only then did Fang Xiaoluo relax, relieved to see them back safely.  

She noticed them retreating into their room with their supplies, announcing they were going to work on crafts.  

—

Two days later, Fang Xiaoluo took Shen Haiping to register for school at Qingshi No. 1 Primary School, with Shen Haifeng tagging along.  

Outside the school, the lines were long as parents waited to register their children.  

This year, Qingshi No. 1 Primary School had four first-grade classes, with each class reportedly accommodating 45 students.  

In addition to this school, Qingshi Town also had a second and third primary school, all bustling with activity.  

Looking at the crowd, Fang Xiaoluo sighed. The growing population in recent years meant more and more children entering school.  

When their turn came, she filled out the registration form. Meanwhile, Shen Haifeng wandered around and came back with news.  

“I heard that after turning in the registration form, parents and kids will need to go inside for a short assessment. The teachers want to get a sense of the new students.”  

“Really?” Fang Xiaoluo hadn’t expected this. “Does that mean they’ll screen students?”  

Shen Haifeng scratched his head. “I’m not sure. Should I ask someone again?”  

But Shen Haiping spoke up calmly. “No need, I think I’ll do fine.”  

Shen Haifeng looked at him in disbelief. “But you didn’t even go to preschool!”  

Shen Haiping replied confidently, “I’ve heard everything when Mom helped you review your homework.”  

Shen Haifeng was even more incredulous. “But it’s only been a month. How could just listening be enough?”  

Fang Xiaoluo’s eyes sparkled with hope. Maybe… maybe Shen Haiping was a little genius after all.  

“I believe in Haiping, he’ll be absolutely fine.”  

Shen Haiping smiled, clearly happy and confident.  

As Shen Haifeng had explained, the new students were divided into four groups, each assigned to a classroom randomly.  

Outside the classrooms, parents and children waited, with a noticeable number from the military compound.  

Many people approached to greet Fang Xiaoluo, but amidst the chatter, she could hear some children talking in hushed voices.  

“Yeah, that’s him, Shen Haiping. I heard he’s a fool.”

“Didn’t they say he was fine now?”  

“I think that’s all lies. He hardly talks.”  

“A fool wouldn’t know anything, especially someone who’s never been to school.”  

Shen Haiping heard the whispers but remained calm.  

Shen Haifeng, however, clenched his fists, ready to argue. But Shen Haiping stopped him. “There’s no need to argue. It’s better to avoid unnecessary trouble.”  

Shen Haifeng felt frustrated. His younger brother was so smart, how could they say such things?  

Finally, Shen Haiping’s name was called.  

Fang Xiaoluo bent down to encourage him, “Go on! You’ve got this, you’re the best.”  

For younger children, parents were allowed to accompany them inside.  

Fang Xiaoluo and Shen Haifeng stood at the doorway while curious children and parents peered in from outside.  

Inside, two teachers reviewed the information Fang Xiaoluo had filled out. One of them then wrote a few words on the blackboard.  

“Do you know these words? If so, read them aloud,” the teacher said.  

Shen Haiping confidently read the words one by one from left to right.  

The teacher nodded approvingly and then wrote three sets of pinyin on the board. “Do you know pinyin? Can you write the words for these?”  

Shen Haiping nodded, took the chalk, and carefully wrote the phrases stroke by stroke.  

Outside, the onlookers were astonished.  

“He’s never been to school, yet he can write?”

“And he knows how to read too?”  

The teachers were visibly pleased with his performance.  

For the first time, even Fang Xiaoluo got to see her son’s handwriting. Usually, he only drew pictures. His characters were neat, with straight horizontal and vertical strokes.  

Next, another teacher gave him a few addition and subtraction problems within ten. Shen Haiping solved them quickly and correctly.  

Both teachers jotted notes on their papers and then thanked Shen Haiping, letting him return outside.  

Shen Haifeng, watching the children who had mocked his brother earlier, puffed out his chest proudly. His younger brother was amazing!  

—

Back home, Fang Xiaoluo prepared an elaborate meal to celebrate.  

Shen Zheng caught the enticing aroma before even entering the yard.  

“What’s the occasion? It smells incredible,” he asked as he washed his hands.  

Beaming with pride, Fang Xiaoluo replied, “We went to register Haiping today. He did wonderfully, he knew everything the teachers asked him!”  

Shen Zheng put down his towel, surprised. Shen Haiping had never been to school, unlike most other kids who had attended preschool.  

“Haiping, who taught you all this?” he asked.  

Shen Haiping placed a pair of chopsticks on the table. “Mom, when she was teaching my big brother.”  

Fang Xiaoluo grinned, putting her hands on her hips. “See? My son is a little genius just like his mom!”