Years later, I found myself standing at that door again. The Xiangli family had always been a star in Jinzhou's journalistic circles. Back then, doing a piece on the family was considered an honor, and indeed, their scientific heritage continues to produce admirable accomplishments. The last time I stood on this doorstep, I was still a rookie, eager for recognition, and the Xianglis helped me with just that by allowing me to take their family portrait. A piece that ticked all the boxes. The photo won me a small award and secured my job.
As the door opened, I looked down to see a boy with bright and clear eyes looking back at me. I flashed my press badge, and he ushered me inside. Xiangli Yao, the "Son of the Genius" and "Paragon's Descendant." His father's brilliance had turned heads across Jinzhou, and his mother's perseverance saved the lives of countless children in the city. This very house once drew the attention of many, and it remains that way to this day. I prided myself on conducting interviews, but this young boy seemed more comfortable than I was. Xiangli Yao, like his parents, possessed a natural eloquence, his demeanor gentle and poised. The interview flowed smoothly, and after setting aside my notebook, he offered me a cup of tea.
I thanked him, but he shook his head. "I should thank you for visiting because of my parents," Xiangli Yao smiled, "I've heard a thing or two about what's been happening." Jinzhou, with its vast lands and rich resources, is not without its share of discord.
The Xianglis had done me a favor in the past, one I felt compelled to repay, both professionally and personally by making sure their son was okay. Xiangli Yao smiled wistfully, his expression hinting at a memory relived.
"My parents are always busy with work, so I'm glad someone remembers them. Your reports capture their moments, research results, words spoken, and many other details that I didn't even know about... When I read those news and interviews, I feel like I get to know them better." I hesitated for a moment but still went on to ask.
"Do you think... it's unfair? That perhaps your parents should have spent more time with their child?"
"They both have their passions, and it's the same for me. I'm happy they're doing what they love."
"...Is that so." I took a deep breath and prepared to leave, but Xiangli Yao asked me to stay.
I forgot the exact reason he gave. However, I'm sure it must've been a good one. Xiangli Yao had a way with words that made refusing his hospitality difficult. I only remember having another cup of warm tea and continuing to chat for a while before finally taking my leave.
As I reached for the door, the boy remarked with a straight face, "If there's anything you want to confirm, it's best to do it in person. When I was little, my mother and I often talked about the importance of companionship—we even exchanged small notes. Though I was still very young then, those notes, with their few simple words... I find them just as comforting today." I nodded and left the house, ready to pen my next piece. But before that, I would send a message to my child, whom I had neglected to contact for several days.
Xiangli Yao leaned forward in his chair and stared resolutely at the elderly man in front of him. The older man held a prestigious position in the education system and had personal connections with Xiangli Yao's father. Today, it was another attempt at persuasion, much like the previous ones.
"I am not attending a separate class. Regular school is fine for me," Xiangli Yao reiterated.
The elderly man tapped on the table, "Your current pace might not fit into the standard curriculum. Moving too quickly can bring challenges. You and your classmates are not on the same playing field."
Xiangli Yao shook his head. "There's no point wasting resources opening a special class just for me. I already have access to the Jinzhou archives for study. Besides... I'm just like the others," he said, counting on his fingers, "I have a great time watching hero plays with them, and we trade cards... Oh, and when they invite me over for dinner, I get to test my gadgets out on them and get their feedback!"
The elder sighed deeply. "Your teacher has mentioned such things to me. He says you get along well with your classmates. But this isn't just about you, it's about getting you into the Academy faster," he said, staring at the young person before him.
"Xiangli Yao, your father also accelerated his studies and had more time to conduct all the research he loved."
"I am not my father."
"Yet you share his talents and temperament. That I've noticed." Xiangli Yao gripped the textbooks in his hands, as he slowly and firmly shook his head, "But that's not what I want. I want to take things slow, like the way it is now."