The twins, known for always being at odds, exchanged a glance, unexpectedly finding a bit of understanding. The most pampered of the four children so far, Xinzhi, clung to her mother’s leg and began her coquettish strategy: "Mom, Mom, Zhi Zhi listens well. Zhi Zhi is really obedient, really obedient!" As if to prove her point, the little one nodded vigorously. Her big apricot eyes blinked, and the ribbon tied into a bow on her small pigtail fluttered with her movements, making her look absolutely adorable. Every time Shuzhen saw her once frail eldest daughter, who used to look deathly pale after running just a bit, now so lively and healthy, her heart was filled with infinite comfort. Unconsciously, she favored her a little more, just like now, even knowing that the little one’s effort to act cute must have some purpose. Shuzhen still couldn’t help but willingly fall for it, happy to be coaxed by her sweet little mouth. "Yes, Zhi Zhi is a good baby." Shuzhen nodded, planting a light kiss on the little one’s tender cheek. Then, seeing the longing eyes of Chenchen and Lian En, she patted each of their little heads, using the reason ’Chenchen and Lian En are also sensible good boys, but you are boys, so you can’t be kissed by Mom.’ to gently push away her second son’s face that was leaning in for a kiss. No choice, it’s not that she doesn’t cherish her sweetheart sons, she just didn’t want to be required by their dad to be equal in everything. If she kissed Chenchen, she couldn’t leave out Lian En, and then his share would have to be made up doubly at night or something, Shuzhen had enough of that. Simply put, cutting it all at once, making kisses something only her daughters enjoyed as a ’privilege’. This way, it also saved the increasingly scholarly Lian En from wanting to bring up stuff about boys and girls not being too close. Little Lian En: I’m not saying it because I saw you kiss Chenchen and not me, making me say it on purpose! I just wanted to be scolded for behaving like an old sage at such a young age, then be treated the same. Who would have thought the same meant none of us getting kisses like little darlings in their arms! Instead, we’re collectively out of favor, none of us can expect kisses!! Feeling the sweet difference for herself while Stinky Chenchen got pushed away seemed like a magnificent victory to Zhi Zhi. She raised her head and puffed out her chest, like a proud little rooster, gave Chenchen a glance, then sweetly clung to Mom’s leg again: "Well then, since obedient babies like me listen so well, shouldn’t Mom not let Big Brother be in charge at home? Dad said schooling is a very important, very serious matter. It requires going to bed and getting up early every day, consistently for a long time, not something you can do on and off!" Hearing about Big Brother starting first grade at four and getting so much praise from the adults, little Xinzhi refused to accept it. If Big Brother could do it, so could she. To become a kid who was praised everywhere like Big Brother, the little one seriously worked hard to persuade Dad and Mom to let her go to school. But as soon as Lianshan explained the rules a primary school student needed to abide by, she was intimidated. Arriving by eight meant getting up at six, didn’t it? For a sleepyhead who loved sleeping in, this news was a thunderbolt out of a clear sky. For the precious extra sleep, Xinzhi sensibly gave up on being praised like Big Brother. Schooling and such things, maybe wait until she’s seven, or no, eight years old! Because of this, little Xinzhi remembered Dad’s words about school being an important thing, and naturally used it at this very moment. "Yes, yes, let Big Brother go to school. Chenchen and Zhi Zhi can take care of themselves and even help Mom look after Yueyue." Chenchen nodded like a pecking chick, as though this would give their argument more sway. Rare as it was for Silly Zhi Zhi to say something sensible, this deserved praise. Although he liked being with Big Brother, he didn’t enjoy being disciplined. Being watched over by Big Brother all day was something Chenchen just wanted to avoid! The twins, though internally utterly refusing, had to put on a show of thoughtfulness and understanding, which amused Shuzhen greatly. While she acceded to their wishes, she didn’t forget a small threat: "Alright, your Big Brother’s studies are important, let him go to school. You two little troublemakers will stay home with Mom, Dad, and Yueyue. But you must behave. Otherwise, if Mom gets unhappy, you might have to start school next semester so that the teacher can teach you to behave!" The twins recoiled simultaneously, full of promises to behave well, hoping not to be sent to school early. But Lian En was quite worried as he looked at Shuzhen: "Mom, are you sure you don’t need me to take leave? Dad said you’re at a very special time now; you shouldn’t be tired, worried, or upset..." Seeing his wife’s face darken, Lianshan, afraid of being held accountable later, quickly interjected, "It’s alright, it’s alright, don’t we still have me, your dad here? Big son, you can go to school without worry, no need to concern yourself with household chores. If you have time, why not think about what kind of room you want. Our family is going to build a big brick house, and eventually, each of you will have your own room. So, you all can start considering how to decorate your rooms now!" This attention-grabbing announcement successfully shifted the little ones’ focus instantly. The twins cheered together: Yay, having their own rooms, no need to share a kang with that annoying Zhi Zhi/Chenchen anymore! Of course, the mention of this meant they both inevitably got a punishment from Lian En to write a hundred words about brotherly love and sisterly affection! Shuzhen chuckled, never thinking to rescue the twins whose expressions immediately collapsed, their small mouths pouting enough to tie a small donkey. Lianshan affectionately patted Lian En’s shoulder, "Good job, big son, these two little troublemakers need to be disciplined when necessary. If we indulge them too much now, they’ll be out of control someday! Haha, you’re the one with the strategy, making them learn from punishment and practice their writing in the process." Lian En blushed from the praise, looking at Lianshan with a gaze full of admiration. To him, a father who always gave the greatest understanding, support, and compliments was truly the best, no father could compare! Yes, he must keep working hard. Not only must he become better himself, but he must also encourage his younger siblings to strive as well. Add a halo of "excellent child-rearing" to his father’s title as a seed research expert, making him someone everyone admires wherever he goes. Moreover, Grandpa Wu also said, strictness and discipline are all done out of love. Mom’s strict demands on him are because of her deep love, hence her sternness. To be a brother everyone praises, he also needs to be stricter with the twins! After all, they were about to be five, not little kids anymore!