2: Parents living a teenage dream

Jumping out of bed, Chen Ai rushed straight into the washroom, where she freshened up.

When she was finished, she headed back into her bedroom and got dressed, wearing the school uniform.

She then fixed her hair into her signature bun and ran downstairs, straightening her tie along the way.

"Mom, where's my-"

"Watch? You left it on the floor dear," said her mother, giving her the device.

Wang Lia was quite used to her daughter's habit of leaving her stuff around, only to forget where it was. She was quite aware that it was a trait that her husband had.

"Honey, where's my phone?" came a loud voice.

Speak of the devil, she thought.

"It's in the first draw darling!" she called back.

"Thank you!"

Chen Ai laughed and immediately stopped as her mom glanced at her.

"You look exceptional as always my dear Ai." said Wang Lia, leaning forward to kiss her daughter's forehead. She beamed when she saw the shy smile on her daughter's face. No matter how much of a great speaker she was, or how "stuck up" the other kids thought she was, Wang Lia always saw Chen Ai as her clumsy little Bambi.

"Mom, can you believe it? Today is the first day of my final year! I'll be a college student next year!"

"Ah don't remind me!" yelled her father, rushing downstairs, "I'll have to work on my intimidating glare. I want all of those boys that'll be lining up for you to run out with their tail between their legs. They'll remember the name Chen Hai."

Chen Ai rolled her eyes at her father.

"Dad, you can't even intimidate the neigbour's dog, and he's scared of everyone in our neighbourhood."

Wang Lia laughed, clearing her throat when Chen Hai pouted at her.

"Darling it is true, but you know you'll always be my cute little bodyguard," she says, leaning to kiss him on the cheek.

Chen Ai made a barfing sound while Chen Hai smiled, blushing hard.

"I think it's about time I go to school. Bye!" she says, rushing out as she says the words.

"Well, at least have breakfa-"

The door slams.

"st. Ah, this girl really- and this is the girl that everyone respects!" says Wang Lia, sighing in exasperation.

"Just like her mother," said Chen Hai, "don't you think?"

"She got that from you!"

He shrugged.

"True," he says pulling her close, "but she definitely got her fiery spirit from you."

Wang Lia giggled.

"Stop, the food will burn!"