Chapter 25: Warmth (Part II)

Baby, what are you think about? Daddy put the thermos in his hand down and looked at me.

Nothing, Im not thinking of anything! I denied because I knew the pain from the events of that day still plagued daddy. Perhaps they would never disappear.

Your quickly-darting eyes tell me that you havent spoken the truth. Daddy lightly pinched my face.

Alright, Ill tell you okay? I rubbed my cheek and said with resignation. I was thinking about what I should do so that I can eat all of daddys pieces.

You dont need to think about that, you cant do it yet. Daddy smiled.

Why, why cant I do it yet? I refused to quit and kept up with the questions.

There are many reasons, such as: youre too young, your skill at Chinese chess isnt there yet, you know nothing of strategy, etc. Daddy came up with a ton of reasons in one breath, as if there really wasnt the slightest chance of me beating him at the moment.

Im not young anymore! And Ive been learning Chinese chess for six months now! I completely disagreed with the last two points that daddy made.

But youll always be daddys baby! Daddy hugged me with both hands. True! Although I was eight now, but I would always be a child to daddy. And Ive only played Chinese chess for half a year. According to daddy, this amount of time was nothing for chess players. I had merely just started.

But daddy, whats strategy? I asked naively. It seemed like daddy was right, it would be a while before I could beat him!

Strategy? This is a bit difficult to explain. Its too complicated. You wouldnt understand either. Daddy found himself put in a spot.

Then explain it in an easier way so that I can understand! I insisted.

The easy way to explain it is that someone already made plans in advance to achieve some goal, or some sort of means. Daddy had to explain.

Just like how I need to wear a pair of gloves when I pick roses? I asked seriously.

Wearing gloves is a means to an end. When playing chess, both sides will set some plans in motion and try their best to take the other sides pieces in order to win. Of course, the most important thing is to take the other persons general. This way, you win. Its just like fighting a war you win if you take out all of the other sides soldiers. But if possible, kill the other sides general first. This way, the other army will fall into disarray and you will win. You may even win faster. Daddy taught me patiently.

Then daddy, how should I set up my plans so that I can take your general? I asked directly.

Hahaha! Daddy laughed loudly.

Daddy stop laughing, tell me? I pouted.

Whats so funny? Mommy walked into the room at this moment.

Baby is too cute! Daddy continued to chuckle.

It took you this long to discover that! Mommy walked up and reached out her hands for a hug.

Come, baby lets go take a bath and have dinner downstairs afterwards. Mommy said as she brought me to the bathroom. The tub had already been filled with water. Mommy took my clothes off for me and placed me in the water. The water was warm and comfortable.

Dear, Im going to serve the rice first, Ill wait for you! Daddy shouted outside the bathroom door.

Okay! Mommy replied as she washed me.

Mommy, do you know how to set up a plan so that I can take daddys general? I asked as I played with the water.

Oh? Still thinking about chess? Mommy smiled.

Yes, Ive got to win. Daddy says there is no way I can beat him now. I pouted with my small mouth.

Is that so? Daddy thinks so little of our baby! Mommy was ever so gentle. I dont think Ive ever seen her lose her temper in my memories. She has always had that tender face and that tender tone.

Mommy, dont be so perfunctory! To think such a profound word existed in my small mind.

Baby even knows perfunctory! So smart! Mommy often complimented me in such a gentle way.

Okay, were done. Come on out, take the towel off and put your clothes on. Lets go downstairs before daddy falls asleep. Mommy said as she wiped me dry and helped me into my clothes.

Mommy was right, daddy had already served the food when we went downstairs. The plates were laid out nicely on the table, and he was nearly falling asleep on the couch nearby. I thought it was a prime opportunity and motioned for mommy to not make a sound. I crept soundlessly next to daddy, intending to scare him.

Ah!!! But just as I was about to scare him, he suddenly opened his eyes and pulled me into a hug, frightening a scream out of me instead.

Itll be a long time before baby can scare daddy! Daddy smiled and didnt let go.

I hate it when daddy says that. I complained when I calmed down.

Alright, stop playing, there is homework to be done after dinner! Mommy stopped our play. I hadnt attended a day of school since that day, but mommy and daddy didnt want me to give up on my schoolwork. They decided to establish a classroom at home. After all,daddy was a teacher to begin with, and he was placed in charge of my education.

Alright, lets eat first. Daddy said as he let go of me.

Yes, teacher! I called daddy that sometimes since he was my chess opponent and my teacher! At the end of the day, this was a small comedy that occurred before we had dinner. This was the case everyday and we never got tired of it.