Chapter 491 Chenchen Is Perfect in Every Way

Chapter 491 Chenchen Is Perfect in Every Way

Chen Zigui returned home in low spirits, not even bothering to take off his backpack before slumping onto the sofa lifelessly.

He remained there until his parents returned from work.

When Mr. and Mrs. Chen entered, the housekeeper gestured toward the sofa. "Zigui hasn't moved since coming home from school. He refused to go to his heated brick bed (kang), and hasn't touched his water."

The housekeeper could only cover him with a blanket.

Exchanging worried glances, the parents approached. Mrs. Chen sat beside her son and asked gently, "What's wrong, son? Did something upset you at school today?"

Chen Zigui's unfocused eyes gradually sharpened at his mother's voice. "You're back, Mom."

Mrs. Chen took his cold hands, warming them with her breath as she rubbed them gently. "Let's have dinner. Are you feeling unwell?"

"Dinner?" The boy's previously dull eyes suddenly sparkled like flowing water. "Yes, dinner! Chenchen invited me tomorrow. I'll see him tomorrow, I'll see him tomorrow..."

Mrs. Chen exhaled quietly in relief. At least he wasn't having an episode.

At that time, China hadn't yet developed specialized children's mental health services. Medically speaking, Chen Zigui's overseas diagnosis had indicated autistic tendencies.

He could withdraw into his own world for days, weeks, or months—completely absorbed in solitary activities without speaking to anyone.

During those years, his parents—their movements restricted by work obligations—hadn't noticed their son's condition until it was too late. When restrictions eased somewhat and their homeland grew more prosperous, they'd negotiated tirelessly to return.

Back in China, surrounded by loving grandparents and family, Chen Zigui gradually improved. While still quiet, he began interacting more. His remarkable concentration remained—he'd become so absorbed he'd forget to eat or sleep.

Yet he'd never made friends. Years of schooling passed without him mentioning classmates or teachers. His parents accepted that normal socialization might always challenge him, though his intelligence and good behavior meant this wasn't really a problem.

Was he happy in his solitude? Perhaps. But forced socialization clearly distressed him. Though humans are social by nature, they never pressured him.

This continued until he skipped to sixth grade and formed his first real friendship with Fu Haochen. Suddenly, his conversations overflowed with "Chenchen" and Chenchen's family:

—Chenchen took me home today. His mother's cooking was absolutely delicious!

—It was my first visit to someone's home. I brought nine apples—Chenchen's mother accepted them without empty formalities, genuinely appreciating the gift.

—Chenchen's mother is beautiful with a gentle voice. She meets my eyes at my level when speaking—I feel respected.

—She gave me spicy chili oil and unfamiliar candies, both incredible.

—When his mother opens her restaurant, I'll be her first customer.

—Today I gave Chenchen a gift. He loved it and gave me an intricately folded paper warship in return.

Chenchen's amazing—he even taught me origami (paper folding)!

Who knew sneaking origami in class could be so much fun?

— Chenchen's little uncle is also very handsome. He's an art genius. The book *Tales of Time* that I really like was actually drawn by him. I wanted to ask for his autograph, but I haven't asked yet;

— Chenchen's grandma is incredibly sweet and kind. I really love seeing her smile;

— Chenchen and his dad are as close as friends. His dad loves him so much, and his family loves him so much;

Just like how you love me too, I know;

— Chenchen's dad is very handsome, the handsomest dad I know;

Chenchen's dad is like me—he doesn’t talk much. He feels like one of my people;

But Chenchen loves to talk, and I love talking with him too, so I’ve started talking a lot more too;

— Oh, and Chenchen's dad, just like Dad, is a great scientist;

— Today, Chenchen didn’t feel like talking, so we exchanged notes in class. It was my first time—such a blast!

— Geez, Chenchen’s handwriting is so beautiful. When he’s in a good mood, he even doodles little characters on paper. He’s really good at art too;

From today on, I’ll practice my handwriting seriously. Man, I really want to learn how to draw now.

— Today, Chenchen and I teamed up in a game, and of course, we won;

— Chenchen is so smart—honestly, he’s the smartest person I’ve ever met;

— I want to go to school every day, I want to play with Chenchen every day...

...

"Tomorrow isn’t the weekend, but you’ll see Chenchen at school," Dad said.

Chen Zigui shook his head, his face fell. "No, Dad. Chenchen is too smart—school’s practically beneath him.

Today, he told his little uncle he didn’t want to go anymore. He might go to high school with his uncle, so I might not see him much in the future."

Mom’s heart ached. Her son had finally made a good friend. She guided Chen Zigui to the table and sat him down.

"Didn’t you say Chenchen’s mom is opening a restaurant? You can go there for lunch every day—you’ll see Chenchen then."

Chen Zigui thought for a moment and nodded. "You’ve got a point, Mom. Chenchen will definitely go to the restaurant for lunch every day. I’ll get to see him for sure."

Mom dished out his food. "When Chenchen’s family’s restaurant opens, Dad and I will go to support them. How about we send them a flower basket?"

Chen Zigui nodded. "That’s awesome, Mom. Do we still have chocolate? Chenchen loves chocolate—I’ll bring him some tomorrow."

Seeing her son finally cheer up, Mom felt relieved. "Yes, your cousin hauled back a ton from Hong Kong during winter break. They’re all in the snack cabinet."

Chen Zigui thought for a while and asked, "Mom, is Cousin studying at Tsinghua?"

Mom nodded. "Yes, Tsinghua has admission advantages for overseas Chinese. Otherwise, your cousin wouldn’t have gotten in."

"Chenchen’s mom also studied at Tsinghua," Chen Zigui said.

Even Dad couldn’t help but nod. "Impressive. With an eight-year-old child, she’s still got that ambition. Chenchen’s mom is remarkable."

Mom smiled. "Yes, those who get into Tsinghua are the cream of the crop. Do you know what her major was? They might’ve even been classmates with your cousin."

Both Dad and Mom always tried to guide Chen Zigui into more conversations, keeping the discussion going with things he cared about.

Chen Zigui pushed his food around and shook his head: "I don’t know. I’ll ask Chenchen tomorrow. Mom, if Chenchen’s family’s food can be packed, I’ll bring some for you tomorrow."

Mom looked pleasantly surprised: "Wouldn’t that put him in an awkward spot?"

Chen Zigui smiled: "No, Chenchen will charge for it. I just don’t know if they make enough."

Mom nodded: "That’s how it should be. Even between brothers, accounts should be clear—good fences make good neighbors."

Chen Zigui nodded: "Yeah, Chenchen and I exchange gifts. He’s already treated me to a meal once. He knows if he keeps treating me for free, I’d feel too awkward to go. If he charges, I’d feel better about it."

Mom: "Chenchen sounds like such a good kid. I wonder when we’ll get to meet him."

Chen Zigui tilted his head and thought for a moment: "I’ll ask Chenchen sometime, see if he’d like to visit our home."

"Good," Mom said, already grateful to Chenchen’s family, though they’d never met. "But if Chenchen is busy, we can always meet when their restaurant opens."

Worried that Chenchen might refuse and disappoint Chen Zigui, she added quickly.

Chen Zigui nodded and said: "Okay, I’ll ask Chenchen tomorrow."

"Mom, Dad, these sweet and sour ribs are delicious. You should eat more."

Dad and Mom exchanged glances, both beaming, and said in unison:

"Good, good, we’ll eat more. A-Gui, you eat more too . . ."