Chapter 79：The Problem of Education (3)

Lin Kang then stood up and left the table, not giving Mrs. Lin or Xiu Ling the opportunity to rope him into a discussion. Then again, there was nothing they could have said to change his mind anyway. For Lin Kang, after his mind was made up and there was no changing it.

Mrs. Lin did not know what his son was up to but she had confidence that he would eventually see the error of his ways. Perhaps attending the class himself would remind him the joy he once had taking them and more importantly, reminded him how important they were in giving him an early advantage in his life. Therefore, Mrs. Lin did not mind Lin Kang's decision.

Xiu Ling, on the other hand, also could see the reasoning behind Lin Kang's decision. After all, the man had a point. There was no better way to get to know something's worth than to experience it personally. As mentioned earlier, Xiu Ling did not attend these classes in her childhood and it was only based on her own assumption that they would be good for Lin Xi's future. If she could attend them and judge their worth, value and effect personally, then she was all for it.

Mrs. Lin did not find it offensive or out of the ordinary that Lin Kang did not include her in the family activity. This was because she was not a swimmer. It was not because the elder woman was afraid of water per se but she simply did not pick up the skill of swimming and she was not looking to start any time soon.

That was what Xiu Ling thought as well.

However, if one think about it closer, Lin Kang could have easily found a class that could involve Mrs. Lin but he did not. So why was that?

Was it because of his hidden preference towards swimming? Was it because he thought swimming was a good skill for Lin Xi to have? Was it because he wanted to have some more precious time with his family? Or was it because he wanted more opportunities to get close to Xiu Ling?

This was a question that only the man could provide the answer to.

…

The sun was shining brightly and its ray glittered generously on the surface of the pool. The water was as blue as the shade of watercolor, something that was only possible at the pool because natural water did not come in this azure shade. The water itself was clear so the brilliant blue came more from the walls and floor of the pool rather than the water itself.

The pool was large and separated into two sections, one for adults to do laps and a smaller quartered off corner for children and kids to waddle in.

The larger pool was empty but the kiddie pool was filled with the cheers and laughter of toddlers and children. It was the day for the swimming class for groups and families.

Pairs of fathers and mothers were either inside the pool working with their coaches to teach their children to swim or racing down the poolside to catch up to their children who were rowdy and excited.

Xiu Ling though could be found sitting on the pool chair with Lin Xi stuck to her body. Xiu Ling tried to turn Lin Xi in her laps around to face the pool. "Come on, Lin Xi. Look at how much fun those kids are having. Wouldn't you like to join them?"

Lin Xi immediately curled back into her embrace. The boy seemed to have some sort of aversion towards the pool. 'Perhaps he doesn't enjoy swimming or is afraid of water. Maybe this is a mistake,' thought Xiu Ling.

However, Xiu Ling was not one to give up so easily. She swore to at least get Lin Xi to dip his toes into the water. If nothing came out of this, then so be it. In any case, she couldn't leave the pool with the boy's body completely dry, that sounded so preposterous and completely defeated the purpose of them being there in the first place.

Xiu Ling put the arm-floaties around Lin Xi's arms and carried him with her to the pool. "Come on, Lin Xi. You have to give it a try, maybe you'll like it. Who knows, right?"

The closer Xiu Ling got to the pool, the tighter Lin Xi latched himself to her body. Xiu Ling sat down by the poolside and lowered her legs into the water. The water felt warm and nice, it was perfect on a hot day like the one she was experiencing.

Xiu Ling placed Lin Xi down on the edge of the kiddie pool beside her and she spoke in tones of encouragement, "See, Lin Xi. There is nothing to be afraid of. It's fun! Even mummy enjoys it."

Xiu Ling slowly kicked her legs in the water, creating little splashes and some of the water splashed onto Lin Xi. The touch of the water and Xiu Ling's comforting presence relaxed the boy and he nudged his feet cautiously towards the water.

The water lapped Lin Xi's feet and he unconsciously pulled back.

Xiu Ling beside him smiled and said, "Come on, Lin Xi. Give it another try, you'll like it. You love to play with water when taking your bath so just imagine this place as a bigger bathtub."

It was unclear whether the boy got the message or not but he did give it another attempt. This time he did not pull back and he slowly waded into the shallow part of the pool.

Several minutes later and the boy could be found cheering and clapping as he splashed around in the water. Xiu Ling smiled watching her son's antic and was thankful that she did not give up so easily earlier.

"Lin Xi," Xiu Ling called to get her son's attention, "Do you feel like you're ready to move into the larger pool? The swimming coach is already waiting for us."