Time passed quietly like a flowing stream, and the new year swiftly arrived; Fang You was now nearly a 5-year-old boy.
Relatives from all corners of the world, who were rarely seen, gathered together, warming the relationships that had started to grow cold over time.
By now, Fang You had been on television, starred in commercials, played the drums impressively, and had 100,000 followers online. He was seen as a child prodigy among the relatives and friends, and without a doubt, became the center of attention at family gatherings.
"Wow, the little star... you've grown so handsome, let your auntie give you a hug!"
"Little auntie, you've hugged You You for so long, now let your cousin give you a kiss! Mua!"
Under the influence of the "Peach Assistant" Talent, Fang You definitely felt the extra love from the older females.
Everyone was clamoring to hold Fang You and take photos with him.
But perhaps the "Star of Tomorrow" influence was also at play, constantly enhancing his own charm?
Fang You indeed felt that he looked more and more handsome in photos; sometimes he didn't even dare to look directly at his dashing face.
Relatives began to constantly seek parenting advice from Fang Guanghui and Chen Xuan, leaving the proud parents basking in the glow of admiration.
"Ah, I didn't really teach him much, we as parents just try to fulfill his wishes and guide his interests and hobbies, like taking him to learn to play the drums..."
"Mainly it's because our You You is exceptional and seeks progress."
Of course, some relatives also felt that the adoration for Fang You was a bit excessive.
Fang You's aunt was one of them.
[Zeng Ya feels that you're showing off too much, Emotional Energy +3]
Seeing everyone gathered and talking about Fang You instead of her precious son, Kang Kang, who was once lavishly praised by relatives and friends, the aunt felt somewhat discontented:
"Oh my, what's the point of all these frills and having so many fans if it can't make money and instead hinders the child's learning... I think doing well in studies is the most important, so they can get a good job and earn a lot of money in the future..."
At that moment, Fang You's cousin Xu Yan was hugging and kissing her younger brother, and upon hearing the aunt's words, she immediately responded defiantly, "Our You You has been smart since he was little, and I'm sure his academic performance won't be poor in the future!"
"Yeah, yeah, You You is in the middle class now, right? Have you started learning math yet?"
"Auntie will test you, what is 3 + 2?"
"5," Fang You answered promptly.
"How about 6 + 8?"
"14," Fang You replied before his aunt could even finish.
"Wow, You You is also talented in math! He must be a hard-working and good student at school," the adults praised.
His aunt obviously felt even more challenged.
If God opens so many windows for you, he has to close a few doors too, right?
"It seems You You is indeed not bad at arithmetic... but to win from the starting line, apart from basic arithmetic, learning another language is very important. Our Kang Kang started learning English at a young age and now speaks it quite fluently."
"Kang Kang, show everyone what you've learned in English!"
Oh dear, this stubborn child, stop playing with your phone at a time like this!
The aunt pinched her son's bottom, and the bespectacled Kang Kang reluctantly stood up, hands behind his back, reciting to the group as if completing a task:
"Hello, I'm Kang Kang, nice to meet you, how are you, I'm fine thank you, and you."
"Wow, not bad, you speak very well!"
Everyone clapped for Kang Kang, and Fang You joined in the applause as well.
Seeing Fang You clapping, the aunt felt very pleased with herself.
Their gazes towards Fang You were solemn and respectful, as if they were looking up to a deity.
The adults had no idea what was happening, just staring blankly at this scene.
Even without any background music to accompany it, there was no doubt about it—the drumming, the clear melody—
You You was singing "The Brave", the song!
It is said that only a dragon among children can sing "The Brave" completely without running out of breath. Such children are highly honored in school, where others rush to fetch them water, and everyone wants to copy their homework.
And he, he could actually sing the English version of "The Brave" that only exists in urban legends!
Of course, this is not to say that the English lyrics necessarily surpass the Chinese original.
But being unique is cool!
It's absolutely stellar!
A few of the elementary school cousins trembled with excitement, admiring their little cousin enormously.
Instead of their normal competition to see who can grab the mic and sing the loudest, they now resembled devout followers, daring only to softly echo Fang You's powerful and moving chant.
[Zhao Kangkang can hardly wait to show off to his classmates about having such a cool cousin, Emotional Energy +5]
[Wang Xiaoguo felt goosebumps all over, Emotional Energy +4]
[Your cousin Lu Qiye has decided to recognize you as the big bro from now on, Emotional Energy +3]
However, the children's respect only lasted for a while. When the drum beats reached the climax, they began to surge with emotion, impassionedly:
Since the secret signals have matched.
Let the battle song arise!
"Love the way you walk alone through dark alleys!"
"Love the way you never kneel!"
"Love how you've faced despair!"
"Refusing to cry it out!"
...
When Fang You finished his song, the adults all started applauding him. Fang You's older cousins felt as if they shared in the glory, utterly satisfied as if they had just taken part in a glorious struggle.
"You You really is a prodigy, how does he know how to do everything!"
"That oral English... feels like it's on par with a professional English teacher."
"Did You You not drink the Meng Po soup or what? I'm truly convinced."
"You two, just how much good karma have you accumulated to have such a divine son?"
Chen Xuan and Fang Guanghui gleefully accepted the praises from their relatives. The aunt couldn't dare to utter a word when she saw this and slipped away, yanking Kang Kang by the ear, "You're not allowed to play on your phone anymore. Play what play! Your English isn't even a tenth as good as others'!"
[Seeing how excellent your English oral proficiency is, Zeng Ya thinks Kang Kang spends way too much time on his phone, Emotional Energy +30]
"With the kids doing so well, shouldn't you hurry up and have another one to contribute to the nation's development!"
Xu Yan picked up Fang You in a hug, beaming at Chen Xuan, "You You is so talented, really, just give him to me, I beg you, at least let me take him home to play for a few days!"
"These next few days aren't very convenient, You You has already promised his friend to visit her house."
"What friend, how come she's more important than sister Yan Yan?"
Suddenly remembering something, Xu Yan teased Fang You, poking his nose, "I know, it must be your childhood sweetheart, that little girlfriend!"