Chapter 329
Si Nian was quite surprised.
She had only asked casually, not actually expecting the little girl to understand.
But to her surprise, Yaoyao actually answered it.
English was one thing. After all, she was a teacher, taking her to school every day and often playing cassette tapes. It wasn't strange for a child to pick up a few words after hearing them so much.
But she had never mentioned math. Where did the little dumpling learn that?
Si Nian asked the question exactly as she thought it.
Sitting in her older brother's lap, Yaoyao bit her finger and said, "Brother taught Yaoyao. It's very simple. Given the parabola y=-(1/2)X²+(5-√m²)..."
She bobbed her head side to side as she pointed at the formula in the book and read it aloud.
Si Nian felt a tingle of shock run down her spine as she listened.
She proceeded to point at several other problems in the book that Zhou Zedong had been studying and quizzed Yaoyao. Without exception, the little girl understood every single one.
Si Nian had thought Zhou Zedong was the smartest genius she had ever met. In her era, geniuses only appeared on TV or in books; she had never met one in real life.
But now, she had two right by her side.
And they were just children.
The shock it gave her was nothing short of massive.
Zhou Zedong was also startled by his sister. Sometimes, when she sat next to him while he did his exercises, she would get bored, lean over to watch, or ask him what something was.
He thought she was just curious, so he casually taught her how to read a few words.
Little did he know that while she hadn't learned many words, she had memorized the formulas.
And she actually understood them?
Zhou Zedong wasn't like his younger brother, who could be easily fooled.
From his sister's sudden display today, he realized that she might possess a brain even smarter than his own.
Si Nian returned to her room.
Wearing a grave expression.
Zhou Yueshen had just come out of the shower, a towel draped over his shoulders.
Seeing Si Nian frowning, he strode over. "What's wrong?"
Si Nian told him about Yaoyao.
Zhou Yueshen wasn't surprised. Instead, he said, "Xiaodong used to be like this too."
Although Xiaodong had started his education relatively late, he seemed to love reading since he was very little.
His family originally had some books left behind by his father, but his mother had burned them all.
He had secretly hidden a few away. Zhou Yueshen had seen them; they were all filled with formulas and physics knowledge.
Stuff that you basically wouldn't learn until college.
Zhou Zedong was obsessed with them and would often hold them up to read.
By the time Zhou Yueshen took him in, the boy had already finished reading those books.
According to him, he had gotten his hands on those books when he was three or four years old.
They belonged to his father.
At the time, Zhou Yueshen was entirely focused on investigating information about the boy's heartless father and didn't pay much attention to it.
He only assumed the child still held onto some lingering attachment to his father.
Only later did he discover that the boy actually understood them.
He didn't know if reading those books was the reason, but when Zhou Zedong started school, he was much smarter than ordinary children. He could solve problems on his own without the teacher having to explain them.
Zhou Yueshen realized this child was extraordinary.
He also guessed that the man must have been an intellectual.
And one who had attended college at that.
In that era, the prestige of attending college went without saying.
Having seen Zhou Zedong's talent, it wasn't so strange that Yaoyao, constantly immersed in an environment where the whole family was studying, would pick up these things.
Zhou Yueshen was a man who had seen the world.
Si Nian had initially been a bit worried, fearing she might not guide the children properly.
But hearing Zhou Yueshen's calm response, her heart suddenly settled.
She felt she had been making a fuss over nothing.
This was a world within a book, after all. It would be stranger if everything were exactly like reality.
In the novel, Yaoyao hadn't spoken even when she started school; she had always been silent and withdrawn.
Even if she had a gift, no one would have been able to notice it.
Without the right person to guide them, it was indeed very easy for these children to go astray.
Obviously, these three siblings were a prime example.
Si Nian relaxed and asked Zhou Yueshen to boil some hot water for her, saying she wanted to take a bath.
Her wooden bathtub had been moved over, and the master bedroom had its own en-suite bathroom.
Si Nian's wooden tub was placed inside. Whenever she had free time, she would take a bath to dispel the cold from her body.
She was a bit tired today and wanted to relax.
They didn't have a water heater installed at home, so they still had to boil their own water for baths.
There was often hot water boiling in the pot.
Just enough for the whole family to wash up at night.
Zhou Yueshen fetched the hot water for her, tested the temperature, and told her to go bathe.
Si Nian dug out a new four-piece bedding set and asked the man to change the sheets.
She said that since the weather was getting hotter, they needed to change them frequently; otherwise, sweat would easily breed bacteria.
She had always loved cleanliness, which Zhou Yueshen completely understood.
Watching her enter the bathroom to soak in the tub, he opened the bedding set and began to change the sheets.
He then carried the used bedding downstairs, scrubbed it clean, and hung it out to dry before heading back upstairs.
He thought about how, with so many children in the house, they had to change and wash the bedding and clothes every few days.
Although the kids could wash their own clothes, whenever he wasn't home, Si Nian's responsibilities would multiply.
Zhou Yueshen remembered passing by Granny Jiang's house next door and seeing the washing machine sitting by her door.
Although he had never used one, he knew it worked just by plugging it in.
You just put the clothes in, take them out, and hang them to dry.
It was incredibly easy.
Granny Jiang's family was wealthy and had everything, so the old couple didn't hire anyone to take care of them; they did everything themselves.
These home appliances saved them a lot of time.
He pondered getting one tomorrow so Si Nian would have a much easier time.
Smoothing out the wrinkles on the bedsheets, Zhou Yueshen stood up to close the window.
But he noticed that the window of the family who had newly moved in next door was still open.
It looked like a study. From his angle, he could see a child sitting at a desk, studying.
Zhou Yueshen was slightly surprised. City kids really were different, studying so late into the night.
Speaking of which, he had also heard from Si Nian earlier that Xiaodong had been studying late every night to prepare for his math competition.
He suddenly understood why city kids had such excellent grades, far surpassing rural children.
Now it seemed it wasn't without reason.
Zhou Yueshen closed the window and lit a mosquito coil.
Si Nian had bought the mosquito coils; she was a magnet for mosquitoes.
Back in the countryside, she was constantly getting bitten.
Her fair skin was always dotted with red marks.
Later, she went to the department store in the city and bought this type of mosquito coil. A box cost several yuan, but the scent wasn't cheap or pungent at all. After using it for a while, the room would carry a faint, pleasant fragrance.
Since using it, Si Nian hadn't been bitten again.
Just as he lit it, Si Nian walked out, drying her hair with a towel.
Zhou Yueshen subconsciously turned his head.
He saw her wearing the silk nightgown he had bought for her previously.
It featured delicate cutouts and a low-cut neckline with spaghetti straps, paired with a thin silk robe draped loosely over her shoulders.
The emerald green color accentuated her fair complexion, and fresh out of the bath, her skin looked incredibly dewy and supple.
Although Si Nian was tall, she had a petite frame.
This was the reason she always maintained a soft, voluptuous allure, perfectly curvy and beautifully proportioned.
Her hair had grown much longer, almost reaching her waist. Because it was so thick, it always took a long time to dry with a towel.
Si Nian had bought herself a hairdryer, but she usually preferred letting it air dry naturally.
It was black and silky smooth.
She looked exactly like a breathtaking beauty emerging from the bath, which was the ultimate stimulation for a grown man in his prime.
Zhou Yueshen's Adam's apple bobbed slightly.
Now that the weather was warmer, Si Nian had switched to wearing flimsy nightgowns again.
In the past, Zhou Yueshen wouldn't have dared to steal a second glance.
But now, he had grown bolder.
He stared so intently that he only snapped back to reality when the lighter burned his hand, sending a sharp pain through his fingers.
Si Nian sat down at the vanity, towel-drying her hair.
Zhou Yueshen did not use skincare products or even face creams; the various bottles and jars on the table all belonged to her.
Face creams, hair serums, body lotions. She had it all.
After every shower, she would apply them from head to toe.
But today, Si Nian was feeling a bit exhausted, so she took out the hair dryer and handed it to Zhou Yueshen, asking him to dry her hair for her.
Zhou Yueshen had never used a hair dryer himself.
Si Nian had only bought it after going to the city.
It was an item only wealthy people could afford.
He took a few steps forward and stood behind Si Nian, his tall figure looking a bit stiff and awkward in that moment.
His large hands took the hair dryer, plugged it in, and studied the switch for a moment.
Only then did he begin drying her hair.
He kept the hair dryer at a safe distance, afraid the heat would burn her.
Meanwhile, Si Nian opened her jars and bottles, applying the lotions to her body.
She was not actually someone who obsessed over skincare. In her original world, she stayed up late year-round, leaving her complexion dull, sallow, and lifeless.
No skincare product ever helped.
It was not that she could not afford high-end brands.
But nothing ever worked on her.
But after coming to this era, she discovered that the skincare products here were incredibly cheap and came in large quantities.
Moreover, the results were exceptionally good.
She did not even apply them every day, just occasionally, yet the original owner's skin was so tender it felt as soft as water.
Seeing such great results naturally gave her the motivation to keep it up.
By now, she had developed a pretty good habit of it.
As she applied the products, the rich fragrance almost made Zhou Yueshen dizzy.
He had always thought Si Nian smelled wonderful.
But it had never been quite this overwhelming before.
Enduring the strong, sweet scent, he finished drying her hair.
Then, Si Nian applied essential oils to her locks.
Zhou Yueshen sat to the side, watching her. He could not help but think that being a woman was truly a lot of trouble.
From the time she started her shower to the moment she finished her routine, Si Nian had spent nearly two hours.
By now, the children were already sound asleep.
Seeing her ball her hands into fists to lightly tap her own shoulders, he stood up and placed his large hands on her shoulders. Didn't you say you were sore? Let me give you a massage.
Si Nian murmured an agreement. She was actually quite sleepy, but the thought of the soothing relief a massage would bring was too tempting to resist.
She lay face down on the bed, telling the man to be gentle.
Although it felt incredibly comfortable afterward, it had hurt quite a bit the last time he massaged her hands.
Zhou Yueshen agreed.
Not wanting to hurt her, he lightened his grip.
However, when the man pressed a particular knot in her neck, Si Nian still let out a sharp cry of pain.
Next door, Second Child, who had just fallen asleep from sheer excitement, was startled awake.
Thinking he had misheard, he quickly got up and pressed his ear against the wall.
Because this house was more soundproof than their home in the village, he could not hear very clearly.
But soon, he heard his mother's miserable cry again.
Second Child was terrified.
Without even bothering to put on his shoes, he hopped out of bed and dashed to his parents' bedroom door in just three seconds.
Through the door, he heard his mother say weakly, Zhou Yueshen, be gentle! That hurts so much!
Second Child's face immediately went pale, and he began to pound on the door.
Zhou Yueshen and Si Nian were both startled by the sudden noise.
The moment Zhou Yueshen opened the door, his son fiercely headbutted him. Dad is a bad guy! You are not allowed to bully Mom!
He kept trying to headbutt Zhou Yueshen while swinging his little fists at him.
Zhou Yueshen was stunned for a second before he felt a mix of exasperation and amusement.
Si Nian hurriedly sat up and saw Second Child charging at Zhou Yueshen, looking absolutely furious and ready to beat him up.
However, because Zhou Yueshen had easily lifted him by the collar, the boy's arms and legs were just flailing and kicking in mid-air.
His head was still jutting forward in a headbutting motion.
For a moment, she found it both hilarious and deeply touching.
She guessed that her voice must have been too loud just now, making Second Child mistakenly think that Zhou Yueshen was hitting her, which was why he had rushed over to her rescue.
She quickly said, Xiao Han, that is enough. Your dad was not hitting me.
Xiao Han refused to believe her. With red eyes, he glared at Zhou Yueshen. I do not believe you! I heard Mom crying out!
Mom even said it hurt!
Dad is a big bad guy!
I am going to protect Mom!
Si Nian did not know whether to laugh or cry. Alright, alright, it is really not what you think. Why would your dad ever lay a hand on me? Have you ever seen him hit me? He was just giving me a massage.
Xiao Han finally stopped kicking and thrashing. Still dangling in mid-air with his collar pulling at his neck, he stared at his father with lingering suspicion. Really?
He had heard people say before that his dad looked incredibly fierce.
They even said the reason he would not be able to find a wife was because he was abusive.
Even though Second Child had never been hit by his father, constantly hearing such gossip had planted a subconscious fear in him that his dad was someone not to be messed with.
His mother was such a delicate woman; there was no way she could win in a fight against his dad.
Even though his dad could probably send him flying with a single punch.
He was not afraid at all.
He had to protect his mom.
Zhou Yueshen lightly rapped his knuckles against his son's small head, then carried him back to his room and plopped him down.
Alright, go to sleep. Stop interrupting us.
No sooner had he spoken than Zhou Yuehan darted right back into Si Nian's room like a wisp of smoke. He stood next to her and declared, No, I want to sleep with Mom. I need to keep an eye on Dad.
Despite his bold words, his little face flushed red.
Wow, I am so smart, he thought to himself.
This way, Mom will let me sleep in her bed.
Plus, I get to protect her.
Mom had only ever let his little sister sleep with her; she had not let him do it yet.
He really wanted to sleep next to Mom too.
When his older brother woke up tomorrow, he would be so jealous!
Zhou Yuehan was already fantasizing about the look of sheer awe on his brother's face.
However, before he could revel in his triumph, Zhou Yueshen, his face dark with annoyance, tossed him right back out the door.
With a sharp click, the door shut firmly, shattering his dreams into pieces.
Si Nian looked helplessly at the unreasonably strict man. If Xiao Han wants to sleep here, just let him. It is no big deal.
Zhou Yueshen's face was still dark as he replied, He is already eight years old. We cannot coddle him.
Si Nian shook her head in resignation. Rolling her shoulders, she realized they actually felt much better.
She let out a yawn, pulled the covers up, and lay down. Alright, alright. Let us go to sleep early too. If the kids hear anything else, they are just going to misunderstand again.
It was a good thing her son was too young to understand. If an adult had heard the sounds she made earlier, their imagination would surely run wild.
Si Nian coughed lightly, feeling a wave of embarrassment.
Zhou Yueshen rubbed his fingers together, still feeling somewhat unsatisfied.
But knowing it was indeed getting late, he murmured his agreement in a low voice.
He pulled the light cord to turn it off, walked over to Si Nian's side of the bed, and lay down. He was not wearing anything; the man was accustomed to sleeping naked.
After being exposed to the cool air all evening, his muscles were chilly to the touch.
Si Nian turned her head to glance at him in the dark. She could not see clearly, but pressing against him felt quite comfortable, so she instinctively snuggled closer.
Zhou Yueshen usually rested his hand on her waist while they slept. When she rubbed against him, his hand subconsciously tightened, gripping her waist firmly.
Si Nian tilted her head up to look at him. Zhou Yueshen pulled her slightly upward, lowering his body and tilting his head to press his lips against her neck.
Her neck was a sensitive spot for Si Nian. She let out a soft moan and whispered, It is too late.
Zhou Yueshen sucked gently at her skin before replying, Good night.