No matter how much I love you, I can never compare to him in your heart. He can effortlessly receive all your love, while I can only rely on my own efforts, persevering step by step, never willing to give up.

Zhang Ni didn’t know when he came out; perhaps he had already emerged when he heard his parents talking. He merely hid quietly in the corner, wanting to see how much his parents would sacrifice for him. Maybe, for a vulnerable child, his inner world is complex. He fears that his parents don’t love him, yet he also fears that his parents love him too much!

They say children don’t understand, but that’s not true. Children are always the ones who grasp the most truths. He always chooses to smile, as if none of this ever happened. He knows that some things, even if he decides, are futile. So why hurt those who once loved him the most? Moreover, those people are his mom and dad, and he simply can’t inflict such hurt.

"Mom, you misunderstood Dad. It wasn’t Dad who made me train; I wanted to train. I want to prove to my grandparents that I am actually a capable child.

I don’t want to be abandoned by my grandparents, nor do I want others to say I’m a child unloved by them. Actually, my heart is in pain. I know my grandparents don’t truly want to abandon us; they just have no choice. But in the eyes of others, it wouldn’t be seen this way; they would only think my grandparents abandoned us because they don’t like us. Yet they don’t realize my grandparents are the ones who love us most in this world.

Mom, I know you might not believe anything I say now, but you should at least consider my words, right? Respecting others is respecting yourself. I know I don’t have the ability to speak these words, nor the qualification, but my inner world is clear. I care deeply about family bonds, and no one can understand my thoughts. All I want is for my grandparents to embrace me. Simply not being abandoned by them is enough for me. I don’t have many fantasies; this sentence is unreal to me!"

Zhang Yichen didn’t expect his son to stand up and speak for him this time; it was truly unexpected. Perhaps his son’s inner world isn’t as disagreeable towards him. Even though he subjected him to so much grueling training, he still considers him the best father. What right does he have to resent his son? He is so young, what mistake has he possibly made, to have to endure such hardships? He should just happily enjoy the childhood he deserves, yet because of his heartless father, he falls into a dilemma again and again. No one considers his inner feelings, leaving him at a loss.

"Son, Daddy knows you speak out to help both Mom and Dad, but do you realize, the more understanding you are, the more painful it is for Daddy’s heart? You’re like this because of our relationship, yet why do you keep bothering with your parents? You should enjoy the childhood meant for you; you’re still so small. It’s Daddy’s selfishness that forces you to bear all these pains and responsibilities. Will you resent Daddy?"

"Dad, how could I resent you? Actually, your inner world is clearer than anyone’s. Everything you do is for my own good. You don’t want your parents to look down on me, and you want to show me in your way that only the strongest deserve others’ love. I know my grandparents don’t truly reject me; they just don’t know how to face me, because they’ve endured so much hurt from my parents. How could they come home happily, as if nothing happened? I understand it all. Some things, even if unspoken, are not unknown to me. On the contrary, I’ve become more understanding than many children my age. I don’t know if it’s due to my deep insight or different experiences, but ultimately, I should thank my mom and dad. Whatever the reason, for bringing me to this point, I should be thankful. You brought me into the world; you made me who I am now. I’m very grateful for this life; it makes me feel happy and fulfilled. Every day I’m busy training because I want to prove my ability to those I care about. I can’t let anyone look down on me; I want them to know clearly that underestimating me is the biggest mistake. I can use my abilities to prove to the world that I am the smartest person in this world!

Mom and Dad, don’t argue over my matters, and don’t let your relationship suffer because of me. That would be my greatest hurt. What child can bear to see their parents argue every day? If you truly wish for me to live happily, give each other a chance. Stop the endless fighting; it really makes me feel guilty and uncomfortable!"

"Nai’er, don’t worry yourself about Mom and Dad’s affairs. Rest assured, we won’t let you down. But you must promise Mom to live well, not to be so hard on yourself, not to tire yourself out every day. Otherwise, we would feel sorry for you, and you wouldn’t want us to be fighting every day because of you, would you? So, you must take care of yourself. Only when you’re healthy can Mom and Dad live peacefully, without arguments, you understand?"

"Mom, I understand. But this time, you really wronged Dad. He’s not as bad as you imagined; he’s just proving his worth in his way. He’s declaring that he’s among the loneliest people in the world too. Though abandoned by his own parents, my father can endure so much pain, stepping through hellish training. Why can’t I, as his biological son?" 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Reflecting on every tear he shed, perhaps for me, it is a form of happiness. Yet I never thought of hurting him this way.