Chapter Twelve: The Kitchen God’s Appraisal of Emma

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She had felt that Emma had been doing very well lately, but therein lay the problem: she was doing far too well, too perfectly! Perfectly unlike any eight-year-old should be...

And just now, Emma seemed to have... deliberately knocked someone down?

So, was it all an act?

Ellis furrowed his brow even deeper.

Though he could understand it—perhaps it was all for the sake of winning the medal. Many children had actually become more restrained these days, less mischievous than before, but Emma had gone even further... intentionally knocking someone down...

“I must be overthinking it. After all, she’s just a child, it shouldn’t be like that. But maybe the award should go to some other child who appears more genuine.”

After the teacher left,

Emma, with her back turned, pulled out a string of sparkling watches from her pocket, a hint of joy flickering in her eyes, her lips curling into a slight smile.

...

Night.

Emma looked at the watches over and over again, then finally put them away and began her homework.

David came in at that moment, placing a glass of milk on the table. “Do you need me to help you?”

“No, Dad, I know you’re busy.”

David smiled with a trace of helpless pride; Emma was always so sensible.

He said, “Alright then, if I give you a hug, what will you give me?”

“A kiss.” Emma replied with a smile.

Warmth filled the space between father and daughter.

David chuckled and turned to go to Louis.

Emma watched this scene, her expression gradually growing neutral. Facing the mirror before her, she pulled the corners of her mouth into the same smile she had just given. “I’ll give you a kiss...”

Her lips relaxed, then smiled again.

As if practicing.

Next door,

Louis was also doing his homework, though he had already finished it. Despite his intellect no longer being at its peak as in his senior year of high school, elementary school-level work was still effortlessly within his grasp.

Having completed his homework, Louis gazed at a package that had taken nearly half a month to arrive—truly slow!

Inside was a smiling statue of a kindly old man surrounded by piles of fruits and food, flames flickering in front of him.

Beside him stood two small childlike statues holding jars inscribed with the characters for “Good” and “Evil.”

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It was the Kitchen God from folk and Taoist mythology. While offering a painting was acceptable, Louis thought that having a statue might be more effective.

Though the Kitchen God’s reputation among people wasn’t particularly flattering, he was a deity who truly reached the heavens’ ears. Even before the Qin and Han dynasties, he was among the principal gods worshiped, showing his esteemed status.

The ashes from the stove and incense burned in his honor held traditional significance for warding off evil spirits, with longer periods of worship increasing their efficacy. This was the principle of the stove ash ritual.

Now that the statue had finally arrived, his next stage of inheritance was about to begin.

At that moment,

David came in.

Noticing the statue in Louis’s hands, David was momentarily surprised but quickly realized that Louis was of mixed heritage and perhaps this was a family tradition passed down. He respected that.

“Louis, have some milk.” He placed a warm cup on the table. David had long since accepted Louis’s habit of not doing homework; he was a genius, that much was clear.

“Thank you, uncle.”

Watching David leave, Louis began tidying his room, placing the statue on the northern side and taking out incense from the package to begin the offering.

...

Three days later.

The awards ceremony was about to begin.

Emma was once again dressed in her red dress and pearl necklace, exuding a distinct princess-like aura.

Louis quietly fiddled with an embroidered needle, sitting silently in the car. Inside, David and Emma chatted happily, David praising, “Emma will definitely win the award.”

Emma smiled modestly but couldn’t help tilting her head up slightly. It was clear she too believed she would win.

David brought Emma and Louis to the school, which was now filled with students and parents. The female teacher held a palm-sized golden medal, preparing for the ceremony.

Soon, the teacher stood on the podium and began to describe the four excellent qualities of the Citizenship Award.

“Faith, honesty, cultivation, and compassion—these are the four most wonderful qualities a child can possess. I believe children who embody all four are treasures sent from angels.”

“Next, it is my honor to present the award, allowing this child to enjoy the applause and praise.”

“Now, the recipient of this Citizenship Award is...”

In the audience,

A group of children leaned forward curiously, parents exchanged glances.

But most eyes were fixed on Emma—her appearance was impeccable, her smile always reserved, her demeanor elegant; it was clear she was there to receive an award.

Sensing all these gazes, her smile grew even brighter.

However...

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“Milo Curtis!”

Applause erupted across the venue.

The boy seated next to Emma, a small blond curly-haired child, looked utterly stunned, then excitedly embraced his mother.

Emma’s smile vanished at that moment.

Her delicate little leather shoes tapped incessantly on the floor.

Louis, sitting beside David, watched her closely. Soon, this poor little curly-haired boy would face a harsh challenge—jealousy was truly a terrifying thing...

...

Soon after,

The ceremony concluded.

David and Ellis spoke together in the hallway. David had missed the last parent-teacher meeting due to a city project at his factory, and he was somewhat puzzled that Emma had not won this time.

But after briefly discussing academics, Ellis brought up Louis first.

“...”

“I heard Louis is also your child?”

“Oh, Louis is a relative’s child whom I’m taking care of for a few days. Is something wrong?”

“Nothing, it’s just that... he seems a bit too mature, out of place among many of the children here. Though he is a genius, social relationships are crucial to a child’s upbringing. I believe you understand that.”

One had to admit, this black teacher’s insight was sharp, partly because Louis made no effort to hide it.

David nodded, recalling the kidnapping incident. Perhaps it was time to get a psychologist to see Louis?

Louis never imagined that he himself might become the primary target, while the one who most needed psychological help remained unseen.

At this moment, David realized and asked, “How has Emma been performing?”

Ellis furrowed his brow, as if pondering how to phrase his answer delicately.

“Emma is very good, excellent indeed. She possesses many qualities children should learn from; in fact, she has become the class monitor.”

“And most commendable is her courage. But... she seems to lack a natural fear response and always manages to show success when she is needed, leaving a deep impression—much like those... politicians or seasoned professionals.”

“I believe she will become an excellent actress someday.”

Was that... praise?