Born in the 1980s, she was remarried and became a stepmother; a cold, rough man doted on her, pinchi

Chen Yu carefully looked at the information plaques next to each tank, learning about the living habits and characteristics of marine life.

At the aquarium, the family also watched a wonderful dolphin and sea lion show.

The intelligent dolphins and sea lions, under the guidance of their trainers, performed a variety of difficult maneuvers, winning rounds of applause from the audience.

Shi An and Shi Ning watched intently, clapping and cheering continuously for the dolphins and sea lions.

Before they knew it, it was getting dark, and the family left the aquarium with a lot of joy and a sense of accomplishment.

On the way back to the guesthouse, the children were still excitedly discussing what they had seen and heard that day. Shi An said, "Sailing today was so exciting! I felt like a brave captain!"

Shi Ning said, "The dolphins and sea lions in the aquarium are so cute, I want to come see them again next time."

Chen Yu smiled and said, "I learned a lot about marine life today, it was so interesting."

Qin Yishen and Jiang Man listened to the children's words with great satisfaction.

The five-day joyful trip came to an end, and Jiang Man and Qin Yishen returned home with their three children, filled with memories and exhaustion.

As soon as they entered the house, the children, like joyful little deer, jumped and skipped around in the familiar space, excitedly sharing every little detail of their journey.

As Shi Ning gestured, she excitedly said, "Mom and Dad, do you still remember that colorful seashell beach? I collected so many pretty seashells and I'm going to make them into wind chimes to hang in my room!"

Say to the children: "Sweethearts, you've had enough fun. It's time to get back to work and finish your summer homework."

Although the three children were still somewhat reluctant to leave, they obediently returned to their rooms, took out their workbooks, and began tackling the essay assignments given during the summer vacation.

Shi Ning sat at her desk, resting her chin on her hand, her mind filled with the beautiful scenery and interesting events of her journey. Those happy moments became vivid words in her writing.

Sometimes her lips curled into a smile as she recalled the awe-inspiring sunrise from the mountaintop; other times her brow furrowed as she carefully considered her words, each one brimming with love and longing for the trip.

Time flies, and the start of the new school year is just around the corner.

The campus was filled with the children's laughter again. Shi Ning, carrying her schoolbag, walked into the classroom with anticipation.

In Chinese class, the teacher walked up to the podium with a big smile on her face, holding a stack of composition books in her hand, and excitedly announced that she would select the best compositions.

The teacher picked up Shi Ning's composition, read several paragraphs aloud word by word, and praised her highly: "Shi Ning's composition is not only beautifully written, but also full of genuine feelings. She vividly describes what she saw, heard, thought, and felt during her trip. Everyone should learn from her."

When Shi Ning heard that her essay had won an award, she was both surprised and a little shy. Her cheeks turned bright red instantly. Amid thunderous applause from her teachers and classmates, she walked nervously to the podium and began to read her essay aloud to the audience.

Her voice was clear and melodious, and every word and sentence seemed to take everyone into her travel world. The students listened intently, as if they were experiencing that wonderful journey with Shi Ning.

However, the pleasant atmosphere was shattered during recess. A small group of girls, who were usually quite domineering, gathered around.

The girl in the lead crossed her arms, a hint of arrogance on her face, and glanced at Shi Ning, saying, "Shi Ning, I heard your family went on vacation. You must have a lot of pocket money, right? Give us some to spend." Upon hearing this, Shi Ning's smile vanished instantly. She looked at the girls with a hint of panic, took a step back, and said in a slightly trembling voice, "I... my pocket money is for my parents to buy stationery and books. I can't give it to you."

The girl in the lead wouldn't let it go. She took a step closer and said menacingly, "Stop pretending. Your family can afford to go out and have fun, why would you care about this little bit of pocket money? If you don't give it to me today, you can forget about having a good time in class from now on."

Shi Ning's eyes reddened, tears welling up. She was both scared and wronged, but she still mustered her courage and said firmly, "I won't give it to you. What you're doing is wrong."

When the other girls saw that Shi Ning refused to give in, they started to egg her on: "Hmph, if you don't give in, we'll make trouble for you every day."

Shi Ning forced back her tears, feeling both angry and anxious.

Just then, her good friend Xiaoyan walked into the classroom from outside. Seeing this scene, she immediately walked over quickly, stood next to Shi Ning, put her hands on her hips, and said loudly, "How can you bully people like this? If you have the guts, go ask your parents for money yourselves. Don't make things difficult for Shi Ning here."

The girl in the lead glared at Xiaoyan and threatened, "Mind your own business, or I'll take care of you too."

Xiaoyan, however, was not afraid at all. She glared back at her and said firmly, "I will take care of it. If you bully Shi Ning again, I will tell the teacher."

Upon hearing that they were going to tell the teacher, the girls' expressions changed, they exchanged glances, and hesitated.

Shi Ning was filled with gratitude when she saw Xiao Yan stand up for her. She was no longer afraid, straightened her back, and said loudly, "Yes, if you continue like this, we will tell the teacher and let the teacher handle it."

Seeing that things were not going well and that continuing the commotion would not bring any benefit, the girl in the lead said fiercely, "Fine, you guys are ruthless. Let's go."

After saying that, he led the girls away sheepishly. Shi Ning and Xiao Yan watched their departing figures and breathed a sigh of relief.

Shi Ning said gratefully to Xiao Yan, "Thank you, Xiao Yan. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Xiaoyan smiled and patted Shi Ning on the shoulder: "We're good friends, of course we should help each other. Don't be afraid of them, if something like this happens again, we'll face it together."

Shi Ning nodded, a warm feeling welling up inside her. This experience taught Shi Ning that she should bravely say "no" to unreasonable demands, and that the power of friendship is immense.

After returning home, Shi Ning told Jiang Man and Qin Yishen about it.

Jiang Man hugged Shi Ning tightly, gently stroking her hair, and said, "Baby, you did the right thing. You have to be brave and refuse when you encounter something like this. If they bully you again, you must tell your teacher and your parents."

Qin Yishen also encouraged him from the side, saying, "Yes, don't be afraid of them, we will always support you."

Shi Ning leaned against her mother's chest, her heart filled with warmth. She knew that no matter what difficulties she encountered, her family and friends would be her strongest support.

In the days that followed, Shi Ning became more confident and courageous in both her studies and daily life.

Her relationship with Xiaoyan became even closer; they studied and played together, spending many happy times together.

Soon after, the school organized a speech contest, and Shi Ning, encouraged by Xiao Yan, signed up to participate. (End of Chapter)