Live Stream: Overly Pampered Education Creates Three Superstars in One Family

Chen Chu couldn't help but smile as he looked at Liu Yue's inquisitive and even somewhat serious expression. He reached for the kettle on the coffee table and added some hot water to Liu Yue's cup, the rising steam slowly filling the space between them.

"Because you can't expect all parents in the world to be saints who can perfectly empathize and fully understand your heart."

Chen Chu's voice sounded exceptionally gentle in the quiet living room, devoid of the sharp edge he displayed during the day, replaced by a clear-headed understanding of the world: "Just like Ziran said before, no one is stupid, but everyone is also living in this world for the first time. Your parents are also first-time parents; they haven't passed the 'parenting qualification test,' so they also feel panic and fear."

He leaned forward slightly, looking directly into Liu Yue's eyes: "Think about it, an ordinary couple from the bottom of society, with few resources and extremely limited abilities. They've watched you grow up day by day, and they're actually quite uncertain about you. They're afraid they can't give you the best life, afraid they'll become a burden to you in the future, and even more afraid that if they take on too much for you but can't deliver, they'll incur your resentment."

Chen Chu incisively peeled away the seemingly cold exterior: "So, that phrase 'I won't care about you after you turn eighteen' isn't some vicious curse at all. It's a preventative measure they're giving you, and themselves, in a state of extreme insecurity. They're clumsily managing your expectations, using these seemingly heartless words to mask their own powerlessness."

At this point, Chen Chu paused, his tone becoming somewhat meaningful: "Besides, ask yourself honestly, do they really... completely disregard you, and have absolutely no concern for your life or death?"

Liu Yue was stunned.

Holding the warm teacup, her mind involuntarily drifted to the unfashionable sweaters her mother sent during holidays that she could never wear; to the occasional phone call from her father, his dry question, "Do you have enough money?" followed by a hasty hang-up after her affirmative answer; to the overflowing local specialties that always arrived from her hometown…

Indeed. Her parents showed her very little care, and were extremely clumsy at it, often failing to express themselves clearly and upsetting her, but it was by no means none at all.

"They just don't know how to love you, or rather, their way of loving you doesn't match your current perspective and needs," Chen Chu concluded. "That's why I say you don't need to resent them. They certainly have great limitations, but no matter what, they did their best to raise you safely until you were eighteen, giving you a healthy body to work in society. For that alone, they aren't bad people."

Liu Yue remained silent for a long time.

She lowered her eyes, watching the tea swaying slightly in her cup. For some reason, after listening to Chen Chu's extremely calm and even emotionless analysis, the stone that had been weighing on her heart for more than ten years suddenly shattered.

Those unrealistic expectations of their parents that had lingered in their hearts for years, and the hidden resentment that arose from those unfulfilled expectations, seemed to be blown away by a gentle breeze in that instant, vanishing without a trace.

There was no hysterical breakdown, nor any tearful emotion; it was simply a pure and liberating feeling of relief.

"Phew..." Liu Yue let out a long breath, feeling an unprecedented sense of ease in her chest. She raised her head, her eyes clear as she looked at Chen Chu, a genuinely relaxed smile blooming on her lips: "Thank you, Brother Chen."

Chen Chu waved his hand casually: "No need to thank me. Ultimately, it's because you had too high expectations of the word 'parents' in the past, putting yourself on a pedestal that you couldn't get down from, which is why you're tormented by that feeling of gain and loss."

"Too high expectations of your parents?" Liu Yue tilted her head, somewhat puzzled.

"Yes." Chen Chu nodded and leaned back on the sofa. "You just said that your parents don't really care about you and there's a lack of communication. So, I guess you've never really known what a real, healthy parent-child relationship should be like. Your understanding of this kind of relationship probably comes entirely from textbooks, television, or mainstream literature."

Chen Chu curled his fingers and tapped the coffee table lightly, uttering a shocking statement: "However, love is not selfless. All love needs a reason, and all love comes at a price. Even the love between parents and children is the same. The reason you think a certain kind of love is selfless is simply because you haven't yet realized the reasons behind it."

Liu Yue's eyes widened, stunned by Chen Chu's shocking "theory of selfishness".

She retorted instinctively, "How could it not be selfless? Then... what about your feelings for Ziran? Is your love for Ziran also justified? I've seen it all clearly these past few days. You didn't demand that Ziran be number one in the grade, nor did you expect him to make a lot of money to support you in your old age. You seem to have no demands of him whatsoever; you simply want him to be happy... Isn't such pure affection selfless?"

After listening, Chen Chu nodded without hesitation: "Of course not."

"Huh?" Liu Yue was completely dumbfounded. Such remarks about even "using" one's own son were beyond her comprehension. "This...this isn't selfless? You didn't even ask for anything!"

"Who said I didn't have any demands?" Chen Chu chuckled lightly, his eyes utterly frank, showing no embarrassment at being exposed. "You yourself just said that I want Ziran to be happy. How can that be considered selfless?"

Seeing Liu Yue's still confused look, Chen Chu patiently explained his logic: "My love for Ziran is definitely not selfless. It's just that what I take from him is different from what parents take in the conventional sense."

"Some parents demand of their children, 'Solve your own problems and don't bother me.' Because if their children don't cause trouble, it greatly satisfies their sense of responsibility as parents, making them feel that they have fulfilled their obligations and can play cards and enjoy themselves without worry. What they are seeking is their own ease."

"Some parents demand of their children, 'You must get into Tsinghua or Peking University, you must become successful.' Because once their children achieve great success, they can hold their heads high in front of relatives and friends, and even benefit from their success. What they are seeking is vanity and material rewards."

Chen Chu pointed to his chest, his tone chillingly calm: "And me? My only requirement for Ziran is that he can live carefree and happy every day. Why? Because I'm someone who hates trouble and prefers a relaxed atmosphere. When I see Ziran laughing happily at home, when I see him not burdened by his studies, I feel very happy, and my emotional well-being is greatly satisfied."

"They demand tangible material things; I want spiritual fulfillment."

Chen Chu looked at Liu Yue and made his final conclusion: "So, you see. Ultimately, all of us parents have expectations of our children; we all get what we want from our children, thereby satisfying some of our own desires. Since it's a value exchange, how can you say that my love for him is selfless?"

Chen Chu's voice sounded extremely deep in the night, each word resounding: "Selfless love only exists in the fantasies of literature; it simply doesn't exist in the real world. If one day you feel that someone's love for you is completely selfless and unconditional, it can only mean one thing: they've received something from you that you don't know or haven't yet realized!"

Liu Yue sat blankly on the sofa, not knowing how to respond for a moment.

She discovered that Chen Chu's brain circuits were simply abnormal, even extremely "terrifying." He could coldly deconstruct the most touching fatherly love in the world—"wanting his child to be happy"—into "satisfying his own dopamine release when he sees a smile."

If someone else said these words, they would definitely be called a selfish and twisted person.

However, listening to Chen Chu speak in such a frank and logical tone, Liu Yue racked her brains but couldn't find a single word to refute him.

Because what Chen Chu said... was absolutely right. Extremely cold, yet extremely true.

All relationships are a two-way transaction, even those based on blood ties. Once you understand this, you won't be so tightly bound by the invisible shackles of "indebtedness" and "gratitude."

Liu Yue remained silent for a full two minutes before finally nodding slowly.

"Although your theory sounds a bit... terrifying," Liu Yue gave a wry smile, but her eyes became brighter than ever before, "I will listen to what you have to say very carefully."

She felt that she finally had a clear yet vague concept of "parents" and "intimate relationships," words she used to avoid at all costs. She no longer demanded her parents' understanding, nor did she doubt herself because of their indifference.

From the initial tense state of being like a hedgehog ready to prick at any moment, she has finally completely relaxed, and even her breathing has become long and soothing.

"Ring ring ring!"

In this rare moment of tranquility, Liu Yue's phone, which was on the coffee table, suddenly vibrated violently, breaking the silence in the living room.

Liu Yue glanced at the screen; the caller ID showed "Sister Zhou".

Sister Zhou is her agent, and when she calls at this time, it's usually not good news. Liu Yue took a deep breath, composed herself, picked up her phone, and pressed the answer button.

"Hello, Sister Zhou?"

"Xiaoyue!" On the other end of the phone, Sister Zhou's voice was unexpectedly high-pitched, even carrying a hint of barely concealed excitement. "Did I disturb your rest in the middle of the night? I have some incredibly good news to tell you!"

Liu Yue paused for a moment, then subconsciously glanced at Chen Chu opposite her: "What good news?"

"It's stable! Completely stable!" Sister Zhou couldn't stop laughing on the phone. "The company's PR department has completely resolved the matter of your feud with that popular idol's fans and the online backlash you received! We've released some solid evidence, and the public opinion has completely reversed; all those haters have been suppressed!"

Liu Yue was overjoyed; the anxiety that had been building for months finally subsided: "Really? That's wonderful..."

"Don't rush, that's not the most important thing!" Sister Zhou interrupted her, her voice low but filled with elation. "The most important thing is that, taking advantage of this reversal in public opinion, I ran myself ragged and finally managed to get you a supporting role in a theatrical film from the company's upper management!"

"What?!" Liu Yue jumped up from the sofa, her knee slamming against the coffee table with a thud due to the sudden movement. She ignored the pain, her voice trembling, "A movie? The second female lead in a theatrical film? For me?!"

As a female artist who has only been able to appear in third-rate web dramas and maintain her exposure through variety shows, theatrical film resources are simply unattainable for her.

"Yes! Director Zhang's big production!" Sister Zhou confirmed with a smile, but then her tone turned serious, carrying an extremely stern warning, "But Xiaoyue, don't get too excited. This is our last chance. You have to give it your all this time, you have to bring this character to life! If you can deliver a stellar performance with this film, our future will be incredibly bright. But if you don't achieve results, if you can't carry the box office and critical acclaim... then from now on, our careers will probably only consist of selling sob stories and promoting products on short video platforms. Do you understand what I mean?"

The words were left unsaid, but their weight was as heavy as Mount Tai.

Liu Yue took a deep breath, and the vulnerability and confusion in her eyes vanished instantly, replaced by the extreme focus and tenacity of an ambitious person.

"Sister Zhou, don't worry." Liu Yue clenched her fist and promised clearly into the phone, "I know what's important. I would never joke with my future. I promise to act my best, even if it means suffering a lot, I will definitely get this role!"

After hanging up the phone, Liu Yue kept her grip on the phone, her chest heaving with extreme excitement.

"What? Judging by this, are you preparing to enter the Oscars?" Chen Chu sat opposite her, taking in everything. He raised his teacup and raised it to her from afar, a smile on his lips. "Congratulations, Ms. Liu, your wish has come true. You're finally going to shine on the big screen."

Liu Yue turned to look at Chen Chu, her eyes glistening with tears of excitement. She nodded emphatically, her smile finally coming through her: "Brother Chen, today is truly a double celebration!"

Not only did she resolve her long-standing career crisis and obtain the film resources she had dreamed of, but more importantly, in this seemingly simple living room, she untied the knot in her heart that had troubled her for thirty years and completed an extremely thorough spiritual transformation.

She happily paced back and forth in the living room for a couple of steps. After her excitement subsided a little, looking at the rented room full of life and at the man across the street who always wore a tank top and spouted nonsense but was more clear-headed than anyone else, Liu Yue suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of melancholy.

"Yes, it's really nice..." Liu Yue stopped walking, her voice unconsciously softening, "But, in two days, my journey will be over. This 'Life Swap' program will be coming to an end."

She looked down at the slippers on her feet and felt a sense of emptiness and intense reluctance.

Although Liu Yue's stay at the Chen family was extremely short, only a few days at most, she felt that the clashes she experienced, the realities she witnessed, and the inner cleansing she underwent during those few days were more meaningful than the months or even years she had spent aimlessly in the world of fame and fortune in the entertainment industry.

Here, she doesn't have to pretend to be an invincible strong woman, nor does she have to create a persona to cater to her fans. She can listen to a single father talk at length about "selfishness" and can openly admit her vulnerability in the dead of night.

She was clearly just a passerby, but once the countdown to her departure began, she found herself reluctant to part with this brief yet incredibly real bond.