Rebirth 08: A Happy Life Begins in Elementary School

Chapter 110 A Belated Apology, But Not Too Late

"Ten years from now?" Li Changlin laughed. "It will definitely still be the same, maybe even more beautiful. This is the largest computer mall in New Taipei City. There should be even more computers in ten years, right? Business can only be more booming."

"That's not necessarily true," Li Zhao said. "There aren't many stores like that overseas anymore; everyone shops online."

Since Li Zhao couldn't use a real future as an example, he had to make one up.

Online shopping?

"Everyone is buying things from home using computers and mobile phones."

"Really?" Li Changlin didn't rush to tell Li Zhao "Impossible".

"Yes, technology is developing rapidly these days. Who knows if we'll be living the same way as people abroad in ten years, where we can just order a computer online and have it delivered and installed at our homes? Computer malls will be gone then."

"That's hard to say."

"Yes," Li Zhao sighed, "No one can predict what will happen until it happens. Dad, back when you were studying, could you have imagined the life you're living today?"

"That's definitely not possible. We've developed very quickly. Our family used to live in the countryside, and we'd never seen any skyscrapers before."

When Dad was a child—”

Li Changlin started talking about the hard times he used to have again.

Li Zhao had actually heard it many times, but this time he still let Li Changlin finish speaking.

The more his father could emphasize "the impact of changing times on people," the better he could speak.

People born in 08 could hardly have imagined that just a few years later, almost everyone would own a smartphone, let alone food delivery services.

Online shopping will become mainstream, directly redefining the lifestyle of a generation.

Computer malls are victims of this change.

Dramatic changes in lifestyle are easily accepted and readily embraced by the generation that grew up with them. For example, Li Zhao used a computer in junior high school, had a smartphone in high school, and started ordering takeout regularly in college. He actively embraced each step of the change.

But the older generation finds it hard to accept.

Only a minority can fully adapt to the changes of the times and enjoy them.

"So, you and your mother have suffered hardships, and you were emphasized from a young age that you must be frugal, saving money is a habit, and stability is the top priority. These things are imprinted in your hearts and have shaped the values ​​of your generation."

Although Li Changlin found it strange that his son was referring to "your generation" — however, there was nothing wrong with what he said.

"But back then, your grandparents didn't understand the importance of education. They'd rather you drop out of school and do farm work than study," Li Zhao said. "But in the era you grew up in, opportunities were everywhere, and education was very valuable. So, 'good education equals a good life' became your worldview, which is why you valued my education so much."

Do you usually think about these things?

"But the era I experienced was completely different from yours, Dad," Li Zhao said. "Those were the hard times of your childhood; for me, it's the period I'm going through right now. Society is developing, people are getting richer, and our family's standard of living is much better than when Dad was a child, isn't it?"

"That's much better than just a little bit. When I was a kid, it wasn't easy for me to even get meat, unlike now—"

"So, sometimes I don't understand your and Mom's excessive frugality."

Li Changlin was taken aback and blinked as he looked at Li Zhao.

"For example, if the tap is not turned off tightly and water drips all night, half a bucket of water will be stored."

"So what? At least we saved some water." Li Changlin laughed.

But Li Zhao's expression was serious. "How much water money can we save in a month?"

Li Changlin fell silent immediately.

They can't even save a few dollars.

"It's not a matter of getting used to it or not, it's a difference in mindset." Li Zhao sighed. "Dad, neither you nor Mom realize that your upbringing is different from mine, so our ways of thinking are fundamentally different."

"Actually, I've recently realized that you're reading more books."

"Just considering your understanding of reading, it's hard for you to empathize with your past self now, isn't it?"

Li Changlin nodded.

"So, sometimes you hold onto ideas that you believe are correct, but what you consider correct is only true in relation to your upbringing. I can't understand that."

In his previous life, Li Zhao often argued with his parents because of their misunderstanding of each other's lifestyles.

I don't know how much was said about just the "takeout" issue.

Li Zhao's parents didn't understand him, just as he didn't understand his parents.

Li Changlin was processing Li Zhao's words, but it didn't seem to be going to be easy for him.

No one wants their accumulated life experience to become useless as times change.

"We just need to understand each other a little more," Li Changlin replied rather casually.

"This is difficult." Li Zhao brought the conversation back to a serious tone.

Why do you say that?

"Because—" Li Zhao hesitated for a moment, but then simply stated it, "What you accept as correct must be poured out onto me, and I must agree to it. This is because it is both the foundation of your character and the authority of your elders."

Li Changlin suddenly felt the wind stop, and his skin didn't feel any coolness at all.

"Dad, the world will continue to change. I'm still young, and I can accept anything new, but it's much harder for you and Mom. When you can't accept the changes of the new era, you try to force me to accept things from the older generation. Didn't you do this before I became a genius this semester?"

Li Changlin finally realized that Li Zhao's conversation was not just casual chatter.

"Whether it's blindly believing in so-called expert parenting advice or treating television and computers like monsters, neither of you are good at studying, yet you've been expecting me to become some kind of earth-shattering genius since I was a child." Li Zhao's resentment grew as she spoke. "How many times have you told me about other people's children? Don't you look at their upbringing compared to mine?"

The sudden surge of emotions left Li Changlin somewhat at a loss.

"We're all human, why should I be the best? Dad, I never said other people's dads were so great. Why don't you look at Shuyao's dad? I compare you to him every day, how about that?"

"This... um..."

"From a young age, you've all felt I owe you something. You take my good grades for granted. I've accomplished certain things, and you always want more. So what if I earn two million a year? There are always better people out there. Even if I buy you luxury cars, you'll still compare them to even better ones—"

"," Li Changlin frowned deeply, "This is an exaggeration. You said earlier that your father accepted it, but if you had an annual salary of two million, your mother and I would burn incense for you every day. How could we still not be satisfied? Wouldn't that be animalistic?"

Indeed, people cannot empathize with their past selves, nor can they imagine the twisted version of themselves that has stubbornly persisted over the years.

However, we have indeed gone off on a tangent. Li Zhao composed himself.

"So, think about it. If I hadn't suddenly had an epiphany, if I hadn't achieved these results, would I even have a computer? Would I be able to chat with you like this right now? Would you and Mom reflect on yourselves?"

Li Changlin held his breath for a long time before letting out a sigh.

Li Zhao said nothing more.

My emotions just went a little too far, bringing out all the resentment from my past life.

"You say," Li Changlin began, "that the things we're used to are the foundation of our lives, representing the authority of our elders—I really want to refute you, but I find that I really can't."

Li Zhao did not respond.

"Maybe." Li Changlin braced himself with his hands behind his back, looking at the computer mall building. "Like your grandfather, he got sick, and I told him to come to the hospital in the city center, but he refused and insisted on using those folk remedies. Sigh, I would accept it if they used medicinal herbs, but what's the use of applying mud to a broken body? It'll just lead to infection and a bunch of trouble."

So you knew that too? But even 20 years later, you still don't go to the hospital and believe in folk remedies.

Do you think your grandfather is stubborn?

"I only go back once or twice a year, so I don't know much about it. But my mom said that my grandma is quite reasonable, while my grandpa is really stubborn and won't listen to anything I say."

"He wasn't like this before." Li Changlin slowed down his speech. "Your grandfather was a schoolteacher who had been to Beijing and Shanghai and had seen a lot of things. It was actually your grandmother who made me do farm work instead of going to school. Our family doesn't really rely on farming for a living, but your grandmother insisted on farming and even wanted me to help. Your eldest uncle opened a general store in our hometown, but your grandfather wasn't satisfied with that and wanted me to go out and make my own way in the world, so he didn't force me to stay in school."

Li Zhao really didn't know this.

"And back then, your grandfather gave me a lot of good advice, but I was young and impetuous and didn't listen. Then later—"

After your mother and I got married and moved to the city, I had less interaction with your grandfather. I never imagined the old man would become like this. Just like you said, he doesn't listen to anyone and keeps saying that your eldest brother, who's always by your side, is his real son, and that I, the one who moved to the city, am an unfilial son. The main reason my relationship with your grandparents hasn't been good these past few years is because of this.”

Li Zhao sighed softly.

Li Changlin put his hand on Li Zhao's shoulder. "Son, although Dad doesn't know how you suddenly became a genius, it's still something your parents never dared to dream of. We've reflected on things we didn't do well before, but not deeply enough. The issues you raised are all very reasonable. From now on, Dad and I will try our best to understand you and broaden our horizons."

These were words that Li Zhao had longed for in his previous life, but dared not even think about.

Hearing this now—it's not too late.

The second life is still a long way off.

Although all these changes stemmed from Li Zhao's efforts, and his explosive academic performance led to an increase in his influence, let's not dwell on that too much.

The goal is for people to get better.

[A belated apology. Happiness +3, total 31]

Li Zhao simply didn't know what to say.

Li Changlin stood up with a smile on his face. "Son, come on, let's go get some barbecue and shaved ice."

Li Zhao didn't react.

"Over there, it looks like a nice barbecue restaurant, and there's shaved ice next to it."

"Won't eating shaved ice and barbecue together cause diarrhea?"

"It's nothing, just don't eat too much." Li Changlin patted Li Zhao. "Let's go."

"Aren't you worried about getting scolded by your mom when you go back?" Li Zhao asked with a smile.

"I'll take care of anything that happens." Li Changlin smiled. "The last time I took you out to eat was back in third grade, wasn't it?"

Li Zhao couldn't remember the exact time anymore.

However, even with vague memories, the feeling of eating shaved ice with my dad when I was a child is still easy to recall.

In the sweltering summer, there is a unique coolness that belongs to childhood.

"Are you looking forward to it?" Li Changlin asked after ordering the food, paying the bill, and sitting down.

"I'd rather get home and turn on my computer."

Li Changlin was speechless for five seconds.

"Looking forward to other things doesn't mean I'm not looking forward to the food." Li Zhao revealed a triumphant smile. "The barbecue at this restaurant looks delicious."

Li Zhao could never reconcile with his parents from his previous life, but now, he could have a new beginning.

After the barbecue and shaved ice were served, Li Changlin seemed even more excited than Li Zhao.

The father and son had just started eating when Li Zhao suddenly remembered something. "Oh, right, Dad, there's something else."

"Speak," Li Changlin said, ready to listen to his son's innermost thoughts.

"I need to get a network cable for my computer; I need to go to the service center tomorrow morning."

.