Chapter 2 - Rebellious Turtle (1/2)

Chapter 2 Rebellious Turtle

The atmosphere during dinner was extremely awkward. Xiao Jiashu, who, as the little grandson who had just returned to the country, should have received the most care and attention, was ignored by Old Master Xiao from the beginning to the end. The other grandchildren surrounded him at his sides, acting smart and cute to curry favour, and chatting merrily. His two uncles and his father were talking business, his two aunts were murmuring amongst themselves, not paying any attention to Xue Miao. In front of Old Master Xiao, they would not express their disdain towards Xue Miao, but would not hide their indifference towards her. After all, they both came from prestigious families. Xue Miao and they were people of entirely different worlds.

The mother and son were obviously already accustomed to this kind of treatment. They simply ate their food peacefully, never once displaying anything unusual. Three hours later, the family of four finally boarded the car to go home. Seeing the mansion disappear among the dark thick greenery, Xue Miao secretly loosened her breath. Xiao Jiashu on the other hand was like a cat, limpidly sprawled against the back of the chair with his belly exposed, his two legs aggrievedly cramped within the gap between the seats.

Father Xiao looked down at his jeans which were ripped all over, and scolded, “What are you wearing? Did I not give you enough living allowance? You can’t even afford a set of presentable clothing? Don’t wear this crap ever again, you made lose face!”

Not waiting for Xiao Jiashu to respond, Xue Miao exploded. “What do you know? This is a new design that ACNE Studio released this year. It’s one of the key items that Jonny Johansson was personally involved in designing. When Xiao Shu wears it, his legs look longer and straighter, and he looks more handsome than the head models of other companies. How does it look bad? If you and your father are so conventional, why aren’t you two wearing changpao’s[1] and buttoned mandarin jackets? The Great Qing Dynasty is already over, wake up, you old antique! What, if you’re so dissatisfied, from now on, I won’t call you by your name, I’ll just call you Brother Qijie[2], satisfied now? Or maybe I should call you Wang-ye[3]? You sure are shameless!”

Xiao Jiashu’s face was expressionless, but inside he was giving his mum a thumbs up. He knew he looked really handsome wearing these jeans. There was absolutely no issue with them at all.

Father Xiao was so angry he had to put a hand over his heart. “In front of me you’re harsh and unreasonable, but I didn’t see you saying a single word to refute my father just hours before. Can’t you see that I’m doing this for Xiao Shu’s own good? My father likes people who are proper. Can’t Xiao Shu be more considerate towards an elderly man and make himself a little more comfortable on the eyes?

“Likes people who are proper? Are you kidding me, Xiao Qijie! He simply doesn’t like the look of Xiao Shu! Not matter what Xiao Shu wears, no matter what he does, your father will still be able to pick out countless flaws. Xiao Shu is merely wearing a pair of holey pants, showing his knees. Your two good nieces, one exposed half her chest, the other couldn’t even cover her panties, why didn’t your old man bring those up? When they wear it, it’s considered fashionable, trendy, while when it comes to Xiao Shu it’s tattered. That’s not the way to be bullying people!”

“Have you had enough yet? I’ve noticed that you’re getting more and more fond of nagging on and on…”

“I have not had enough! Today I’ll clearly explain to you how unreasonable your entire family are…”

Their exchange escalated into a full on argument. They were so noisy Xiao Jiashu started getting a headache. He spent a good while trying to stop their fight, but neither would listen. He had no choice but to tell the driver to stop the car and get off. Xiao Dingbang’s car was right behind. When his car passed Xiao Jiashu, it slowed down but didn’t stop, and in the end disappeared in the distance.

Xiao Jiashu stood motionlessly for a few minutes. He couldn’t tell if he felt freer or lonelier. He originally thought that if he was accepted into Wharton University, his father and grandfather would acknowledge him, but they hadn’t. He thought that if he came back with honour and glory, they would acknowledge him, but they still hadn’t. It was as his mother said, no matter what he said, what he did, it was all pointless. There were some people in the world you would never be able to please.

Then what was the point of persevering? Xiao Jiashu felt wronged and indignant. He walked around aimlessly for a while. When he caught sight of a Makeup & Styling Studio, his eyes flickered, and he went straight in.

“I want to dye my hair. Milk grey, onion green, poop yellow, dye it whatever non-mainstream colour you have.” He thought for a moment and then added, “Oh right, also give me a tattoo and an ear piercing.”

Onion green, poop yellow. Are you sure you haven’t come here to destroy the reputation of my store? The stylist inwardly cursed, but still agreed with a big smile. You want non-mainstream, then I’ll give you non-mainstream, but it definitely can’t look ugly! For the sake of his store’s reputation, the stylist looked at the young man carefully and then his face turned red. Isn’t this customer a little too good-looking? He was not the currently in vogue pretty flower boy, and not the tough masculine handsome guy either, but the gorgeousness created from the combination of the two, exquisite facial features, but also coolly handsome; a face so striking you can’t turn your eyes away. High and straight nose, thin and red lips, two peach blossom eyes[4] with a slight upwards tilt, almost capable of sucking out one’s soul!

With this beautiful face, he wouldn’t look ugly even if I dyed his hair into a rainbow! The stylist said with full confidence, “Then I’ll dye a gradient in your hair. The roots will be black and it will slowly, slowly, slowly turn to grey. Your hair is really good, very silky, and the length is enough. When you lift up your hair, you’d be able to see the shades and colour transition, it’ll look beautiful.” As he explained, it brought out an iPad to let the customer see what the end result would be.

Xiao Jiashu stared at the video for a while and then tapped the screen and said, “Then I’ll have that.” Both stylish and dazzling enough. What was important was that his father definitely wouldn’t be able to accept it.

The stylist seemed very cheerful and started happily humming a song when he adjusted the dye colour. He liked all beautiful things, and what he liked even more was personally making beautiful things even more beautiful.

Four hours later, a brand-new Xiao Jiashu walked out of the makeup & styling studio, gradient on his head, obsidian stones on his ears, but no tattoo. He was scared of pain. As soon as the stylist brought out the tools, he was terrified, and hurriedly paid with his credit card and pathetically fled. When he returned home, Xue Miao was wearing face mask. When she saw her son’s new look, the face mask flopped onto the ground.

“Where’s dad?” Xiao Jiashu’s face was unperturbed but his palms were covered with cold sweat. He had always been a well-behaved and obedient child; this was the first time he had ever rebelled.

“Why do you look like this?” Xue Miao asked with disbelief.

“Felt like it.” Xiao Jiashu tussled up his hair and let his mother see his cool and dazzling hair. He pretended to casually ask, “It doesn’t look good?”

“It certainly does look good, just a little painful.” Xue Miao helplessly pressed her hand against her forehead.

“Dyeing didn’t hurt. I’m not allergic to hair-dye.” Xiao Jiashu changed into slippers, and took out a new face mask from the fridge.

“I’m saying that it might hurt later when your father beats you up with a stick. Son, quickly go hide out in your room.” Xue Miao said pityingly, accepting the facemask.