Chapter 23: One-Sided

Su Ye laid out the plans for the gaming room on the dining table, between the soup and the tea.

There were four sheets, in colored pencil.

"Eight screens," he said. "Two sofas. A fridge that only holds snacks. Beanbags for the boys, when they can sit."

"No," said Lu Chen.

"I haven't got to the part with the lights."

"No."

"The lights change color when you win."

"Su Ye." Lu Chen put down his chopsticks.

"They are going to study. They are going to read, and run about, and break things in the garden.

"They will become whatever they like. They will not become whatever the lights like."

"One room."

"No."

Su Ye turned to the head of the table.

The Chairman had been writing on a small white card.

He held it up.

It said, in his firm square hand: 1. No.

"Dad."

"There is no point two," said the Chairman. "Point one covers it."

"Mom?"

Mrs. Su, feeding rice to the older boy in his high chair, did not look up.

"Lu Chen is right," she said. "Boys need room to be bored. That's where ideas come from."

"You let me play for six hours a day."

"And look at you."

"I'm a vice president!"

"You're a vice president of naps," said Mrs. Su, kindly. "Take the compliment."

Su Ye stood up and gathered his four sheets of colored pencil.

"This family," he announced to the dining room, "is completely one-sided."

"Point two," said the Chairman. "You were born into it."

The older boy, between mouthfuls, banged his spoon, in what seemed to be agreement.

Su Ye stalked out with his papers and his dignity.

He lasted in the east wing until the tea went cold, and then Lu Chen came in and shut the door.

"You're sulking," Lu Chen said.

"I'm grieving. There's a difference."

Lu Chen sat on the edge of the bed and took off his glasses.

"I might be persuaded," he said slowly, "to a compromise."

Su Ye sat up.

"What kind?"

"You'll have to make your case."

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