Another Tantrum

By the time they got home, Lily was in her room, waiting for her dad to read her a story. Vivian told them that she had calmed down and eaten a good meal. Then, she bade them farewell and left for the day.

"Come on," Mr. Wu told Sun Mei. "Join us for reading time."

Sun Mei hesitated. "You don't think it's too soon?"

"She has to get used to you sooner or later. I'd rather it happens sooner."

"Okay, just let me drop the shopping bags off in my room."

Although Lily did not freak out completely this time, she still scowled a little when she saw Sun Mei enter the room.

"Lily, will you tell Sun Mei hi?" Mr. Wu asked her.

Lily shook her head in a stubborn yet surprisingly cute way. Mr. Wu sighed quietly.

"It's okay," said Sun Mei quickly. "Hi, Lily."

"Lily?" Mr. Wu prompted his daughter.

"Hi," said Lily reluctantly. Even though she didn't seem happy about it, Sun Mei still appreciated the effort.

"What shall we read tonight?" asked Mr. Wu before sitting down on Lily's bed.

Sun Mei, who had no idea where to sit and did not want to make Lily mad, just stood there awkwardly.

"Nothing," said Lily with a pout. "I don't want to read anything. Sun Mei is mean!"

So much for not making Lily mad, thought Sun Mei.

"Lily!" said Mr. Wu. "That is so unfair. All Sun Mei did was say hi to you!"

"I don't care. I don't like her. She is mean!"

"That's enough!" Mr. Wu said loud and clear before he stood up. "If you cannot be nice, then we will not be reading any books tonight. Let's go, Sun Mei."

Although Lily immediately started crying and screaming loudly, Sun Mei followed Mr. Wu obediently out of the room. As soon as they were outside, she turned to him slowly.

"With all due respect, sir, I think you should go back in," she advised him. Lily's crying voice could still be heard through the door. "I don't think Lily will like me any better if she thinks I'm the reason you are punishing her."

"You are not," said Mr. Wu with a frown. "I am punishing her because she is acting like a spoiled, impolite brat. That is not the way I have raised her."

"She is too young to know the difference. I think you should go back in, explain to her why you didn't like her behavior, and then read her a story. Don't worry about me. I will win her over eventually."

"If you are sure…" said Mr. Wu hesitantly.

"I am sure. I am a very patient person, Mr. Wu. I worked for Mrs. Lin, remember?" she asked him with a grin.

A genuine smile formed on Mr. Lin's face. "I don't want you to have to be as patient here. God forbid that my daughter turns into a Mrs. Lin!"

"That won't happen," Sun Mei reassured him. "See you tomorrow, Mr. Wu."

"See you tomorrow, Sun Mei."