Another Boyfriend

"I got another text!" Sun Mei told Mr. Wu as he was driving slowly to Lily's school. The traffic was really bad during lunch time, so it would probably take them half an hour to get there. It was a good thing they had left early.

"What does she say?" Mr. Wu asked while keeping his eyes on the road.

"She's threatening to kill me again. Well, if Parker turns out to be a serial killer, she'll still be the perfect match for him."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing, it was an inside joke."

Mr. Wu signaled and turned left at the crossroads. "Look, if it's come down to death threats, maybe you should quit and let her be."

"You're right. Then, I can just tell her 'I told you so' when she keeps obsessing over him."

"You are a true friend."

"Thank you, sir!" Sun Mei smiled cheekily.

When they finally reached Lily's school, another surprise was lying in wait for them. The moment Lily got in the car and Sun Mei strapped her in her seat, she made an important announcement.

"Daddy, I have a boyfriend."

One could hear a pin drop inside the car. Mr. Wu didn't even pull into the road. He just stared at Lily in genuine astonishment through the car mirror.

"Did I hear right?" he asked Sun Mei through his teeth.

"Yes, I heard the exact same thing."

"Is it weird that a four-year-old got a boyfriend before me?" she thought.

"Who's the lucky guy?" Mr. Wu asked. He was obviously trying to play it cool. Sun Me actually found his reaction very cute.

"It's the music teacher," Lily stated matter-of-factly.

"An adult?" asked Mr. Wu.

"Yes," Lily confirmed eagerly.

Sun Mei realized that she had to step in and clear this up.

"Does he know that he is your boyfriend?" she asked carefully.

"No." Lily seemed thoughtful. "Do I need to tell him?"

"Yes," said Sun Mei.

"No," answered Mr. Wu.

They looked at each other in silence for a moment.

"Technically, yes," said Mr. Wu. "But he might be worried about losing his job if you tell him."

"Why?"

"The other kids could get jealous because he is your boyfriend and he pays more attention to you. I think it would be better if you kept this a secret."

Lily seemed to think about it for a second before she shrugged and said, "Okay."

"Well-played," Sun Mei whispered.

"Thank you," Mr. Wu mouthed silently. "I think I've given enough relationship advice for a day."

"Really?" Sun Mei smirked. "You wouldn't give me some if I asked?"

Mr. Wu looked a little stunned. "What do you need advice for? Are you dating that Michael fella again?"

"Nope." Sun Mei shook her head. "I'm completely single."

"Better single than unhappy."

"Daddy!" Lily yelled from the backseat.

"What is it?" Mr. Wu asked cautiously.

"Can I have french fries for lunch?"

"Sure thing."

"Don't you love her short attention span?" Sun Mei asked him.

"It's my favorite thing about her," Mr. Wu joked.