One day, while we were eating, Pa casually shared something he'd read.

Pa: I just finished a book written by a businessman. He said A students end up working for C students, and B students work like ants.

I froze, chopsticks mid-air.

Me (thinking): So… isn't it better to be a C student then?

I glanced at Ma. Realistically, I'm too lazy to study hard enough to be an A student.

But if I became a C student, Ma would probably bury me before I ever became a "boss."

So the smart move?

Aim for B.

Work like an ant, but with cheats.

Years later…

Ma randomly asked me to tell her a story.

So I did.

Me: Ma, remember when Pa said A students work for C students, and B students work like ants?

Ma: Yeah, why?

Me: I didn't want to study too hard and damage my health, so I studied ngam ngam (just enough) for B. Balanced academics and mental health.

Ma: What?!

Me: And if I got a C, you'd kill me before I could become a boss. So B's the safest bet. Smart leh?

Ma froze. Then shrieked.

Next thing I knew, she grabbed her hammer and jumped onto her chair like a vengeful goddess.

In a blur, she stormed upstairs—and seconds later, we heard whack! whack! whack!

Pa's pitiful screams echoed into the living room.

That night…

Pa slept on the couch.