No Favorites

Out in public, Mom and Dad say: “We’re open-minded parents. We don’t play favorites, and we love our sons and daughters equally.” At home, they say: “You’re the older sisters, and Xiaolong is your little brother. The older ones should give way to the younger ones, no matter what!” Wan Xiaolong isn’t a lovable little brother or a sensible, well-behaved child, yet their parents spoil him without limit. Growing up, Wan Daqin learned from her parents’ behavior that only bad children earn their parents’ affection. She wanted to be a bad child. One day, her father falls seriously ill and is admitted to the hospital. Her husband, Lu Daming, comes back without a word and quietly takes on the responsibility of looking after their daughter. Wan Daqin: “You’re too noisy at home. You’ll disrupt the child’s studies. Get out! Right now!” Lu Daming: “I promise I won’t make a sound. I’ll make sure she has a quiet, comfortable place to study.” Wan Daqin: “What are you doing? Don’t touch me! Get your filthy hands off me! Don’t forget, we’ve been separated for a year!” Lu Daming does as he pleases, ignoring his wife’s resistance. Wan Daqin: “Didn’t you say you’d rather touch a sow than touch me again?” Lu Daming: “I’m a boar, and our daughter’s a piglet. What does that make you?” Wan Daqin: “...” What a deep trap! While looking after her father in the hospital, Wan Daqin tries to be an unfilial daughter like her younger brother, but it’s hard. Every time her words and actions don’t match, she ends up face-slapping herself. She tries earnestly to be a good daughter to her father, but what does he do? He takes her brother’s side again and again, seizing every chance to favor him, even over the tiniest things.