It Seems I’m Not The Only One Who Reincarnated (Patreon)

Chapter 94: Praise

This was why the original Tian Shui wanted to study abroad.

It wasn’t really about pursuing advanced education or gaining prestige.

She simply wanted to escape the massive greenhouse her mother had built for her—to breathe a little.

Otherwise, she felt like her entire life would remain under her mother’s control.

"This level of care really is overwhelming," Shi Hai remarked.

Just last night, he had experienced a similar feeling from his younger sister.

So he understood—excessive protection and care could be suffocating.

In summary:

Overindulgence can harm.

"Yeah, it’s really overwhelming…"

Overwhelming to the point that Tian Shui sometimes felt like she couldn’t breathe.

Tian Shui had struggled to understand her mother’s actions. Unlike most parents who eagerly anticipated their children’s independence, her mother seemed to want her to live in a perpetual "cradle."

She would buy endless amounts of beautiful clothes, luxury handbags, and exquisite jewelry, encouraging Tian Shui to play social games within the so-called upper class, indulging in a life of opulence...

It was as if her mother wanted to raise her into a useless, desire-driven person.

But deep down, Tian Shui had no desire to become a shallow, corrupted individual.

"Still, compared to parents who strip their kids of any choice and decide their futures for them, your mother’s approach is better, isn’t it?"

"That’s true. My mother has never restricted my freedom or dictated what I should do in the future. But… the sense of helplessness she gives me is far greater than most parents."

"Helplessness?"

"Yes. When we’re kids, we think our parents are omnipotent. But as we grow older, we realize that they can’t do everything."

"That’s inevitable."

People have their limits, and so do their abilities.

Realizing that your parents are not invincible and stepping up to help the family marks a milestone of maturity.

Shi Hai had understood his family’s struggles early on, which made him more mature than his peers.

"But even now, my mother still gives me the impression that she can do anything."

"That impressive?"

"Yes. That’s why I respect her so much. She’s truly a legendary figure, far more capable than I could ever hope to be. Honestly, I might never reach her level in my lifetime. I think she’s the most incredible woman in the world…"

This wasn’t blind admiration from a child.

For Tian Shui—someone mature and inherently proud—to speak this way, her mother must truly be an extraordinary person.

She sounded like a hidden final boss unlocked after finishing the main game.

Shi Hai shuddered and winced.

"Yikes… Having someone like that as your mother must be really stressful."

Tian Shui offered a wry smile.

"Right? That’s how I felt at first. Back then, I thought my mom wanted me to be her successor. So, despite the immense pressure, I worked hard to live up to the title of ‘my mother’s daughter.’"

"Wow, Senior, that’s really admirable of you. If it were me, I probably wouldn’t have had that level of determination."

"But what’s the point? My mother never expected me to become the next her or inherit her legacy. She only ever showered me with excessive care, boundless protection, and meticulous attention. No matter how outrageous my requests were, she would fulfill them."

"Wow, your mom’s basically Santa Claus!"

"Probably even more impressive than Santa Claus. Think more like Shenlong or the Holy Grail."

"Pfft…"

Hearing Tian Shui crack a playful joke caught Shi Hai off guard, and he couldn’t help but laugh.

But he could detect a trace of bitterness and helplessness beneath her words.

Tian Shui’s heart still ached.

No matter how hard she worked, how much she wanted to prove herself, or how many achievements she racked up, in her mother’s eyes, it was all just trivial—barely worth mentioning.

To Tian Shui, her mother’s caring words often sounded like this:

"Shuishui, stop exhausting yourself. Why push yourself so hard? Whatever you want, just tell me, and I’ll give it to you."

This sense of defeat and helplessness filled Tian Shui with extreme frustration.

But she didn’t allow herself to succumb to it.

Instead, she became more rebellious.

This was why she moved out to start her own company and build her own network of influence—to prove herself to the mother she respected so deeply.

"The more she acts like this, the less I want anything from her."

"Rebellious streak, huh?"

"You could call it that. For instance, I bought this apartment myself," Tian Shui said, puffing out her chest with a hint of pride.

"Sure, I made the money by trading futures and earning quick cash, but the initial capital came from my own scholarships. I didn’t take a single penny from my mom."

"Ohhhh! That’s impressive, Senior!"

Yes, yes! Keep praising me! More praise, please!

Tian Shui was thrilled and continued to boast about herself.

"Everything in my apartment was also bought with my own money. I’m now fully independent! I even have a seven-figure savings account!"

"Ohhhhhhhhhh! Amazing, Senior!" Shi Hai’s exclamation became even more exaggerated.

"Honestly, after hearing about your accomplishments, I already knew you were impressive. But I used to think it was because you had an elite education. Now, I truly believe you’re incredible, Senior."

"Hmph, heh-heh, hee-hee-hee…"

Hearing Shi Hai’s genuine admiration made Tian Shui beam with joy. She couldn’t help but giggle.

Tian Shui could tell that this wasn’t just a half-hearted compliment. Shi Hai was genuinely impressed.

She was so happy that it felt as if an invisible fox tail behind her was wagging excitedly.

If only he’d praise me while patting my head, that’d be perfect…

With this thought in mind, Tian Shui gave Shi Hai a sidelong glance, pretending to ask casually,
"But… don’t you think I’m being a bit dramatic?"

"For those who don’t have such privileges, they’d probably envy you, Senior. Some might even think you’re overly dramatic—like, why not just enjoy your life of luxury instead of making things difficult for yourself?"

"Hmph…"

Tian Shui pouted unhappily. That wasn’t what she wanted to hear.

"But if I put myself in your shoes, I think I can understand the emptiness you feel. When everything is within easy reach, it can make life feel devoid of purpose—lonely even. In other words, a lack of soul."

"Exactly! I knew you’d understand me!"

Tian Shui leaned forward excitedly, placing her hands on Shi Hai’s shoulders, her face lighting up with joy.

That was exactly what she wanted to hear.

"So, the fact that you’ve had such privileged conditions—where you could have chosen to laze around at home for your entire life—but instead distanced yourself from those temptations is truly commendable, Senior. You’re amazing!"

Shi Hai was now genuinely impressed with Tian Shui.

Most people in her position, surrounded by such indulgence and overprotection, would likely become arrogant, self-indulgent, and morally bankrupt—spoiled heirs with no intellect to speak of.

But Tian Shui wasn’t like that.

She still pursued independence and self-reliance.

She was, so to speak, a lotus unsullied by the mud.

Hearing Shi Hai’s heartfelt praise, Tian Shui was completely overjoyed.

This was a man who had never complimented her before—someone who only humiliated and ridiculed her, grinding her pride into the dirt like a torn rag.

But now, hearing his genuine admiration…

Suddenly, she could understand Zhu Lingjie’s peculiar interests.

So this is how satisfying it feels to be praised! Ah~ this is pure bliss!