Joo Hyeong's math

Park Joo Hyeong was a quiet boy. She was diligent and there was nothing wrong with he. At school, he usually spoke only when the teacher asked him to. The same cannot be said for his best friend, Han Seo. Even in class, he talking. Sometimes he was angry with him because he was afraid that he would be scolded or punished too, since they were sitting next to each other. Little Joo Hyeong didn't like math. Besides being taught by a lively teacher early in the morning at his school, the subjects were very easy, especially for a "genius" as he considered himself, numbers and shapes were very easy for him. Still, her mother reminded he not to take learning lightly. Nevertheless, his mother reminded him that the subject should not be underestimated, because her son had not yet seen the horrors of mathematics, especially during exams. A person can be an excellent student, but he is worthless if he does not approach things in the right way. So when Joo Hyeong had to prepare for an upcoming math exam, he and his mother started practicing together. Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with multiple digits. At first, Joo Hyeong still listened to his mother until he was given the task of solving word problems on his own. Gyeong Ja wrote some arithmetic operations for him in his notebook at home. Joo Hyeong became stubborn as a mule.

- My little boy, why don't you answer the tasks I gave you yet? You should practice your math, young man! - She scolded him with her hand on her hip.

Both of them were in the kitchen, and Joo Hyeong's "learn" mother was preparing dinner. She thought that by the time she finished cooking, her little son would have solved the tasks long ago, but she was wrong. The said child frowned, pouting. He really didn't like answering questions. The first one, you know the answer to all of them. He's only six years old, but he's excellent at counting in his head. The second was that he was lazy to write, and the third was that he could not understand the way adults think. He didn't understand why they were doing a math problem and putting the responsibility of finding the solution on a six-year-old like him. He has a bigger problem than that.

What kind of problem can a six-year-old child have?

A certain black haired girl better known as Hong Cha Young.

- But, I don't want to, Eomma. - He answered honestly.

Even though he was mentally shouting his reasons, he didn't voice it because he might get another harsh lecture from his mother about good manners and proper behavior.

- Aish son! What should I do with you? - She sighed tiredly.

Gyeong Ja sighed, worried about his little son. Then something suddenly occurred to she. She put her hand on her hip and smiled innocently. Let's look at things from another perspective.

- Joo Hyeong, what shape were Cha Young's notebooks? - She sat next to him at the table while wiping her hands on the tea towel.

Joo Hyeong's ears warmed up and his eyes darted between his mother and the blue notebook. It's like he can't decide whether to speak or not. Finally giving in, he looked at his mother with a smile that caught her attention.

- That's easy, Eomma. - He said clearly. - Cha Young's notebook was rectangular. - She even put bunny stickers on it. And, and there are four rectangular notebooks. They are all pink. One for math, one for English, another for grammar, Korean history, and the rest for homework. - He said enthusiastically.

Gyeong Ja nodded with pursed lips. She was afraid his smile would be too wide. Her little son pays way too much attention to a certain classmate.

- Okay baby, what happens when you get a letter from Cha Young and she gives another one tomorrow. How many letters would you have in total?

- I would have two letters Eomma, and I would keep in my treasure chest. So that no one finds it. But if I also wrote her a letter and she answered it, there would be a total of three.

- Hmm... Then let's try a tougher question this time, Joo Hyeong. If Cha Young's hair is thirty centimeters long and sixteen centimeters are cut off, how long will her hair be?

- Fourteen centimeters, Eomma. To be honest, I prefer her hair longer, but short would suit her, though she's always pretty anyway. - The little boy continued to answer, shocking Ms. Oh.

You only have to mention Cha Young and her little boy can't stop talking. She was lucky enough to see the little girl a few times when she went to school for her son, and she was really cute.

- Fine, Joo Hyeong, if you have five bungeoppang and Cha Young asks you to give her three, how many more bungeoppang would you have?

- There wouldn't be one left. I would give everything to Cha Young, Eomma. Why would I only give you three? Although she likes custard bungeoppang.

- Wrong answer my son! Two are the correct answers!

Joo Hyeong was a cute little boy and it warmed her heart for his answer, but he still can't write that on his paper.

- Why? Isn't it better if I share more? – Joo Hyeong asked innocently. - You taught me to learn to share. Although I don't like to do it... - He lowered his voice.

A blood vessel swelled on Gyeong Ja's head.

- "Patience, patience, Gyeong Ja." - She reassured herself. - Well, here comes the next one. If Cha Young gets a new pen holder from her parents that has no sides, what shape does her new pen holder have? - She added.

- Oval, Eomma. - The little boy answered briefly.

- No! Circle is the obvious answer, my dear!

- But the oval also has no sides. Besides, Cha Young doesn't like the circular pen holder, she told me about it. I'm sure you wouldn't get a round pen holder.

Jeez, her kid was as witty as he was reserved. Simple arithmetic suddenly became as complicated with him as quadratic equations.

- Okay, this is my last question, Joo Hyeong. I am sure you will answer correctly.

Joo Hyeong waited patiently for his question while watching his mother.

- Cha Young is having lunch alone, then one of the...

- We always eat together. - The son corrected his mother's statement.

- Yes, but you and Cha Young have lunch together at the table, and Han Seo and Miri join. How many children are sitting at the table?

- It would still be the two of us, Eomma.

- Not! Four is the correct answer Joo Hyeong! - She told her with a bit of a whimper. - Two plus two equals four. - She said somewhat sternly.

- But Cha Young and I would sit at another table, so Han Seo and Miri would stay there. I don't like having lunch with other people that much. - Joo Hyeong defended himself.

A blood vessel popped again in Ms. Oh's head, then she closed her eyes and sighed. He waves the white flag.

She no longer cared how Joo Hyeong would do in he exam.

Who cares if he give the teacher a blank slate?

Who cares if he write "Cha Young" on your answer sheet?

At least she already knows who her daughter-in-law will be in the future.

END