Part 2The Perfect Husband Academy

I respond, "Command unclear, unable to execute."

Jenny starts to speak, then stops. She turns to face me, trying to get closer. I immediately tense my body, even holding my breath. She sees my eyes, empty, without warmth or desire, only a blankness awaiting a command.

"What..." Her voice is hoarse. "What did they do to you at the academy?"

I don't answer. It's not a command.

She turns away in frustration, her voice low, as if talking to herself. "...Never mind, let's sleep."

The next day is Annie's school sports day. She starts complaining early in the morning. "Daddy, please don't be like before, just talking on the phone about work, or making a stern face saying my movements aren't standard. It's so embarrassing."

I put down my chopsticks. "Command confirmed: Maintain focus in public, do not handle work communications, do not provide technical guidance. Would you like me to simulate Caspian's behavior? Data shows he typically offers encouraging smiles, provides electrolyte drinks after races, and says, 'Annie's happiness is most important, rank doesn't matter.'"

"Daddy! I don't want you to be like him!" Annie's eyes redden.

I nod. "Command modified. According to the schedule, the sports day begins at nine sharp. I will now prepare related items."

As I leave the dining table, I hear Annie's choked sobs of grievance. "Daddy's so weird, old Daddy never talked to me like this, I want Daddy to go back to how he was!"

Midway through the sports day, while helping Annie organize her things, an old injury flares up. It was from a few years ago when Annie was running around a shopping mall and almost hit by a falling decoration. I dove to shield her, and a sharp object pierced my lower left abdomen. I lost a lot of blood and stayed in the hospital for a long time. Jenny cried many times by my bedside, calling me her and Annie's hero.

A sharp pain shoots through my lower back, but in the academy, such unnecessary pain must be suppressed or ignored to maintain a hundred percent family pillar status. When I first entered the academy, I was punished with electric shocks for moaning in pain during training. Any display of weakness or failure in emotional control would result in more severe physical punishment.

I stand on the sidelines, my face pale, watching Annie and Caspian run a "father-son" relay race. Caspian's movements are standard and full of vitality. Onlookers say enviously to Jenny, "Your husband is amazing. Successful in his career, yet so dedicated to his family, and great at sports too." Jenny just forces a smile.

Caspian walks over, holding Annie's hand.

"Is Ash feeling unwell?" He looks at me, his eyes showing concern. "You look a bit pale."

"Negative. My physical system is operating normally," I say, standing straighter, even though it exacerbates the pain. "Do you have any commands?"

Jenny sees the cold sweat on my forehead and my tightly pressed lips. She suddenly reaches out, wanting to touch my forehead. I react as if struck by an electric current, recoiling sharply and bumping against the railing with a dull thud. People around us look over. Jenny's face is terribly strained.

"Mommy! Daddy, Daddy's bleeding!" Annie suddenly points at my wound, alarmed.

Jenny and she seem to remember something, not even bothering with others, rushing to take me to the hospital.

On the way home from the hospital, Annie insists on sitting next to me, pressing close. She's grown taller than three years ago. Her gaze on my wound becomes careful and hesitant.

"Daddy, does it still hurt?"

"You don't even say if it hurts," Jenny says, staring straight ahead, her voice stiff.

"Pain perception does not affect task execution," I reply. "According to the 'Perfect Husband Code': Males should properly manage their own health and emotions, avoiding their impact on family atmosphere and members' moods. Recommendation: Ignore."

"Shut up!" Jenny suddenly roars, slamming her fist on the steering wheel. The car instantly falls silent, Annie too scared to speak.

After a long moment, Jenny says in a hoarse voice, "Command: You are permitted to express discomfort."

"Yes," I reply immediately. "Current lower back old injury pain index is approximately 7, within tolerable range. Recommendation: Use academy-provided muscle relaxant patch. Expected relief within forty-eight hours, will not affect fulfillment of family responsibilities. Recommendation: Ignore."

Jenny says nothing more, just drives the car faster.

When we arrive home, Caspian prepares ointment and hot water for me. My father says with concern, "Look how thoughtful Caspian is. You, you never knew how to take care of yourself before, and now you…"

I don't hold it steadily, and the scalding hot water spills on my hand. My father exclaims, "Quick, get the first-aid kit! Ash, that must hurt so much!"

My face is expressionless. "Command error, unable to execute."

A large blister forms on the back of my hand. My father is shaking with anger. "What's with the commands, you're a human being, can't you feel pain?!"

"Caspian, quickly help Ash with this."

Caspian walks over and professionally treats my burn, a perfect and reliable smile on his face.

That night, I hear them discussing, deciding to contact the academy to find out what went wrong with me.