Her parents want to be supportive, but they no longer help with Bella’s
homework; in spoken English she has surpassed them. She has already learnt
much more about the world outside than them. ‘Our advice is not listened to
and it is not wanted,’ her mother says. ‘When she was little, she agreed with all
my opinions. Now she sits there without saying anything, but I know she doesn’t
agree with me.’ Bella glares, but says nothing. ‘I suppose our child-raising has been
a failure.’ In China there is no concept of the rebellious teenager