What do you think?

Here is something new for you to learn! "And it didn't take long for me to realize that the know-it-all down here is you." P.S.this scene is from the drama named "Silo".

Nice to meet you, native English speakers. Sorry to disturb again. Fortunately, to tell the truth , my query is just related to really three sentence, but all my question, depending on which (which= three sentences above), accidentally adds up to six. 1a. She looked up in surprise. 1b. She looked up with surprise. Which is grammatically correct? Do both have the same meaning? 2a. They couldn't conceal their surprise at seeing us together. 2b. They couldn't conceal their surprise seeing us together. 2c. Seeing us together, they couldn't conceal their surprise. Which is grammatically correct? Do theyhave the same meaning? 3. When a man goes back to look at the house of his childhood, it has always shrunk: there is no instance of such a house being as big as the picture in memory and imagination call for. Question: Is this sentence grammatically correct? I really don't understand how to understand the "the picture in memory and imagination call for" by grammar because the subject "picture" is single , but its verb"call for = (demand)" is plural , I guess the verb "calls for" should have grammatically correct.

The Confusion in My Work I am an easygoing person，I prefer focusing on my own work to engaging in office politics. For example, I feel embarrassed to ask for leave to handle my personal matters,also I always work overtime to complete additional tasks without any overtime pay. I'm often viewed as an easy target at work. Recently, my boss assigned me a business trip, but I had to decline for my family matters. And then, my boss deliberately overlook me , giving me a low performance evaluation. I had a one-on-one meeting with my boss to discuss this problem, but our relationship hasn't changed at all. I feel disheartened that my hard work hasn't been recognized.

It was overcast today. After school, Dad and I went to the gym earlier than usual because Grandpa had invited us over for dinner. He’s an amazing cook—I guess Mom inherited her skills from him! Later, Dad tried to fix a broken piece of equipment, but it was completely fried. Even I could tell he was having a hard time trying to troubleshoot the circuit board with only a screwdriver. Mom stepped in, though—she contacted the dealer, and they agreed to replace it with a new one. Turns out, Mom’s the real problem-solver in the family! The key is to tackle things smartly, not just stubbornly throw yourself at them.

Hi! I have a question to tutors and teachers! If your new student asks you how long it would take to be able to make daily conversations in the language you teach, what would you say?(°▽°) Let’s say the students is a complete beginner and can only do one lesson per week. Might be able to do a bit of homework every week.