Though the old woman didn't say it out loud, she knew full well that Chi Yong must have subsidized the expense when he had those teeth capped for her at the hospital that day.

The old woman was a sensible person; Chi Yong marrying into their family hadn't come with any stipulations about how much money he’d provide them.

Whatever he earned was his own, naturally reserved for Chi Wu.

As long as the money he made after joining the family stayed with his wife, that was enough for the old woman.

She didn’t dwell on it.

She was quite reasonable, so repaying the kindness was a matter of not taking advantage of him.

That’s how Chi Wu ended up with a pair of trousers.

Besides, they were all family now.

What Yingzi had, Wuzi didn't, and if this difference were to ever come up in conversation, it wouldn’t sound right.

But after all, the old woman was used to shouting at Chi Wu, and suddenly shifting her attitude toward Wuzi felt strange even to her.

Just as Yang Zhi was unaccustomed to the old woman treating her like a priority project, neither of these two were used to this warmth between them.

Cheng Ying didn't know what expression to wear when facing her own family; why did everyone seem so awkward?

What a strange way they had of interacting.

Ultimately, unable to bear watching her grandmother’s discomfort, she snapped, “What about it?

With those two black pig’s feet of yours, did you manage to stain the pants?

Those are saved only for New Year’s wear!” Cheng Ying immediately unleashed a torrent of words at Chi Wu, realizing with a jolt that she too had adopted this family’s peculiar manner of speaking.

Chi Wu’s face flushed, and he forced his small eyes wide open.

“You’re the one with black pig’s feet!

I wash my feet every day!” Then, his face still red, he glanced at the old woman.

“My pants fit just fine,” he said, the words laced with difficulty.

The old woman nodded vaguely.

Cheng Ying couldn't bear watching their exchange.

“Hmph.

What do you know anyway?” Chi Wu’s face turned scarlet, glaring at Cheng Ying.

Why was this girl intentionally undermining him?

He was certain he hadn't offended her recently.

The old woman cut in, “Alright, if they fit, that’s good.

Saves the trouble of alterations.

Now, go haul some firewood for the stove!” Just like that, she reverted to her usual tone.

Chi Wu answered promptly, “Yes!” and dashed off.

Watching Chi Wu’s retreating back, Cheng Ying mused aloud, “Grandma, this kid has only been at our house a few days, why is he already like my mother, relishing being scolded?” The old woman picked up the fire poker and lightly tapped Cheng Ying’s backside over her thick cotton trousers—not hard enough to hurt, but just enough to make Cheng Ying’s rear tingle.

The old woman scolded, “You disrespectful child, how old are you to be talking about other people’s children like that?

I think you're asking for a beating!

Hurry up and set the table; the laborers will be back soon.

I wonder when our village will finally