The village had never known quiet since tonight, you could say it was in utter pandemonium; everyone was buzzing with excitement.

The knocking at the door still made Cheng Ying’s mouth twitch. Surely, one didn't need to stay up in the middle of the night to make such a commotion by bothering someone else’s home.

Then a voice spoke from the window, “Mom, it’s me, open up.”

Cheng Ying shot upright in bed, shocked. Why was her own mother back at this ungodly hour?

The old woman was even quicker than Cheng Ying. She sat up and swiftly tucked her granddaughter back under the covers, then she climbed out of the kang. “I’m coming, I’m coming. Why are you home so late? It must be so cold.”

Cheng Ying thought to herself that the old woman must really miss her daughter-in-law, otherwise, she wouldn't have forgotten that the journey from the county seat took most of the night.

Before the old woman had even fully risen, the door to the west room opened.

Since the village now had electricity, Cheng Ying could clearly see the conflicted expression on the old woman’s face.

Cheng Ying almost let out a soft chuckle. When Chi Yong opened the door for his wife, wasn't he much faster than the old woman? Her stepfather must have missed his wife.

Cheng Ying quickly pulled on her padded jacket while still in bed. Being small, she was much quicker than the old woman.

Cheng Ying gently held the old woman’s hand as she tried to put on her own coat. “Grandma, it’s Mom. Why are you getting up? When Mom comes in, she’ll talk to you, and then you can rest. It’s so late.”

Then she added, “Grandma, don't get off the kang. I’ll go. It’s so late. Is there some of that congee you kept warm for me in the pot? I can warm some hot water to cushion my stomach, and we can eat properly in the morning. How about that?”

The old woman felt comforted; her granddaughter was so sensible, arranging things so well.

Chi Wu also pulled on his clothes. “I’ll help Yingzi. You don’t need to get down.”

The old woman thought it would be better to stay and chat with her daughter-in-law; there were so many things to ask. She’d let the children handle things.

But why hadn’t anyone come in yet after all this time?

The old woman’s brow furrowed deeply, forming three large trenches. She couldn’t help herself; she didn't listen to her granddaughter and put on her clothes to chat with her daughter-in-law. Otherwise, it wouldn't seem right.

Cheng Ying got off the bed to put on her shoes, moving lightly.

Because the whole family was still excited about the electricity even in the dead of night, they hadn't closed their bedroom doors. The three of them had been chatting under the covers.

So, as Cheng Ying lifted the door curtain, she could see into the main hall. From the light spilling out of the cracks in the doors of the east and west rooms, Cheng Ying saw two figures at the entrance quickly separate.

Cheng Ying understood immediately. The stepfather really did miss his wife; the two of them had been hugging.

Chi Wu, behind Cheng Ying, must have also seen the figures hastily pulling apart. Cheng Ying turned her head and noticed Chi Wu looked slightly uneasy.

However, she couldn't see the complexions of her mother and stepfather; it was pitch black outside.

Ugh, this actually sets a rather intimate atmosphere. In the dark, isn't this the perfect time to sneak a little advantage? Cheng Ying pursed her lips.

Yang Zhi called out, “Ying, Ying, Ying, Yingzi!”

Cheng Ying thought her mother’s composure wasn't holding up very well.

The stepfather said, “Come in, it’s cold out there.”

Yang Zhi started stuttering again, “Wu Wu Zi…”

Cheng Ying thought this whole situation wouldn't affect her at all. No matter how uninhibited people got, they had already explored things up close together.

Cheng Ying said, “Mom, it must be cold outside. Hurry inside. Grandma is waiting.” She was much calmer than Yang Zhi. Then, she raised an eyebrow and glanced at the outwardly calm stepfather. “You’re frozen stiff, Chi Wu, quickly get Mom a bowl of hot water to warm up.” This was deliberately teasing him.

But her own mother certainly wouldn't catch the sarcasm.

The stepfather replied, “Yes, Yingzi is sensible. Hurry inside.” And then he walked into the east room as if nothing had happened. That man had some thick skin, really thick.

Chi Wu’s face was redder than someone who had just been caught doing something wrong.

Cheng Ying was puzzled. They only hugged for a moment, was that really necessary? And it wasn't Chi Wu hugging her. Why was his face so flushed?

Calmly, she lifted the door curtain, letting the light from the inner room stream out, and began starting the fire, boiling water, and then preparing the warm congee for her mother before carrying it into the room.

The two of them moved with practiced, familiar coordination, and in no time, everything was ready. Chi Wu carried the basin of wash water, and Cheng Ying carried the food as they entered the room.

Closing the door, the space was filled with the warmth of the stove.

Chi Wu said, “Mom, wash your hands first.”

Cheng Ying placed the food on the table, then reached for the towel hanging on the wall and handed it to Yang Zhi.

Though no words were exchanged, the effect was deeply moving. Yang Zhi, having been away for over ten days, missed home terribly. Seeing her daughter and son being so filial, her eyes reddened, close to tears.

The old woman scolded her crossly, “Such a shallow-eyed thing. They’ll be filial to you in the future, why are you crying? Hurry up and wash and eat.”

Yang Zhi never dared to argue with the old woman’s words. She got down to wash her face, then climbed onto the kang, moving as if everyone behind her was urging her on. Her eyes stopped reddening. Cheng Ying realized just how much her own mother feared the old woman.

Chi Yong looked at his wife and had the exact same thought: When would his wife ever agree with him to this extent?

Everyone in the room genuinely felt that Yang Zhi’s obedience to the old woman was a great blessing. The old woman held absolute authority, and in front of Yang Zhi, she occupied a very, very high pedestal.

Cheng Ying lifted the door curtain, and Chi Wu poured the wash water outside.

The family of five finally sat together on the kang, able to talk. But no one interrupted Yang Zhi while she ate. It was better to let her warm up first on such a cold night. Everyone could wait a little while; they could afford the wait.

After Yang Zhi finished everything in her bowl, she felt the chill leave her body. Home was still the most comfortable place. Looking at the old woman, Yang Zhi’s posture seemed to have straightened considerably.

The old woman finally spoke, “How are your studies going? You weren’t sent back for being dismissed, were you?”

Yang Zhi replied, “No, I heard the village got electricity, so I came back with my brother. I have vacation time, and I missed home.”

The old woman pursed her lips. “Such a good-for-nothing. Focusing on your studies is the proper thing to do. What is there to miss at home? If the electricity is connected, is it going to run away?”

Yang Zhi glanced at Cheng Ying, then at Chi Wu, and finally flicked a look at Chi Yong. Was there anything she needed to worry about? The whole family was doing very well. Yang Zhi dared not speak up.

The old woman asked, “When are you going back?”

Yang Zhi explained, “Yingzi and the others start school tomorrow, so I’ll leave tonight. It won’t delay their classes the day after tomorrow. I rode Yang Yi’s bicycle back; the trip back and forth doesn’t take long.” This was to explain: I didn't delay their studies.

The old woman nodded. This daughter-in-law cared for her family; she specifically came back because she knew the children were about to start school. Though her words were sharp, she was satisfied that Yang Zhi missed her family. If her daughter-in-law had simply run off, that would have been a problem; any woman who did that surely wasn't a good sort.

The old woman said, “Then rest well tonight, and we’ll talk tomorrow.” This was a sign of concern for her daughter-in-law.

However, after saying this, the old woman’s expression shifted into a look of conflict that Cheng Ying couldn't decipher.

Cheng Ying wondered what this was about now. As the old woman’s favorite granddaughter, she was dedicated to keeping her grandmother constantly content, but this time, she truly couldn’t offer heartfelt comfort because she couldn't figure out the source of the old woman's distress. Grandma, you’re making things difficult!

Yang Zhi’s mood naturally lifted when she saw her mother-in-law’s expression soften. Excitedly, she pulled something out of a cloth pouch she had sewn herself. “I knew the village got electricity, so I bought a light bulb!”

The old woman looked at the large bulb hanging from the ceiling. “What a spendthrift! Why did you worry about that?” They already had two. The old woman felt protective of their money.

Cheng Ying intervened, “Grandma, it’s perfect for hanging in the outer room. It will be much more convenient when we cook in the morning.”

The old woman frowned. “You don’t know how to manage money. I cooked by candlelight for so many years, and I managed fine. Why spend that money?”

Cheng Ying pleaded, “Grandma, I just don’t want you to wake up early! If we hang the light bulb, you won’t have to get up early. We can warm up leftovers ourselves and go to school.”

The old woman’s annoyance dissipated completely after Cheng Ying spoke. What other family had such sensible children?

Seeing her mother-in-law quiet down, Yang Zhi immediately showed off two notebooks and two pencils from her pocket. She placed them on the table and immediately spoke, “These weren’t bought; they were given to us when we were studying. I couldn’t bear to use them, so I brought them back for the two of them.”

The old woman glanced at the items but didn't say anything. Cheng Ying and Chi Wu took the pens and notebooks; for Chi Wu, it was exciting. Cheng Ying genuinely looked down on these things; it was like trying to coax a child.

Yang Zhi spoke cautiously to her mother-in-law, “Mom, I didn’t waste money.”

The old woman was both irritated and amused. “I didn't ask you to suffer outside like a refugee. You don't need to deprive yourself.”

Chi Yong turned his head; how contrary was this old woman?

Yang Zhi said, “Mom, I also bought this for you.” Then she produced a bright red, long-sleeved outer jacket—essentially just a coat.

The old woman’s expression immediately sharpened, and her tone became pointed. “You did waste money!” Oh, this wasteful daughter-in-law! She probably doesn’t even know how to haggle. This must have cost a fortune! The old woman pinched her temples, worried about the expense.

Yang Zhi protested, “No, really, I didn’t! I helped out at the canteen when I had free time, and they gave me the money.”

The old woman snapped back, “I sent you out there to learn a skill, and what did you do? Besides, money you earned isn’t free money! It’s enough to pay for the children’s tuition!”

Yang Zhi stammered, “It didn’t interfere, really, Mom. I’m learning quite well.” She dared not say more, but she glanced meaningfully at her daughter, signaling for her to smooth things over.

The old woman looked at her daughter-in-law and felt truly weary. “Forget it. Don’t do things like this next time. Go get some rest.” It was impossible to argue with her. This might be the biggest sum of money she had ever spent in her life, and it was on something for the old woman herself. The old woman wasn't entirely unsoothed, but she just couldn't stop worrying about how much that thing cost; she was still pained by the expense.

Chi Yong led his wife away. As Yang Zhi left, she couldn't help but look back at the old woman's face.

Cheng Ying said to the old woman, “Grandma, Mom has you in her heart. Don’t be angry. Even if she isn’t the best manager of finances, don’t you still have your granddaughter?” This was purely teasing.

The old woman snorted. “Hmph, don’t try to trick me with your clever words. Your mother is just thoughtless. That thing is so expensive! If we bought the fabric to make one, it would be much more economical. I just can’t be bothered with her.”

Cheng Ying asked, “If that fabric were bought, would you make clothes for yourself?” If the item purchased was just raw fabric, chances are it would end up worn by the old woman herself.

The old woman twisted her mouth; her granddaughter had hit the nail on the head. At her age, what did she need new clothes for? “The color is too red.”