He had to swallow his pride and drag his son out of the mire. Chi Yong felt a bit speechless; it wasn't as if he hadn't felt wronged.

He, a fine young man of only twenty-nine this year, had to marry a woman who had been married before, and they’d only argued about a couple of years in age. Back then, in the beginning, the old lady had tormented him endlessly.

But now, Chi Yong was actually quite content with the life he had. Of course, that didn't mean he particularly cherished this place.

Moving from the countryside to the city was something that had to happen sooner or later. But abandoning a wife and daughter like that wasn't in Chi Yong’s character.

“Dad, it’s not as bad as you say. I really just wanted a home; I’ve had enough of that kind of life.

Besides, I’m not getting any younger, and Chi Wu is doing well now, really well. It’s enough as long as you two old folks are alright.” The old lady’s crying could no longer be suppressed; the sound of her muffled sobs drifted out from inside the room.

Outside, the old lady’s face was grim; she felt that Chi Yong had been deeply wronged. Moreover, the old lady was very particular; to go cry at someone else’s house for no reason—what kind of upbringing was that?

If these two hadn't been Chi Yong’s parents, the old lady would have certainly cursed them out the door. The old lady took a deep breath, feeling that her temper had actually improved recently.

Yang Zhi, listening to the crying from outside, actually felt quite sympathetic toward the old lady. Through the immoral act of eavesdropping, Yang Zhi truly understood that she had taken advantage of Chi Yong’s sacrifice.

But this advantage, she genuinely didn't want to take. However, she couldn't say she was wronged or resentful about the whole situation.

Thinking back to when she first married Chi Yong, Yang Zhi’s face flushed crimson. She never imagined she’d get to feel the brush of two youthful buds in this lifetime.

Could this be Heaven compensating her for being honest and kind? This Cheng Ying, spending too much time with her daughter, was letting her thoughts run wild again.

Yang Zhi quickly slapped her own cheeks, cutting it short. If she kept thinking, it would become too shameful.

The old lady’s crying subsided, her emotions seemingly vented. She grabbed her son, “Let’s go.

We’ll give up everything. Whatever they want, Mom will give, but they can’t take my son!

Your older brother and sister-in-law are gone; I only have you left!” To hear such a classic line from a woman who seemed so refined was a sign she was overly agitated. Forget Chi Yong; even the old man felt this wasn't the time for such speeches.

“Jiahua, don’t get worked up. Yongzi and Wuzi are right here in front of us.

Calm down first.” The old lady hissed, “How dare they mistreat my son like this!” Chi Yong sighed inwardly. In his original life, he had been quite the figure.

To be paired with Yang Zhi, it was indeed a stretch. But after years of life’s tempering, being with someone like her was good enough.

Chi Yong felt his own scholarly pride slightly diminished. Especially since Cheng Ying’s mother, the way she had greeted him back then—she was from a family of poor peasants spanning eight generations; he was the one marrying up.

Thinking of this, a faint smile touched Chi Yong’s lips, and somehow, his mood instantly lightened. “Mom, let’s see the children first.

Look how anxious you are. Wuzi has been with me since he was little; the moment you said I wasn’t his father, Wuzi got scared and ran off.” The old lady grew alarmed.

“Where is Wuzi? Is he alright?

Do you think your uncle and father aren’t the same to him?” Chi Yong chuckled. It seemed the old lady had recovered from that upheaval; otherwise, she wouldn’t be so playfully solicitous.

“Yes, Mom is right. It’s Wuzi who couldn't stand the test; his mind isn’t firm.” The old lady looked at her placating son, finally able to set aside everything else and truly look at him.

“Yongzi, I’ve made things difficult for you.” Chi Yong replied, “How can it be harder than what you two endured? I wasn’t by your side all these years; I feel deeply ashamed.” The old man said, “As long as Wuzi and you two are fine, nothing else matters.

We’ll deal with future matters when they arrive.” Chi Yong sighed inwardly upon hearing this. How few days of good, peaceful living they had enjoyed before more trouble was brewing.

He remembered signing an affidavit when he first married. He would have to speak properly with the old lady later; they shouldn't let things become too ridiculous.

What sort of person was Yingzi’s mother? Towards her own kin, Chi Yong had only enjoyed a few days of spring-breeze warmth.

Towards enemies, Chi Yong had certainly enjoyed his share too—a long period of deep winter intensified by mid-summer heat, tormenting them to death! Chi Yong looked at his own mother.

Honestly, in terms of sheer imposing presence, she didn't stand a chance against Yingzi’s mother. Peace was the better option.

Chi Yong said, “Mom, you haven’t rested properly these past few days, have you? Let’s eat first, okay?

Let’s put everything else aside for now.” The old lady reluctantly nodded. Chi Yong breathed a sigh of relief.

“You two rest inside. I’ll go out and check on Wuzi.

That kid has a stubborn temper; he must be feeling awful inside.” The old lady quickly waved him off. “Go on, go!

Wuzi is already so big; I haven’t seen him much. If only your older brother...” The old man cut her off.

“Go on, don't let anything happen to the boy.” Chi Yong glanced at his mother’s figure sitting by the window, feeling uneasy. “Dad, wait until I get back before discussing anything else.

The lady outside is my wife; she has a sharp tongue but a warm heart.” Chi Wu spoke very subtly with his own parents. His parents were educated people; they would understand with just a hint.

Chi Yong’s father said, “I understand. Mom and Dad won’t say anything.

I trust you can handle it.” Chi Yong felt a knot tighten in his chest; the pressure was immense. Up to this point, Yingzi’s mother and his own mother’s views were irreconcilable.

It seemed the most difficult time for his family had arrived. Thinking about it wouldn't help; the boat would straighten itself out when it reached the bridge.

Chi Yong turned and walked out of the room. He wondered if Cheng Ying could manage to bring his son back around.

Cheng Ying caught up with Wuzi without much trouble. They didn't have many places to go—either up the mountain or down by the river.

There were wolves on the mountain, so Chi Wu certainly wouldn't go there now. Thus, Cheng Ying headed straight for the riverbank.

From a distance, she saw Chi Wu standing alone by the water, playing the part of a brooding youth. Cheng Ying thought this kid was foolish.

He was on the verge of a good life, so why throw a tantrum? Didn’t he see his family arrived in a car?

His life was about to jump to a much higher level! Even she was jealous.

The stubborn boy was still sulking. “Hey, are you planning to jump in the river?” Chi Wu shot Cheng Ying a displeased look.

“Leave me alone. You’re just hoping I drown, aren't you?” Cheng Ying scoffed, “Why would I wish you’d jump in?

It’s freezing out; the river is nearly iced over. If you jump, I’ll have to save you.

Do you think I do that for fun?” Chi Wu asked, “You would save me?” Cheng Ying exploded, “You ungrateful brat! Am I some cold-hearted monster?

Look how good I am to you! Why do you think I wouldn’t save you?

You heartless coward!” Being scolded by Cheng Ying’s continuous stream of complaints actually cheered Chi Wu up a bit. He must have a masochistic streak, possessing an addiction to being berated.

From this aspect, Chi Wu seemed more like Yang Zhi’s biological son. Once Chi Wu’s mood seemed to ease, Cheng Ying finally spoke, “Your real grandmother and grandfather are here; they’ve got your back, and suddenly you have an attitude, is that it?” Chi Wu threw a stone the size of his fist into the river.

The loud plop broke a small patch of ice. “Real grandparents?

That came at the cost of my real father! My dad isn’t my dad anymore!” As he spoke, Chi Wu began to cry.

For a boy nearly twelve, this revelation was deeply impactful. He already had no mother; now he had no father either.

To him, this was catastrophic. Cheng Ying looked at the child.

Indeed, he had a father, and now he was an orphan. What a mess.

“You’re thinking too narrowly. He’s still your father, isn’t he?

Isn't an uncle the same as a father? They’re the same!

Besides, you still have your grandparents; they are definitely blood relatives!” Chi Wu’s eyes reddened. “You were eavesdropping?” The boy’s reaction was quick, making Cheng Ying feel awkward.

“I was worried someone might bully you or deceive you. What if they were distant, unrelated relatives?” The excuse was weak, but Chi Wu had no patience to argue.

He was completely immersed in the fact that Chi Yong was not his father. He sniffled.

“Why isn’t he my dad?” Cheng Ying exclaimed, “Oh, why can’t you wrap your head around this? Does it matter if he’s your dad or your uncle?

As long as he’s good to you, isn’t that what matters? Tell me, truly, how has your uncle—your dad—treated you?

Mingzi, Tiezhi, Shuanzi, Maozi—they all have biological fathers. Tell me, how much better has he treated you than their fathers treated them?

Why aren't you satisfied? It’s just a name, nothing more.” Chi Wu retorted angrily, “It’s just a name, but I don’t have a dad anymore!” Cheng Ying rubbed her nose.

Why was this brat so hard to pacify? “I don’t have a dad either, but I still live my life, don’t I?” Chi Wu glared at Cheng Ying.

“You have a mother, a grandmother, and you still have my dad! It’s not the same!” Cheng Ying tugged at Chi Wu’s collar.

“See? You admitted it yourself—he’s still your dad.

No matter what, he is your dad. Emotionally, you two depended on each other; no one can replace the bond between you two.” Chi Wu turned away, refusing to look at Cheng Ying.

For a child who supposedly had no father, she was busy trying to find him a replacement father—that felt wrong. Chi Wu secretly glanced at Cheng Ying, worried she might start missing his father again.

Cheng Ying looked at Chi Wu. “Your grandmother and grandfather are here; that’s enough drama.

Let’s go back. Don’t you want to see your own family?” Chi Wu sneered, “What’s there to see?

They’ve come to steal my dad!” Cheng Ying thought that children nowadays were truly dense. Look at Chi Wu’s stubbornness over such a small issue.

Children in the past, around seven or eight, could understand the rationale behind their parents divorcing. They didn't cry and throw fits like this.

What was Chi Wu fussing about? Though she didn’t particularly welcome the relatives who had arrived, one couldn't avoid seeing them forever.

In Cheng Ying’s view, if she had just sent those two away earlier, her home would have quieted down. She worried about her own mother being at home.

In the eyes of the Chi family's old lady, her own mother was someone who was gaining an advantage; she was unworthy of their son. Cheng Ying had been so focused on Chi Wu that she completely forgot about her own mother!

She couldn't let the old lady gang up on her mother. Her own mother was the perfect model of a docile wife who never fought back when cursed.

She was too worrisome. Cheng Ying said, “Enough.

They are two more relatives, whether you like it or not. Come back with me now.” Chi Wu snorted, “Dad can be replaced by RS—"

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