Old Mrs. Chi by the side shed tears. “Brother, you don’t know. You think our Yongzi has made something of himself teaching in the countryside, but our Yongzi graduated from a top-tier university! His classmates, his friends, they are all Deputy Division Chiefs in the provincial capital or the city now. What future does Yongzi have in this township? It’s us, his parents, who are dragging the child down. We want to compensate him. The first step is letting Yongzi move to the provincial capital; we’ll figure out the rest later. This is an opportunity; if we miss it, it will truly be difficult.”

University student—the village chief really had never seen one.

Even among the township cadres, they hadn’t heard of anyone who had graduated from a university.

These words truly stunned everyone. They knew Chi Yong was capable, but they didn’t realize he was capable to this extent.

Cheng Ying thought to herself, she originally assumed he was just a young man sent down to the countryside, but it turned out he had some family background after all.

It was so melodramatic.

Don’t blame Cheng Ying for knowing Chi Yong had status; setting aside the jeep, consider Chi Yong’s age—could someone his age who has classmates reaching Deputy Division Chief status in the provincial capital be ordinary? Could an ordinary person possess such ability?

Old Man Chi said, “To tell the truth, it’s our family that has burdened the child. Back then, my wife and I were taken away due to some issues. Only these two brothers were left at home. We couldn't look after them, and his elder brother and wife couldn't manage; they passed away just like that. Chi Yong was left alone, taking care of his elder brother’s child. Thinking about it makes my heart ache. Everyone, I just want the children to have a better life.”

These words caused an even greater shock; the village chief could no longer remain seated. “Wuzi isn’t Yongzi’s?”

Old Man Chi drooped his eyes. “Back then, Yongzi had good prospects and high standards. He didn't find a suitable partner right away. Given the era, personal matters weren't settled easily. He ended up being delayed.”

This was meant to make their family feel the pressure.

This was meant to make us realize our limitations and retreat. Recognizing that their own birth mother wasn't good enough for Chi Yong—

Cheng Ying felt this person spoke with more sophistication than the old lady.

The village chief was silent for a long time. To think a top-tier university graduate, despite being a bit older, was marrying Yang Zhi—it truly felt like a slight to him.

Old Mrs. Chi said, “Now, my son is nearly at the age of establishing himself. Career-wise, we old folks just want our child’s official path to go further; it’s a form of compensation for the child.”

It was all about getting to the city, and only for their son. They had made that perfectly clear.

Although the village chief wasn't a university graduate, his home had a music box.

The village chief listened to storytelling ballads, so he knew how old the age of ‘establishing oneself’ referred to. Chi Yong wasn’t even thirty yet, and Yang Zhi seemed to be over thirty this year, making them even less of a match. A younger man and an older woman were already frowned upon in the village.

The village chief didn't know how to begin speaking.

Old Mrs. Cheng said, “To be honest, my family needed a working man back then, so we took in a son-in-law to be the head of the household for Yang Zhi. Given Yang Zhi’s qualities, we wanted to find someone of equal standing, someone honest who didn't deceive or lie. Regarding Chi Yong’s background, I disagreed. My Cheng family has a lineage of eight generations as poor peasants, and everything since has been clear and honest. But I couldn't stop Chi Yong, who was willing, bringing his child along. Even if his status was lacking, their ages were similar, and the children were willing, so I couldn't say anything.”

Cheng Ying, outside, felt her liver tremble. She imagined Chi Yong inside felt a deep ache in his heart.

The old lady actually said that.

Then she heard the old lady continue, “Now they bring up that Chi Yong’s age is actually wrong. If we had known earlier, my family would never have accepted him. This almost borders on fraudulent marriage. However, since Yongzi has been in our home for so long, I know he isn't that kind of person. I suppose the two children loved each other so much that Yongzi hid his real age just to gain my approval. I don't mind. As long as the two children can live together harmoniously, that’s what matters. As for the in-laws talking about the child's future, although I’m an old country woman, I am a sensible person. Our Yongzi is capable; I won’t block the child’s future. But there is one condition: establish a family, then establish a career (chéng jiā lì yè). What kind of career can be established without a family foundation? The two children must stay together. If the in-laws have the ability, then they should use it.”

Cheng Ying felt her own old lady was truly extraordinary; an ordinary person wouldn't be so clear-sighted.

Old Mrs. Chi looked at Grandma Cheng, and her insides were twisting with rage.

She actually accused her own son of deceiving them into marriage.

And in this 'older sister’s' mind, her own son was not good enough for their family.

This was truly sickeningly frustrating.

Cheng Ying laughed until her liver spasmed, while the other old lady was so angry her liver ached.

When the words reached this point, it symbolized a complete breakdown in negotiations.

No matter how imposing Old Man Chi was, no matter how eloquently he spoke,

he couldn't counter what their own old lady had just said.

During that period of turmoil, Old Man Chi’s self-confidence had been severely damaged. Old Mrs. Cheng’s words were undoubtedly implying: you aggressively sought to marry up with our family, and the marriage was based on deception; now you want to renege? Old Man Chi didn't have that thick skin. He looked at Chi Wu, looked at Chi Yong; no matter how good the fruit wine was, he couldn't bring himself to drink it.

Old Mrs. Chi felt like she couldn't breathe. Her son, who was high-class, sophisticated, and most importantly, unmarried, was being looked down upon by this kind of family—it was simply outrageous.

She raised a trembling finger, “You… you…”

Old Mrs. Cheng wasn’t afraid of this. Whether it was intellectual sparring or physical confrontation, the old lady had never backed down from anyone.

She didn't know what had happened this past year. She hadn't done much hard labor, yet her hands and face were getting smoother and more delicate, looking almost as good as when she was young. Old Mrs. Cheng always attributed this to the quality of their well water. Furthermore, Cheng Ying and the old lady washed their faces with rice water at home, so the old lady believed her granddaughter’s idea was brilliant. Like Old Mrs. Chi, she extended one hand; the two hands were close together, creating a stark contrast. “Oh, in-law, your hands—you must have suffered a lot in those years, haven't you?”

The old lady was intentionally striking a nerve, deliberately reminding Old Mrs. Chi: You fell on hard times. We haven't rejected you, and that’s already generous. Remember those years, and don't look down on people just because you’ve turned things around. I look down on you too.

Cheng Ying watched her own old lady and thought she was a master of domestic intrigue.

Chi Yong looked at his mother’s trembling hand. Honestly, for a woman in her forties or fifties, those hands were well-preserved. But they couldn't withstand comparison.

Chi Yong felt that Heaven had been too kind to the women of the Chi family. Otherwise, why would the mother-in-law, the wife, and the daughter all become so supple and tender, one after another? They could use this to torment his own mother.

Chi Yong looked toward Old Mrs. Cheng, his eyes pleading for mercy. His own mother couldn't handle much more; the blow was too severe.

For Old Mrs. Chi, having her outstretched hand outdone by a country woman was an absolute disgrace. Moreover, every sentence the other woman spoke was a reminder of her background. She, who once prided herself on being from a distinguished family, could accept it during the turbulent years, but even after the nation had vindicated her, to have it brought up repeatedly here was truly oppressive. However, the first thing the old lady did upon seeing the other woman's hands was to put her own down. All women of a certain age value beauty; this feeling of being surpassed was infuriating.

Grandma Ying’s face held a gentle smile. “In-law has better upbringing; she doesn't even point fingers. We country folk don't have so many formalities. Please excuse my lack of manners, in-law.”

This statement subtly accused Old Mrs. Chi of being rude. Old Mrs. Chi had just been pointing earlier. Cheng Ying lowered her head.

Chi Wu felt his grandmother was suffering, but he couldn’t go in to help.

Yang Zhi carried a bowl of rice and handed it to Chi Yong’s mother. “Please have a bite of food first.”

The words were dry, but it was a way to help Old Mrs. Chi out of the awkward spot—better than facing the old shrew from the Cheng family.

Chi Yong was relieved to see his wife meeting the challenge head-on. At least his mother wasn't gasping for air anymore.

Chi Yong said, “It’s all my fault. Back then, I admired how good you were to the children, Mother. Yang Zhi was gentle-tempered, so I nervously lied about my age to come to your home. Wu Zi and I really stumbled into a nest of happiness.”

Hearing this, Old Mrs. Cheng’s expression finally softened. Fortunately, there was one sensible person in this family.

Chi Yong continued, “Mom and Dad, don’t rush this. Things can’t be forced; jobs in the provincial capital aren't that easy to find.”

Old Man Chi retorted, “Easy to find? It’s already arranged. Are the hardships my wife and I endured all these years not enough to earn a good future for our son?”

It seemed the old man had everything planned out as soon as he found his son.

Chi Yong felt this was difficult to respond to. Why was his father in such a hurry? “Dad, I still need to settle things here properly—arranging new schools for the children, finding a job for Yang Zhi, everything needs careful consideration.”

Chi Yong was stating his position. The village chief breathed a sigh of relief; as long as they weren't ungrateful, that was fine. For this day and age, Chi Yong managing this much was already commendable.

Old Mrs. Chi couldn't swallow her breath. Why should a son like this have to act subserviently in this household? She might as well drop the pretense and play the villain for the sake of her son and grandson, even if it meant losing face. If they fell out, she’d take her son and leave.

Old Mrs. Chi declared, “Nonsense! Bringing home a woman who already has a child—wouldn't that make the Chi family a laughingstock?”

These words immediately tightened the atmosphere that had just begun to ease.

Old Mrs. Cheng responded, “The Chi family? I don't know what 'Chi family' you speak of, nor who else is left. Since you put it that way, in-law, I’ll be frank too. Chi Yong may be your son, but when he entered my Cheng family's door, he signed an agreement. I allowed them not to change their surnames; that was me, the old lady, giving Chi Yong face. If you claim him as Chi family now, then he is Chi family. Where was your Chi family two years ago? Do you dare stand up and speak now?”

Cheng Ying looked bewildered. No wonder her grandmother hadn't been anxious—she was holding the trump card.

They had a written contract! Chi Yong’s expression became awkward. His mother had clearly been pushed too far; otherwise, she wouldn't have shown him such disrespect.

Yang Zhi was even more stunned. “When did that happen?”

The old lady glanced at her simple-minded daughter-in-law, pointing at her. If it hadn't been for this contingency, they would have been crushed already. Fortunately, she had kept something in reserve. Hearing Yang Zhi’s question, Chi Yong finally felt a little better. His wife was good; she didn't even know about this.

Old Mrs. Chi cried out, “Yongzi!”—the sound was so heart-wrenching, as if her son were dying.

Cheng Ying covered her ears; this was domestic melodrama.

Old Man Chi, however, remained remarkably calm. Regardless of the social climate, power and money were always at the top of the hierarchy; some things were very easy to manage. He had a plan in mind.