Old Man Chi was pleased, though his satisfaction was reserved for his own son. If someone like Cheng Ying could rank first, it must be because his own son had tutored her. Otherwise, who in this household could possibly have coached such an outstanding child? The old man’s logic, strictly speaking, wasn't flawed, but he was utterly unaware of concepts like rebirth. Cheng Ying hadn't followed the usual path; she possessed knowledge entirely independent of his son. Who could be blamed? Blame the old man for never having encountered the internet. In this era, that technology truly didn't exist—at most, a folk tale might mention the soul inhabiting another body. Forgive the narrow scope of the Chi family's knowledge.

Old Madam Chi sighed, “She’s not entirely without merit. If only his mother possessed such intelligence.” This set an impossibly high bar for Yang Zhi. Chi Yong looked heavenward; perhaps his daughter took after his wife’s ex-husband. His own wife was hopelessly dull, the unawakened kind, utterly incomparable to his daughter. His mother was overthinking things, dreaming too grandly. Chi Yong shook his head without a word. A simple wife had her advantages; his mother just hadn't grasped them yet. With a wife like Yang Zhi, domestic strife was virtually nonexistent—she simply accepted everything submissively. Of course, aside from Chi Yong, few could truly appreciate the benefits of a simple wife.

Old Man Chi held deep respect for his aging wife, especially given the hardships they’d endured together. However, this was his son’s choice—not just a choice of a wife, but a choice reflecting character and conscience. As a father, Old Man Chi felt vindicated; this was a matter of integrity. He gently counseled his wife, “As long as the children are happy and stay by our side, what can’t be overcome? Look at the wife who came before, see how she treated Wu Zi. If we had a different wife, can you guarantee our Wu Zi wouldn't suffer? We are old now, and Wu Zi will still rely on Chi Yong in the future. Having someone like this is our blessing. Look on the bright side.”

Old Madam Chi glanced at her daughter-in-law, who treated the two children with absolute impartiality, and who seemed even more commanding toward the children than their own mother. She quietly held her tongue. With a daughter-in-law like that, who couldn't even fully manage the children, how could she possibly help her son? She truly disapproved. But the old man was right on one point: they were old; how long could they look after Chi Wu? A different wife might not treat their Wu Zi half as well. The term "stepmother"—that role was scrutinized everywhere. Her son did have his thoughts, though. It was all for the family. The old lady began to feel sorry for her son again. Since ancient times, the eldest grandson and the youngest son belonged to the grandmother. Now, between the youngest son and the eldest grandson, one was bound to suffer injustice. This was tormenting the old woman. She looked at her tall, handsome son. “For the sake of my grandson, I feel I’ve wronged Yong Zi. Why should he?” It was the same sentiment: her son deserved better than such a wife.

The old man countered, “Why? Because she helped us in our time of need. Because she shows such tolerance toward our son and grandson. Because she has a kind heart. Old woman, this is fortune; not everyone encounters such good people. Don't you remember the fates of those who ran into bad people a few years ago? Be kinder to Yang Zhi. Treat her as a benefactor.” The old man’s words were merely a way to temper his wife’s obstinacy. Since reconciliation was impossible, acceptance was necessary. Family harmony was crucial for people like them; he couldn't allow his wife to continue harboring ill feelings toward the daughter-in-law. This was an old man prioritizing the bigger picture. Even if he personally looked down on his daughter-in-law, he had to stand firm for his son in front of her. As a patriarch, Old Man Chi’s actions were correct.

Yang Zhi focused wholeheartedly on her mountain plot ahead, feeling detached about the three people behind her. She couldn't control their thoughts; she would let nature take its course, merely awaiting their final decision. If Yang Zhi’s outlook seemed too passive, too pessimistic, it was a product of the circumstances and her own status. For Yang Zhi, Chi Yong hadn't reached the level of love. Rural women didn't hold grand notions of romance; it was simply about building a life together, about mutual understanding and striving toward a shared future. As a divorced woman bringing a child along, she had no advantages, especially now, knowing Chi Wu wasn't Chi Yong’s son. Yang Zhi felt insecure facing Chi Yong. This was the result of years of societal judgment; in those days, a woman remarrying was subject to gossip and criticism. Let alone marrying a man of his standing. Despite the firm tone of his mother, she knew deep down who was truly benefiting from this arrangement. This situation paradoxically lightened Yang Zhi’s mental burden: since it wasn't up to her to decide, she would simply wait. Yang Zhi believed that whatever Chi Yong decided for her was what she deserved. If someone destined to leave chose to stay, there was no reason to drive them away, especially after enjoying all the benefits. Having made peace with this, Yang Zhi relaxed. Towards Chi Wu, she felt only pity. A boy this old, without a father or mother, was far more pitiable than her own daughter. So, she cared for Chi Wu diligently throughout the journey, perhaps sensing she wouldn't have the chance for long. She fussed over him more intensely: “Wu Zi, if I had known you sooner… well, I would have treated you even better. You must study hard from now on, you hear?”

Cheng Ying felt her mother was being overly pessimistic—this sounded like a prelude to saying goodbye. Chi Wu felt a pang of sorrow hearing that. He didn't want a new mother, not at all. Recalling the initial period, Chi Wu felt as if he had just survived the hardest part, only to have his lifeline severed. If he had to start over, the young man doubted he had the resolve. Chi Wu’s mood was truly gloomy throughout the journey; it felt like he was about to be abandoned.

Cheng Ying asked, “Mom, is there anything left on the mountain?” Yang Zhi replied, “Just some pine nuts left. We’ll gather more later; we can bring some back for Wu Zi’s grandparents. It counts as a local specialty.” Cheng Ying shook her head, doubting the old lady would appreciate it. “Alright, later Wu Zi and I will stop by my place. My mountain has pine nuts that are both fragrant and large. I’ve checked.” Chi Wu looked at Cheng Ying. “It’s rare for you to be so generous. I thought you had already sorted out your loyalties.” Cheng Ying countered, “Lines must still be drawn, but I’m thinking of you. If you leave with your grandmother, finding another driver won't be easy later. I thought I’d gather some more for you to eat on the road.” Chi Wu bristled. “Nothing’s happened yet, and you’re already planning for me to leave. You, you…” He was clearly irritated. Yang Zhi intervened, “Ying Zi, don't bully Chi Wu, alright?” Then she turned to soothe her son, “Ying Zi is just teasing you. Why take it seriously?” Chi Wu whined, “Anyone would worry in this situation. I have no father now, and it looks like I’m about to lose my mother too.” He sounded genuinely wronged. His voice was loud enough for the people behind them to hear.

The old couple savored Chi Wu’s words, finding them packed with meaning. Yang Zhi scolded, “You fret too much, child. That’s your uncle. No matter how you look at it, he’s the closest person to you. Why the fuss? You’re gaining another father figure!” Chi Wu hoisted his basket and walked ahead, his face a mask of profound sorrow. Cheng Ying teased, “Enough showing off. You’re deliberately trying to flaunt it, aren’t you? Your uncle is better than my uncles, right? Isn't it wonderful to have an uncle like that? You must be ecstatic, aren’t you? You’ve probably been comparing them to my uncles all along, haven’t you?” Chi Wu followed Cheng Ying’s lead in his thoughts and felt a surge of excitement. After all, his uncle had raised him like his own son for years. Compared to Cheng Ying’s elder uncles, he was much luckier. Comparison truly is the thief of joy—he had found his solace. Chi Wu conceded, “That’s true.”

Cheng Ying thought to herself, What a transparent child. He’s building his own happiness on my sorrow. Never mind, I’ll sacrifice this once to comfort the kid. Chi Yong shook his head; his daughter’s thinking was always so unconventional.

Old Man Chi looked at the little girl carrying the basket. “We’ll take a tour of the mountain plot you mentioned later. It’s rare for me to visit this area; I must see it properly.” Chi Yong agreed, “Yes, I’ll take you later. That girl puts all her energy into that land.” Compared to Chi Yong’s easy handling of the immediate situation, Chi Wu was utterly dejected. A child’s world is so small; parents are the entirety of that world. Chi Wu was facing the collapse of his universe. It would be hard for the troubled child to recover quickly; the added grandparents simply couldn't replace parents.

For a rough-and-tumble man like Chi Yong, understanding Chi Wu’s peculiar youthful sentimentality was impossible. And the newly acquired grandparents were so immersed in the joy of seeing their eldest grandson that they failed to notice Chi Wu’s gloom. As for the old lady at home, she was looking after her granddaughter and was overwhelmed with her own worries. Chi Wu, forgive me, I can’t spare any attention for you right now.

Only Yang Zhi noticed Chi Wu’s underlying unhappiness. Partly because she was unhappy too, but mostly because she didn’t know how to offer comfort. Yang Zhi wasn't naturally sharp; patting the child’s head was the extent of her consolation. So, Cheng Ying naturally stepped up to Chi Wu’s side, constantly trying to counsel the unlucky child. She couldn't help it; having spent so much time with him, she knew his thoughts without even needing to see them. Cheng Ying sensed the boy was being stubborn, but this issue couldn't be reasoned through. She decided to take Chi Wu out to work. As for his grandparents, apologies, but they’d have to wait until they returned from working in the fields that evening. Thus, the next day, Cheng Ying led the depressed Chi Wu into strenuous physical labor. The weather had turned cold, so Cheng Ying couldn't continue clearing land or planting trees. She handed Chi Wu a sickle, and they headed to her mountain plot to cut branches. Cheng Ying had long eyed this area, but in the summer, the dense foliage made it inaccessible. This time of year was perfect: once these firewood branches were felled, they could clear the mountain slope for the following year to plant a batch of saplings, turning it into a nursery.

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