He strode over and scooped up the little fatty in one arm. Chi Wu felt that while it was impossible to say he disliked Miao Miao, he felt an undeniable irritation seeing Cheng Ying holding him; he’d rather hold the unlucky kid himself.
Miao Miao had unexpectedly become the object of such fervent attention from his “older brother.”
Chi Wu grunted, and only then addressed Cheng Ying, “When you see me, all you think about is this?”
Chi Wu's voice was peculiar, a quacking sound, clearly bearing the second characteristics of a male.
Cheng Ying thought to herself that the child had grown up without her noticing; she still hadn't adjusted. Good heavens, time was truly a butcher's knife.
Cheng Ying said, “It’s because I care too much that I get flustered.”
They managed to get past it. After all, with a pair of grandparents like that, how could this unlucky child possibly have a bad life?
Chi Wu said, “Grandma? I’m going to see Grandma.”
Cheng Ying nodded, relieved. See? This was a child she had guided; sensible and filial, knowing to check on his own grandmother first.
His maternal uncle called from behind, “Miao Miao, were you naughty?”
Cheng Ying huffed, “Hmph, he’s just a little weasel, all sugar and smiles. I’m always overshadowed by him! Uncle, why are you only arriving now?”
Miao Miao remained silent behind them, which was clearly an act of snitching—something women did.
The uncle replied, “I got your mother’s telegram and waited two days for Chi Wu to come with me. We won’t delay setting up your shed.”
Cheng Ying beamed, “And we even got an extra laborer. Now I really don’t have to worry and can skip hiring outsiders.”
Yang Yi interjected, “You, don’t just stare at your little mountain plot. You truly need to focus your mind on studying; that is the sunny road.”
Cheng Ying said with a smile, “Understood, understood. I’ll certainly remember the words of a leader.”
The uncle felt truly helpless dealing with such a stubborn little thing. The best preparation he could make was to simply raise his niece himself, if necessary.
He had to let her live as she pleased. He followed his niece into the courtyard.
On a rare, fine, sunny day, the old lady finally saw Chi Wu.
Although she glanced behind Chi Wu several times, feeling a pang of disappointment that he had come alone, the old lady was delighted for a long time. After all, this was the child who had lived with her.
Chi Wu carried several large and small bags down for the old lady—some brought by Yang Zhi, some by Chi Yong, and some that Chi Wu himself had bought for her. There were even things the Chi family elders had bought for Old Mrs. Cheng and Cheng Ying.
This made Cheng Ying a bit uncomfortable. What was their meaning?
Had the old man and old woman turned over a new leaf?
Chi Wu said, “Mom is doing very well. She had her check-up at the Provincial Hospital; all the tests came back fine. Mom told you not to worry. Dad’s work is also going well; please don’t worry.”
Cheng Ying asked, “Is Mom staying at home, with your grandparents?”
It was a question.
Chi Wu glanced at Cheng Ying. “She stayed home for a month, and then Mom went out for studies. But we consulted the doctor; Mom’s health is fine.”
Chi Wu sounded guilty saying this. Regardless, his mother was pregnant, and yet she went out to study. This made Chi Wu feel uneasy, as if he had failed to live up to Cheng Ying’s trust. Both Cheng Ying and the old lady breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this news.
Going out for a change was far better than staying home glaring at Mrs. Chi.
Cheng Ying believed her mother could finally relax. Once the baby was born, even if the Chi family old lady looked down on her, she wouldn’t have the energy to cause trouble. Besides, that person seemed otherworldly, unlikely to resort to any strange tactics.
In the old lady’s words, dealing with someone like Yang Zhi would suffocate you; getting angry with her would only be punishing yourself.
The old lady asked, “How are your grandpa and grandma?”
Chi Wu replied, “Grandpa and Grandma are very well. They asked me to send their regards to you.”
The old lady nodded. “Mm, you’ve grown up, gotten stronger. Good boy. Go around the village properly later; everyone will barely recognize you. City water truly nourishes people. Look at this young man, so fair and clean.”
Chi Wu’s mouth drooped. How could one praise a boy with the word ‘fair and clean’? He glanced sideways at Cheng Ying; she was the one who was fair and clean, a translucent sort of fairness. From Chi Wu’s perspective, he could see the fine, white fuzz on Cheng Ying’s face when the sunlight hit it just right. Village water truly nourished people—that was Chi Wu’s honest feeling.
Cheng Ying was completely oblivious to the attention of the young man. “What are you looking at? Staring like a fool? How about it, Sister has changed quite a bit, hasn’t she? Let me tell you, your sister is now the belle of this village! So many families are eyeing me. Just a few days ago, someone came to propose!”
Cheng Ying wasn’t exaggerating. At twelve years old, perhaps due to her intense training, her figure, posture, and even her bearing didn’t quite match her age. Her eyes radiated wisdom—though this was Cheng Ying’s own assessment. In the old lady’s words, this girl hadn’t just grown taller; she hadn't forgotten to sharpen her wits. Her eyes were sharp as thieves.
Cheng Ying took the old lady’s words as a compliment.
Chi Wu’s heart felt as though it had dropped into an ice hole; he couldn’t muster any happiness. He remained silent for a long time.
Fortunately, Cheng Ying’s showing off was interrupted by her uncle. “You study hard for me, and don’t learn any nonsense, understand?”
The old lady scoffed, “I’m watching her. She wouldn’t dare. She’s just showing off, shamelessly. Why is she so shameless? People might mistake her for a boy!”
Chi Wu let out a sigh of relief; thank goodness the old lady was perceptive. “Studying is most important. Yingzi, you absolutely cannot let me surpass you. I’m starting junior high when school opens!”
This was both to spur Cheng Ying on and to keep her from having any wild thoughts.
Cheng Ying looked at Chi Wu with disdain. This kid was sly enough to enter junior high too! “Hmph. When school starts, I’ll be attending the school your father once taught at.”
Chi Wu’s eyes widened, then his face lit up with delight. “Yingzi, why don’t you come to the provincial city to attend junior high with me? Dad already arranged it; he said you should go to junior high in the province.”
Cheng Ying was haughty. “With my grades, do I need anyone to arrange my schooling? They’d be inviting me to bolster their reputation! Thank you for your father’s kindness, though. We can see when I get to high school.”
Chi Wu was utterly displeased. “Why won’t you study in the province?”
Cheng Ying countered, “Why should I go to the province? Look, haven’t you changed just by going? You’re still Chi Wu, though.”
Chi Wu fell silent. After a long pause, he asked, “When we get to university, can we be together?”
Cheng Ying replied, “That depends on how well you score. My grades, Sister’s grades, won't settle for just any school, you know.”
The old lady couldn’t listen anymore. She kicked Cheng Ying lightly. “Go cook! Your mouth is never buttoned up; you’re a worry to me!”
Cheng Ying clutched her behind. She was twelve now! How could she still be treated like this? “I’m getting older, but you’re getting more irritable. Just yesterday you said I was a young lady, so why are you still kicking my bottom?”
The old lady closed her eyes and waved a hand. “Worrisome thing, get out and work. I don’t want to see you.”
Then she picked up Miao Miao and started chatting animatedly with her uncle and Chi Wu.
However, Chi Wu soon emerged to help, following Cheng Ying to fetch water, start the fire, and tell her about Yang Zhi’s situation in the city.
Cheng Ying asked, “Did you drive, or did Uncle drive?”
Chi Wu looked around to ensure no one was near, then pulled Cheng Ying into the west room. He unfastened a long stocking from his waist. Cheng Ying looked at the contents inside and felt a genuine surge of pride. Look at the child she had nurtured; he was successful and remembered to care for her—he was probably going to give her spending money.
Chi Wu said, “How about this? I saved all this money. I was thinking of collecting some medicinal herbs in the village. What do you think?”
Cheng Ying’s pride deflated slightly. This kid, how shrewd! How old was he? And he was already thinking about making money.
Collecting medicinal herbs? Was that something a teenager could do? “Have you discussed this with your dad?”
Chi Wu replied, “I talked to Uncle before I came. As long as I can collect them, there’s a place in the county to sell them. And I checked; it’s quite profitable. We can definitely make money.”
Cheng Ying felt a sense of urgency from this boy. She, who possessed a mature soul, was being outpaced by this kid, and it took her a moment to process it. She acted a little aloof. “Don’t count me in on this; I’m busy.”
Chi Wu said, “How can I not count you? Aren’t I earning some spending money for the two of us?”
The words warmed Cheng Ying’s heart. She felt it wasn’t for nothing that she had been good to this boy.
Of course, after saying that, Chi Wu glanced nervously at Cheng Ying, his face turning an unnatural shade of red.
Cheng Ying genuinely failed to grasp the youth’s shyness.
Cheng Ying asked, “You’re serious about this?”
Chi Wu responded, “I even hired a car. Five yuan a day, I pay for the gas myself. Am I just messing around?”
Cheng Ying picked up the stocking. “How much do you have here?”
Chi Wu’s face flushed again. “Over five hundred yuan.”
Cheng Ying looked at Chi Wu, thinking that this boy had become thin-skinned since moving to the city; he blushed so easily now. But this was serious money. For common folk, after necessary expenses, they might only save eighty or ninety yuan a year; saving anything substantial would be good luck if they managed it for New Year visits or weddings. This child, in just a few months, had saved over five hundred? Money was easier to earn in the provincial city.
Cheng Ying said, “I can help you publicize it. You have enough money for yourself. Can you really sell everything?”
She worried he might end up stuck with inventory.
Chi Wu was confident. “Definitely. I looked everywhere on the way back. If all else fails, I can sell them to these small traditional Chinese medicine shops; it’ll just cost a bit for travel expenses. When collecting herbs, we should prioritize those that don’t require processing. That way, the chance of getting stuck with goods is smaller.”
Watching Chi Wu speak so eloquently, Cheng Ying truly sensed the change in him.
Why did this boy suddenly seem so responsible?
Cheng Ying suggested, “Later, let’s ask the village chief to broadcast an announcement over the loudspeaker. That’s the best publicity. You have a lot of money; let’s run through a few more villages. We should be able to fill a truck in a few days.”
Chi Wu replied happily, “I knew you’d have the right idea for this!”
Cheng Ying shot back, “Stop flattering me. Did my mom get treated poorly at your place? I’ve been listening for a while, and I haven’t heard a single solid word about it.”
Chi Wu said, “Dad is there. Besides, Mom has a baby in her belly; who would dare say anything?”
The one who can speak well is not as good as the one who can listen well. If there are no challenges, why would there be a backer? It seemed they were still making things difficult for her.
Cheng Ying asked, “Is Mom in a good mood?”
Chi Wu replied, “You know Mom. Besides missing you and Grandma, she has nothing else on her mind. Mom asked me to bring you to the provincial city to stay for a couple of days. Why don't you come back with me, and I’ll bring you back later? Oh, and Mom is about to give birth and wants you to persuade Grandma to come along too, just so she feels more at ease.”
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