Chi Wu took the plastic bag from Cheng Ying's hand. "You're making a fuss over nothing.

Those things will die halfway there; it'd be a miracle if they survived." Cheng Ying shot back, "Shut your big, pessimistic mouth. If I say they’ll live, they’ll live." Sis, this bag has spatial water in it.

Besides, I’ll be holding it myself, so I can discreetly change the water on the road. Chi Wu pursed his lips.

Though reluctant, he diligently helped Cheng Ying carry things, not daring to complain further. It was Cheng Ying’s first time leaving the county seat, and her eyes were constantly darting around.

So this was what the world outside the town looked like in this era. Chi Wu was vigilant the whole way; this bus was known for thieves.

However, Cheng Ying and the others weren't targeted because the two children looked like they weren't carrying much money. You have to say, even thieves need to develop a good eye; you truly can't judge people by their clothes.

Cheng Ying and Chi Wu had deliberately changed into these patched-up clothes under the old lady’s strict instructions. The old lady had said that true wealth is what you know in your heart; when traveling, nothing is more important than safety.

Cheng Ying couldn't tell how long they rode, feeling as if her bones were about to fall apart by the time they arrived. When Chi Wu woke her, the first thing Cheng Ying saw was a massive station.

Cheng Ying asked, "Did we miss our stop?" Chi Wu replied, "No, if we didn't go past the station, where would we find another ride? You were sleeping so soundly, I just kept going a bit further.

We can just have the transport vehicle go a bit further back later." Cheng Ying was speechless; they had gone too far after all. Chi Wu rationalized, "We paid so much money; wouldn't it be a waste not to use the ride fully?" Cheng Ying chuckled, finding it aligned with her frugal mindset.

"Right, we must be thrifty like this." A middle-aged man in his forties nearby called out, "You two unlucky kids, what kind of nonsense thoughts are those? Hurry up and get on the vehicle.

I'll help you unload, or it'll be pitch black by the time you get home." Although the man's tone wasn't very polite, he was offering help. Cheng Ying smiled at him with genuine brightness.

"Thank you, Uncle." All uncles are good people. Cheng Ying’s bright smile made him uncomfortable.

Chi Wu’s face darkened—how could this girl have zero sense of caution? He quickly stepped forward to stand between them.

"Thank you, sir, I’ll get on the vehicle now." Then he handed the fish he was holding to Cheng Ying. They were indeed still alive and well.

Chi Wu snapped at Cheng Ying, "Stay over there." Cheng Ying felt out of sorts; it seemed they had entered the domain of the 'unlucky kid,' and his attitude immediately shifted. What a brat.

But they finally found a cool spot, and among the drivers vying for the unloading job, Cheng Ying picked one who seemed relatively honest and reliable, relying entirely on her gut feeling about the man. She turned to ask Chi Wu, "Is five yuan okay to take us home?" Chi Wu, already on the vehicle, said, "Fine.

Have him come over and help load." It was settled. When Cheng Ying and Chi Wu got onto the motorized tricycle, Chi Wu was covered in sweat.

There were too many things—from the vehicle down, then reloading—it was moving everything twice. Cheng Ying miraculously produced a cool, damp towel for Chi Wu.

"Wipe off." Chi Wu grumbled, "Where did you run off to? What if you got lost?" Cheng Ying didn't feel like dealing with the brat right then.

Despite his sharp words, Chi Wu took the towel and wiped his face and body. The driver in front called back, "A sharp girl like you won't get lost easily.

If you hadn't brought so many things, I would have thought you were city folks." Cheng Ying asked, "Brother, are you from the city?" Chi Wu looked displeased watching the two chat. What kind of judgment was this girl using?

Among so many honest, reliable-looking men, why pick such a young, unreliable one? A man who strikes up conversations with every girl—can he really be a good person?

Chi Wu's brows furrowed deeply. Cheng Ying happily chatted with the driver the entire way, learning almost everything new happening in the provincial capital, even finding out about property prices—she could only exclaim how cheap they were.

Chi Wu snapped, "Shut your mouth. It’s windy; don't let the wind blow away your spirit." Cheng Ying couldn't figure out where this sudden bad temper came from.

How long did a child's rebellious phase last? It seemed endless.

She ignored Chi Wu and continued chatting. When Cheng Ying finally arrived at Chi Wu’s home, she understood Chi Yong’s actual standing.

Although there were no guards posted, it was a compound—the kind where high-ranking officials lived. She wondered what kind of position Old Man Chi held.

Chi Wu and Cheng Ying arrived close to eight o’clock. Thankfully, it was summer, so it wasn't completely dark yet.

People passing by greeted Chi Wu warmly. The boy was quite polite, calling out 'Uncle,' 'Auntie,' and 'Aunt' with great affection.

Cheng Ying felt relieved; maybe the boy wasn't as rebellious as she thought. After calling from the gatehouse, Chi Yong came downstairs.

"Yingzi!" Cheng Ying held the fish and flowers and replied, "Uncle." Chi Yong said, "You child, I asked you to stay for the whole summer vacation, yet you only arrive as school is about to start. Your mother has missed you terribly." Cheng Ying replied, "I miss my mom too.

It’s all Chi Wu; he insisted on staying home, and now he’s reluctant to come back." Chi Wu looked up at Cheng Ying, paid the tricycle driver, and said flatly, "Not everyone who wears a white shirt is a good person. Next time, use your eyes to judge people better." Cheng Ying was left speechless by Chi Wu’s barb.

What was that referencing? The driver earlier was wearing a white shirt, but she chose him because he looked young and strong enough to help unload.

"Did he offend you?" Chi Wu hoisted one bag in each hand. "Mind your own business." Chi Yong lifted one bag in each hand as well and motioned for Cheng Ying to walk inside with them, greeting the gatekeeper.

They would come back down for the rest of the things later. Cheng Ying glanced at the remaining parcels.

She could carry two, but she already had her hands full, and being a young girl, she decided against it. She didn't want to appear overly strong.

The gatekeeper asked, "Yongzi, relatives' children?" Chi Yong replied, "My daughter." Cheng Ying managed a small smile; at least Chi Yong didn't seem ashamed of her. Along the way, they met several people, and Chi Yong introduced her the same way every time, adding that his family had brought back mountain goods and everyone should come over for a taste later.

Cheng Ying was shy with strangers but followed Chi Wu's lead in greeting people. By the time they reached the house, the fact that the Chi family had a daughter of this age needed no further announcement; everyone who mattered already knew.

Upon arrival, there was no need to knock. Yang Zhi, heavily pregnant, rushed out.

"Yingzi, did you come alone? Didn't Grandma come?" Cheng Ying replied, "Mom, Grandma is watching the house." Seeing her daughter, Yang Zhi’s eyes immediately reddened.

To say she hadn't missed her would be a lie. Up to this point, she didn't know how things had gone so wrong, feeling almost as if she had abandoned her daughter.

Heaven knew, Yang Zhi never intended things to turn out this way. How did it come to this?

"Yingzi..." Beyond that one word, she couldn't articulate anything; she was someone who struggled to express emotions. Chi Yong intervened, "You two, stop standing at the door.

Talk inside. Yingzi has been traveling all day; she must be tired.

Let her rest quickly." Yang Zhi agreed, "Yes, yes. Yingzi, come in quickly and sit down." Looking at her mother like this, Cheng Ying thought, what else could she say?

This was a woman blessed with fortune. Having such an understanding daughter was the greatest blessing.

"Mom, how is the baby? Are you feeling uncomfortable at all?" Yang Zhi replied, "No, everything is fine.

I just miss you, and I miss your grandmother. Being without them nearby makes me a bit nervous." Childbirth, that life-or-death matter, was something anyone would want a close confidant present for.

Cheng Ying understood immediately from her words: Old Mrs. Chi and her own mother weren't close, otherwise, she wouldn't feel nervous.

The mother and daughter entered the living room, where the two elders sat very formally. Cheng Ying thought to herself that they were waiting for her grand salutation.

With three masters and four spirits present, how many bows should she perform? Of course, this was merely Cheng Ying’s inner jest.

Upon meeting them properly, she respectfully called out, "Grandpa Chi, Grandma Chi." That greeting made the somewhat stiff Old Mrs. Chi slightly uncomfortable; it sounded like she was treating them as mere relatives paying a social call.

Old Man Chi said, "Yingzi, why are you only coming now? Grandpa has been waiting a long time." Old Mrs.

Chi’s voice was rather dry. "Cheng Ying is here." Cheng Ying smiled brightly.

"Things were busy at home; I couldn't leave." Her answer was simple and concise, carrying a clear implication: your son is my person, and since your son is dutifully here, I must hold down the fort at home. With me here, what’s with the formality?

We aren't relying on you people. Chi Yong said warmly, "Ah, it’s all because we weren’t home.

Yingzi, you aren’t tired, are you?" Cheng Ying smiled back at the old man, whose face looked as gentle and kind as ever. "Not at all.

Just the usual chores at home; nothing tiring." She then picked up the items she was holding. "Grandpa Chi, please don’t despise these mountain things." Then, looking at Old Mrs.

Chi, "This is mountain grass, Grandma Chi, please don’t think too little of it." Seeing her son carrying large bags inside, the old lady had been pursing her lips—clearly, these were just mountain relatives, too unrefined. But when she saw the things Cheng Ying held, the old lady was conflicted about how to react.

These things were truly presentable—wild orchids! "Yingzi, you are so thoughtful.

This kind of thing is impossible to find even if one searches everywhere." It was rare for the old lady to speak such genuine words. Cheng Ying thought, so you’re easy to deal with after all.

"As long as Grandma Chi approves, that’s all that matters." By this time, the two fish Cheng Ying brought had already been placed in the fish tank by Old Man Chi. Never mind that the glass tank in the provincial capital wasn't aesthetically pleasing, the light was good, allowing the fish’s silhouette to be clearly seen.

Old Man Chi exclaimed, "Yingzi, where did you find these? Excellent things!" Cheng Ying replied casually, "They are raised in our big pond at home, nothing rare.

My grandma just throws a couple out sometimes. I thought you people in the city might find them interesting, so I brought two for Grandpa Chi.

They were just a bit difficult to transport." That statement was quite bold: the treasure you hold dear, we treat like weeds. Old Man Chi looked at the two Arowana fish, feeling a genuine pang, though he consoled himself that she had thrown away two, not eaten two.

What high expectations could one possibly have for a rural old lady? Watching her daughter converse with her in-laws, Yang Zhi brought fruit for Cheng Ying, her heart aching.

Her own daughter, treated like a guest in her own home—how disloyal was that? "Yingzi, eat some fruit." Cheng Ying caught the glance Old Mrs.

Chi shot her—was the old lady thinking she had never seen such things before? Cheng Ying felt perhaps her own prejudice against people was unwarranted.

"Mmm, Mom, you sit down. I'm not an outsider; don't tire yourself out."