If there was any imperfection in Chi Wu's life, it was constantly running into these little dumplings, one after another, appearing without him being able to swat them away.

The little fatty grinned smugly, "My sister would never bully me."

Chi Wu snorted. He knew full well who always got bullied and then refused to play with the other person, only to be coaxed back later. What a hopeless kid. "What are we eating today?"

Chi Wu felt that if he were responsible for educating this child, the first thing he would teach him would be the importance of unwavering resolve.

Before Cheng Ying could even open her mouth in the kitchen, the little fatty was already declaring ownership, "That’s something Sis specially made for me!"

Chi Wu grabbed the little fatty by the back of his shirt, tossed him aside, and went into the kitchen himself.

Although Chi Wu no longer needed to tend the fire, he still went in to help.

He found the little fatty, who was in the way, incredibly irritating. "What kind of meal are you planning to make?"

Cheng Ying replied, "Since you’ve made the trip, we have to let my mom taste the flavors of home. Your old lady probably wouldn't care for it anyway."

Chi Wu pursed his lips. He knew she wouldn't feel right unless she managed to provoke the old lady a little. "I'll help you prep. I already gave away that ginseng of yours. We’ll see if it sells tomorrow, okay?"

Cheng Ying said, "Thanks. But no rush. If that thing stays buried for another year, it just appreciates in value."

"Mmm, I get it." The youth handled the kitchen tools with surprising ease. "How's that? Pretty good, right?"

Cheng Ying praised him sincerely, "A man who can handle the kitchen and the parlor—a model husband, truly. I wonder who gets to be so lucky one day."

Chi Wu smiled faintly. Why hadn't the girl who never took a loss thought of simply accepting him herself? "Ah, it’s not easy to train someone to this level. Whoever gets me will be taking a loss."

Cheng Ying laughed. Chi Wu used to be so reserved; now he could even tease her back. "Exactly! A total loss. If your future wife isn't filial to me, I'll report her to the government compound! He’s just sitting back and enjoying the benefits."

Chi Wu dropped his eyelids. "And who are you to me? I’ll only be filial to my wife. Anyone else is improper. I’m only good to my wife."

Cheng Ying got angry. "You ungrateful brat! You haven't even married yet, and you’re already forgetting your own family! Just watch me deal with you—I’ll wipe you out!"

Chi Wu dodged Cheng Ying’s scissor fingers, thinking to himself, If you just accepted me, wouldn't I only be good to you? You’re so dense.

Old Mrs. Chi, listening to the cheerful laughter coming from the kitchen, felt like this wasn't her home anymore; it had been successfully stormed and occupied.

When Yang Zhi came home from work that evening, she was overjoyed to see her daughter, whom she hadn't seen in several months.

Even Chi Yong greeted Cheng Ying with warmth.

But no matter what, Cheng Ying could sense the politeness underneath—it wasn't exactly alienation, but it was more disheartening.

It was an atmosphere she couldn't integrate into, something beyond human ability to change.

Her birth mother had become someone else's person; the feeling was intense.

Even though Cheng Ying still adored the little fatty born to her own mother, this sense of two separate families was indelible.

Cheng Ying hid her feelings, remembering she still had the Old Madam—that was her true family, loyal and unchanging.

Looking at the food her own mother kept piling onto her bowl, Cheng Ying was already stuffed. She managed a wry smile. There really was no need for all this.

Yang Zhi was determined to show her affection. "Yingzi, try some, quick, try some!"

Cheng Ying thought to herself, I’m the one who made it; I know exactly how it tastes.

Others might not notice Cheng Ying’s expression, but Chi Wu understood. No one understood Cheng Ying better than he did.

Every subtle mood shift in Cheng Ying caused ripples in Chi Wu’s heart, leading him to ponder.

Sitting beside Cheng Ying, he quietly started eating the food from her bowl.

Chi Yong couldn't grasp the disconnect: the more he tried to be nice to his daughter, the further she pulled away.

He didn't know how things had gotten to this point. He felt helpless deep down.

Was this the difficulty of succeeding generations? This dynamic hadn't been apparent when they lived together, but now that they were separated by distance, the flaws were showing. "Yingzi, this is your home, don't be so polite."

Cheng Ying said sincerely, "Uncle, I’m not being polite."

Yang Zhi’s hand, reaching to serve her daughter, froze. "Yingzi, what do you like to eat? Just serve yourself."

She’s my own daughter; this is her home. How had she managed to create such an awkward atmosphere?

The little fatty pointed at Chi Wu, who was diligently trying to finish the entire bowl of food in front of Yingzi. "Brother ate it all!" he accused.

Chi Wu ignored the little brat and kept eating what was in front of him, noting that Cheng Ying had such a small appetite; that whole bowl would have been left over.

Old Mrs. Chi couldn't stand seeing her grandson so intimately engaged with a young girl. "Wuzi, there’s plenty of food; why are you stealing from Yingzi?" she said, serving Chi Wu herself.

Chi Wu picked up his own bowl. "No need. I can feed myself. I’m eating hers because she dislikes this dish."

Yang Zhi’s expression dimmed. Her daughter had stopped liking these things.

Cheng Ying said, "Eat your own," then looked at Yang Zhi. "Mom, I’m grown now; I have to be mindful of my figure. If I eat too much, it’ll be hard to marry off. If you end up with an unmarried daughter in the future, you’ll be the one losing face."

Yang Zhi laughed. Wasn't that true? Her daughter had grown up without her realizing it, becoming a young woman who cared about beauty and maintaining her shape. "You look perfect as you are, not fat at all. You can’t skimp on food when you’re growing. Understand?"

Cheng Ying sighed internally. After surviving such a difficult era, she wouldn't skimp on food, no matter what. It was just that her palate had become somewhat discerning.

She looked at her own mother and laughed first. "Okay, don't worry. With my appetite, I usually can’t resist."

Chi Wu finished Cheng Ying’s bowl of food in large mouthfuls, wiped his mouth, and said, "You all eat slowly. I’m done."

With that, he picked up the little fatty beside him and headed for the living room.

Cheng Ying thought, Finally, someone has put down their chopsticks. She rose and followed Chi Wu to the living room.

Yang Zhi was left looking rather dejected across from Chi Yong.

For Yang Zhi, facing life, dealing with her mother-in-law, and managing a blended family hadn't been overwhelmingly difficult.

But facing her own daughter left her feeling utterly powerless.

This daughter was too independent, too sensible. She only needed Yang Zhi's care; there was never anything for Yang Zhi to worry about regarding her progress.

For a parent, there wasn't even a sense of accomplishment, let alone grounding security—she simply wasn't needed. Furthermore, Yang Zhi carried a sliver of guilt.

In front of the two elders, Chi Yong couldn't comfort his wife. Your daughter is different from others. You genuinely don't need to worry about her so much.

Compared to his own son, Chi Wu, Chi Yong felt Cheng Ying’s development was perfectly normal. After all, his own son's stubborn temperament was something Chi Yong couldn't get a handle on.

He couldn't figure out how the boy had developed such a unique personality. Teachers reported that his academics were fine, but interpersonal skills were a major issue—he rarely spoke to classmates and lacked gentlemanly conduct around girls. What a serious accusation!

Chi Yong had told the teacher at the time, "My son is not encouraged toward early romance; that kind of courtesy isn't necessary." But despite his tough talk, he would worry behind closed doors. Fifteen or sixteen years old, and the boy didn't know how to charm a girl; having a girl complain to the teacher meant there was something wrong with his son's character.

Trying to have a heart-to-heart with the boy was impossible; ask three questions and get one grunt. If you pressed further, he’d pack his bags and leave, spending the entire break staying with Old Mrs. Chi. How was Chi Yong supposed to chase after his son to solve his psychological issues?

So, Yang Zhi should be happy to have such a sensible daughter. In reality, Chi Wu felt wronged. Why should he try to charm young girls? They weren't the wife he had in mind. Besides, that particular girl was fond of tattling, and her behavior had already made Chi Wu wary of a whole segment of girls. Luckily, he had a sunny spot in his heart, or he might have developed a severe aversion to women.

Chi Wu and Cheng Ying sat in the living room watching TV. Chi Wu said, "Just wait a little longer. Once I can get my ID card, I’ll find a place for you and Grandma to live separately. You’ll be more at ease."

Cheng Ying thought, He really does understand me, having watched me grow up. He knows I feel uneasy. She reached out and stroked the heads of the little fatty and Chi Wu, one after the other.

Chi Wu was displeased. Patting his head was fine, but he shouldn't be lumped in with the little fatty; how could that show his special status? So, he shielded the little fatty beneath his arm with one hand.

The little fatty giggled out loud. Brother is the best; he knows how to protect me.

It just went to show how wonderful misunderstandings could be.

Cheng Ying looked at Chi Wu with satisfaction. See? Respectful to elders, caring for his younger sibling—quite the upstanding youth. This was a child she had raised by hand; quality assurance was guaranteed. "No need for you to do that. I have Grandma’s household register and ID card. Tomorrow you come out with me. Grandma is old; I was thinking of finding a quiet place near the Provincial Hospital to live, so it’s convenient for Grandma to see a doctor if I catch a cold while I’m at school."

Chi Wu shot up, unable to hide his excitement. "Are you serious?"

Cheng Ying said, "Calm down, calm down. Being dramatic about something that’s bound to happen sooner or later? Don't make a fuss."

Chi Wu pressed his lips together, suppressing his inner elation. How could he possibly be calm? How long had he waited to go to school with Cheng Ying? Just thinking about it filled him with excitement. He stole a glance at Cheng Ying, tucking his private thoughts away. He needed to gauge Cheng Ying's mood before revealing his own feelings.

Chi Wu didn't consider it a secret crush. He felt that the primary strategy hadn't been fully determined yet. Some things could be understood slowly, leading to a natural outcome.

In Chi Wu’s view, there was still a lot of potential between him and Cheng Ying. At least, Cheng Ying had told him more than once that no one was more in tune with her than he was. Cheng Ying had repeated this phrase in front of him multiple times. Under Cheng Ying's guidance, Chi Wu was certainly ahead of his generation. Besides, women always guide their children in the direction they prefer. It was inevitable that Cheng Ying took pride in the child she had taught. Occasionally, she might even become a little self-satisfied.

Confidence was certainly not something Chi Wu lacked—it was all thanks to Cheng Ying.