Cheng Ying scoffed, “Mom, you believe that? Who knows who I’ll meet in the future, maybe I’ll end up marrying Miao Miao, who’s seven years younger than me.”

Yang Zhi stopped worrying. Well, her daughter was just saying things offhand. “It’s all that brat Chi Wu creating a tense atmosphere. What’s most important for us right now is studying, right? My daughter, I trust you.”

Cheng Ying managed a noncommittal hum. I myself am uneasy; I think I’m developing some kind of mental hang-up over this.

When mother and daughter slept, the world felt beautiful, and their spirits were light.

As for the frantic Chi Wu, absolutely no one remembered him.

However, the next morning, when Cheng Ying woke up early, Chi Wu was already waiting outside the door. He hadn't even eaten breakfast before grabbing Cheng Ying and dragging her away.

Chi Wu had apparently said it was inconvenient to take the little fatty out, so he’d gotten up early specifically to avoid being saddled with the kid.

Cheng Ying looked at Chi Wu, “Are you sure your grandmother didn’t send you specifically to keep me away from Little Fatty?”

This looked exactly like an inside operative sent to sabotage things.

Chi Wu’s expression flickered between dark and bright. “Do you think I rely on that side?”

He felt wounded by Cheng Ying’s doubt about his allegiance. If his deep affection wasn’t obvious, how could she possibly question his loyalty? Between him and Cheng Ying, there was a bond that went beyond mere platonic feeling.

Cheng Ying conceded, “Fine, I believe you. But for now, we’re just going to wander around. Sister’s purse is light; we need to buy things that are practical and decent.”

Chi Wu slapped his pocket. “I’m here. If you can be filial to the old lady, can’t I be filial too? Besides, once we buy a house, it will be my home too.”

This was the first time Cheng Ying realized the boy intended to live with her; he planned to move over. But she could understand the child’s heart; perhaps seeing other families happy gave him a sense of rootlessness.

She gently patted the boy’s head in comfort. Ah, the poor old Mrs. Chi and her good intentions. This boy didn’t understand that even if he moved in, he would still be a Chi.

Chi Wu was quite absorbed in the moment. Regardless of the reason, any close contact with Yingzi was welcome. Chi Wu felt a deep satisfaction in this private joy.

Cheng Ying and Chi Wu deliberately found a three-wheeled pedicab, sitting together in the back as they slowly toured the provincial capital, focusing their attention near the Provincial Hospital.

Cheng Ying reflected that in her previous life, her sphere of influence had been too small. Why couldn’t she remember what major changes were coming to this province, which key institutions were located where, or whether the Provincial Hospital would relocate? If she had bought property early, how much money could she have saved?

For buying a house at this stage, Cheng Ying had inquired: a decent place in the village cost a few hundred yuan, while an excellent, quite high-end place in the city cost a few thousand. In the provincial capital, although the cost of living was higher, her sixteen thousand yuan meant she could choose freely. Of course, if she insisted on something like a Prince’s Mansion, she’d be fighting against reality. So, Cheng Ying could look at houses that were simply ‘decent.’

The provincial capital nowadays was not a place where tall buildings dominated; even the Provincial Hospital was only a slightly larger two-story building. Therefore, Cheng Ying found it more appealing to find a plot of land to build on herself rather than finding a suitable house. Unfortunately, as someone with a rural hukou, buying land in the city was easy, but getting approval for a building plot was genuinely difficult. Moreover, building a house was not something a young girl could manage alone—it required effort, strain, and mental exhaustion.

If it were up to Chi Wu, the best option would be a two-bedroom apartment—easy to live in. Cheng Ying felt that old Mrs. Chi would suffocate living in a place that small. When choosing a place, they prioritized actual residences over just land.

Ultimately, Cheng Ying favored a spot on the outskirts of the provincial capital. It wasn't outside the city limits, it faced the street, but there was a large open area behind the house—full of potential. Of course, securing both the house and the land together was a stretch for the money she had. Money was always scarce when needed most. Cheng Ying was conflicted. The reborn people could establish companies in two months; here she was, working herself ragged, possessing a spatial advantage, yet it took four or five years of struggle just to afford a piece of land, with no savings left to ensure the old lady wasn't living miserably. What kind of fortune was this? She felt deeply resentful.

Chi Wu frowned. “Are you still unsatisfied? Why the long face? No one is forcing you to buy.”

Cheng Ying sighed. “I just saw the place isn’t big enough. It would be great if we could secure another two mu of land.”

Chi Wu laughed. “You’re dreaming! This is the provincial capital. Back in the village, you could haggle over a few scraps of land, but you can’t just carve out a whole field here.” Chi Wu looked up at the sky-gazing Cheng Ying. “You’ve got it! They’ve given you the self-reserved land, what more do you want? If you’re not satisfied with this, you won’t find anything bigger. Look how close it is to the hospital—twenty minutes by car. The small clinics are right nearby. For school? Just two bus stops away. How convenient is that? If you don’t want to take the bus, I’ll ride you there on my bike; we’ll be there in a flash. How about it? The house looks big enough, too.” Chi Wu was thinking of a courtyard house with two entrances—enough room for future children. His face flushed.

Cheng Ying teased him, “Anyone who didn’t know better would think you were the one buying the house.”

Chi Wu was anxious. Cheng Ying was just too picky about the house; they had been wandering around for two or three days. Chi Wu was afraid that if Cheng Ying got annoyed, she wouldn't come to the provincial capital for school after all, which is why he was pushing the sale.

Cheng Ying replied seriously, “Wu Zi, you don’t understand. I need to look around more. You can’t be so casual about setting up a life. Grandma will complain if you rush this. Do you understand? You’re encouraging me to waste money!”

Chi Wu countered, “You’re the one wasting money. If you only bought the house and not the land, you wouldn’t spend nearly this much.”

Cheng Ying insisted, “How can that be? People from the countryside need their own plot of land wherever they go; they can’t feel rooted without it. Grandma won't settle down if there’s no land. It’s better to have too much than too little.”

Chi Wu was annoyed. See? This is how a family’s fortune is squandered—money in Cheng Ying’s hands never stays put.

“This place is good, the house looks fine, but we must look again. What if there’s something better? Something cheaper?”

“Fine, as long as you look, I’ll accompany you.”

“That’s more like it. I’m not just talking about buying the house, Wu Zi. We still have to renovate. Moving people in isn't a simple matter.”

“Whatever you say. I don’t plan on doing anything else this summer anyway. Your trip is probably canceled now.”

Cheng Ying smiled. “As long as Grandma is comfortable living here, we can travel anytime.”

Chi Wu understood. Cheng Ying was just calculating that her funds weren't sufficient, wanting to plan every detail meticulously. To be fair, she really didn’t possess the dominant, effortless air of the truly reborn who treated money as nothing. Why did she have to be so calculating? Was her rebirth not a success? Had she not struggled enough? Thinking of the sweat she poured out on the mountain, Cheng Ying shuddered—it was truly exhausting. Forget it, having less money is better than getting stuck toiling away in the mountains.

Chi Wu was helpless when it came to Cheng Ying. He suspected that if he ever managed to ‘conquer’ her in the future, he’d end up being labeled a henpecked husband by his classmates. Deep down, he feared her—or rather, he felt a profound sense of restraint around her. He only dared use the word ‘conquer’ in his inner thoughts. He shouldn't dwell on it, or Chi Wu might think he had some psychological defect—why else would he be so fixated on this type of person?

Cheng Ying and Chi Wu returned home; they hadn't properly rested in days, having been running around everywhere.

Consequently, those waiting for Chi Wu were growing impatient. This was an era without mobile communication. Waiting for someone meant either a prearranged meeting or searching the streets relentlessly. Chi Yong had some understanding of Chi Wu’s small ventures for pocket money, but having a business partner come knocking on their door was quite surprising. Everyone who knew Chi Wu was aware of the Chi family’s background; after all, their own patriarch ranked highly within the compound circles. Anyone daring to visit concerning business was treated with utmost hospitality by Chi Yong. Has the boy’s business grown this big?

But he couldn't extract any real information. The visitor only claimed it was a courtesy call, nothing more, except that he was waiting for someone.

When Chi Wu returned and saw the person sitting in the living room, he frowned slightly. “You came.”

The visitor saw Chi Wu’s expression and realized he had been too impatient, but he hadn’t said anything beyond mentioning he was waiting—he certainly didn't dare gossip in the young master’s house. Dealing with officials made businessmen exceedingly cautious, and this man was involved in education, no less.

Cheng Ying gave the stout, broad-shouldered friend an extra look. This kid is already connecting with the wealthy? Unlimited potential. Then she headed into the kitchen.

By the time Cheng Ying returned, Chi Wu and the visitor were long gone.

Old Mrs. Chi spoke with reserved dignity, “Why is Wu Zi’s friend so mismatched in age? He doesn't look like a classmate.” She clearly disapproved of the visitor.

Cheng Ying replied breezily, “Grandmother Chi, we aren't finding a partner for Wu Zi; matching ages isn't necessary.”

Old Mrs. Chi looked at Cheng Ying—vulgar.

Old Master Chi interjected, “The children are growing up. It’s good for them to have a wide circle of friends, as long as they don't stray onto the wrong path.”

Chi Yong declared, “The boy even took the guest out. I’ll interrogate him properly when he’s back. What big deal could it be?”

Old Master Chi had his own philosophy on raising descendants. “He’s a boy; you have to let him roam. As long as you guide him away from major errors and keep the big direction correct, that’s enough. You don’t need to keep him tied to your side like a girl, do you?”

Cheng Ying shook her head. They were enlightened, though perhaps with a touch of gender bias. It was said that children raised in these elite compounds developed faster than others. But who could say their education wasn't unique? They had broad perspectives from childhood, coupled with guidance from these shrewd individuals. How could they possibly go wrong? It would be strange if they didn’t rise to prominence.

Old Mrs. Chi looked displeased but didn't openly contradict her husband. Wu Zi was still young; he had his grandfather and father supporting him. They could guide him slowly later on.

When Chi Wu returned, he didn't say a word. Chi Yong tried to question him, but there was no opening; the boy was too slippery.