Cheng Ying looked up at Chi Wu as he entered, taking off his cap, and felt as if he were radiating an intense, almost blinding light, more dazzling than any suit of yellow armor. This boy was incredibly thoughtful.

"Why are you looking at me like that? I'm frozen stiff. Driving and riding a bike are worlds apart. It’s so cold."

The old lady rushed him inside. "You rode your bike here? How far is it? And you haven't even put on gloves?"

The old lady poured him a cup of water, her heart aching for him. This boy—it was several bus stops away just to drive here.

Cheng Ying pulled Chi Wu over, taking his hands into hers. "Ow, they’re freezing cold. Are you an idiot? Why didn't you wear gloves? What if the bike breaks down and you have to ride back?"

"Nonsense," the old lady interjected. "Who takes things back on the first day of the New Year? Wu Zi did the right thing. You don't understand—don't lead Wu Zi astray."

Actually, ever since Cheng Ying started warming his hands, Chi Wu hadn't clearly heard what the two women were saying. His head was buzzing. Forget his hands; even his chilled cheeks felt hot. Yingzi cares for me. Teachers and everything else are just floating clouds.

Being this physically close to Cheng Ying in front of the old lady made Chi Wu blush. He lowered his head, though he still managed a quick glance at her. "Yes, I did ride back. I was in a hurry and forgot my gloves."

Cheng Ying felt that Chi Wu braved the snow and wind on New Year’s Day just to spend the holiday with her and the old lady. That kind of devotion truly deserved praise, especially since he was freezing like this. "After the New Year, you start asking around. See where we can buy a car. We’ll get the best one. If we have our own car, we won’t have to suffer the cold anymore."

A grand investment, she said with such spirit.

Chi Wu’s emotions surged, almost to the point of a tsunami. How did Yingzi view money? If she didn't care deeply for him, she wouldn't spend so much trying to get him a car. To be honest, I feel like a figure like Su Daji or Bao Si right now, bringing about the downfall of a nation. He quickly checked the thought.

Cheng Ying spending a fortune for him proved how much he meant to her. "We’ll buy a car, but is there enough money?" But both of them were practical; no matter how intense their feelings, the practicalities came first.

"Enough," Cheng Ying said. "Something to uphold appearances shouldn't be lacking. We were too young before and didn't have the license. Since you know how to drive, let’s buy one. They aren't too strict now anyway. If you're still worried, we can hire a driver." This item—I’ve wanted this for a long time. One step closer to my idol. I’m already thinking about drivers. She quickly glanced at her grandmother. Better not think about the idol right now.

"No need, no need. I can get the license myself. Besides, why would I let someone else drive the new car I’m getting?"

Cheng Ying looked at him, speechless. Their mindset about consumption was completely different. "Have you ever seen a leader driving himself?"

"I don’t care about that. If you buy me a car, I’m the one driving it. I’d be happy to be the driver." It’s the car Yingzi is buying for him, after all.

The old lady’s heart turned cold—colder than Chi Wu’s hands. What a troublemaker; a spendthrift! This boy was following the path of the landlords and rich tyrants, heading for ruin. Buying houses, buying land, and now buying a car. If there’s any change in policy, they’ll be the first to suffer. She looked at the two young people. "Can't you two settle down? I’ll make some padded gloves for Wu Zi."

Chi Wu looked at the old lady, then at Cheng Ying's genuine concern. He truly wanted the car; it felt like a betrothal gift. Which young woman would be willing to spend so lavishly? How much Cheng Ying was willing to spend on him proved the depth of her feelings. Chi Wu had calculated this ever since he knew Cheng Ying cared about money. The old Cheng Ying used to spoil Miao Miao, and then she spoiled the old lady in the city. Now it was his turn, and she was spending big money. Chi Wu couldn't bear to refuse.

However, he absolutely had to win over the old lady. He knew that their future together depended mostly on her. "Grandma."

The way he called her 'Grandma'—it conveyed everything without a single word. He wanted the car.

Cheng Ying looked at him and knew that whether a man or a boy, no one could resist the allure of four wheels. When Chi Wu first started earning money, he was willing to get me a tractor. This is me returning the favor. Besides, this boy was worth it. The car would have to be bought eventually; this was just two years sooner. "Grandma, for our furniture store, handling inventory, shipping, and business negotiations are all things that take time. Chi Wu is still in school. If he has to ride his bike back and forth, think how much time that wastes. Moreover, it doesn't project the right image. We’ll have to buy this car sooner or later. We aren't short on money."

The old lady covered her face. Ever since they moved to the provincial capital, the words she heard most often from her granddaughter were, We aren't short on money. Now, the old lady dreaded hearing that phrase because it always meant more spending. Such extravagance. Who did she take after?

Chi Wu chimed in from the side, "Grandma, once we have a nice car, getting back home will be so fast and convenient." He wants it too.

The old lady frowned, her expression never easing. "Do as you wish. But you two need to be careful. You don't remember the days when we rooted out the landlords."

"Don't worry about that, Grandma," Cheng Ying assured her. "We are being steady and practical. Everything we do is legitimate business. Do you see the business license hanging on our wall? We are law-abiding citizens, contributing taxes to the state."

The old lady was still worried. "Stop trying to trick me. And listen, when you buy the car, pick carefully so no one fools you. Oh, and those things burn gasoline; they cost money too."

Cheng Ying thought the old lady’s sense of consumption was too backward. "I told you long ago that you would be riding in a big car someday. I guess you never truly believed me back then, you thought I was just fooling around." Her tone held a slight edge of complaint. The old lady didn't trust her own words.

The old lady’s cheek twitched, unable to refute it for a long moment. Seeing her granddaughter’s slightly wronged look, she ended up comforting her first. "I just thought that was something for the distant future. This car is coming too suddenly."

Chi Wu smiled faintly. This is all for me.

The old lady brightened slightly. "Oh, my granddaughter is so capable! Grandma gets to benefit too! Grandma will get to ride in a big car!" This was clearly an attempt to placate, as her face showed no real joy.

"We come from eight generations of poor peasants, aren't you afraid of being targeted later?" Cheng Ying challenged.

"Common folk have long since stood up and become masters. No one shows off that history anymore. Being poor and hungry only makes people laugh at you; it shows the family lacks ability."

"Ah, so you do trust me then, and you think I wasn't fooling you."

The old lady took a deep breath. "Okay, I'm going outside to bank the stove. It’s too warm in here." She left. Sitting in the outer room, the old lady's heart felt scorched and restless. Listening to them talk only made her more agitated. Better to hide away.

As the old lady closed the door, Cheng Ying heard her mutter, "If only it didn't burn oil..."

Chi Wu chuckled. "Grandma is worried about money; she’s practical."

Cheng Ying nodded, beaming with pride. "I take after Grandma. Oh, I wonder who will be lucky enough in the future to marry a wife like me, who knows how to manage finances." Her face shone with pride.

Chi Wu pursed his lips. She was definitely money-conscious, but he didn't agree with her statement. "Everyone in the village knows Cheng Da Sha Zi is a spendthrift!" His eyes darted over to Cheng Ying, claiming her possession silently.

Cheng Ying shot him a cold glare. "It serves you right for freezing. Are you trying to deliberately annoy me?"

The old lady came back in from the outer room. "It's New Year's Day! If anyone says that word again, I'll smack them!"

Cheng Ying shot Chi Wu a look, then released his now-warm hands. "He is a young man after all; his internal fire is strong. It hasn't been that long, and his hands and feet are already warm."

The old lady finally noticed that Cheng Ying had been warming Chi Wu’s hands the whole time. Although they weren't full siblings, Cheng Ying treated Chi Wu like a real brother. The old lady frowned slightly but didn't dwell on it.

Chi Wu felt a slight pang of disappointment when Cheng Ying let go. Why didn't she warm them for a bit longer? He looked up and saw the old lady’s expression, so he quickly composed himself. "Well, I'm a man, my internal fire is strong; you can't envy that!"

"Oh, that’s wonderful," Cheng Ying retorted. "From now on, you can just ride your bike in the cold wind. Forget about buying a car."

Chi Wu instantly wilted. "How can you compare? Actually, I’m delicate too; I can’t stand the cold wind. Besides, I couldn't bear for you and Grandma to have trouble getting around in the cold wind."

The old lady watched the two children bickering. "Enough, is a mere thing worth all this? I thought you were usually a silent type, but now you’re so glib-tongued."

Chi Wu felt this impression was severely detrimental to him. He turned and looked seriously at the old lady. "I just thought since it's the New Year, the atmosphere should be better. I actually practiced talking for a long time in private, just in case I spoke too little and you felt bored, Grandma."

The old lady believed that Chi Wu was indeed a man of few words, so she assumed he was telling the truth. "Having you two company, even without talking much, makes me happy. Don’t force yourselves; Grandma understands."

"Actually, I could buy a car myself, although it would be a stretch. But I just don't have Yingzi's boldness; I wouldn't have thought of buying such a big item. Grandma, how did you raise Yingzi? You’re making a grown man like me feel ashamed." By saying this, the main point was to show the old lady that he wasn't a kept man; he could afford a car too. Additionally, he followed the old lady’s train of thought, flattering both Cheng Ying and her.

The old lady was overjoyed. "It's not as good as you say. She's just being extravagant; it has nothing to do with being grand. To think Wu Zi is so accomplished—so young, he bought a house, started a business, and now wants to buy a big car! Grandma is so blessed; your grandpa and grandma would be even happier."

"As long as Grandma is happy," Chi Wu replied. He subtly highlighted the old lady’s high standing in his heart and let her know he wasn't a kept man—he could buy a car too. Chi Wu felt that these words should leave the impression he intended on the old lady. Plus, he had elevated the granddaughter whom the old lady cherished. Nothing was wrong with this strategy. He quieted down and stayed put; he couldn't let the old lady think he was just being smooth-talking.

Cheng Ying looked at Chi Wu. "You’re getting quite capable." Her tone was meaningful. This boy is talented, especially at charming Grandma. He’s showing the makings of a cunning courtier.