With that, he led the little fatty away. He couldn't be the third wheel, couldn't be the annoying, overbearing mother-in-law—that was what Cheng Yingxiang firmly believed.

Of course, he absolutely couldn't stand in the way of someone's courtship, even if it was a doomed romance. At Chi Wu’s age, he should be more energetic, meeting more young ladies, that way he wouldn't constantly treat chicken feathers like a general's arrow, bossing me around all day long.

Chi Wu’s expression was extremely grim, especially now that it was just him and the young girl alone in the living room. His face was so dark it looked like a layer of oil could be scraped off.

What angered him most was Cheng Ying; she clearly didn’t take him seriously at all. The young girl spoke to Chi Wu in a soft, almost breathy voice, much gentler than before.

Chi Wu snorted twice through his nose as a response. In the young girl’s eyes, this was considered having character.

Nowadays, boys and girls had an invisible line drawn on their desks; they barely hung out together even during breaks, and rarely spoke to each other. Chi Wu’s attitude was just right.

The young girl didn't feel slighted by Chi Wu's coldness in the least. Proper men behaved this way.

Cheng Ying didn't come to Chi Yong's house just to invite trouble; she had a serious matter to discuss. "Uncle, are you still busy?" Chi Yong looked at Cheng Ying.

"I'm flattered you have the time to visit me." Cheng Ying chuckled brightly. "Oh, look at you.

If I don't come to see you, I’d have to go see my mother, wouldn't I? What's our relationship?

Hey, the only one of yours I share blood with is Xiao Ye. A day apart feels like three autumns!" Chi Yong laughed, dropping the book in his hands.

"What nonsense is that? Stop misusing words.

Xiao Ye has taught you badly. Alright, what is it?" Cheng Ying leaned in.

"Uncle, we aren't outsiders, are we? What I mentioned last time—you don't need to be polite with me.

If there’s anything rare you like, draw it out. Since it’s the off-season now, I’ll have my craftsmen forge it for you." Chi Yong squinted, a slight smile playing on his lips as he looked at his niece.

In front of this girl, Chi Yong sometimes felt he had failed, bested by a mere young woman. But now, he genuinely enjoyed it, having this girl come to him with a request.

"Oh, I wouldn't dare. You’d be delaying your fortune." Cheng Ying replied quickly, "What fortune?

It’s not as important as you, Uncle." The flattery landed perfectly, and her eyes shone brightly. Chi Yong finally relented.

"Alright then. I don't particularly favor any single thing, and I haven't thought of anything I need.

We can discuss it later." Cheng Ying desperately wanted to place a pen in Chi Yong's hand. "But Uncle, the craftsmen have time right now.

You should think of something quickly." Chi Yong settled back into the chair Cheng Ying had brought, leaning back comfortably, feeling every bit the distinguished elder statesman. "I’m not in a hurry." Cheng Ying had never seen Chi Yong act so childishly.

Her mouth hung open for a long time, speechless. He must have guessed her motive.

"Uncle, I have some fine wine prepared for you. Also, crabapple blossoms usually bloom in March or April, but I noticed the crabapples in our backyard might start blooming by the end of February.

When the time comes, invite your friends over for the flowers; I'll handle the hosting for you." Chi Yong looked at his niece, his mood exceptionally good. "I heard a few more furniture shops opened on your street." Cheng Ying sighed dramatically.

"It’s true. With just the two of us kids and an old lady, and no strong backing, we are barely managing." This was the soft approach, playing the victim.

Chi Yong chuckled. "Oh, your friends are so formidable, driving cars around.

You shouldn't speak like that." Cheng Ying countered smoothly. "No matter how formidable they are, they’re just drivers.

They can’t compare to you. You are a scholar; you are meant to be driven.

At best, they are your chauffeurs. Truly capable people ride in the back; driving is manual labor." Chi Yong pulled a stack of papers from his desk and burst out laughing.

"Here you go. Stop playing tricks.

Did you think I was easy to fool? I saw through it long ago." Taking the drafts Chi Yong handed her, Cheng Ying almost hugged the handsome old man for a kiss, but stopped herself—he was her stepfather; she couldn't tease him.

"Uncle, you are so endearing. I'll have Wu Zi bring you the good wine later." Cheng Ying looked at the materials in her hands—several sets of designs.

It was clear they weren't prepared in a day or two. He was thoughtful.

Her stepfather must have started worrying once she had competition. Having a father figure felt wonderful; and this was just a stepfather; what would it be like with a biological father?

Chi Yong waved a hand dismissively. "I can't take all the credit; my own father, your grandfather, had a hand in these too." Cheng Ying praised loudly.

"Thank you, Grandpa Chi. Not just anyone can draw things like this.

My skill is several levels below yours. Taste—that’s something only you possess." Chi Yong finally waved her off.

"Hurry up and leave. If I let you sweet-talk me any longer, I won't even remember my own name." Cheng Ying left, satisfied.

She filed away the favor her stepfather had done for her; he cared about her, otherwise, he wouldn't have this stack of drafts ready. He had essentially appointed himself as her dedicated designer—a waste of his talents.

Chi Wu watched Cheng Ying emerge from the room, and his expression finally softened a bit. Yet, he remained conflicted, unsure why he felt displeased or what exactly was bothering him, but seeing Cheng Ying’s attitude made his heart feel wrong.

"Let’s go then." That single sentence nearly infuriated the Chi family matriarch, who had never taken her eyes off the movements of the young couple. Did she think she could just leave after walking out the door?

Preposterous! "Wu Zi, you haven’t been home in a long time.

Your grandfather misses you; why don’t you stay here for a while?" Old Man Chi remained silent, offering no comment on his wife using his name to speak. Of course, if it worked to keep his grandson home, he wouldn’t mind his wife trying that tactic a few more times.

Cheng Ying turned to address the Chi Matriarch. "Indeed, Grandma Chi, do you still like those flowers?" The Chi Matriarch was conflicted.

She loved the flowers, but she didn't care for the person who sent them. Being well-bred, she maintained composure.

"I like them very much. Cheng Ying, these flowers are excellent choices." Cheng Ying smiled sweetly.

"It’s good that you like them, Grandma Chi. I'll look for more fresh, rare varieties to send you later.

I won't keep you any longer. Wu Zi hasn't been home for so long; it seems we forgot to ask him to stay.

I apologize. But fortunately, Wu Zi has been busy with his own work, something Grandma Chi can understand." Cheng Ying treated the Chi Matriarch with politeness as a gesture of reciprocity, an offering to Chi Yong—she was giving face to his mother.

As for the issue of Chi Wu, Cheng Ying was determined to clarify things. Chi Wu was busy handling his own business outside; it had nothing to do with her.

And nothing to do with her own mother either. This was essential for the Chi Matriarch to understand clearly.

Otherwise, it wasn't just about her taking the blame; it would directly affect how her own mother interacted with the Chi family. Chi Wu felt a slight pang in his chest watching Cheng Ying so deliberately distance herself.

He didn't know where to direct his rising anger. Old Man Chi interjected.

"That’s right. We have to thank Yingzi for keeping busy with him.

The ruckus you two cause is quite large." Cheng Ying replied, "As long as Grandpa Chi doesn't think I've led Wu Zi astray, I won't bother you any further." She then pinched Chi Ye’s chubby cheek. "Sister is leaving now." She turned back, calling out, "Little girl, feel free to come over and play anytime." With that, she walked out in good spirits.

Even if they didn't end up as a couple, she was certainly Wu Zi’s first love. Cheng Ying was exceptionally polite to the young girl for this reason.

Chi Wu watched as Cheng Ying discarded him like trash, and his heart felt a little sour, a little wronged, a little tangled—in short, the feeling was complicated. For the first time, Chi Wu realized that to Cheng Ying, he was someone she could toss aside at any moment.

Perhaps simply winning over the old lady wasn't enough to secure a wife. Turning to his grandmother, who had forced him to confront this reality, Chi Wu's tone was laced with resentment.

"Grandma, I’m leaving. School starts soon, and I'll be even busier.

I'll come back to visit when I have time." He then turned and walked away. Chi family Grandmother snapped, "You stop right there!

Do you even know where your home is? How can you act like this?

Where do you think you are?" The last part—"What's your surname?"—was choked off by Old Man Chi; any more harsh words would damage their relationship. The old man felt more guilt than anger toward his eldest grandson.

The child's parents died young, partly due to their own misfortune. Then the grandson had to endure hardship living with his son outside.

With the family scattered across the country, their bond had naturally weakened. This was precisely the time to coax his grandson; how could he let this small thread of kinship be severed?

"Wu Zi, you must speak properly to your grandmother when you go out. Look at your attitude!" Chi Wu was angry, mostly at Cheng Ying.

He turned back to look at his grandparents. "My shop is busy.

Before school starts, I still need to stock and ship inventory; I can't be away for too long." Saying it this way was much more diplomatic. Chi family Grandmother huffed, "We don't need you to work so hard to support our family." That statement was sharp.

The old woman, frankly, had little concept of money. When they faced hard times, she hadn't even fully grasped the situation; let alone now, living in comfort.

Chi Wu always knew his grandmother looked down on the meager money he earned, believing it was beneath their status. But Chi Wu never cared; he had known hardship, he knew what he wanted, and he knew that having enough to eat was more important than anything.

"Grandma, I'm leaving now." He didn't want to say another word. As for the young girl standing nearby, Chi Wu completely ignored her.

Old Man Chi glanced at his wife. She wasn't earning money to support the family; his grandson was earning money to buy a car.

The old man had learned about this from others when he was out—praise for how capable Chi Wu was, even arranging to buy a car. The license was already sorted.

How could the old man feel? It was good that his grandson was successful, but this great news had little to do with him, and the grandson hadn't even consulted them about buying a car.

Although he didn't value wealth excessively, spending money like this was no small matter. Chi Wu hadn't even discussed it with them.

Old Man Chi sighed. He had raised the boy for three or four years, yet he hadn't managed to win his grandson’s heart fully.

That was his greatest failure. "Wu Zi, I heard you bought a car?" As soon as he said this, the Chi Matriarch and the young girl both looked up at Chi Wu, genuinely surprised.

Chi Wu pursed his lips, his mood slightly improving. "It wasn't me who bought it, but I'll be driving it.

Yingzi bought it to make trips more convenient." Chi Wu wanted to say that Yingzi bought the car because she felt bad about him cycling in the cold. But in the end, he didn't say it; it felt too undignified.

Old Man Chi raised an eyebrow. "Yingzi bought it?

You two take care." Chi Wu replied, "Yes, I know. If we're going to put up a front, we have to have one." Old Man Chi said, "Go attend to your business.

Come back often. This is home.

Don't you miss your father?" Chi Wu drooped his eyelids, his slender eyes becoming even less visible. I don't have to miss my dad; he calls every week while I'm at school.

But it seemed his grandfather didn't fully understand the details. "Mm, I know."