Cheng Ying felt it was a misstep, the biggest one. Wouldn’t it have been better if you had simply stayed silent?

She shot a resentful glance back at Chi Yong. Chi Yong was watching his daughter, and a chuckle escaped him as he crouched over, finding it too amusing. His own daughter, who had been victorious in every fight for so long, was brought to heel by a single sentence from her mother. No wonder their daughter was feeling glum.

However, the woman opposite them didn't feel victorious either. The heavens were truly unfair; why must that woman be favored so much? “People without brains always appear younger.”

That was an admission of her own age.

Chi Yong said, “Men like that kind of woman. At least she is genuine in her heart and won’t abandon you when you’re down. She doesn’t have such complex thoughts. You overthink everything, which makes you look old prematurely. Women should try to keep themselves looking younger.”

With that, he walked away. This statement was tantamount to a harsh rejection, a refusal delivered too decisively.

But then again, even after kind words, perhaps this woman wouldn’t give up so easily.

Cheng Ying called out, “Oh, Mom, I still have one thing to say. Wait for me a moment!”

Chi Yong had only taken a few steps when he was met by his daughter. “What is it now?”

Cheng Ying said, “You said one thing and then left.” Turning to the other woman, she added, “Auntie, I forgot to mention something. Actually, looks and such are secondary. What my dad meant by that statement was that your character is lacking. I forgot to tell you that. Bye-bye.”

Then, walking alongside Chi Yong, she turned her head to ask him, “Is that what you meant? Did I misunderstand?”

Her voice was loud enough for even a woman with poor hearing to catch.

Chi Yong nodded helplessly. After all, she was his first love; he couldn't be entirely heartless. It’s not me trying to crush her; it’s this girl who won't let up.

Cheng Ying continued, “If you have something to say, you should say it plainly. Not everyone is as knowledgeable as I am and can interpret what you mean. This woman couldn't even grasp plain language. You, sir, should just say things directly next time and not worry about saving her face. A woman who lets herself be entangled with a married man—can she even possess any sense of shame? You, sir, are too soft-hearted; that’s a flaw!”

With that, she walked away, decidedly leading the way ahead of Chi Yong. Chi Yong looked back at his first love; she looked ready to collapse from rage. She was definitely shaking from anger caused by his daughter.

But his daughter wasn't wrong; indecision in a crucial moment only leads to future trouble.

Chi Yong resolutely followed the direction his daughter and wife had taken.

When Chi Yong arrived at Cheng Ying’s furniture store, it was indeed bustling. A group of colleagues, planning moves for April or May, were all looking at furniture.

Chi Yong realized it instantly. How could his girl possibly have the patience to entertain her colleagues by herself? She was far too shrewd.

Seeing Cheng Ying, Chi Yong approached her. “Don't you dare mention this to your mother!”

Cheng Ying pouted. Did he think I’d tell her? Does he think my mom is a fool?

However, the woman’s behavior had been decent; she managed to resist the "spider demon."

Looking at her stepfather, Cheng Ying decided to press her advantage. “Fine. Give me two more blueprints.”

Chi Yong’s eyes widened. “Giving you blueprints isn't because you helped me with this matter. I don't need to use that to placate your mother.”

Cheng Ying was satisfied. Even though his words had momentarily put her in her place, the beneficiary was her own mother, so it was forgivable, understandable. “Hmph. If I knew I had to entertain you today, I wouldn't have planted crabapples; I should have planted peach blossoms.”

Chi Yong glared at her and walked away. That was clearly implying he attracted peach blossoms (romantic attention).

When Cheng Ying’s begonia forest began to bloom, orders started pouring in. Some people just wanted a couple of saplings for their doorsteps to bring some cheer; others were representatives from organizations buying in bulk. There was also the matter of the park expansion.

In short, business had taken off, and people were coming every day. Cheng Ying didn't look down on a customer just because they only wanted two trees, nor did she let large orders interfere with her studies.

Thanks to the space water she maintained, this batch of begonia saplings bloomed for an exceptionally long time; they were still vying for attention into May Day.

When Chi Family's old madam arrived, all she saw was a messy, dug-up nursery area, which immediately caused a painful tightness in her chest. Such nouveau riche! All they see are those few pennies. What a beautiful grove this was!

Looking at Cheng Ying only made her more displeased.

Cheng Ying moved with purpose. Not only was her own nursery bringing in substantial income, but the furniture accumulated over the past few months, launched during the May Day rush, was also highly welcomed. This had firmly established her solid wood furniture shop's reputation in the provincial capital.

Cheng Ying used the May Day holiday wedding boom to elevate her career to a new level. She could practically look down upon the other furniture shops on the street.

The new furniture she launched was quickly bought up by Brother Li. Furthermore, the furniture sold at Brother Li’s location wasn't any less than what Cheng Ying sold directly; the profits were substantial.

Cheng Ying only owned five mu of nursery land in the provincial capital, but the number of saplings sold during this period was far more than five mu’s yield. Don't misunderstand; those weren't from the space. They were all saplings from Cheng Ying’s mountain acreage. The ones in the provincial capital served primarily as an advertisement, bringing in some immediate income, enough to satisfy her old madam’s desire to count money. The real major income came from her mountain holding.

Of course, Cheng Ying could occasionally smuggle a few out, but only when circumstances guaranteed no one would notice. Usually, the small saplings brought out of the space were transported by truck to her mountain holding, where her uncle received them directly for further cultivation until they matured. This process was essentially money laundering, though it was laundering tree seeds from the space.

Cheng Ying, holding wine and a gift she selected for Chi Yong, drove home with him. This May Day success wouldn't have been possible without Chi Yong’s design drafts provided to Cheng Ying. Cheng Ying understood this well; although she could draw new designs herself, she couldn't match Chi Yong in the finer details. Besides, his taste was already established; it was genuinely superior to hers.

Cheng Ying and Chi Wu arrived at the Chi home. The Chi family’s old man welcomed them warmly. “Yingzi is here! Come in quickly. Are you busy with exams coming up?”

Cheng Ying greeted him. “Hello, Grandpa Chi. Not too busy.” Then, addressing the Chi family’s old madam and the young girl Qingfang sitting beside her, she said, “Hello, Grandma Chi, hello, little girl.” There was a slight tone of teasing the young girl in her greeting.

Chi Family’s old madam replied to Cheng Ying, her mouth's curve calculated to the precise angle. Cheng Ying thought, This old madam is getting more and more theatrical. She’s practically achieved divinity! I wonder when she’ll ascend. I sincerely hope the immortals take her soon; the old madam is so devout. I really don't want to have to watch her moods every day.

Chi Family’s grandmother only showed a flicker of emotion when she saw Chi Wu behind them. “Wuzi is back. Why aren’t you ever home?”

Chi Wu shrugged it off. This was the same thing every time he returned. “Busy with studies.”

Chi Family’s old madam frowned in displeasure. “You just don’t want to spend time with us two old folks. Luckily, Qingfang is thoughtful and visits often. Come over here and keep Qingfang company; she came early this morning when she heard you were returning.”

Cheng Ying, standing behind them, felt a small sense of satisfaction. This future sister-in-law had a good attitude and excellent taste, recognizing what a good man Wuzi was and pursuing him relentlessly. The crucial part was that she genuinely liked Chi Wu, which pleased Cheng Ying greatly.

Cheng Ying said, “You all chat; I’m going inside to check on Xiaoye.”

Chi Wu responded, “I’ll come with you.”

Chi Family’s old madam interjected, “Go where? Stay out here where it’s lively!”

Cheng Ying pursed her lips. Do what I need to do. “Xiaoye, I’m coming in.”

Chi Yong was teaching his son calligraphy inside; it was a rare holiday, after all. “Do you need an invitation just because you walked in?”

Cheng Ying asked, “Why aren't you in the living room?”

Chi Yong replied, “The young lady is visiting.” This implied it was inconvenient there.

Cheng Ying pressed, “Uncle, your colleagues have all moved out, and I heard your new apartment has been assigned. What are your plans?”

Chi Yong was very generous, especially toward this daughter. There wasn't much he could offer her that she would value, so he said freely, “What, do you want it? Then you move in.”

Cheng Ying felt it was her blessing to have such a generous stepfather. “No, why would I move? That apartment building would suffocate Grandma. We’re living quite well now. Our neighbors, thanks to Grandma, are almost like the village back home.”

Chi Yong considered the old madam’s temper and truly felt living in an apartment block wouldn't suit her. “Yes, whatever is best.”

Cheng Ying continued, “Uncle, when you plan to move, I’ll send some furniture over. I’ve already prepared everything for you.”

Chi Yong looked at Cheng Ying’s eager helpfulness and directly pulled out a stack of sketches. “Stop that act. Take these back.”

Cheng Ying looked a bit embarrassed reaching out. “I really didn't come for this this time.”

Chi Yong said, “If you don’t want them, I’ll take them back.”

Cheng Ying quickly took them. “How could I not want them? But I truly didn't come for this today. I came to bring you a gift—two jars of fine wine.”

Chi Yong replied, “I can move those myself when the time comes. Why bring gifts?”

Cheng Ying pursed her lips; this man truly didn't treat her as an outsider. “Uncle, if you trust me, give me the keys to the new apartment. I’ll have a few craftsmen go over and fix up the place for a few days, making your move easier.”

Chi Yong said, “With your taste, I wouldn't feel at ease letting you mess with it.”

Cheng Ying thought to herself: Good intentions met with ingratitude. He looks down on me now. If I weren't coming to reciprocate favors, why would I bother doing this work for free?

Chi Yong looked at Cheng Ying, feeling he might have spoken too harshly. “Well, how about you tidy up your own room first?”

Cheng Ying asked, “I have one too?”

Chi Yong explained, “Wuzi’s grandparents don't want to move with us. They are used to living here; they have more friends. When the housing was allocated, I secretly discussed it with my colleagues. I paid to buy the adjacent unit, so now it’s a large, combined unit with separate rooms.”

Cheng Ying nodded. It truly wasn’t easy. Apartment layouts nowadays were standardized. Chi Yong must have gone to great lengths to arrange this transformation. Now, the renovations she planned to do for him had expanded from one unit to two. He didn't just do this for my furniture, did he? Probably not. “So, will you give me the key or not?”

Chi Yong trusted his daughter deeply. “Just don’t mess around. I’m not impressed by your taste.”

Cheng Ying pouted, not bothering to acknowledge him further. “Where is Mom?”

Chi Yong answered, “She went out to buy groceries. She heard you were coming and said she would make some of your favorite dishes.”

Cheng Ying looked at her stepfather slyly. “Did you catch fire in your own backyard?”

Chi Yong glared. “Watch how you speak!” Then he looked up at his daughter. “You don’t need to worry about such small matters.”

Cheng Ying felt Chi Yong needed a little educating. “But Mom has been coming home more often lately. Maybe one day she won’t bother coming back here at all.”

Chi Yong pursed his lips. His daughter was too sharp; that wasn't always a good thing. “It will be fine once we move.” He’s completely focused on settling down for a quiet life.

P.S.: I posted three updates yesterday; why no pink tickets? Dear, I’m asking for pink tickets. RP