"You're pulling with quite some force," Cheng Ying said from behind him. "Is that fish so compelling? I could just give you a few."

Sun Dong heard Cheng Ying's words from behind, but made no sound.

Standing perfectly steady before the old woman, he laid out clearly how many people were in his family, where his ancestral home was, and what everyone did for work.

Chi Wu pursed his lips; what this man said was the truth. Chi Wu had thoroughly researched his enemies. He knew the broad strokes.

Cheng Ying went out to cook. This man's skin was too thick; he could ignore anything she said. What else could she do?

Fearing the old lady would be completely taken in, Chi Wu stayed to chat with the guest.

Sun Dong, known as Fatty Sun, said, "Ma, try my hand today. I’m a man of no great prospects; I’m just good at eating, drinking, and having fun."

Chi Wu thought to himself, He actually has the nerve to say that. But the man truly only had those few talents. What he said was quite realistic.

The old lady was genuinely silent for a good while, unable to formulate a response. Did people really speak about themselves like that?

Sun Dong shrugged dismissively. "Don't look down on me. This is who I am. If you want to change godchildren, I won't stop you."

With that, he rolled up his sleeves and headed to the kitchen.

Cheng Ying watched Sun Dong and chuckled slightly. He had successfully breached the kitchen territory. "Are you planning to stop climbing walls from now on and take the main road?"

Sun Dong worked, showing his bare arms. "Niece, mind your words. Although I’m not much of a person, and I genuinely admire what you have, I am sincere about this old lady. I just lack someone to show filial piety to; my relatives have always been few since childhood. Rest assured, I don't want your things."

There was more he hadn't said, but he was just waiting to see.

Cheng Ying snorted. "You’d like to, wouldn't you? But can I let you have them? I know people like you—too obsessed over minor hobbies. From now on, you better watch yourself. Don't make me bring the old lady inside to bail you out; she can't handle being frightened."

Sun Dong smiled wryly. Being worthy of a rescue proved he was one of them. "Ah. Thank you, Big Niece. Um, could you keep this quiet for me?"

The old lady’s attitude was so good that Fatty Sun was somewhat reluctant to let go.

Cheng Ying asked, "If you cooked, why are you afraid of people knowing?"

Fatty’s face flushed. "It's just not good for the old lady to know right now. Once we’re familiar, and she knows what kind of person I am, it will be easier for her to accept."

Cheng Ying said, "You're casting a long line to catch a big fish, aren't you?"

Sun Dong felt that circling this topic was disadvantageous to him—wasn't this reminding her that he had climbed over her courtyard wall? "Niece, are there any other relatives in your family?"

Cheng Ying replied, "You have two older brothers; both are honest men. They aren't involved in shady dealings, so you don't have to worry about being exposed if you run into them. They definitely haven't seen you in the precinct."

Fatty felt that talking to Big Niece was testing his resolve. Forget it; who told him to climb over their wall? Inside, his heart was bleeding, but he maintained a facade of calm, busy in the kitchen. Whenever Cheng Ying brought up the topic, Fatty Sun stubbornly refused to respond.

When Cheng Ying came out, she had one distinct feeling: ‘A great tree without bark is surely doomed; a shameless person is invincible.’ Who the hell summarized that? It was profoundly insightful.

Fatty's cooking skills weren't lacking. Cheng Ying had prepared the meal, but Fatty had set an entire table full of dishes, all well-known names.

The old lady, who was used to only simmering and stewing, had never seen such a spread. She ate until she was thoroughly satisfied. "This is the first time I realized there were so many nuances to eating." Her inner thought was, What’s left in my kitchen? All those precious ingredients! Oh, it breaks my heart!

Fortunately, the old lady didn't show it on her face. Even Chi Wu felt a twinge of imbalance. When his father once fried potatoes, the old lady worried about the oil; how come this Fatty caused such a stir without her uttering a single complaint? Instead, she was beaming. This was truly like the sun rising from the west.

Chi Wu pouted from the side. This felt like he was being edged out, and his own father was being displaced along with him. Why were there so many people trying to flatter the old lady?

Cheng Ying thought to herself that she benefited from this. They say it takes three generations to truly display wealth at the dinner table; this Fatty has some depth.

Fatty said, "Ma, just watch. In the future, if I get any good things, I will absolutely bring them to you. I won't boast about much else, but when it comes to food, if I claim to be second in the provincial capital, no one would dare claim first."

Cheng Ying countered, "Just food? Didn't you also claim to be an expert in drinking, playing, and fun?"

The old lady pursed her lips. "How can you speak to your uncle like that?" Her inner thought, however, was chillingly clear: I recognized this godson, but I didn't keep my eyes open. He’s a spendthrift, completely different from my own son. My kitchen! My oil!

Fatty grinned widely; the old lady had accepted him. Big Niece was even calling him Uncle.

Cheng Ying said, "It's just that the formal banquet hasn't happened yet. I misspoke; just pretend you didn't hear me." She then lowered her head to eat. Although the man wasn't much, the things he made were good.

Chi Wu, recognizing the value of the wine, realized this man wasn't leaving now, so he settled for it. "Grandma, eat quickly, this will taste bad if it gets cold."

Fatty looked at the two youngsters and thought, Although I didn't seek this adoption because of their courtyard, being able to walk through this courtyard frequently from now on would be a comforting thought. Besides, this was something I was already intent on.

The old lady looked at Fatty's sincere expression and thought she was being petty. He was being so earnest; regretting a bit of oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar—how small-minded could she be? She was betraying the child's sincere heart! The more she thought about it, the more wrong she felt. "Go bring up our own liquor for your uncle."

Chi Wu stiffened. That liquor was his. The old lady had changed her mind!

Cheng Ying put down her chopsticks. "Oh, it’s time for drinks!"

After Cheng Ying poured the liquor, Fatty took a sip, spat it out, and exclaimed one sentence: "You are my real mother!"

The three people stunned by that remark froze slightly. So he truly was a glutton.

Cheng Ying said, "You only recognize your real mother after tasting good liquor?"

Chi Wu pursed his lips. This man truly was no good. Should I kick him out right now? The key is that it's my stuff he's drinking.

Fatty flushed. "No, no, that’s not what I meant, Ma. Please forgive my bluntness, your cooking skills are superb!"

Cheng Ying remarked, "You’re not the first to say that, but you're the first to recognize a mother after a single sip of wine."

The old lady laughed so hard her throat was visible. "Alright, why are you so talkative?" she said, addressing Cheng Ying. Then, she smiled warmly at her godson. "You’re such an honest child, saying whatever is on your mind. I like it. This is something I made, but there isn't much left; the rest was made by your niece. If you like it, I'll make some for you during the New Year."

The old lady had intended to say, 'Mom will make it for you,' but she felt a bit too shy, as the formal ceremony hadn't taken place yet, right?

Chi Wu took a deep breath. It’s over, it’s over. This man is dragging her down. Calling her 'Ma' is completely different from calling her 'Grandma.' "Grandma, maybe we shouldn't go through with this. If he drinks endlessly, won't you be exhausted?"

Fatty insisted, "No way, definitely not. I can drink your niece's stuff too." Such a good mother; he couldn't possibly let her go, especially since she knew how to brew liquor! His real mother!

Chi Wu thought smugly, You wish! Why should you get to drink Big Niece's too? It’s all mine!

Fatty stated firmly, "I'll have your daughter-in-law come over right away so you can see her." He was afraid the old lady would be swayed by Chi Wu.

The old lady replied, "Good, good, but there’s no rush. You can come over when you have time. I heard you city folks work, so you must be busy."

Fatty declared, "Work is no big deal. If we relied on her salary, we’d have starved long ago. It’s settled then. I’ll come tomorrow to recognize you as my mother. It’s decided."

Cheng Ying didn't realize Fatty was actually a man of quick decisions. This whole matter was settled too hastily. Come to think of it, when he initially got into trouble with the authorities, he was quite decisive too.

When Cheng Ying escorted the half-drunk Fatty out, he clung to the doorframe, unwilling to leave. "It's fate, Big Niece, don't you think it’s fate? I used to search for your entrance but could never find the door. Now? I’m the old lady’s son." His implication was clear: next time he entered, it would be through the front gate, legitimately.

Cheng Ying emphasized to the possibly feigning-drunken Fatty, "Godson."

Fatty insisted, "Fate!"

Chi Wu grew impatient, finding the sight irritating. "Are you leaving or not?"

Fatty wouldn't let go. "Big Niece, don't you think we have fate?"

Chi Wu raised his foot, about to kick him. If there's fate, it’s with me! What does it have to do with you?

Cheng Ying stood up. This damn Fatty, he’s so heavy. "Yes, it's a fate that tears the heart out and drives one mad! You, a thief, suddenly become my uncle after entering the household."

Fatty almost cried. "Uncle always knew you looked down on Uncle. Big Niece, that was just that one time, just one obsession! Back then, I was unwilling to concede, so I had to come see for myself. Can't you just forget it?"

Cheng Ying thought to herself, He's not drunk; he’s using the wine to act foolish. He was trying to dig up her shameful past. "Grandma is here."

Fatty immediately fell silent, just as expected.

Cheng Ying darkened her expression. If she hadn't seen how compatible the old lady found Fatty, she wouldn't have accepted such a person. It was just humoring the old lady to keep her happy.

To get rid of the damned Fatty, Chi Wu swallowed his anger and drove the car over first. "Give me an address."

Fatty glanced at the closed car door and instantly sobered up, dropping the act. "You don't even know the address? How hypocritical."

Chi Wu retorted, "Or should I bring the 'Zhao Cai Jin Bao' [Fortune and Treasure] from home? It's late at night, and I have no companion to drive with me. Besides, I don't feel secure being with a dangerous element like you."

Fatty immediately became docile. "Don't, don't, I can’t afford to provoke you. Just drop me off at the courtyard near your old man’s place."

Chi Wu pursed his lips and started driving, too lazy to deal with the man. As Cheng Ying put it, those who wander off chasing birds are engaged in idle pursuits; they have no great prospects. Though the words were harsh, they were true. Good people work, earn money, and support their families. Who has time to chase birds?

Chi Wu looked down on this kind of playboy from his father’s generation. In Cheng Ying’s words, this was a second-generation official—a second-generation official whose official father had died.

This was a second-generation man who was offensive to look at and who had also climbed over their courtyard wall. In Chi Wu’s understanding, this was also a second-generation man relying on his wife, because his wife held a rank equal to his own father’s. Chi Yong had been doing exceptionally well in the provincial capital these past two years. He couldn't understand how Fatty could be so shameless, relying on his wife—what a disgrace.

Seeing the old lady happy, Cheng Ying didn't object, and Chi Wu fell silent.