The next day, Cheng Ying finally understood the background of this man. There was no need for Chi Wu to elaborate; just looking at the entourage and demeanor of the group, she grasped the situation well enough.

To think this man, claiming a kinship, brought along three full tables of people—what exactly was he planning?

If it weren't for the gifts he brought himself, Cheng Ying might have assumed he was just someone looking to freeload.

But considering his network of acquaintances, coupled with Chi Wu’s helpful explanations about favors and connections, Cheng Ying finally understood the true nature of her sworn uncle. Seeing the 'Dry Aunt' following behind Sun Fatty, Cheng Ying could only mouth one phrase: "What a waste; fine cabbage trampled by a pig."

Chi Wu pursed his lips, then glanced at the couple's physiques, considering Sun Fatty’s known character, and had to admit that Yingzi’s assessment was absolutely correct. In Cheng Ying’s description, the Dry Aunt was like a Lin Daiyu who fully understood social nuances: coolly distant yet possessing a woman’s soft charm, capable of blending into any crowd. Compared to the elderly Madame Chi, who was like an exaggerated, overly dramatic version of Lin Daiyu, this new aunt was in an entirely different league.

Sun Fatty's gift for the initial acknowledgment ceremony with the Old Madam was presented with customary propriety. But when it came to recognizing his niece, Sun Fatty went full tycoon, pulling out a pair of heavy gold bracelets: "Here, Big Niece, this is Uncle’s gift to welcome you."

Cheng Ying’s eye twitched as she looked at the bracelets. She remained motionless for a moment. Sun Fatty looked at Cheng Ying, then considered the wealth of her current family, guessing that his niece must be an aesthete. "What’s wrong, Niece? Do you think Uncle is too vulgar?" Sun Fatty had his own calculations; bringing out such an item wasn't meant for show, but to signal clearly to Cheng Ying: I am not short of money; I truly have no need to steal. Of course, this was also an indirect declaration of his financial standing and, consequently, his character.

The hand Cheng Ying extended trembled slightly; she genuinely loved the trinkets. She didn't mind vulgarity, but as she reached out to accept them, she whispered into Sun Fatty’s ear, "These aren’t stolen goods, are they?"

This question nearly infuriated Sun Fatty. "We can’t judge people by old standards. Look at Uncle. Look at Uncle’s friends. Do I look like a thief? Do I need to steal?" Cheng Ying stated a fact: "You’ve done it before." Sun Fatty grew frantic, his eyes turning red. He couldn't afford even a minor misstep, especially since he hadn't yet managed to change his Big Niece’s perception. "Giving you this is precisely to tell you that Uncle is not lacking in funds!" He had just learned that line from the Old Madam: Our family isn't lacking in funds.

Cheng Ying intended to accept the gold bracelets, so she couldn't dwell too much on the past. "Enough, it’s the thought that counts?" Accepting the heavy bracelets, Cheng Ying had only one thought: I wonder if my spatial dimension can store gold. If I can’t store money, turning it into gold for storage wouldn't be bad; it would definitely appreciate later. I must test this as soon as everyone leaves. How did I not think of getting some gold for the Old Madam back then? That’s the truly valuable item. Cheng Ying was so eager to see people off so she could rush into the space and test it. Why did I treasure two dollars worth of postage stamps back then, and never think of acquiring gold?

Sun Fatty watched as Cheng Ying accepted the items, then pulled his wife over. "This is your Aunt. Get acquainted. If you need anything in the future, seek out your Aunt; she’s more reliable than Uncle." Cheng Ying looked at the slender, beautiful, and capable Aunt, genuinely taken with her. "Auntie, hello." The woman spoke, her voice soft but remarkably crisp. "Yingzi, right? Your Uncle told me about you."

Cheng Ying shook her head. How could such a good person fall for someone like Sun Fatty, a character resembling a ruffian? Her grandmother chimed in, "Lanzi, your niece is spirited; don't take her antics to heart in the future. Mother didn't prepare anything today because this was so sudden, but I will make up for it later." The Old Madam spoke whatever was on her mind, without holding anything back. Sun Family Aunt responded, "Mother, why be so polite? We came here to honor you. When Dongzi came home yesterday and told me, my heart soared. We don't have elders around, no one to advise or manage us, and I can't manage Dongzi either. You’ll have to look out for us more in the future." The Old Madam declared, "That’s certain. From now on, you don't need to buy any more padded winter clothes; this is the only craft I can still offer." Yang Lan looked at the Old Madam; her initially less-than-satisfied mood brightened considerably. Her husband actually had some foresight; the Old Madam was a genuine person. She was far better than that crowd of hangers-on.

Watching Yang Lan’s change in attitude, Cheng Ying knew the daughter-in-law understood her husband’s character well. She noticed that the Aunt’s demeanor toward her own mother-in-law had softened considerably now.

The Old Madam introduced Chi Yong to this new sworn brother. Chi Yong felt that the Old Madam, having found a new son, had forgotten about him. This dynamic felt wrong; no matter how one looked at it, the fat man seemed poised to compete for attention. Fatty felt awkward seeing Chi Yong. "Brother, from now on we are family. Please look after your elder brother; Brother wasn’t very sensible before, so please be indulgent."

Chi Yong spoke coolly, maintaining a superior posture—after all, he was the original connection. Doesn't this man understand seniority? "I wouldn't dare claim that honor. Brother Sun in the provincial capital is not someone a humble intellectual like me can afford to provoke."

Hearing this, even Cheng Ying detected a faint thread of anger in his tone. Chi Yong was usually so composed; for him to let his displeasure leak out, it showed he genuinely held resentment toward Sun Fatty. Indeed, who wouldn't be displeased? Chi Yong, who considered himself somewhat capable in the provincial capital, watched as a petty scoundrel he had looked after was released from custody in a few days, only to establish himself in the family circle—wasn’t this intentionally trying to needle him? As a man, Chi Yong felt profoundly insulted.

Chi Yong held absolutely no favorable opinion of Sun Fatty; if he could kick him once, he’d kick him again. Furthermore, although the two men were similar in age, their paths were drastically different. One pursued officialdom; the other, though not strictly criminal, followed a path within society—basically, a mutual disdain: I look down on you, and you look down on me.

Sun Fatty tried to smooth things over: "Brother, saying that makes us seem distant. You won't forgive me? Your niece is so fierce; she scared me so badly I almost wet myself back then. Didn’t Brother forget it just the same? Brother, just consider it a momentary lapse of memory, alright?" Chi Yong scoffed, "What good is a jail cell for? You certainly have an easy way of looking at things." Chi Wu added, "If you don't look at it that way, you’ll lose face." The father and son were effectively ganging up to corner him.

Sun Fatty insisted, "From now on, we share the same mother; we honor the same person. Look ahead..." Chi Yong turned and walked away haughtily. Cheng Ying watched her father display a rare bout of arrogance for his age; he truly held a grudge against Sun Fatty.

Cheng Ying mused that her bond with her stepfather was deeper. "How about that, jealous? He’s a talent, you know. More widely connected than you are when you go on outings." Chi Yong raised an eyebrow. "Nonsense. Why would I be jealous of him? Are you here to argue reason or use force? Do you think I’m afraid of him? Name one thing where I’m not better than him."

Cheng Ying fixed her gaze on Chi Yong and held up one finger. "He’s been in the police station. Have you?"

Chi Yong was so blocked up that his face turned red. The two of them watched from a corner as the lively crowd started arguing. Chi Yong refused to be cornered by his daughter so easily. "I’ve sat in a cattle pen, I’ve been persecuted, I’ve worn a dunce cap around my neck, and I’ve been paraded through the streets. Have you asked him about any of that?" Cheng Ying retorted, "You treat those as achievements?" Chi Yong was exasperated. "Are you deliberately trying to disgust me?" Cheng Ying replied, "There's no helping it. My mother has been coming home often recently. Tell me, how have you managed when you can't even drive away a woman like that? And what kind of taste did you have to fall for a woman like that back then?"

If it weren't for her own stepfather, Cheng Ying would have suggested he should have kept his eyes in his pockets instead. Chi Yong flushed. "That was when I was young; my taste certainly isn't as good now. Besides, that woman wasn't like that originally." He didn't know how he ended up discussing this sensitive topic with his daughter; something he’d never dare bring up with his wife. Cheng Ying observed, "So you’re still nostalgic for the past. No wonder that woman clings to you so fiercely."

Chi Yong was terrified and quickly glanced outside. "Don't talk nonsense, don't ruin me! My wife already barely speaks to me these days." Cheng Ying teased, "Keep pushing her, and my mother will move back in. That’ll give you the chance you need." Chi Yong scoffed, "Nonsense! Your mother and I are fine." Cheng Ying pouted, unimpressed. Keep being stubborn; you’ll beg me eventually. "From now on, my mother has a branch of relatives in the city. It’ll be much easier for her to socialize than before."

Chi Yong pursed his lips. Having relatives like Sun Fatty felt like a step down. The key was that the two families operated on different wavelengths. Both were exceptional individuals, but in different arenas. However, what the girl said didn't sit right; it sounded like his wife had gained another backer, separate from him. "My wife doesn't need others to protect her. Stop it! Keep the blood relations and the sworn ones clearly separated!" He was trying to assert that his relationship with his wife was closer than Sun Fatty’s was to him.

Cheng Ying conceded smoothly, "Of course, you are who you are, the father of Chi Ye. We are the closest kin." Then she winked mischievously, "Isn't it beneath you to compare yourself to him?"

Chi Yong finally felt much better. At least the girl understood his standing was unshakable; that was enough. To be frank, the Old Madam claiming a sworn relation in the provincial capital felt to Chi Yong like she believed he couldn't rely on her anymore. He was genuinely uncomfortable about that.

Fortunately, since the Fatty had spent time ‘behind bars,’ Chi Yong genuinely looked down on him, even if the Fatty possessed some skills. Except for the Old Madam, the rest of the family felt a degree of apprehension toward Sun Fatty and his wife. Only Yang Zhi, the simple-minded elder sister, was happy because her mother-in-law was happy, holding no hidden concerns. "Mother, what do you think we should prepare for Uncle Cheng and his wife in return? Compared to a pair of gold bracelets, I feel like whatever we prepare looks inadequate."

Chi Yong snorted disdainfully. His own wife truly was a commoner at heart. "A few pieces of worthless gold, and she thinks she can present that? What kind of heritage does our family have? Offering something like that is looking down on us."

Madame Chi looked at Yongzi. It was true; the Chi family generally looked down upon yellow metals and silver. The Old Madam understood this deeply. Every time she sold saplings, her heart fluttered with anxiety over the value. But her surname was Cheng, and she wasn't cut from the same cloth as the old Chi family. Still, she couldn't say that to Chi Yong directly. "It’s the thought that counts; we shouldn't fuss over details." She was trying to soothe him; the Old Madam spoke very tactfully, considering Chi Yong’s feelings.

Cheng Ying, however, was direct: "Our surname is Cheng."

Chi Yong blushed; this girl was intentionally undermining him. The Old Madam felt much better inside. She did like yellow metals and silver. It made sense why the daughter-in-law wasn’t the same when she married into someone else’s family.

PS: A soft question: Are there any Pink Tickets left, dear? Begging for tickets. RP