"Don't worry," Cheng Ying said, "as long as you give Grandpa a jar of wine every year, even if he wanted to distance himself from you, he wouldn't be able to."

When they arrived at Grandpa's house, Cheng Ying made sure to have Sun Fatty introduce himself properly to her uncle, as these two would be dealing with each other long-term. After all, in the village, her uncle was the local authority. No matter how capable Sun Fatty was, he wouldn't have much room to maneuver locally. Cheng Ying's large-scale contract for the land was signed directly with the township.

Auntie had already inquired about Yingzi's 'god-uncle' from Chi Ye. Her own sister having an advantage was one thing, but at least having a lively presence when the old lady was around meant her sister would face less difficulty. Dealing with the in-laws from both sides was troublesome enough; it was even more complicated given her sister had ties to three sets of family elders and such a tangled relationship.

Auntie’s cheerfulness was always endearing, and God-aunt got along very well with her. When God-uncle saw Grandpa, he immediately recognized him as a master. He heard the old man was a veteran physician and insisted Grandpa look at his ailment.

Cheng Ying almost burst out laughing; this Sun Fatty was truly hilarious. The outcome was unexpected: Sun Fatty left driving away filled with reverence for Grandpa. What a coincidence—Sun Fatty genuinely suffered from hemorrhoids. Cheng Ying couldn't help but laugh midway through the journey, "Hahaha!"

Chi Wu said, "Alright, are you ever going to stop?" Besides, God-aunt was sitting right behind them. Mind your image!

God-aunt chimed in, "Yingzi, don't laugh so hard. Your God-uncle's problem is chronic and stubborn; a little spice and it flares up. Your God-uncle is also a man who caters to his appetite. Luckily, he met Grandpa. Grandpa said his treatment is a guaranteed cure."

The old lady couldn't stand it anymore. "Lanzi, Yingzi's Grandpa specializes in curing hemorrhoids. That's about it—he can feel a female pregnancy pulse. Nothing else."

God-aunt's expression shifted for a long moment. No wonder her husband looked so conflicted when the old man felt his pulse. So, that was the situation. "One skill mastered is worth more than boundless wealth; having real expertise counts for something."

Cheng Ying thought it was rare for her God-aunt to still be able to speak so gracefully at a time like this. "Auntie, don't worry. My Grandpa might not be good at much else, but hemorrhoids? That's truly an ancestral craft. My God-uncle has indeed met a true master."

Chi Wu added, "This is also why my uncle didn't mention it; otherwise, my mom could have cured him instantly."

God-aunt asked, "Yingzi’s mother knows this too?"

"Yes," Cheng Ying replied, "It's a family craft, a unique skill, not shown to just anyone." Saying this, she laughed, thinking of Sun Fatty’s expression.

God-aunt was also smiling internally. Next time, she absolutely had to tell that fatty not to be so reckless, causing trouble for others and making them a laughingstock. Thankfully, they weren't outsiders. But it was a strange coincidence. Looking at Cheng Ying beside her, and then thinking of Yang Zhi, such beautiful and graceful mother and daughter—it was impossible to imagine these two were the daughter and granddaughter of wandering quacks. The family background was completely incongruous. What a trick; this time, it landed on her own husband.

Back home, Yang Zhi and Chi Yong arrived after lunch. The brick bed was radiating heat, hot water was simmering in the pot, and a large kneading board was set up inside. Dough and dumpling fillings were already prepared; they were waiting for them to make dumplings.

Cheng Ying exclaimed, "Ah, it's so nice to enjoy life with your own mother around!"

Chi Wu stood nearby, mocking Cheng Ying's shameless flattery.

Yang Zhi felt guilty for not going home with the old lady, so she wanted to work extra hard. It also brought her peace of mind, especially receiving smiles from her daughter and the old lady. Yang Zhi felt that she could happily make New Year’s Eve dumplings all by herself.

The old lady was also a little agitated about dragging her daughter-in-law home without bringing Yang Zhi along. She took the opportunity of her daughter-in-law's smiling face to say, "Oh, thank goodness for your sister-in-law; otherwise, I would have gotten carsick again. Hurry up, don't miss the evening gala."

Cheng Ying teased, "My God-aunt’s son has this effect too? So, it can cure motion sickness?"

Sun Fatty, ever the joker, quipped, "My wife is much more capable than your Grandpa; she cures everything!"

The family happily started making dumplings and watching the gala. It had been years since they had such a lively New Year's Eve.

Cheng Ying and Chi Wu drove out for a trip to visit the Chi family elders. Although Chi family Old Madam was unhappy, her son and daughter-in-law couldn't always stay by her side. Visiting the Cheng Old Madam once every three or five years was understandable.

Chi family Old Man saw the two children off. He maintained a cheerful façade. Cheng Ying felt a pang of unease. No matter how unlikable the man was, there was always something that touched other people’s weak spots. After all, they were elders, lonely elders who wouldn't have their children spending New Year’s Eve with them.

Cheng Ying suggested, "Why don't we bring your grandparents over to spend the New Year with us? There will be plenty of people; two more won't matter."

Chi Wu looked at Cheng Ying, then at her expression, which clearly suggested reluctance. "Forget it. My grandma and your grandma—even appearing calm together is impossible. It's New Year's Eve; let them have some peace. Later, if Mom and Dad don't come over, I'll come spend the holiday making dumplings with them. I have the car; it’s only a ten or twenty-minute drive."

At that moment, Cheng Ying suddenly felt that she would rather have Chi Yong and Yang Zhi return than have Chi Wu stay with the two elders for the New Year. Why should the three of them always spend the holiday one way, only to change it this year because of Chi Yong and Yang Zhi? Cheng Ying’s mind raced. On one side was her own mother; on the other, the brother she had helped raise. She felt whatever she thought was inappropriate. This kind of thing shouldn't be dwelled upon, or she would feel terribly guilty toward her own mother.

Cheng Ying and Chi Wu simply drove back home.

From far off, the lights in their own courtyard were bright. After parking and going inside, they saw the paper cuttings pasted on the window by their own grandmother. Everywhere exuded an atmosphere of festive joy, and combined with the lively mood inside, Cheng Ying felt she hadn't spent a New Year like this in many years. Why did she feel a bit out of place?

Chi Wu said, "Come on, let's go inside and put up the couplets. This year's weren't chosen by Grandma; I picked them. You’ll definitely like them."

Cheng Ying scoffed, "Grandma would allow couplets other than 'May wealth pour in and business flourish'?"

Chi Wu retorted, "You're behind the times. Grandma isn't focused on that anymore. The old lady stopped caring about that long ago."

"Oh? And what is Grandma pursuing now?" Cheng Ying asked.

"Grandma is now pursuing having two university students walk out of this gate. She said when she takes her walks or practices her singing, it will give her tremendous prestige!"

Cheng Ying chuckled. "That pursuit is practically no pursuit at all. Is there any doubt that university entrance is guaranteed?"

"You're confident. I'm much better at studying than you, and I’m not as boastful."

"Excessive modesty is just concealed pride; we must be honest," Cheng Ying thought dismissively. If she couldn't get into college, she wouldn't be boasting; she had already been there. Looking at Chi Wu, Cheng Ying felt she was leagues above him. This unlucky kid, she thought, too lazy to argue.

Cheng Ying didn't pay much attention to the content of the couplets Chi Wu bought, but the gilded characters gave off an air of grandeur. The two of them, with Chi Ye tagging along, covered all the main gates and small doors of the two courtyards. Under the lights, they looked even more festive.

Little Fatty Chi Ye trotted diligently behind Cheng Ying. Chi Wu treated Chi Ye much better than he treated Miao Miao, as Miao Miao was a potential romantic rival. To Chi Wu, Miao Miao was more important than that Chinese teacher. In Chi Wu's eyes, there was no prohibition against close relatives marrying; the village was full of maternal cousins, paternal cousins—all relationships deepened by kinship. And these were all arranged by their parents. In Chi Wu’s view, Cheng Ying's free love was like tender grass, easily trampled. Miao Miao, who was seven years younger than Cheng Ying, was like a tree; perhaps Cheng Ying would end up arranged off. Chi Wu didn't dislike children; Dun'er was never fond of them, and Miao Miao was a hypothetical enemy. The result was that Cheng Ying always thought Chi Wu disliked children. Seeing Chi Wu hoisting Chi Ye, who was nearly school-aged, up onto his neck, Cheng Ying's jaw dropped. "Did you take your medicine today?"

Chi Wu didn't understand the implication. "It's New Year's Day. Do you want Grandma to hit you with the feather duster?"

Cheng Ying dared not provoke him further, forgetting how superstitious Grandma was. "When did you two brothers become so close?" she wondered. Was it really related to blood ties? Chi Wu, who disliked children so much, could become like this.

Chi Ye piped up, "My brother has always been like this with me." The little fatty puffed out his chest while riding on his shoulder, looking quite smug.

"Is that so? I always thought your brother bullied you," Cheng Ying commented.

Chi Wu gave Cheng Ying a look that suggested she was very dim. How could I mistreat Chi Ye? he thought. Family planning is so strict now; if nothing changes, counting all relatives near and far, he's probably the only brother. Besides, even if they weren't actual brothers, he was a brother-in-law. He shot Cheng Ying a look of disdain—You just don't get it.

If Chi Wu’s scorn was silent, Chi Ye’s was vocal. "Hmph! The closer we are, the fiercer we fight. You see the kids in the big compound? The harder they fight, the stronger the brotherhood."

"Oh? Then why don't you let Wu Zi beat you to death?"

Chi Ye glared at Cheng Ying, opened his mouth wide, and shouted, "Grandma! My sister is talking nonsense! It's New Year's Day, and she hasn't said a single good word!"

Cheng Ying desperately wanted to cling to Chi Wu and stuff a gag in the little brat's mouth. Chi Wu looked at Cheng Ying’s movement and hoisted Chi Ye even higher. Soon, Chi Ye forgot why the three of them had started arguing, laughing gleefully and constantly shouting, "Brother, lift me higher! Higher!"

Looking at the three children chasing each other outside from the room, everyone shared the same thought: having children really brings liveliness. The most satisfied were Chi Yong and Yang Zhi; these three were all theirs!

Sun Fatty looked at Chi Yong with envy, wondering if the miracle of the old doctor could also manifest on his wife's belly. When will I be able to hold a child? Even one would do.

Yang Zhi was much more reserved. There were childless people inside; she couldn't provoke them. However, judging by the expression of the trusted relatives, she knew she had stimulated someone. Yang Zhi smiled and said, "It will be soon. When Yongzi and I were clueless, the child just came. You can't rush these things, but the old doctor truly has skill."

God-aunt looked at the gentle Yang Zhi; this one was truly gentle. "You are blessed." The two women were similar in age, and as sister-in-law and brother's wife, their relationship wasn't entirely clear, so she simply used first names.

ps: End of the month. I desperately need votes! RP