Cheng Ying and Chi Wu had basically become immune to Sun Pangzi’s sporadic fits of madness. During the New Year, because Gan Shenzi was pregnant, the Old Madam had to tend to her elder daughter-in-law who was having a late-in-life pregnancy, and Sun Pangzi became utterly inseparable from his wife.

So, it was just Wu Zi and Cheng Ying who went home, which displeased Old Madam Chi. Why should they spend the New Year visiting someone else’s father’s grave every year?

Chi Wu thought to himself, that’s my father-in-law, not someone else’s father. But to the Old Madam, he only said, "Don't you say you don't believe in this stuff?

Otherwise, I’ll just go pay respects at my own father’s grave." The Old Madam almost lost her composure facing her grandson’s indirect stubbornness and nearly smacked the unlucky boy twice. Old Master Chi interjected, "Ying Zi is alone and it’s not easy for her; let the child go back with her.

It’s such a long journey, and we can’t help but worry about a young girl traveling alone." The Old Madam retorted, "Does he even remember his own father? I’m telling you, Wu Zi, as long as it doesn't interfere with his studies, anything goes.

But there are only a few months left until the College Entrance Exam after the New Year; you need to pay attention." Chi Wu glanced at the Old Madam, not even wanting to answer. You don't bother with me the rest of the year, and now you only remember when exams are coming?

Isn't that a little late? Chi Wu pursed his lips and remained silent, but his expression was truly impossible to ignore.

Old Master Chi caught the look in his grandson's eyes, realizing the grandson didn't think much of his grandmother’s attitude. He didn't know how they managed their relationship; the grandson had never truly opened up to the Old Madam.

This could only be attributed to fate, which was so enigmatic. Old Madam Chi then said, "Qing Fang is waiting for you at the university.

She has gathered lots of review materials for you, and exam summaries too. You should go visit her when you have time and study together." The implication was crystal clear: Grandson, the wife I picked out for you is waiting at the university.

Hearing this made Chi Wu’s skin crawl. How was that woman still haunting him?

He couldn’t figure out what the Old Madam saw in her. Even Ying Zi knew that kind of woman didn't know how to be tender; why couldn't the Old Madam see it?

Chi Wu felt utterly disgusted and wanted to resolve this bothersome issue once and for all. "Fine, I’ll talk to her when I have time," and then he left.

When he returned, it was the evening of the thirtieth. He only brought some local specialties for the Old Master; nothing more was said.

Old Master Chi deeply felt that a child sent out into the world was like a hawk let loose—impossible to recall. Since Cheng Ying’s family moved to the provincial capital, this year had been the quietest for them.

This was because Sun Pangzi declared that his wife was pregnant and her condition was precious; they couldn't risk startling her with firecrackers or fireworks. Thus, the booming of firecrackers was suspended.

Old Madam Cheng was secretly delighted. "Oh, so pregnancy has this benefit?

It saved us money! You have no idea, seeing those sparks in the sky makes my heart twitch year after year—it feels like burning money.

If the national policy allowed it, Lanzi, you should have a baby every year!" The entire room stared at the Old Madam speechlessly. "What?

Am I wrong?" Cheng Ying chimed in, "Oh, I only know that my Grandma’s heart twitches every year. If I had known, I would have made a racket too.

Your view on spending is wrong and needs changing. Money is for spending, not for making yourself miserable.

I’ll find someone to set off firecrackers later until your heart stops twitching." Sun Pangzi chimed in mournfully, "I regret it too. If only policy allowed us one a year." Gan Shenzi wanted to crawl into a crack in the floor.

I’m almost forty, can you please be more reliable? The Old Madam snapped, "You exasperating thing, you’re a year older, and you can’t talk like that here!

Don't think I’m too old to manage you." Cheng Ying quickly flattered her, "You’re not old at all! Look at everyone else with wrinkles all over their faces, and look at you—your face is like a young girl’s.

I’ve never seen anyone as old as you! Besides, look at how vigorously you swing that feather duster—have you ever seen someone that old move like that?" Chi Wu muttered, "You’re doing this on purpose to needle Grandma." Then he quickly turned into the good guy, "Grandma, ignore him.

He gets more shameless as he gets older." The Old Madam looked at Chi Wu with twinkling eyes, finding him even more devoted and tender than Ying Zi. "That’s right!" The lively year passed by.

Cheng Ying reflected that her money was growing, The Old Madam’s health was improving day by day, And life felt more grounded and secure. It truly brought to mind that saying: If only the years could remain peaceful and good.

When school resumed, the atmosphere in the entire senior year class was tense. And amidst this intense study environment, Cheng Ying welcomed her first romantic overture— She finally received the legendary little note.

Oh my, even though Cheng Ying was no longer young, she was still excited! This meant her appeal was high!

Cheng Ying assessed herself: not looking at her clothes, her face was quite nice, even her hair was prettier than most people's. Looking down, she was wearing her Old Man's homemade thousand-layer-soled cloth shoes and workwear pants.

The fit was a bit punk—baggy and oversized. Her inner garments, the Old Lady wouldn't make any other way.

And she wore the flowery smock with a distinct rustic touch—the Old Lady insisted on it. Cheng Ying hadn't changed this style in three years, all because she couldn't bear to see the Old Lady disappointed over such a small matter.

If the Old Lady liked seeing her dressed like this, then so be it. Anyone who saw her inner beauty certainly wouldn't care about the wrapping.

Cheng Ying concluded that her temperament was passable. Then, holding the little note, Cheng Ying fell into deep worry.

What kind of person could have such discerning taste to fall for my urban-rural fusion style? Is this person perhaps mentally unsound?

At least in terms of taste, we have absolutely no common ground. Cheng Ying showed the note to Chi Wu, explaining her thoughts this way.

Chi Wu looked at Cheng Ying. The initial flicker of anger, jealousy, and murderous intent quieted down.

What kind of woman receives a love letter and her first thought is this—that the sender’s taste is subpar? Chi Wu felt deep anxiety.

If he were to confess his feelings to Cheng Ying, would she think he was sick too? Why is this so infuriating?

Good thing I never wrote a love letter to Ying Zi; I would have lost all face. Cheng Ying nudged him.

"What are you thinking about?" Chi Wu took the note from Cheng Ying’s hand. "I’m thinking, with someone as handsome as me guarding you, someone still managed to break through the defenses to pass you a note.

How shameless must that person be? Do you think he believes he's handsomer than me?" Cheng Ying looked at Chi Wu.

"Oh, when did you start growing a thick face instead of growing taller? How did you get so brazen?" Saying that, she pinched Chi Wu’s cheek.

Good heavens, is this even a man? He looks tall and strong, but his face is so smooth and tender.

Nice texture. For Chi Wu, this kind of intimate contact was exquisite, sending shivers through him like an electric current.

Cheng Ying took the note back to examine it. "I must have this framed; it's so meaningful!" Chi Wu retorted, "You should have the person who sent the note framed as a specimen instead." Chi Wu thought to himself, If I find out who is eyeing Ying Zi, I’ll definitely have him framed.

Cheng Ying mused, "The handwriting is beautiful, and what he wrote pleases me. Look, he’s been watching me constantly, and he phrases it so poetically!

He has far more style than the person who wrote you notes. He even mentioned ‘mutual progress’—what a load of nonsense!" Chi Wu snatched the note back from Cheng Ying.

"This is harassment; he’s flirting with you! What decent man stares at a woman's back all the time?

And frequently, too! A pervert, a scoundrel, not a good person." Cheng Ying countered, "Times are changing, and people's methods of expression are evolving too.

You’re outdated; you should learn from this. If you fancy a girl, this is how you should write a love letter.

See? Not just mutual progress, it makes one laugh just reading it." Chi Wu’s eyebrows furrowed coldly.

He couldn't stay calm! He was mentally screening everyone, trying to figure out who was secretly watching his woman.

Chi Wu was determined to eradicate him, crush him, and stomp him flat! Cheng Ying was happy for a few days because of the little note.

But the happiness lasted only a few days. Seeing no further movement, she dismissed it as a joke and completely forgot about it.

However, just because Cheng Ying forgot didn't mean the matter was over. Chi Wu hadn't forgotten.

During this crucial study period, Student Chi Wu’s radar-like eyes scanned everywhere around Cheng Ying. If anyone dared to glance at Cheng Ying twice, Chi Wu would evaluate them.

He would also take their homework books for a thorough comparison, determined to ferret this person out. Such invisible threats had to be eliminated decisively.

Of course, in front of Cheng Ying, he never stopped slandering this shameless, unsightly pursuer. Chi Wu always kept saying things like, "Is this person even a man?

Hiding his head and tail, not even daring to show his face! Even women aren't this timid!

He's worse than a woman." Then he’d add that the person must be repulsive, someone whose appearance was truly awful, otherwise, they wouldn't be afraid to show themselves. Heaven knew Cheng Ying had already forgotten the whole thing.

Chi Wu was reminding her over and over again to remember this person. Also, Cheng Ying sensed from Chi Wu's attitude that he was afraid of getting a stepfather—it was like possessiveness over food.

After all, if she started dating, she would inevitably pay a little less attention to Chi Wu. The boy felt insecure.

A thought struck Cheng Ying: Does this child have an Oedipus complex? I need to be careful from now on, lest I bring home a sister-in-law who acts like a mother.

Then our family will be eating at a dining table where tableware and tragedy share the same space. Cheng Ying looked at Chi Wu and deeply felt that arranged marriages had their merits.

At least based on conditions, the man and woman would surely be compatible. At least when a mother arranges a marriage for her child, she can rest assured; she certainly won't harm her child.

Of course, this applied to Chi Wu. If the situation were reversed and applied to Cheng Ying, she would still resist it somewhat.

After all, she was a product of the New Era, wasn't she? But the difficult part was that the Old Lady was clearly pushing for an arranged marriage by denying her the opportunity for a free romance.

This was a case of professional success but romantic failure. Nothing in life was ever perfect.

Luckily, she was broad-minded and knew she could manage her own small life well regardless of the situation; she would always find happiness. In the gentle spring breeze of March, the willows in the small courtyard were just beginning to bud, appearing as a faint green from a distance.

The willow branches, stiffened by winter, were starting to soften. From afar, a tall, upright young man could be seen wearing sky-blue trousers, a military-green jacket, and surprisingly, leather shoes.

This attire was considered cutting-edge fashion at school. If you had a soldier in the family, being able to wear a military-style jacket was quite impressive.

Cheng Ying and Chi Wu spotted this person from afar. Of course, they weren't the only ones; male and female students passing by also glanced over.

The person was quite handsome. Cheng Ying quickly sized him up; he was only slightly less handsome than Chi Wu.

As they got closer, they heard his pleasant voice reciting a poem: "How can I meet you, at my most beautiful moment? For this, I have prayed to the Buddha for five hundred years.

I begged the Buddha to let us form a bond..." PS: Dear readers, thank you for your pink tickets. One question: Are there any more?

Please cast them all! RP

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