Here they were, in their home, and this matter needed to be addressed. Cheng Ying didn't know how to begin. If she claimed it was unintentional, it seemed too easy to dismiss; yet, if she admitted intent, she felt profoundly wronged—she'd never harbored such a thought, an act worthy of heavenly lightning. She viewed Chi Wu as tender sprouts she couldn't possibly bite into. No, that wasn't right; he wasn't her sprout. She was a predator.

The thought crossed her mind, and Cheng Ying glanced nervously toward the sky. Please, don't let it actually happen. She feared death, but more so, she feared being struck dead by lightning, leaving behind a tarnished reputation even in the afterlife.

Chi Wu looked at Cheng Ying, feeling a twinge of hurt. How much effort did I expend? How much mental pressure did I endure? Even knowing Cheng Ying held less affection for him, seeing it displayed so clearly still stung. His inner thought was: Only I know the extent of my feeling wronged, but you, Cheng Ying, don't. Why can't you just start the conversation?

Furthermore, Chi Wu genuinely didn't know what to say at this juncture. He was tense, afraid, and a little shy. Still, seeing Yingzi's expression, Chi Wu finally spoke, "Yingzi, it’s alright. I’m handling this; just wait for the engagement."

Cheng Ying looked at Chi Wu. It was somewhat comforting; at least this was a man who took responsibility. Regardless of how the event unfolded, he was taking ownership of the conclusion.

Cheng Ying said, "Mm, but I have to say something first. I might be letting you down a bit; I need to produce an heir for my father." Although she knew she seemed to have taken advantage of him, and bringing this up now felt insensitive, the necessary clarity had to be established. "I know this puts you in a difficult spot, but it's vital. The engagement can wait; we can discuss the details slowly, but you must discuss this with your family." They wouldn't deceive a child, nor would they engage in a marriage based on lies. Moreover, Cheng Ying suspected that if Chi Wu's family objected, it would be best—perhaps all this fuss would simply blow over. Cheng Ying knew this matter might make her marriage to Chi Wu difficult, but she couldn't be ambiguous about it.

Chi Wu blushed deeply. The idea of formally discussing marriage with Cheng Ying face-to-face was something he’d never dared imagine. Look how forthright Yingzi is, he thought, telling him so plainly without any shyness. What did producing an heir matter? She could even give him away if she wanted.

But then Chi Wu’s expression darkened. Her lack of shyness meant she hadn't fully accepted him yet, lacking the mindset for an engagement—a realization that soured everything.

Noticing the shift in his face, Cheng Ying interjected, "You don't have to make it too difficult." Then, looking at him again, she continued, "If you look at it positively, you didn't really lose out. In matters like this, no matter the outcome or the process, it's usually the woman who is disadvantaged. If our engagement is ruined because of this..."

At the mention of this, Chi Wu's face became darker than ink. She’s planning to dump me now. He slammed his hand onto the table, causing objects to rattle. Cheng Ying immediately fell silent. Did I just sound like I was trying to placate a child? I can't even speak now.

Chi Wu's face was grim. "You mean I have no honor, is that it? That I can just be treated carelessly by anyone, right?"

Cheng Ying spat out a mouthful of curdled tofu directly at Chi Wu. The word he used! It was so utterly inappropriate.

Chi Wu wiped his face. He had completely lost face today. This was retribution for his own wrongful act—he deserved to have tofu sprayed in his face.

Cheng Ying quickly dabbed his face with a cloth. "Are you alright? I didn't mean to, really. I just thought your word choice was wrong. Even if it wasn't mutual affection, you shouldn't use a word like 'treated carelessly,' right?" Cheng Ying felt life was full of trials; here she was, a woman, having to comfort a man over this situation.

Chi Wu retorted, "You were just trying to convince me to see it as gaining an advantage, and you dare talk about my wording?"

Cheng Ying backpedaled quickly. "No, no, that’s not what I meant. What I wanted to say is that we might still have a chance if we try." Yeah, right. I don't believe your old lady will let you take in a son-in-law.

Chi Wu looked at Cheng Ying, never finding her so clever and so unnervingly forthright. "You said it yourself, regardless of the reason, in these situations, the man gains the advantage. I won't shirk responsibility, nor will I let you suffer a loss, even if I am the one who was..."

"Stop! Don't say that word!" Cheng Ying quickly cut him off, realizing she had no more tofu to spit.

Chi Wu snorted. If he didn't mention it, his guilt would lessen, because, in reality, that’s not precisely what happened. "I will resolve this. We have Xiao Ye at home; it works out perfectly if I move in. Just wait for the engagement. Oh, and let’s discuss the bride price. Don't be dissatisfied later. I won't take advantage of this situation." Chi Wu said this sharply, yet somewhat dazedly; he was genuinely angry. After everything, Cheng Ying still wanted to deny responsibility. This was too much; he felt too wronged.

Chi Wu was prepared to lean into his dark feelings entirely.

Cheng Ying’s face flushed from Chi Wu's harshness. "That can be discussed, that can be discussed." She felt a surprising lack of confidence when confronting him on sheer willpower alone. My sister never imagined the day she'd be engaged would be a day I felt so completely lacking in spirit. What a plight.

Chi Wu shook his head and walked away. He didn't sense Cheng Ying needed comforting, and once she recovered her senses, he wouldn't fare well against her. While Cheng Ying was still processing, he should handle what needed to be done. That was the safest bet. It was better to settle things quickly and get engaged sooner. Official business was paramount.

Finally quiet, Cheng Ying felt her mind could resume normal function. Only then did she have the energy to hold her head and bang it against the wall. How embarrassing! Recalling the scene, it was something she hadn't experienced even in her past life. What kind of development was this?

Cheng Ying gave a wry smile. Reviewing last night carefully, it seemed nothing happened beyond falling asleep. Alas, she hadn't even registered the sensation of gaining an advantage. What a loss! She was ripped off.

Then there was this morning—it must have been a misunderstanding. How could things have aligned so coincidentally? Thinking of the tall, imposing Chi Wu acting so aggrieved, could he have been overly stimulated? That didn't fit Chi Wu’s usual temperament. Shouldn't that kid have just arrogantly pushed her off? This was a genuine puzzle.

Cheng Ying rubbed her head. The drunkenness must have been severe; her mind was a mess. She should rest well, or she wouldn't be able to think anything through. Besides, banging her head against the wall hurt, and the shaking was intense.

Cheng Ying went into the room and saw the rumpled quilt on the kang bed. She truly didn't want to face it. She considered retreating to the west room, which was Chi Wu's territory, but now she couldn't bear to see a single thing belonging to him. Instead, she slipped into the spatial dimension. She fetched a large basin of water and soaked herself in it, finally feeling comfortable.

Cheng Ying closed her eyes for about ten minutes before opening them. There, etched onto a large stone, were two words she couldn't ignore: "Idiot."

Cheng Ying was furious. Was there nowhere left for a person to rest in peace? Was bullying someone supposed to be this excessive? Gritting her teeth, she muttered, "You’re the idiot!" Then she closed her eyes. I won't talk to you; I’ll let you stew in your own frustration.

The large stone immediately turned completely black. Whoever was the idiot, they both knew. I’m not bothering with you either. This, she supposed, was a silent standoff.

Feeling refreshed, Cheng Ying emerged from the space, stretched languidly, and reassured herself: The world won't end over this; none of this is a major issue. Stay calm. Then, in high spirits, she added two pots of blooming azaleas to her flower room. Ah, the air was so fresh, the world so beautiful!

The sound of a car stopping outside, followed by the rhythmic tread of footsteps entering the house. The cadence felt so purposeful; it sounded like the visitor was in a good mood. When she opened her eyes, Chi Wu was standing before her. Cheng Ying’s prior calm evaporated instantly; the world felt volatile once more.

Cheng Ying’s cheeks twitched several times before she settled into a blank expression, gazing at Chi Wu. She genuinely didn't know how to face this young man. Perhaps her reaction time was just slow; only now did she truly register that their relationship had become complicated.

Chi Wu coldly observed the flicker of emotion crossing Cheng Ying’s face. He was angry internally, but the outward situation was the primary concern. She dared to treat him with the cold shoulder? This only solidified his belief that he was right to do what he did; this woman needed a little roughness, a little maneuvering, otherwise, she’d never appreciate him.

Chi Wu felt he was well-versed in this now. One act of manipulation was one thing; several more wouldn't make a difference. Cheng Ying would settle the final accounts eventually anyway.

"I've been running around all day, for whom? And you treat me with that attitude?" He sounded insufferably arrogant.

Cheng Ying took a deep breath. This man was truly shameless. Gritting her teeth, she replied, "Is that so? You’ve worked hard. How did your running around go?"

Chi Wu ordered, "Pour me some water, add some honeysuckle. My throat is dry." He then raised an eyebrow at Cheng Ying, savoring the feeling of being a demanding head of the household for once.

Cheng Ying rose and brought him a cup of water, placing it in his hand with surprisingly good manners. "Drink."

Chi Wu took a sip, glancing at Cheng Ying beside him. His mood instantly improved. Women should know how to please their men, he thought, otherwise, the men will seek comfort elsewhere. Do you understand?

Cheng Ying simply stared at Chi Wu, her gaze profoundly meaningful.

Chi Wu grew slightly uneasy under her scrutiny. "What is that look? I was treated 'that way' by you just yesterday. Shouldn't you be nicer to me? Besides, I'm exhausted. Should you indulge me while I recover from my mistake?"

Cheng Ying covered her forehead. It seemed the shock of the 'first night' had transferred its effect onto Chi Wu. More perplexing, why were they discussing such matters, and why were both of them speaking so calmly? A shadow fell over Cheng Ying’s expression as she studied Chi Wu closely.

Chi Wu started to panic. "What do you think? If you keep looking at me like that, I won't let you take advantage of me again before we're engaged!"

Cheng Ying’s cheeks twitched several times. This advantage, I truly don't want to take it.

Chi Wu’s voice trembled slightly. "If you keep staring like that, I really will start looking at other women!" He preemptively lowered his own aggressive posture; it was a sign of guilt and lack of confidence.

Cheng Ying spoke, one word at a time: "You dare?" As if! If she truly decided to accept him, she would beat him to death if he dared to cross her.

Chi Wu wilted. He had mentally prepared himself to be scared of his wife for the rest of his life, but realizing he genuinely was scared of her now severely damaged his male pride. And just hearing the three words 'my wife' made him back down. He suspected he would never stand tall in front of her again.