The utterly deranged person watching from the distance sank into deep melancholy. He had witnessed the old woman’s ferocity firsthand, and now realized that Cheng Ying endured the same treatment at home. Just thinking about the sheer power of a feather duster made his flesh ache.

He must save the goddess; this was his moment to step forward. The deranged man took a firm step, though he paused, glancing at the old woman. Best to proceed cautiously; a swat from a feather duster still stung quite sharply.

The memory was vivid. Why wasn’t his brother-in-law stopping her? Look at that slap—it must have landed hard.

The deranged man was utterly exasperated. “Grandma, why don’t we go sit inside the teacher’s office for a bit?” Chi Wu said. The old woman replied, “No rush.

Your parents are coming; we’ll wait for them and look together.” If it were the old woman of yesteryear, she wouldn’t have minded deciding on her granddaughter’s school with just the two of them present. But things were different now. They had to consider Chi Wu; after all, the two children were about to be formally engaged.

It would be best if the children could attend school together, to avoid future heartache for the young couple. Given the complexity of their family dynamic, if the two children encountered any significant trouble while separated, the extended family relations might sour completely. The old woman didn’t understand the concept of long-distance relationships, but she knew perfectly well that young people today weren't like they used to be—they were more liberated.

If anything untoward happened between them, it would be their granddaughter who suffered the loss. No matter how far society progressed, there was never a scenario where the woman came out ahead in such situations. That was precisely why the old woman didn't bother asking who was right or wrong; she had already categorized the two children into the stage of marriage.

This was the wisdom of life. Why complicate things with so many considerations? Why analyze so much?

When a problem arises and is resolved, that is the only outcome that matters. Chi Yong and Yang Zhi arrived quickly; they were there in no time. As for Chi Wu’s grandmother and grandfather, they would likely take a little longer.

Cheng Ying said, “Grandma, let’s go look with Mom first. Let Wu Zi and Uncle wait here.” The old woman smacked her granddaughter’s hand again. “No manners.” Is this still the old days?

You’re about to become someone’s granddaughter-in-law; how can you lack such basic courtesy? You’ll be taken advantage of later. This child still needs more teaching.

She can’t be let out into the world unsupervised. The person watching from afar saw his goddess being wronged, and every strike felt as if it were landing on his own body. Chi Wu stood by with a cold expression.

Every word Cheng Ying spoke made his face grow colder. This person was doing it deliberately, intentionally. Chi Wu understood clearly: Ying Zi had already made up her mind that they wouldn’t attend school together.

Chi Yong glanced at Chi Wu beside him and almost spoke. Serves you right; why did you have to go after such a hard nut to crack? You really have no taste.

My own wife is so much better. Let him have a taste of his own medicine. But looking at his son’s demeanor, a father’s heart went out to him.

Everyone has experienced the pangs of youth and the pain of unrequited desire. Thinking of his son now… Chi Yong asked, “Ying Zi, which school are you and Wu Zi planning to attend?” Cheng Ying looked at Chi Yong. “We haven’t decided yet, but Wu Zi’s grades are better than mine.” This was a way of saying his options were wider than hers, and also a subtle shift of focus.

Chi Wu added, “Yes, Ying Zi and I are both in the top five. The score difference isn’t large. There shouldn’t be any issue when choosing schools.” Chi Yong let out a breath of relief.

It was good that his son understood the situation. A man pursuing a woman is like climbing a mountain, and while it’s tough, there’s the saying about water dripping through stone. Besides, his son already had many advantages.

Chi Yong sighed, “Oh my, this is the greatest joy for our family! Once we finalize the engagement for you two, we’ll have a grand feast in the village!” This was a constant reminder to Cheng Ying that their relationship couldn’t change. That was that; she should accept her fate.

This was psychological suggestion. Truly, the older generation were the seasoned hands. For his son’s sake, Chi Yong was prepared to shed all shame.

Of course, it was also for Ying Zi’s sake; what other option was there? Chi Wu felt a bit better. Yes, their relationship was unchangeable.

If he could just gain some breathing room, that would be his opportunity. This was a person he had pursued relentlessly. Being able to speak with Cheng Ying so casually now was already a bonus.

Who was he putting on a long face for? What right did he have? Furthermore, was Cheng Ying the type to be swayed by someone else’s mood?

If he angered her, she would just drop him outright. Chi Wu immediately broke into a grin, looking at Cheng Ying, adopting a posture so low it looked pitiable. “Ying Zi, which school should we go to?

I’ll listen to you.” Cheng Ying looked at the tall, broad Chi Wu; it really didn’t suit his usual persona. “Let’s see,” she said, still accustomed to the arrogant demeanor of the troublesome boy. She couldn’t bring herself to say anything too harsh after all.

Chi Yong looked at his son; his psychological tactics were excellent. The day he wins his daughter-in-law was approaching; he probably wouldn’t even need his father’s help. A worrying father, indeed.

Yang Zhi beamed. “Ying Zi, you must visit your father’s grave later. No one in our family has ever gone to university.

Cheng Ming retook the exam last year, so he’s a repeater this year; we don't know how he did yet.” Her implied meaning was that Ming Zi had been accepted to university this year, putting him one step ahead of his daughter. It was rare for Yang Zhi to have such an occasion to boast. Cheng Ying looked at her mother.

“Okay, I’ll go see if weeds have grown on Dad’s grave later.” This troublesome child never spoke a reassuring word. The old woman swallowed her anger repeatedly but finally couldn’t contain herself and slapped Cheng Ying again. This woman lived under constant threat of violence.

The deranged person watching from the sidelines could take no more; he sprang back to life as if injected with adrenaline. “How could you hit someone? How could you hit her again and again?” In this moment, if not him, then who?

If he didn't stand in front of the goddess, would she even have a future? Chi Wu’s face darkened, and Cheng Ying’s lips tightened. He was having another episode, and utterly inappropriate for the setting.

Yang Zhi and Chi Yong turned to look at the deranged man. The young man looked respectable. “Excuse me, young man, who are you?” The old woman exclaimed, “Oh, it’s you again, you little brat!

Do you dare approach me when I don’t have my feather duster? Get lost!” If they weren't right outside the school gate, the old woman would have taken off her shoe to smack him with the sole. The deranged man backed far away from the old woman.

“Classmate Cheng Ying, this is a new era! You must rise up and resist! How can you submit to this kind of oppression?

Stand up and report her! This is domestic violence. We can sue her!” Cheng Ying closed her eyes and took a deep breath, otherwise she surely would have kicked the person.

I’ll sue your grandmother. Chi Yong thought to himself that this young man had sharp eyes; his son had quite a few competitors. Yang Zhi demanded, “Who are you, talking such nonsense here?” The deranged man blushed; the beautiful woman was speaking to him!

But I already have my beloved! “I am Classmate Cheng Ying’s boyfriend.” Chi Wu’s eyes widened. If Chi Yong hadn’t been there pulling on him, the deranged boy would already be searching for his teeth on the ground.

I’ve been orbiting Ying Zi for nearly ten years and still haven't managed to become her boyfriend. Why does he get to just claim it? Chi Wu was ready to beat this kid senseless.

The deranged man was quite astute, after all; this counted as a form of unconventional introduction to the family. It was similar in spirit to Chi Wu’s approach, though Chi Wu’s was far more direct. Relatively speaking, this young man’s move was amateur.

Cheng Ying couldn't be bothered with him. The old woman snapped, “Get out of here! My granddaughter is already engaged!

If I hear another word, I’ll report you to your teacher!” This was like a bolt from the blue. “You’re lying! Classmate Cheng Ying is going to university!

You can’t scare me away! I’m going to university with Classmate Cheng Ying. Our future…” The old woman’s patience snapped, and an object she was holding flew out.

“Scram!” Chi Wu added fiercely, “My fiancée and I are also going to university together. Give up, scram far away!” If he didn’t leave, Chi Wu would kick him to death. Chi Wu’s eyes were wolf-like.

This kid was sickening. The deranged man surveyed the whole family. “Forced marriage by parents?

How can this be allowed? Classmate Cheng Ying, we need free love! We oppose parental arrangements!” He was about to start shouting slogans.

For a moment, Cheng Ying thought she had time-traveled to the Republican era. But she, too, yearned for free love—just not with him. If the partner wasn't him, she might consider fighting alongside him.

Chi Wu’s heart clenched as he looked at Cheng Ying, terrified she might say something he couldn't accept. He forgot all about dealing with the deranged man, staring at Cheng Ying with bloodshot eyes. Cheng Ying said coolly, “Classmate, if you’re sick, go home and take your medicine.

I heard university requires a physical exam. Your scores seem good, but is your IQ adequate? Is your mental state stable?

Is there any history of mental illness in your family?” The deranged man sputtered, “What do you mean?” Cheng Ying replied, “I mean exactly what I said. If you don’t understand, look it up in a dictionary. My family and I feel you are disturbing us.

Could you stay further away?” These words were a significant blow to the hot-blooded youth. The deranged man couldn’t muster another sound. The goddess suggested his family had a history of hereditary illness.

Did he need to present a medical report just to pursue a girlfriend? He felt utterly lost. This small scene happening in an inconspicuous corner didn’t attract any wider attention.

But Chi Wu’s heart was violently unsettled. Deeply unsettled. Chi Yong encouraged his son.

“What you two have is youthful innocence, a childhood romance; it has nothing to do with arranged marriage. Besides, your mother and I had an arranged marriage, and look how well it turned out!” Chi Wu looked at the three figures of Cheng Ying and her mother standing at the school gate. “What Ying Zi thinks is what matters,” he stated, implying that what his father or anyone else said was irrelevant.

He was quite good at grasping the central point. Chi Yong thought his son was indeed insightful and had hit the nail on the head. He patted his son’s shoulder.

“Having aspirations is always a good thing. Competition just shows potential. Don’t worry, you can leave him in the dust by a mile.

I can’t vouch for other things, but I guarantee Ying Zi wouldn't look twice at someone like that.” Chi Wu felt confident, too, but he blinked. He knew his own situation; his father didn't know the specific type of person Cheng Ying truly favored. The potential threat was still considerable.

Yang Zhi announced, “Mom and Dad are here!” Cheng Ying’s grandmother greeted them with a beaming smile. “Honored in-laws, congratulations! Both children did very well on their exams.” Chi Wu’s grandfather walked over, grinning widely.

His grandson and soon-to-be granddaughter-in-law were both excellent prospects; they would hold their heads high in the world. “This is a great day for our entire family. This is a major event for us.

Afterward, we’ll host the thank-you dinner for the teachers and the engagement banquet together!” The old woman smiled along happily. The in-laws were good people. Chi Yong thought, You have such grand plans, but have you really secured your grandson for her?

Do you truly think this girl is so easy to manage? He realized he still had work to do. Being caught in the middle was truly difficult.

Cheng Ying looked at Chi Wu’s grandfather. Today was too significant for Chi Wu, herself, and her grandmother. We won’t stoop to your level today, she thought.

We’ll pretend we didn’t hear you. You have a thousand tricks; I have a ladder to scale the wall. Neither of us should play games.

She held her grandmother’s arm. “Grandma, all these years you’ve been hoping for me to go to university. Let’s go see which universities you like first.” PS: Please vote!

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