Upon reaching the Cheng family gate, Chi Wu finally spoke, "I've grown up looking at no one but Cheng Ying. When I realized women could be brought into the family through marriage, I never considered anyone else." With that, he stepped out of the car.

Chi Yong was left alone, feeling utterly vexed. This boy's affection ran too deep; perhaps this wasn't ideal. Then he looked at the unfortunate kid. If you have the nerve, then go marry her! You're just inviting trouble, aren't you? He couldn't seriously argue with the boy. All this aggravation was his alone to bear.

Chi Yong discussed Cheng Ying’s schooling options with the old madam. Chi Wu called Cheng Ying outside, and the atmosphere between them grew tense. Silence stretched for a long time before Cheng Ying finally broke it, "Have you decided on a school?" Chi Wu replied, "My grandfather and grandmother both think going to B University is best." Cheng Ying said, "I think so too. University is a time for youthful energy—you should study hard and not waste those years." Why does that sound so awkward? Chi Wu snapped, "Are you hoping I find a new girlfriend in college and bring her home instead? Do you wish for me to dump you right away? Have you forgotten what our relationship is? Cheng Ying, I’m telling you, I don’t mind if the whole city knows—I’ll let you take charge of me. I’m not afraid of shame, I’m not afraid of people calling me less of a man; I can be even more shameless. You’d better think carefully before you speak again."

Cheng Ying’s face flushed a deep crimson; the boy was practically screaming that she had forced herself on him. Did he still have any face left? Of course, he said he could be more shameless. "What are you yelling about? Others might not know the whole story, but we certainly do. Nothing happened. Do you think being shameless is an honor? Should I get you a plaque? You miserable child."

Chi Wu’s expression darkened. "Don't push me. I truly dare to do it." Cheng Ying immediately pounced and thoroughly roughed up the unlucky boy. Chi Wu’s hair was left standing up like a hedgehog from her handling. How could this girl be so harsh? Doesn't she feel any tenderness for me? Chi Wu felt deeply wronged. He was only speaking hypothetically; if Yingzi dared to strike him directly, if he actually did what he threatened, she might just finish him off herself. This was the true meaning of 'someone you can’t afford to offend.' Next time, he probably wouldn’t even dare to speak.

Cheng Ying stopped hitting him only when she was tired, gazing at the boy. Why is this kid so stubborn? But from childhood until now, he had always been like a stubborn mule that needed gentle handling. You couldn't confront him directly. "It’s the same wherever I study. Think about it, we have such a big company here; we can’t just leave it. Someone has to stay and guard the main base. You go pursue your studies, and I’ll stay here, studying and building wealth simultaneously. Isn't that a win-win? Neither of us is delayed."

After the beating, Chi Wu didn’t bother arguing with Cheng Ying anymore. "Do you know how many women support their men through their studies only to be cast aside later? Haven’t you seen that in plays? Aren’t you worried about that?" Cheng Ying thought, You little brat, what kind of man are you? "I’m not just believing you; I have confidence in you. Could our Wu Zi really be that kind of person? Plays are just for tricking children."

Chi Wu looked at Cheng Ying, his heart heavy. You’re the one standing here, tricking a child. Chi Wu didn't have the power to force Cheng Ying into anything; he admitted he couldn't control her. As for sulking, Chi Wu had always been subject to Cheng Ying's moods since they were little. He never knew if Cheng Ying cared about his displeased expression or not. Chi Wu gave a wry smile. Am I just inviting trouble? But why can’t my eyes shift away from this girl? All that was left was to show vulnerability.

Chi Wu composed himself, then spoke with a gentle sigh, "Can't you come to university with me? We’re only two months apart. Don’t you have a youth to enjoy? Wouldn't it be better if we were together?" He delivered this with dramatic feeling.

Cheng Ying rubbed her arms. She really didn't want to get goosebumps. "Everything else aside, money isn't an issue. I could give up this company, but what about Grandma? You know better than anyone—it took so much for Grandma to adapt to life in the provincial capital. How rare it is to have two good friends in that city. I can't bear to make the old lady travel again at her age, moving to yet another new environment. How long would it take Grandma to settle in? The provincial capital is good; I don't want Grandma to move again."

Chi Wu countered, "Grandma has Mom and Dad here, Uncle and Auntie. Isn’t that good enough? We aren't leaving forever. University classes aren't as intense as high school; we have a car, we can come back anytime to spend Sundays with Grandma. Grandma isn't as old as you think; she has her own life too."

Cheng Ying fell silent. What Chi Wu said wasn't impossible, but she didn't want to attend university with him. If there was any room for their relationship to shift, it was this chance at university. If they were far apart, perhaps they could return to their original dynamic in the future. But if they attended the same university and remained tied together like this, it was certain: their current situation would be permanent. Cheng Ying looked at Chi Wu. She couldn't let the poor kid hang himself from her crooked neck tree. Not only would she be delaying the boy, but Cheng Ying also had her own vision of a beautiful future—a family life, a marital life. Facing Chi Wu, she couldn't bring herself to sever the connection. This entire relationship was hopelessly entangled. So, while there was still time and a chance to change things, it was better to make a move now.

Chi Wu pleaded, "Aren't you worried about me? I’ve been by your side since I was little. Could you really just let go and send me off alone? Will I eat enough? Will I stay warm? Will I get into fights or be bullied? Aren't you concerned?"

Cheng Ying watched Chi Wu silently. So, you weren't on your own during those three middle school years? But seeing the emotionally agitated child, Cheng Ying wisely kept that thought to herself. "Distance isn't the issue. You said it yourself, you drive back during the holidays. It’s no different from now. When you go collect medicinal herbs or buy lumber, going out for ten days or half a month wasn't uncommon, was it? I didn't see such a big reaction then." Chi Wu retorted, "That’s not the same!"

Cheng Ying closed her mouth. This was something Chi Wu needed to figure out for himself.

Inside, Chi Yong and the old madam were discussing Cheng Ying's schooling. The old madam said, "Just tell him where it is good. We cannot let anything delay the child's future. Besides, she and Wu Zi are already engaged. If they are so far apart and something bad happens later, can we afford to lose face? We must proceed with whatever is most stable. If Yingzi’s grades aren't as high, then let Wu Zi be delayed a bit; that's unavoidable. But if both children can get into the same school, try your best to arrange it."

Chi Yong sighed inwardly. Is there a more reasonable old madam than this? Sadly, his own daughter didn't think that way. "Mother, the key is what the two children prefer. We are all just helping them consider options. Besides, both children are academically strong; there’s no question of one delaying the other for any school they get into."

The old madam readily agreed, "Then that settles it. You try to choose good schools so the children can be together. I have no further concerns." Chi Yong asked, "Will Yingzi agree?" The old madam scoffed, "Indulge her in everything, and she’ll end up buried in money. Ignore her. I'll speak to her later. Yongzi’s mother is telling you from the heart: no matter what, when it comes to the relationship between Yingzi and Wu Zi, the woman always loses out a bit. If either child’s feelings change later, Yingzi is the one who will suffer and bear the hardship. My only hope is that the two children stay well and don't cause trouble today and drama tomorrow; that would be my blessing. If the two children end up very far apart, who can guarantee anything? People even get divorced after marriage these days; don't even talk about engagements. Mother doesn't believe in that."

Chi Yong admitted, "Mother, I’m completely on the same page as you. Having the two children together is like having relatives become family—it couldn't be better. If Yingzi and Chi Wu marry, even the mother-in-law issue won't exist. I’m very happy about that. But if I think deeper... if things go wrong, how are Zhi Zi and I supposed to navigate things between the two families? How will we maintain relations with the in-laws? That thought has never left my mind. Mother only hopes now that they live their lives peacefully and well, without making a fuss or causing worry, and that no mistake happens."

Chi Yong was truly venting to the old madam; this issue had been weighing on him for more than a day. The old madam sighed. Chi Yong sighed along with her. "Mother understands. You’ve been having a hard time recently, haven't you?" Chi Yong replied, "It’s not hard. She’s my own daughter, and he’s my own son. What difficulty is there? I don't even have to pay the betrothal gifts; Yingzi handled everything."

The old madam was amused by this. "You say it wasn't hard, but aren't you complaining to me now?" Chi Yong confessed, "Mother, you know our family consists of honest people; how did we end up with someone as cunning as Yingzi? Do you know? She asked me if we needed to prepare betrothal gifts for Wu Zi and find a matchmaker to formally propose to your family. Isn't that deliberately trying to upset me?"

The old madam just smiled faintly. "She’s just worked up. Pay her no mind. Your father and the others are still unwilling about the arrangement where the son marries into the daughter's family, aren't they?" Chi Yong managed a wry smile. "Conditions are good now; it’s not like we can’t support a child anymore. It’s not easy for them to accept this matter. That’s why I say what Yingzi said was intentionally meant to provoke me. Oh, how dare that unlucky child bring that up."

The old madam continued, "Actually, your parents worry too much. Wu Zi will be fine wherever he is. If he truly came to our home, would I change his surname? Furthermore, even if I sent Yingzi to your house, how many days would the two children stay there? Wu Zi isn't living under the guise of marrying in now, is he? Has he been staying at your house?"

Chi Yong discreetly glanced at the old madam’s expression. They say one advantage cancels a hundred shortcomings. The old madam had secured Chi Wu; the boy was already theirs. For his own side to argue now was merely about status. His own father, despite all his capability and authority, worried about having a grandson whose heart wasn't fully committed. But the old madam’s position was firm.

The old madam went on, "Besides, marrying into whose family is merely a matter of appearances. Your parents are too concerned with saving face. Wu Zi grew up under my nose; he’s no less filial to me than Yingzi. Would I bear to let the child suffer a loss of face, letting people say later that he was married in? What difference is there between Wu Zi and my own grandson?" Chi Yong asked, "Mother, what do you mean?" The old madam concluded, "Yingzi has a deep-seated anxiety about this. She feels she must leave a direct bloodline for her father. You know she’s fought with other children in the village over this issue about who performs the rites during festivals. This can be easily managed. Bloodline? Yingzi and Wu Zi can just have several children in the future. Even with strict family planning, there are still families in our village who risk the fine to have a boy as a third child. We aren’t lacking in money for fines. I’m open-minded about it."