“Yatou, do you really feel right following your grandpa around causing trouble all day?” Chi Yong grumbled. “As long as Grandpa is happy, that’s what matters.

To put it bluntly, I’ve cultivated quite the thick skin by now. Most people can’t see right through me.” Yang Zhi was at a loss with her daughter; the girl truly had a hide like tanned leather.

“Yingzi, you really aren’t going with Wuzi?” Yang Zhi was jolted by the news. “What?” “Mom, it’s nothing.

Grandma is getting old, and I worry about her traveling back and forth. I’m going to a university right here in our province; the acceptance letter is already here.” “You child!

What a big deal this is! Does your grandma know?

Why didn’t you discuss this with the family first? How can you be so set in your ways?” “Wuzi and I discussed it, but we didn’t tell Grandma.

You shouldn’t mention it either.” “If I’m the one saying you’re going to school, then I have to look after your grandma! How can you be like this?

Do you look down on your own mother?” “Mom!” “Wuzi is going off to school, so what happens with your arrangements?” “This has nothing to do with where I attend school. If Wuzi and I drift apart just because we attend different schools, then what’s the difference between an engagement and no engagement?

I’d rather sort it out clearly now than regret it later while holding a child. Wouldn't you agree?” “I can never win an argument with you.” “The kid is grown up, and she thinks things through more thoroughly than we do.

It’s fine, I’m here,” Chi Yong said. After placating his wife, Chi Yong began to lecture his daughter.

Being a parent these days was truly hard. “Yingzi, you should trust your mom.

We can take care of the elders; you should have discussed this with us.” “It’s just that I can’t bear to leave Grandma; I’m used to her,” Cheng Ying replied. Chi Yong said nothing more.

That reason was certainly present. More so, his daughter didn’t trust them to care for the elder.

Chi Yong felt a deep sense of self-reproach; perhaps his usual conduct hadn’t given his daughter enough confidence. Chi Yong and Yang Zhi went back and started cleaning the courtyard—pots, pans, tables, and chairs.

They borrowed items from over a dozen households just to get things somewhat prepared. Chi Wu, however, showed absolutely no self-awareness as the prospective son-in-law joining the bride’s family; he took charge of everything personally, leading Cheng Ming and the other young men to borrow things from house to house.

Anyone in the village who saw Chi Wu would tease him. “You haven’t even gotten engaged yet, and you’re already changing your surname to Cheng?

I’ve never seen a man more eager to be taken in as a husband.” Chi Wu would reply frankly, “That’s because you haven’t met a beauty like Yingzi. Forget being taken in; I’d happily sign a contract of servitude for Yingzi.” The whole village was abuzz—the Chi family boy had surely fallen hard for the Cheng family’s ‘fool.’ Cheng Ying’s reputation in the village was notoriously spendthrift.

Even though the Cheng family had grown wealthy in recent years, the villagers believed it was because the third son of the Cheng family had died with unfinished business and was protecting his foolish daughter; they largely disconnected this prosperity from Cheng Ying’s actual intellect. So, when people saw Chi Wu, they couldn't help but sigh, “What a good man cursed with a poor wife.” Of course, no one would dare say such a thing in front of Cheng Ying; it was all whispered behind her back.

The date for Chi Wu and Cheng Ying’s village betrothal was set. Two days prior, Cheng Shengxia arrived with her husband and daughter, bringing a steady stream of good news—she was finally pregnant with another child.

The old son-in-law wished he had grown a third eye to keep watch over his wife. This second pregnancy had been so hard-won; he didn’t let her do any work at all.

Old Man Chi and Old Lady Chi also arrived two days early. Upon arrival, they stayed at Second Aunt’s house.

This time, Second Aunt’s conduct was exemplary from beginning to end. She helped organize the festivities with great energy.

Second Uncle even looked at his wife with newfound appreciation. Cheng Ying suspected it had a lot to do with the rice Chi Wu had delivered.

He had been generous. Although the engagement banquet had already taken place in the provincial capital, Old Man Chi still placed great importance on the village betrothal ceremony.

The gifts brought for the proposal were even more elaborate. Seeing the cartload of items, Old Lady Cheng felt immensely satisfied; it showed the Chi family truly valued her daughter and silenced the village gossips.

In Old Man Chi’s view, although it was nominally an adoption of the husband, the grandson wouldn't change his surname—only one child born to the grandson would take the mother's surname. Only if he brought substantial gifts could he elevate his grandson’s standing.

Hearing Old Man Chi’s reasoning, and considering village customs, Old Lady Chi was even more inclined to make the gifts plentiful. Her grandson wasn't marrying out because their side was poor or lacked talent; it was because the Cheng family had been too demanding.

However, Chi Yong’s words had indeed influenced the old lady’s attitude. She dared not show visible discontent on her face; if her grandson suffered grievances while living with the other family, it would be their own kin who suffered.

And her grandson had that stubborn temperament of always seeking trouble. Old Lady Chi had to swallow her frustrations internally.

In truth, Chi Yong, as his son, understood his mother best. Old Man Chi personally took the gifts to the village head to formally request his mediation.

This brought immense honor to Old Lady Cheng; her in-law had handled this matter perfectly. Cheng Ying’s feeling about the betrothal could be summed up in one word: exhaustion.

If they could avoid having a second ceremony, that would be best. This level of activity was simply unbearable for an ordinary person.

Starting two days before the engagement, Cheng Ying was constantly greeting guests and sending them off. Relatives from afar needed hosting, and neighbors close by needed to be seen.

This was the biggest joyous occasion for the Cheng family in years. And any shortages—be it supplies or missing hands—were Cheng Ying’s responsibility alone.

Normally, Chi Wu handled all the errands, but this time, Chi Wu’s status was different; he was the prospective son-in-law being taken in. No one approached him for help with tasks.

Villagers felt awkward asking Yang Zhi about her role—was she technically the bride’s side or the groom’s side? So, the villagers who came to help directed all their questions and requests directly to Cheng Ying.

This made Cheng Ying wish she had grown eight more arms. This maddening hustle—if this were for a genuine engagement, she might accept it willingly, but to go through all this trouble for that troublesome boy and his equally troublesome circumstances, she seriously considered throwing her hands up and quitting.

It was just that the scale of the event was so vast. Cheng Ying dared not walk away.

Every night, after seeing off distant relatives and nearby neighbors, it was past midnight, and Cheng Ying felt she couldn’t straighten her back. She felt she was suffering more than any new bride ever had.

Cheng Ying stood in the quieted courtyard, stretching her back. Chi Wu came over and massaged her shoulders.

“Look how busy you’ve been all day.” “Yes, you’re truly blessed; this is the treatment a new bride gets,” Cheng Ying remarked wryly. Chi Wu looked at her.

“A little bit of hardship is worth it. At least our family is gaining a new member, aren’t we?” Cheng Ying shuddered.

I’m not some saint who can get pregnant without a man, she thought. “We’re far from adding new members.

Stop ruining my reputation.” Chi Wu grinned playfully while kneading her shoulders. “But then I’ll officially be part of your family, won’t I?

Legally recognized.” “You’re supposed to change your surname.” “Whether I change it or not, from now on, I am Cheng Chi’s clan.” Cheng Ying gritted her teeth. “Don’t you have any shame?” She couldn't help but laugh herself.

When did this unfortunate boy become so shamelessly persistent? “You used to be the ‘Flower on the High Peak,’ and now you’ve become the ‘Fallen Household.’ Your value has dropped awfully fast.” “If I cared about keeping my face, I’d never catch up to my wife.

I’m going all-in.” “Get lost! Who was feeding you those terrible strategies?

I taught you so many good things, why can’t you remember any of them?” “Yours don’t work. I developed this myself through observation.

See Uncle Gan Sun Pangzi? Given his circumstances, his wife, Auntie Gan, follows him devotedly.

That’s skill. Naturally, I have to learn from the most successful person.

Uncle Gan said that when chasing a wife, you must be shameless and persistent.” “You should spend more time with better company. Forget learning from Sun Pangzi; he just got lucky.

Ow, I’m so tired. This whole affair has worn me out.

This is just the betrothal; I don’t know how insane the actual wedding will be. It’s given me such psychological trauma; I never want to go through a second engagement again.” Chi Wu’s expression tightened momentarily with a flash of anger.

This girl is still thinking about a second engagement? Does she think I’m actually dead?

“What second engagement? That’s too tiring.

We’ll get it done in one go. Don’t worry.

By the time of the wedding, I’ll be one of your own, and you won’t have to worry about a thing. You just wait to be the bride.” Cheng Ying put on a stern face.

“Hmph. If someone else were engaged to me, I wouldn't have to manage anything either; I’d dump it all on you.

Now look, you’ve given yourself such a unique status that I can’t even ask you for help when I need it.” Chi Wu felt terribly wronged. “Didn’t I help out for several days beforehand?” “I’m still dealing with the fallout now.

See that big pot? There are fifteen or sixteen pork hocks in there, and I still have to watch the fire.” “Why should you?

You’re hosting all these helpers; how can they let you work? Go rest.

I’ll watch the pot. I guarantee nothing for tomorrow’s events will be delayed.” “That’s called filial piety, I suppose.” “What’s filial piety?

This is me caring for my future wife. You need to adjust your thinking.” Cheng Ying patted Chi Wu’s cheek.

“Fine, Mr. New Era Man.

You watch the pot; I’m going to sleep. This period hasn’t been livable for a human being.” With that, she left.

Chi Wu’s face flushed. Cheng Ying’s tone clearly didn’t treat him like a man; it sounded like she was coaxing a child, which was truly frustrating.

Chi Wu tossed a thick log into the pot, his heart burning just like the fire in the stove, refusing to die down. But now that they were engaged, he certainly wouldn’t let Yingzi be this exhausted again.

He wouldn’t be called a ‘New Era Good Man’ for nothing. He didn’t believe that once Yingzi saw how good he could be, she would still think about a second engagement.

Cheng Ying hadn’t even fully woken up when the helpers who had come to assist shook her awake. Too many things required her attention.

The old lady was frail, and Big Aunt was watching with cold eyes, eagerly waiting just for the wedding feast. Second Aunt wanted to help, but it seemed her social standing in the village was poor; no one dared to provoke her.

The poor child, Cheng Ying, had no choice but to step in herself. From the kitchen to the banquet area, Cheng Ying had been up since five in the morning.

From then until ten o’clock, there wasn't a single moment of rest. This continued until the village head and the matchmaker thought it was time for the next formal step—the exchange of betrothal tokens.

Only then did someone remember where Yingzi had gone. When the old lady saw her granddaughter emerging from the kitchen, sweat pouring down her face from exhaustion, her heart ached genuinely.

If her real father were here, or if Yang Zhi, as the daughter-in-law, were in charge, how could our granddaughter be so burdened? She quickly urged her granddaughter into the house to change clothes.

“Did you prepare the red handkerchief?” “Prepare what for?” Cheng Ying asked. The old lady and Auntie Gan both realized their child hadn't prepared anything.

It was their fault for forgetting to tell the girl to prepare a red handkerchief to wrap something for Chi Wu.