This sound alerted Old Mrs. Chi that what Yingzi had produced utterly eclipsed the object in her grandson's hand.

Old Mrs. Chi felt like spitting blood. How could that thing compare to the bracelet? Think of the effort the old couple put in back then just to keep hold of that—a group of ignorant fools.

Old Mr. Chi understood exactly what his wife was thinking. “It’s nothing, nothing. Our family’s bracelet can still hold the fort. It’s better if others don’t recognize it; wealth shouldn’t be flaunted. Look at the way Yingzi put the item away; she knows the value of this bracelet.”

Old Mrs. Chi watched the way Cheng Ying handled the bracelet, and her heart calmed slightly. Heroes are lonely throughout history. Old Mrs. Chi felt truly isolated here; no one understood her, no one could stand as her equal. It was utterly vexing.

To be honest, Cheng Ying didn't truly understand the item she held, but she certainly had some knowledge.

Old Mr. and Mrs. Chi would certainly not try to fool people with a fake. Besides, counterfeits weren't that common at this time anyway.

Looking at the jade bangle in her hand, utterly pure white without a single impurity—this was a treasure that even wealth couldn't guarantee finding. Cheng Ying estimated its value based on the reverence later generations held for jade; this thing could be a family heirloom.

Of course, it needed to be preserved meticulously. She almost wanted to place it immediately into her spatial dimension; with her careless nature, a family heirloom might be shattered by one slip-up.

She specifically asked for the crimson silk cloth she’d intended for Chi Wu. After rewrapping the bangle—with that thickness, it probably wouldn't shatter even if dropped—Cheng Ying finally felt a bit reassured.

At least if the engagement were broken off, she wouldn't be returning a pile of shards. There was no reason for her to be blamed later for not compensating them over a bracelet.

Old Mrs. Chi thought, she has some taste after all. It was a pity that a group of villagers actually thought that vulgar object was better than their family’s heirloom. There was no arguing with them.

Chi Wu was even more pleased looking at that object. Chi Yong had mentioned they had good things. “Put it on.”

Cheng Ying replied, “I still have work to do; don’t damage precious things.”

Chi Wu was happy to see the ring he’d given Cheng Ying hadn't been taken off.

What displeased him was that she clearly valued the bracelet more than the ring he had presented.

The young men of the village chimed in, “Enough already. You two should come back less often. If you keep causing this stir, how can you expect us bachelors to ever find wives or you girls to find husbands?”

Chi Wu retorted, “What are you talking about? Let’s go drink. If you want a wife, you need to secure your foundation first. Do you expect your wife to suffer alongside you? Good for nothing!”

Chi Wu spoke with absolute confidence. While his family’s foundation wasn't as deep as Yingzi’s, he certainly had the money to support a wife.

Cheng Ming commented, “He’s a full man who doesn't understand the hunger of others. Let’s ignore him. This business doesn't concern us; we’re just watching the fun. Let’s go for a drink.”

This finally settled everyone down. Cheng Ming turned back and extorted, “When I get engaged, remember to get me a pair of rings. Don’t think I’ll let you off easy for covering for me today.”

Cheng Ying shot back, “Get lost. If you hadn’t stuck your nose in, we’d be quiet now.” With that, she went inside.

Chi Wu joined Cheng Ming and the others, moving from table to table for drinks.

In village betrothals, once the hand-exchanges were done, the young couple had little to do; the drinking was reserved for the in-laws.

Cheng Ying’s family side was less complicated; her father-in-law was also her stepfather, so he couldn’t drink with himself.

So, that table ended up quite crowded: the Village Head, First Uncle, Second Uncle, Yingzi’s maternal uncle, Godfather, and Chi Yong—six men, their atmosphere measured and unhurried. There wasn't much to discuss, really.

Chi Yong felt a bit outnumbered.

It was the maternal uncle who spoke first. “This will only bring our families closer. At least our Yingzi won’t have to deal with mother-in-law issues. It’s good. As for Wu Zi, don't worry. His birth mother watched both children grow up; whether they are related by marriage or not, they are our children.”

First Uncle looked displeased. Clearly, among the people at this table, he felt he had more right to speak on the matter.

But he was preempted by Third Uncle’s maternal grand-uncle. He reflected that he wasn't as close to the situation anyway. It was better not to speak; there would be plenty of future troubles without adding to them.

Second Uncle said simply, “We watched Wu Zi grow up; he won’t go wrong.” That was as sincere as it could get.

The Village Head added, “Yingzi’s mountain property is excellent. If it were an outsider, we’d all be worried. Now that it's all within the family, Yongzi won't have to stress over it either.”

The Village Head’s words leaned toward supporting Yingzi, after all, they shared the Cheng surname. A marriage arrangement naturally involved property matters.

Moreover, the Village Head didn't know the extent to which the two children were already making waves outside the village, so these concerns were essentially moot.

First Uncle remained silent. Second Uncle thought that as long as the two children were doing well now, whatever arrangement they made was fine. But if something went wrong between the two, their niece couldn't be allowed to suffer. He also kept quiet.

It seemed everyone wanted to address this issue.

Chi Yong and the maternal uncle knew the children’s actual standing, but was this the appropriate setting? Wouldn't it look like showing off? It could breed resentment.

Old Mrs. Chi, sitting at the adjacent table, was genuinely enraged. To think people were mocking her family for grasping at trifles—she couldn't endure it any longer. Such an uncultured crowd!

Although the Village Head said what he said, his intention was to bring this matter into the open for discussion.

Chi Yong thought that since others had spoken up, he couldn't pretend it wasn't happening.

“Wu Zi and Yingzi are attending school outside. No matter what, Wu Zi has some assets now; he won't have to rely solely on the mountain property to live with Yingzi. That mountain property is Yingzi’s father’s land; everyone knows that. Yingzi is very protective of that land. Two years ago, someone offered over ten thousand yuan just for one old pine tree in the mountain, and Yingzi refused. Regarding this mountain, I think Yingzi should speak for herself.”

Chi Yong was sharp. While these people were trying to look out for Yingzi and Old Mrs. Chi, fearing others might covet their property, who could say they had no selfish motives? Chi Yong was confident in his understanding of Yingzi.

Therefore, this wasn't a matter he could casually comment on.

The Village Head conceded, “I was just worrying needlessly. With Yingzi’s mountain property, which the children managed themselves since they were young, we are just idling away time. We all know what kind of person Wu Zi is.”

Chi Yong insisted, “Even among brothers, accounts must be settled clearly. Although the two will be closer than relatives in the future, it’s best to clarify certain things now so that if any issues arise later, it’s easier to discuss. You are addressing a serious matter.”

Chi Yong recalled that when he took in a son-in-law previously, he'd almost written a contract of servitude. That was already very generous. He wondered if Old Mrs. Chi had prompted the Village Head to speak.

Second Uncle and the maternal uncle called out, “Yingzi, Wu Zi, come over here for a moment. There are some things we need to discuss.”

Chi Yong added, “Let’s ask Old Mrs. Chi to join us too. After all, Yingzi is still just a young woman; it’s best if Old Mrs. Chi hears this.”

The Village Head glanced at Chi Yong, noticing his face flushing slightly. When Old Sister-in-law signed the agreement with Chi Yong, only he was a witness; that was perfectly clear. Surely Old Sister-in-law wouldn't make Wu Zi sign the same document, especially not in front of so many people—that wouldn't look good.

Cheng Ying and Wu Zi arrived much faster than Old Mrs. Chi, who was surrounded by a crowd of older women flattering her. This marriage arrangement had brought in a veritable golden phoenix—the finest achievement for the Cheng family.

Old Mrs. Chi was beaming like a steamed bun, yet she still managed to pour a cup of tea for the visibly uncomfortable Old Mrs. Chi.

When they were momentarily alone, Grandma Cheng said, “Don’t mind the villagers’ talk. I treat Wu Zi as my own grandson. Regardless of whose family it is, the capabilities of these two children are enough to support the three of us old folks, aren't they?”

Old Mr. Chi replied, “You are indeed a good in-law; hearing you speak so frankly is reassuring.”

Old Mrs. Chi thought to herself, Easy for you to say, but I don't see you saying your Yingzi married into our home. The old lady regretted her decision immensely. Why did she agree to have the wedding banquet at the Cheng family’s place? Wasn't that just giving the Chengs face? She should have held it at their own home, inviting as many relatives and friends as possible so everyone knew their grandson’s bride was joining their household.

Seeing how casually that other old lady could speak!

Old Mrs. Chi's guts were turning green with regret upon seeing the scene in the village. When the children marry, the banquet must be held at their home, no matter what. Why should they concede that?

Cheng Ying felt no hesitation about the Village Head's question. He was essentially asking her to buy insurance in case something happened to her.

Chi Wu thought, what 'in case'? If anything happened to Yingzi, he wouldn't want to live either. What good would that useless mountain property be to him then?

Cheng Ying felt that even if Chi Wu had some hidden conflicts with her, it was unlikely concerning property; the young man had too much inherent pride for that.

Chi Wu stated clearly, “The mountain property belongs to Yingzi; there’s no dispute there. In the future, it will naturally belong to our children, and no one else has a claim.” He spoke openly, completely unafraid of being accused of plotting for Cheng Ying’s assets.

First Uncle pursed his lips, looking at Cheng Ying.

Cheng Ying thought that while she hadn't considered having children yet, everything she owned would naturally go to her children in the future; it would be hard for anyone else to get a finger in. Chi Wu’s sentiment truly resonated with her. Clarifying these matters early on was good for her personal safety, removing one possible motive for others to harm her for financial gain—how much better would that be?

Cheng Ying nodded, “Yes, that’s what I mean.”

Old Mrs. Chi arrived just in time to hear the end of the conversation. “Oh, what nonsense are you all spouting? The two children are together; everything in the future naturally belongs to both of them. Why are we meddling in their affairs? You few are idle, aren't you? Go back to your drinking!”

The Village Head said, “Old Sister-in-law, you clearly have faith in Wu Zi. We were being needlessly cautious. Let’s return to our drinks.”

First Uncle, though displeased, had long given up on Cheng Ying.

Second Uncle showed no displeasure, but Chi Yong was utterly frustrated.

Why was Wu Zi considered so trustworthy? Why was the treatment for the exact same situation so different? When he was brought into the family, he almost had to swear to the heavens. Yet, for Wu Zi, Old Mrs. Chi didn’t even require a written note. Was it really an issue of character? Chi Yong felt deeply wronged.

Old Mrs. Chi thought to herself, Wu Zi’s savings passbook has been in my hands since he was small; no one knows how many zeros are on it better than I do. Of course, I trust him.