She turned around and left, wanting to show off her grandson-in-law to her group of old girlfriends.

Chi Wu’s eyebrows shot up so high they nearly flew off; what could be more important than being trusted by the old lady and his fiancée?

Cheng Ying thought, just how much effort has this boy put into winning over the old lady? The results are astonishing. She recalled her own stepfather, who couldn't even get near the household register, and then looked at Chi Wu—he was practically the old lady’s personal chamberlain.

Even without hearing the old lady boasting about her grandson-in-law from table to table, Cheng Ying could tell the old lady was more than satisfied with this match.

Cheng Ming said, “Look at this, if you didn’t know, you’d think he was the old lady’s own grandson. If someone needs to offer toasts, shouldn’t it be you and Wu Zi going together? Why is Grandma dragging Wu Zi around?”

Cheng Ying retorted, “Jealous, huh? Hurry up and find Grandma a granddaughter-in-law, then you’ll understand.”

Cheng Ming sighed, “With all this commotion you two are making, I think it’ll be another two years before I even think about a wife. How else am I supposed to trade for the new shouji [notebook/manual] for her?”

Cheng Ying snapped, “Big ambition. Get lost. You can follow along later to see guests out and clean up the yard. I’m about to drop dead from exhaustion. This really isn't work fit for humans. Remember, one engagement is enough; never do a second one. I can’t handle the fuss.”

Cheng Ming glared, looking dejected at his sister, “I can handle the fuss, and nobody is hoping for a second engagement anyway. You better watch what you say, or Grandma will smack you later. Oh, right, I’m going to university in the provincial capital too. Even if it’s not as good as your school, it’s still a university. You better get a place ready for me to stay.”

Cheng Ying asked, “Why not stay in the dorms? It’s so much freer.”

Cheng Ming explained, “You think I don’t want to? Didn’t Wu Zi say it wouldn’t be safe with just you and Grandma at home? He insisted I stay here. I’ll bring my beloved vehicle into the city later, otherwise, who knows how far I’ll have to run around every day?”

Cheng Ying thought of Cheng Ming’s motorcycle, whose noise rivaled a tractor. “Forget it. Let your beloved vehicle achieve immortality right here in the village. The city has buses.”

Cheng Ming huffed, “What are you saying? My beloved vehicle is an omen of eternal fortune!”

Cheng Ying conceded, “Fine, fine, you can open a museum. I’m leaving. I can’t be bothered arguing with you. And don’t you dare bring that vehicle; every time Grandma hears that sound, her heart goes through a shockwave. It’s too stimulating.”

Cheng Ming was utterly miserable, wondering who was begging whom. It was all Chi Wu’s doing.

Cheng Ying felt she needed to let go of some worry too. Wu Zi was truly meticulous in his actions. He had already settled the household affairs.

He had even found someone to guard the house.

Chi Wu’s good mood wouldn’t be spoiled by any minor incident. Following the Cheng family's grandmother, he cheerfully chatted with people at every table, making Cheng Ying feel exhausted just watching.

She couldn't figure out how the mother and son duo managed to keep up such a pace.

When Chi Wu looked at Cheng Ying’s third aunt, his heart swelled with happiness. Both of her sons had been defeated by him—one had his lunchbox scrubbed by Cheng Ying, and the other had once been considered a potential son-in-law by the old lady.

Chi Wu knew the score perfectly.

So, standing before the third aunt, Chi Wu’s chest was puffed out extra straight.

The fruits of victory are mine; Yingzi is mine too.

The third aunt spoke as generously as ever, “See, I told you all along these two had a married look about them. Back then, Yingzi even bet flowers against me. Wait until I laugh at her later!”

Although said somewhat jokingly, she was clearly staking her claim: You all criticized me back then to the point where I couldn’t lift my head. Now look, wasn’t I right?

Chi Wu replied smoothly, “Third Aunt has truly insightful vision. However, please don’t tease Yingzi anymore; she’s quite sensitive, and it might embarrass her.”

The table full of women burst into laughter. “Look at this child, already protecting his fiancée!”

Chi Wu, thick-skinned now, had completely shed the aloof demeanor of the ‘ice sculpture’ from school. “Isn’t she my fiancée? If I don’t protect her, who will?”

Cheng Ying thought to herself, does this person have a hidden personality? Why is he so different?

He’s assimilated into the local customs too perfectly—he’s truly down-to-earth.

If some auntie or older sister-in-law tossed out a suggestive joke, he could probably handle it.

Her maternal aunt and paternal aunt arrived. “Yingzi, look at Wu Zi, so glib-tongued. You need to keep an eye on him. Don’t just look at the pretty words; the actions must match, understand?”

Cheng Ying nodded solemnly. “I understand.”

Heaven knows this boy isn’t like this around her! They don't realize how worried his father and older relatives were that he was quiet and didn't socialize well with classmates.

Cheng Ying looked up at the sky; thankfully, it was still beautifully blue.

The only two rational women in the household were scrutinizing the new son-in-law from every angle, every perspective.

They ensured their niece remained vigilant at all times, expressing their concern and offering reminders in various, constant forms.

Cheng Ying felt that if the engagement period leading up to and including the day itself had caused physical exhaustion, the period after brought mental fatigue. She had to endure all sorts of well-intentioned reminders and caring oversight.

Truly, Cheng Ying couldn't stand staying in the village any longer.

Unfortunately, Uncle Gan wouldn't stop fussing, insisting the feng shui here was good; his eldest son hadn't caused any trouble since coming to the village.

Cheng Ying thought, doesn't he have any common sense? The child grew up, got stronger, and naturally stopped causing trouble. What does that have to do with feng shui?

And then there was the matter of the evenings. There clearly wasn't enough space in the house for so many people.

But at night, the old lady insisted on clearing out the west room so the young couple could ‘cultivate their relationship.’

Cheng Ying clearly saw the writing on the wall: this was heading toward marriage, not just some superficial ceremony.

Fortunately, Chi Wu, perhaps lacking perception, simply fell asleep every night.

And he looked completely content, with no other ideas whatsoever, which prevented Cheng Ying from becoming completely drained, body and soul.

If Chi Wu had added any more trouble, Cheng Ying would have run away from home.

After seeing off the paternal aunt, the maternal aunt, and the older relatives, Cheng Ying and Chi Wu took pastries and wine to pay respects to the eldest and second eldest uncles—though it was mostly a formality.

The uncles insisted the pair stay for a meal, and they also had to visit the village head, which was a thank-you to the matchmakers.

Only then was the engagement truly settled; the procedures were complete.

Cheng Ying quickly packed her things and retreated to the mountains, determined to avoid the group of women at home.

As for Chi Wu, Cheng Ying couldn't manage him; let him be. The boy was probably still floating halfway to the sky, feeling quite grounded.

Second Uncle asked, “Why are you coming up the mountain by yourself?”

Cheng Ying replied, “How else should I come up the mountain?”

Second Uncle chuckled, “Heh heh, I drank your wedding wine a few days ago. You should have at least brought the new son-in-law with you today.”

Cheng Ying frowned, her mind full of worries. “You know he’s the new son-in-law; how could I bear to make him work? I didn’t come up here for fun; I came to help Second Uncle.”

Second Uncle agreed, “Fine, today I’ve gained an extra pair of hands. But Yingzi, since you have time, walk around with me today and check on our ginseng.”

Cheng Ying agreed, “Sounds good.”

Cheng Ying watched Second Uncle stick a small wooden tag with a serial number next to every single ginseng root. “Second Uncle, are you afraid someone won't be able to steal them?”

Second Uncle scoffed, “Nonsense. I can’t guarantee much else, but nobody dares set foot in this stretch of mountain.”

Then he laughed, extremely smugly. “Those dogs are unbelievable. Do you know how many people they’ve pinned under their paws in a year?”

Cheng Ying asked with concern, “They didn’t hurt anyone, did they?”

Second Uncle replied, “If they got hurt, they deserved it for trying to steal people’s property. Listen, girl, people from the neighboring village tried to play dirty, and they ended up so scared by a pack of puppies that they wet themselves. Who else would dare come? Besides, the forest rangers are always patrolling.”

Cheng Ying remarked, “It’s not easy for these things to grow this well.”

Second Uncle agreed, “Exactly. Tall trees catch the wind. I think you should hurry up and find a way to sell off some of these things; our family is comfortable enough now.”

Cheng Ying countered, “It’s precisely because we’re comfortable enough that we don’t need this income, which is why we’re reluctant to sell them. They are worth more growing here.”

Second Uncle nodded; keeping them was safer than putting the money in the bank. “Otherwise, I’ll have Er Ya [the dog] birth another litter of pups.”

Second Uncle seriously considered strengthening the defense measures.

Cheng Ying thought that selling now would be a huge loss; it would be better in ten or fifteen years. Though, even then, it might not be necessary. “Mhm, I’ll keep an eye out. If anyone approaches us again with a good price, we can sell a few.”

Then Cheng Ying followed Second Uncle to a large plot near the spring stream to begin inserting tree saplings.

The branches were clipped by Second Uncle from the woods nearby, about twenty centimeters long per section. One end was soaked in the spring water, and Cheng Ying and the others inserted the already-soaked cuttings.

Cheng Ying noticed Second Uncle seemed to have some expertise regarding the spring water.

Second Uncle explained, “Over the years, I’ve figured out quite a few methods. This way of propagation yields the highest survival rate for the seedlings. Once they root in this patch of land, I’ll find people to transplant them to the nursery outside. Yingzi, Second Uncle tells you, this spring source, this entire spot, is truly blessed ground. No wonder the villagers say your father protected you. Second Uncle tested the water from the lower stream, and it doesn't have this good an effect.”

Second Uncle spoke mysteriously as he said this, while Er Ya sat by his feet, ears perked up—her posture looked entirely defensive.

Cheng Ying nodded along. “I knew it. Even in my dreams, my father was watching over me; why else would he have bought mountain land right here?”

Second Uncle cautioned, “You can’t go blabbing about things like this outside. Who knows if people will believe it, but good things must be hidden, do you understand?”

Cheng Ying replied, “I know, I haven’t told anyone.”

Second Uncle stated firmly, “I haven't let anyone near this place. I've managed the affairs of this land myself. We’ll just quietly guard it and live off it slowly.”

Cheng Ying secretly thought that during her holidays, she would add some spatial water to the spring source, which would naturally lead to more obvious results. Looking at her sizable mountain property, the nursery was mostly planted with saplings now.

From now on, she shouldn't dilute too much spatial water here. If someone came to fight her over her father’s burial grounds because of these little things, that would be disastrous.

Cheng Ying truly understood one thing: good things are never kept secret for long.

Cheng Ying worked hard all day, feeling physically and mentally refreshed, which was incomparable to doing chores at home.

When she returned home slightly late in the evening, Chi Wu was already waiting to pick her up.

Upon their arrival, the old lady scolded Cheng Ying for being reckless, not knowing when to come home even when it was dark—was she trying to worry everyone to death? Only after lecturing her did she usher the two of them into their room to rest.

Chi Wu said, “Yingzi, I’ve been running around with those other guys these last two days. I’ll go up the mountain with you tomorrow. Is there still much work to be done on the mountain plot?”

Cheng Ying replied, “Not much. Second Uncle can manage by himself; I was just keeping him company and chatting.”

Chi Wu naturally went out and brought in a basin of water, then began washing Cheng Ying's feet.

It must be said that Chi Wu had been doing this for several years now. Ever since Cheng Ying got the wool for him and knitted him a sweater, the path of Cheng Ying ‘enslaving’ Chi Wu had never ceased.

Whether it was work he could do or not, Chi Wu helped Cheng Ying with everything. At first, he had some complaints, but ever since Cheng Ying brought him a life where he was well-fed and warm, Chi Wu had generally completed every task Cheng Ying assigned him tirelessly, without complaint or regret.

But tonight, as Cheng Ying soaked her feet and looked at Chi Wu beside her, something felt profoundly wrong.

Although Chi Wu wasn't a stranger, given their current relationship status, having him fetch water for her made Cheng Ying uneasy.

Chi Wu asked, “Is the water cold? Or is it too hot?”

Saying that, he reached out to test the temperature. Cheng Ying quickly stopped him. “No need, it’s perfect.”

Then Cheng Ying felt like she had suddenly entered a two-dimensional world—something that shouldn't connect with Chi Wu at all.

Cheng Ying quickly pulled her feet out and wiped them dry. As Chi Wu moved to carry the water away, Cheng Ying hurriedly stopped him. “No need, I’ll do it myself.”

Chi Wu was not happy; this felt like distance between them. When he was studying in the village, on freezing winter nights when his feet were too cold to sleep, Yingzi had never been squeamish about scalding his feet for him. Now, when he fetched water for Cheng Ying, she didn't want him to—this was upsetting. Chi Wu was unwilling to see this happen.