As the newly appointed brother-in-law, Chi Wu treated Cheng Ming well, personally driving him around his new school.
He had Cheng Ming’s schedule down to the minute.
Chi Wu kept lecturing Cheng Ming on when he should be home and warned him not to wander off. Cheng Ming found the nagging excruciating; it was stricter than at home. Had Wu Zi gone mad, acting like he was raising a son? Cheng Ming was deeply displeased.
Was this care, or was it setting traps for him?
As for Cheng Ying, she kept the acceptance letter clutched tightly, not daring to show it yet, deciding to wait until school started. Delaying was better than nothing.
The old woman, learning that her granddaughter and Wu Zi were heading to university out of province, made two new sets of bedding.
She prepared everything—thermos, mugs, washbasins—even more thoroughly than she had for a wedding. The old woman even asked, “If the dormitory isn’t convenient, why don't you just rent a place outside?”
In the old woman's view, buying property far away wasn’t cost-effective; renting seemed more suitable.
Seeing all the items, clearly prepared in sets of two, Cheng Ying felt uneasy and dared not say a word.
Meanwhile, Chi Wu had started running lumber with Fatty Sun again these past few days.
Chi Wu felt that since he would be far from home, he needed to clarify some matters with Uncle Gan in case he became too busy and needed someone to step in.
Therefore, he was unaware of what the old woman had been doing. The excitement of the engagement had made him forget about Cheng Ying’s schooling.
When the start of school neared, the old woman spoke to Cheng Ying daily about getting along well outside, etc. Cheng Ying realized she couldn't stall any longer and should tell the old woman the truth sooner rather than later.
Choosing an evening with a pleasant atmosphere and a good mood at home, Cheng Ying presented the old woman with a piece of paper.
The old woman said, “What is this? I can read.”
Cheng Ying mumbled dryly, “The admission notice.”
Chi Wu immediately rushed over. He had said he would handle this matter, but in his busyness, he had completely forgotten.
The old woman asked, “Why are you giving this to me?”
Chi Wu explained, “Grandma, I decided this. Yingzi’s acceptance letter is for a school within the province. It’s not far, just three bus stops away. Yingzi can drive herself; it’s only ten minutes to school.”
The old woman froze. “What? Your school doesn't want Yingzi?”
Chi Wu clarified, “Grandma, no. Our provincial schools are excellent too. With Yingzi’s grades, she could get into any school she wanted. It was the two of us; I registered Yingzi for this school.”
Old Mrs. Cheng’s face darkened. “What do you mean? Why can’t Yingzi go to school with you? How could you decide such a big thing for her?”
Cheng Ying interjected, “Grandma, who can decide my affairs? I’m going to university within the province. I got into B University while attending primary school in a mountain gully. The school isn't the key.”
The old woman, her face gloomy, had never been this angry. “Stop lecturing me with these things. I just want to know from both of you: why aren't you going to school together?”
Chi Wu started, “Grandma—”
The old woman cut him off. “I didn’t ask you to speak.” She then stared at Cheng Ying. Her own granddaughter was so broad-minded, but did she truly understand what they would face if they were separated? What was most important for a woman in her lifetime? If Wu Zi got distracted by other things while away at school, what would be left for Yingzi?
The old woman truly didn't care about what or what kind of studies they would pursue; she couldn't grasp it.
Cheng Ying insisted, “Grandma, I can’t leave this place. I just don’t want to go there.”
The old woman was so angry she almost forgot to grab the feather duster and instead slapped the unlucky child. Spoiled, everything is always as you wish, you are too pampered!
Chi Wu stepped sideways to shield his wife. “Grandma, it’s not Yingzi’s decision; I filled out the forms for her. Wherever Yingzi studies, it will be the same for us. This relationship won't change, so you don't need to worry.”
The old woman gave Wu Zi a fierce look. You, who hasn't even sprouted whiskers, what do you know? Can such things be decided just by talking? I've seen this happen many times—the man achieves success after being away for a couple of years and then looks down on his wife. This isn't new.
Chi Wu argued, “Grandma, what do you take me for? What do you take Yingzi for? Our engagement is for building a life together, not child’s play. It has nothing to do with where we study.”
Cheng Ying felt heartbroken seeing the slap land on Chi Wu, knowing how hard his body was. “Grandma, please stop being angry. His body is tough; be careful of your hand.”
Chi Wu said, “Grandma, why don’t you stop first? I’ll get the feather duster, and you can hit me then.”
The old woman was provoked into a strange mix of anger and amusement by the two unlucky children. “You talk so easily, but you know nothing!”
Chi Wu replied, “I don't know much, but I know this: in my eyes, I’ve only ever seen Yingzi. If that changes just because we’re apart, what kind of person am I?”
If I were going to change, I would have done so long ago. Why would I scheme so much?
Chi Wu glanced at Cheng Ying. “Grandma, Yingzi has always liked looking at pretty things since she was little. You still need to help me watch her closely.”
The old woman looked at Chi Wu. “What are you saying? Yingzi is so sensible; she isn't that kind of person.”
She is that kind of person, but she can’t admit it in front of her future grandson-in-law. The old woman thought she would just keep a closer eye on things moving forward. “Wu Zi, Yingzi doesn't want to go. Can your school still be changed?”
Chi Wu looked at the old woman. It could be changed, but he couldn't change, nor did he want to. He couldn't let his wife treat him like a child her whole life.
Chi Wu couldn't explain this to the old woman.
Yingzi chimed in, “Grandma, if it were that easy, wouldn't all those who took the Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination) have gone crazy?”
The old woman sighed, “Ah, what kind of mess have you two created? Wu Zi, you must not—”
The old woman couldn't finish her sentence. Chi Wu looked at his grandmother. “Grandma, don’t worry. I’m eighteen now. I’ve been out doing business and seen all sorts of scenes. Haven’t I been fine? Isn't my heart still set only on Yingzi?”
That statement was like stirring a hornet’s nest.
The old woman demanded, “What scenes have you seen?”
Cheng Ying raised an eyebrow. Oh, so this child has gained some experience? I couldn't tell. He’s even snuck into entertainment venues silently. Speaking of which, are there such places in the provincial capital now? Are they even safe? Should I introduce some basic hygiene knowledge to the child? Protecting oneself is protecting the family. Health is more important than anything.
Cheng Ying’s gaze became distant.
Chi Wu felt like he was the fool in the old woman’s eyes, having hung himself while trying to reassure her. “Grandma, I just went in with them to look around. I didn’t do anything, really.”
The old woman’s glare was so intense it looked like she wanted to flay alive whoever led her grandson-in-law astray. “Who did you go with?”
Chi Wu hesitated, feeling embarrassed to speak. If he named names, he’d be a traitor, and there was no reason to implicate others, right?
Cheng Ying quickly stated, “You can’t say!”
Chi Wu stopped hesitating. He could be misunderstood by anyone, but not by his wife. “I can say. I went in with Brother Li. Brother Li said he was showing me around, but I didn’t touch anything, really.”
The old woman’s face darkened. “That person definitely isn't good. You must not associate with him anymore, understood?”
Cheng Ying looked at the old woman. That was their biggest business partner. If Chi Wu was willing to cut ties, even she would hesitate.
Chi Wu looked at Cheng Ying. “I’ll just stop managing the furniture company from now on.” That way, he wouldn't have contact with Li.
He won't do the medicinal herb business either. Cheng Ying thought that dealing with Brother Li herself might actually be convenient.
The old woman approved. “That’s right. What skills can a person like that have? In the old days, he’d just be a rich playboy. You must not learn from people like that anymore, understood?”
Chi Wu obediently nodded. “Yes, I understand.”
The old woman relaxed. This was her grandson-in-law; such things absolutely had to be stopped.
The old woman asked, “So when are you going to school?”
Chi Wu replied, “The day after tomorrow. Tomorrow, I want to take Yingzi to look around her school environment.”
The old woman said, “Good, I’ll go gather your things for you.”
Then she slapped her thigh and smacked Cheng Ying again. “You wicked thing, why didn’t you say something about such a huge matter sooner? Look at all this stuff I bought—wasn't that a waste of money?”
Chi Wu rushed to comfort his wife. “Grandma, don’t hit her! Yingzi will be beaten silly by you. We can just keep the things at home.”
The old woman scoffed, “Pah! Does your household need several washbasins? Do you have several boxes stacked up at your place?”
Cheng Ying sighed to the heavens. If I had told her earlier, I wouldn't have gotten beaten undeservedly. I should have educated the old woman on hygiene knowledge. Everyone should have their own washbasin; that’s sanitary.
Chi Wu tried to intercede with the old woman, “Grandma—”
The old woman snapped, “Get out of here! I’m annoyed just looking at you two.” She grumbled inwardly, she won't even let me discipline my own granddaughter a little bit. This is truly unreasonable.
Chi Wu left with Cheng Ying, rubbing her head. “You should provoke Grandma less in the future. What if she really does hit you silly?”
Cheng Ying shook off Chi Wu’s hand. “Get lost! Grandma wouldn’t actually hit me hard, would she?”
Chi Wu felt like the one caught in the middle, pleasing neither side. He hadn't defended his wife well, and he had angered his grandmother.
Cheng Ying teased him, “Did you really go into those kinds of places? How was it? Was it fun?”
Chi Wu blushed. “Really not! I just looked, and then I came out. You have to believe me.” Chi Wu wanted to say, I would never do anything that would upset you.
Cheng Ying said dismissively, “Hmph. Be careful, though. I heard the people there aren't very clean. You need to know how to protect yourself, alright?”
Before Cheng Ying finished speaking, Chi Wu’s expression changed—it shifted faster than turning a page.
He stared at Cheng Ying with a cold face, as if looking at an enemy.
Cheng Ying was baffled. “Who are you making faces at?”
Chi Wu clenched his fists, his eyes turning red. “Cheng Ying, you remember this for me.”
He then turned and left. The wooden door was so thick, yet he made it slam shut with a loud thud.
Cheng Ying thought, What kind of gunpowder did this kid eat?
Chi Wu was about to vomit from anger. Cheng Ying, remember this! Sooner or later, I’ll have you clinging to my hand, unable to let go. See if you dare to speak so lightly today! Chi Wu almost cried. Her heart isn't with me yet, otherwise, why would she speak so casually? She’s pushing me away! Haven't I done enough? Chi Wu’s heart twisted painfully.
Cheng Ming, having just arrived in the provincial capital, was like a fish thrown into the vast ocean. Cheng Ying’s family couldn't find him at all.
If Chi Wu hadn’t specifically instructed Cheng Ming to follow them to Cheng Ying’s school the next day, Cheng Ming would still be wandering somewhere now.
As they walked in, they saw Chi Wu speeding away on his motorcycle. Cheng Ming thought Wu Zi’s exit looked so much cooler than his own, regretting that he hadn't brought his beloved car along.