The old Madam Cheng nodded, thinking this girl indeed had a lovable side, seeing how perceptive she was. “That’s right, think of all the effort it took back then, only leaving these two or three things, and they’re all for you.”
Cheng Ying felt a weight settle on her. “Grandmother, perhaps you should keep them. I heard these things are taxing to maintain.”
The old lady was even more pleased. “I’m already this age; you keep them. Jade nurtures the person, and the person nurtures the jade. Carry them often.”
The old man finally chimed in, “These have truly been blessed by the Buddha; they are the Mandarin Duck Pendants passed down from when your grandfather and I married.”
Chi Wu happily licked his lips in deference. “Wearing these means a predestined match before the Buddha. Yingzi, from now on, we each wear one.”
Miss Qingfang descended the stairs. Truthfully, the child had very pleasing features, and for this era, having hair that was so sleek and straight spoke volumes. She descended with such an air of arrogance that Cheng Ying felt she was looking at half a noble lady. She recovered quite quickly.
It was just her words that grated. “What does she know? It would be better to give her gold or silver; it’s less restrictive.”
Old Madam Chi was displeased. What right did a young girl have to interrupt a private family matter? “Qingfang!” Her voice was laced with annoyance.
Moreover, this child currently looked down upon her grandson’s fiancée. Old Madam Chi could look down on Cheng Ying if she wished, but no one else could—it was a direct slap to her face.
Qingfang turned her head sharply. “Giving something blessed by the Buddha to her is restrictive because she understands it?”
Cheng Ying countered, “Exactly. Though the gods and Buddhas may not necessarily protect me, and I’m not particularly close to them, they certainly won’t side with you. Look at your three thousand strands of worldly troubles, the weight of karma covering you. How dare you mention the Buddha?”
Chi Yong turned his head away, having just insulted the girl’s beautiful hair.
Qingfang’s hands trembled. “You—”
Cheng Ying snapped back, “What ‘you’? Those who ruin a destined marriage go to hell. You won’t even see the Buddha when you die, especially one who insists on inserting herself into someone else’s union. Is this what makes you city girls noble? Don’t you feel you’re embarrassing your mother? How dare you mention the Buddha? Aren’t you afraid the Buddha will strike you down?”
Those words were so vulgar, so forceful.
Old Madam Chi couldn’t even lift her head, although what was said was undeniably true.
Cheng Ying felt the girl was still young and decided a word of advice was necessary, perhaps setting a standard for her future morality. Being a mistress wasn’t a good profession. “Whether I am a suitable match for Chi Wu is not for you to decide. Even if we weren’t right for each other, you should wait until Wu Zi and I break the engagement before making a move. What is this you’re doing? A person needs to care about their reputation; you are too eager.”
Chi Wu grew angry, forgetting the setting, and snapped at Cheng Ying. “What nonsense are you talking about? Breaking the engagement is wild talk!”
Chi Yong turned his head again; this ill-fated child chose the worst possible time to interject.
Qingfang looked at everyone in the room, feeling as if they had all betrayed her. The young girl stomped her foot, shedding tears, and walked out.
The atmosphere in the room became somewhat awkward.
Cheng Ying rubbed her nose. “Ha, I guess I have a kind heart. If I don’t descend into hell, who will? I am sacrificing myself for others, making this young girl see the error of her ways. Will her parents come thank me later?”
She directed this comment toward Old Madam Chi.
Old Master Cheng said, “Qingfang indeed lacks sense; she should have been disciplined long ago. Yingzi is right. Fortunately, we are all family. I’ll speak with their old man later; it’s too embarrassing if this gets out.”
Cheng Ying thought to herself, The old man is too insightful. If there are any squabbles later, they have nothing to do with me; I meant well.
Chi Wu was kicked by Chi Yong and dared not glare at Yingzi anymore. Besides, even when he did glare, she didn't pay him any mind.
Chi Wu plastered a smile on his face and approached, holding out the two jade pendants. “I’ll find some string; we’ll hang them around our necks.”
Cheng Ying took them immediately. “These are so precious; just wearing them around casually?” She then put them away.
Old Madam Chi nodded; indeed, they were more suited for collection than daily wear.
As for Miss Qingfang who had left, though she felt some regrettable sympathy, these were real people in the world. Old Madam Chi would certainly not let her entire family be unhappy over a young girl, especially one so ill-mannered.
Chi Wu was ecstatic all day. Though he didn't voice it, having two women fight over him, even if it wasn't glorious, one of them was Cheng Ying, making it hard for Chi Wu not to be thrilled.
He would wake up smiling from his dreams; they must have been talking about him.
Old Master and Old Madam Chi were warm and genuinely solicitous toward Cheng Ying and Chi Wu, because if they weren't more enthusiastic, their own grandson might truly become someone else’s.
They realized this fact acutely now, especially Old Madam Chi, whose impression was deep.
Old Master Cheng said, “Yingzi, why don’t you stay here tonight? Tomorrow, Sister Sun will make dumplings for you all.” This was a tactic to secure her allegiance.
Cheng Ying shyly lowered her head, glancing at Chi Wu. I can’t afford to provoke this person. “I’ll listen to Wu Zi.”
Old Madam Chi said, “Wu Zi, you two should stay here tonight. I’ve prepared rooms for both of you. I spent several days arranging Yingzi’s room!”
This was clearly an attempt to appease both her grandson and his future daughter-in-law.
Unfortunately, Chi Wu was not satisfied. How could Grandma prepare two separate rooms? She’s not as thoughtful as I thought. “No need, Grandma. You’re home alone, and I worry about you.”
Cheng Ying kept her head down, secretly delighted.
Old Madam Chi was slightly annoyed; her grandson was being tactless. “Isn’t Cheng Ming staying with your grandmother? Surely one night or half a day won't matter?”
Chi Wu thought, I’m only back for a week, and she wants me to stay a night separated from my wife? Not even for a moment! We absolutely cannot stay here. “Grandma, we’ll come back during the winter break. I didn’t tell you today, but you were surely waiting for us to come home for dinner.”
Old Madam Chi felt a surge of frustration—was the telephone just for show? But her husband held her back.
She straightened her back rigidly. “Fine, perhaps next time if there’s a chance.”
Cheng Ying thought, This ill-fated child. Two jade pendants, and he won’t even stay one night. It really feels like I’m visiting my maiden home.
Chi Yong stepped in to smooth things over. “You two should head back. Your mother and I aren’t leaving; we want to enjoy Sister Sun’s cooking tomorrow.”
This was purely cleaning up his son’s mess. Why couldn’t that unlucky kid just stay one night and appease the old lady? Does he really think he’s surnamed Cheng now? He was utterly dissatisfied.
Chi Wu and Cheng Ying stood up to bid farewell to the elders, then drove home. As for Chi Yong, they didn't need to worry about him.
Cheng Ying teased, “You really think you’re a new bride visiting her parents’ home?”
Chi Wu, thick-skinned as ever, replied, “Aren’t we? Besides, I wouldn't dare agree without you saying so first.”
Cheng Ying felt she should tell fewer jokes to this ill-fated child next time; he managed to twist everything back to that subject, which was quite annoying. “Classmate Chi Wu, please drive.”
Chi Wu pursed his lips. “If you said something else, I’d be happier to listen. I doubt you’d actually want to stay here.”
Cheng Ying couldn't be bothered with him. I was giving you a chance to show off.
When they arrived home, Old Madam Cheng was beaming, unable to close her mouth. Wu Zi knows my heart; coming home just to eat dinner.
Old Madam Cheng didn’t need to guess to know how frustrated Old Madam Chi must be. You can’t even control your own grandson in front of me; what’s the point of showing off?
She acted incredibly affectionately toward Chi Wu, almost sickeningly so, in front of Cheng Ying.
The dumplings Old Madam Cheng brought were plump and white. “I knew you’d come home. I was waiting for you two with the pork and scallion filling!”
Cheng Ming complained, “Look at the time. My stomach is aching with hunger. Grandma wouldn't let me eat first, nor would she let me just go to sleep. She insisted we wait for you two.”
Old Madam said, “Go on, I was afraid you’d starve.”
Cheng Ming rolled his eyes. “Then let me eat first!”
Old Madam Cheng replied, “It’s no fun eating alone. Look how much better it is when we eat together.”
Cheng Ying looked at Chi Wu. Are these two definitely not in cahoots? They seem so similar.
Cheng Ming declared, “I finally see it; I must have been picked up off the street.”
Old Madam Cheng shot her grandson a glare. You fools don’t understand anything. Chi Wu was not like Chi Yong; Chi Yong had to beg them to marry into the Cheng family back then, so he could be managed easily.
But Chi Wu? He was a child they watched grow up. They knew his capabilities. For someone like him to marry into our Cheng family meant they should be revered like ancestors. The child actually chose us.
Why couldn't the troublesome child understand? She decided to ignore him and then turned to Cheng Ying. “Why aren't you bringing the bowl of garlic and pouring some sesame oil?”
It was all Chi Wu’s favorite seasoning! Cheng Ying felt a little wronged; no consideration for her.
Just as Cheng Ying was about to move, Chi Wu immediately got up. “Grandma, I’ll do it, I’ll do it!” He walked away briskly.
The Old Madam didn't understand. He needs to show how much fortune he enjoys in front of his elder, so that behind her back, he suffers less. He dared not let his wife move.
Chi Wu understood perfectly. Yingzi is petty; she won't say anything now, but she’ll surely find a way to make trouble for me later.
The Old Madam glared at her insensible granddaughter. Ill-fated child, this needs to be taught?
Cheng Ying smiled guiltily. “It wasn’t me who told him to go, Grandma, please don’t look at me.” The Old Madam was already annoyed with Cheng Ying.
Cheng Ming looked at the unlucky child. I’ve got it all figured out; I’ll deal with you later.
At the dumpling dinner, only two out of the four people were truly happy.
But the dumplings were undeniably fragrant. Cheng Ying ate three bowls herself—was she even a woman?
In the evening, the Old Madam sent the couple back to their room early to rest.
Chi Wu thought, After all, she is my respected grandmother. Look how good she is to me; she knows Yingzi and I need to nurture our relationship.
He had returned home despite almost going through fire and water.
It was rare for Cheng Ming to not retreat to his room after dinner; he insisted on lingering near the family.
He was determined to cause trouble. He was deliberately seeking revenge.
When Chi Wu and Cheng Ying went to their room, he shamelessly trailed behind them. Chi Wu immediately realized this boy was being intentional. He was deliberately retaliating.
Cheng Ying came out first and entered the room.
Chi Wu followed closely behind Cheng Ying, managing to block Cheng Ming right at the doorway. He mouthed the words, “Go back.”
Cheng Ming’s eyes widened. This brat actually dared to speak up—too shameless! He mouthed back, “I’m not leaving.”
Chi Wu glared and mouthed, “Hurry up and get lost.”
Cheng Ming stopped mouthing entirely and called out loudly, “Yingzi, I’m coming in!” Then he looked at Chi Wu with blatant provocation.