Madam passed a jar to Chi Wu, "I'll bring you more jars later. Let your classmates try it."

How generous of Cheng Ying! Just a few jars? Has she forgotten how rare these are now that Madam can only brew a few every year? The rest belong to Cheng Ying.

Although the space is filled with plenty... But Cheng Ying wasn't ready to be so generous.

Chi Wu shook his head, "No no, Grandma! Our dorm is full of wolves - if they see this, I'll never live it down. They might even chase me home!"

Madam laughed heartily, "More visitors are welcome here! Be a bit more open, Wu Zhi. You share the same roof with these kids from B University. A generous person will always have an advantage over stingy ones when conflicts arise. Imagine how happy I am that they can enjoy my brews!"

Cheng Ying had no idea this old woman's name carried such weight.

Chi Wu was pleased inside but felt a twinge of disappointment - after all, Cheng Zi could've studied with him too. "I understand, Grandma."

Madam didn't cherish the fruit wine for her grandson. She could easily drink two glasses herself in one go.

To this old woman now, these brews were no longer intoxicating.

Cheng Ying listened as they chatted and ate, realizing her grandmother's full attention was on Wu Zhi. She felt invisible to Madam all of a sudden.

Every day Cheng Ying became more aware that their relationship wasn't simple. It might never be clear-cut again.

Besides other things, if she ever thought this through, she'd fail the test at Grandmother's gate. How much effort had Madam poured into Wu Zhi? Cheng Ying couldn't bear to see her grandmother suffer.

Truly thinking about it - family ties, friendship, and love.

Family bonds weren't lacking between them except where Madam was concerned; no one else could intervene.

Friendship absolutely existed - people shared bullets in wars, studied together at schools, or had wild nights. These were solid foundations indeed!

She and Wu Zhi didn't have those, but they endured hardships together, chased wolves hand-in-hand, even stole wool together. Cheng Ying believed her bond was no less than any legendary friendship.

As for love? In Cheng Ying's view, it was elusive and sentimental. Even admiring a male teacher was just pure appreciation that brought her joy - nothing to do with real romance.

To Cheng Ying, calling it "love" was pretentious nonsense. If two people could live harmoniously without constant arguments, that was already a fine life.

Besides the vague concept of love, Wu Zhi did meet all her requirements.

It really made Cheng Ying's teeth ache - this child she'd watched grow up!

Last lifetime, Cheng Ying lived practically. That's why at 30-something she remained unmarried - because she was grounded and realistic, not chasing unrealistic dreams.

This life? She's even more practical. Comfortable food, warm clothes, a contented life made her satisfied. She could let go easily, or at least find ways to comfort herself when stuck in knots.

The thought of dying from petty jealousy would make Cheng Ying feel guilty. So about Wu Zhi... she'd need some more self-coaching.

The winter room was warmed up with heat misting the windows. Under the cold moonlight, the family trio's meal felt even cozier.

One extra person really changed things. The night didn't seem lonely anymore to Cheng Ying - there was a touch of human warmth now.

Madam smiled, "Family gatherings are different."

Cheng Ying teased, "That sounds like you're being fickle! You only notice the added presence but forgot Ming Zhi!"

Madam gasped, "Where's that child? Why hasn't he returned home this late?"

Chi Wu's face glowed with pride. Look at his magnetic charm - it was enough to push Madam's real grandson aside!

Cheng Ying glared at her grandmother and said, "You're being unreasonable!"

Chi Wu quickly adjusted the situation: "Ming Zhi went back home earlier today by bus. He missed his aunt so much he forgot to tell you goodbye before leaving. The child should've been more polite - after all these months of food and clothes from Grandma."

Madam nodded in agreement, "Right! Why didn't he say a word?" Then she glanced guiltily at her granddaughter but couldn't hide her embarrassment, "How could I forget that child?"

Chi Wu reassured them, "Grandma doesn't need to worry. When Ming Zhi boarded the bus, both of us gave him lots of gifts."

Cheng Ying raised an eyebrow - this kid was lying through his teeth! Where did he see any of it?

Chi Wu continued, "He called me two days ago asking for roast duck - ten whole ducks!"

Cheng Ying thought to herself - deserved punishment after they ganged up on her.

Madam chuckled, "That gluttonous child!"

Chi Wu added sincerely, "I brought some back for you and left it outside. Tomorrow we can have our three-person meal together."

The two women resumed their previous conversation while Cheng Ying remained the silent listener.

She got up to clear the table - Madam wouldn't allow Chi Wu to help today. Cheng Ying knew this well.

Sure enough, when Chi Wu tried to stand, Madam pulled him back down. Then she turned to her granddaughter with a stern look: "What are you staring at? Get moving!"

Then turning to Chi Wu with maternal warmth: "Let her do it alone - teach her some laziness! Tell me about school life, how the teachers treat you, and if any classmates like you."

Cheng Ying left the room - she guessed this was the core of their talk. Her grandmother had become shrewdly perceptive lately without a trace of senility.

Chi Wu wasn't bothered by this interrogation - he actually enjoyed Cheng Ying asking these questions since it meant her interest in him.

He continued earnestly, "Grandma, my teachers are kind and the school is good. But the classmates aren't so warm towards me except for those who understand my temper from our world. Others don't get along well with me - I look cold and unapproachable."

Madam believed this immediately as she knew Chi Wu's nature: "This child still hasn't changed his ways! It's fine at home since family won't pick on you, but in society? People won't be so forgiving. You'll suffer consequences!"

Chi Wu sighed, "After all these years... don't expect me to change. Don't you dislike it?"

Madam scoffed, "Nonsense! No matter how you turn out, you're still my grandson. Don't let anyone wrong you - if they do, tell Grandma and I'll chase them down three streets!"

Cheng Ying understood the real meaning: her grandmother wanted to threaten people for three blocks. This was a fiercely protective old woman who never played fair.

Chi Wu asked carefully, "Does Cheng Zi dislike me?"

Madam replied confidently, "How could she? We've been through tough times together all those years - I know Cheng Zi has some affection towards you!"

Then leaning closer to Chi Wu with a whisper: "Be careful watching over Cheng Zi when she gets home from school."

She raised her eyebrows suggestively. At this age, the old woman's facial expressions looked rather comical. When Cheng Ying walked in and saw their faces, it was obvious they weren't saying nice things.

Chi Wu smugly said, "Still Grandma cares about me more!"

Madam quickly switched topics when she noticed Cheng Ying entering: "Oh my dear child! Don't you think you should communicate more with classmates? We're so worried!"

Cheng Ying countered, "That's right, as the saying goes - friends across the world."

Chi Wu scoffed, "Others can say that to me, but not you. Look at your circle of friends?"

Cheng Ying had no retort. What was her situation? She was like an old witch - kids her age saw her as a child and tried to find kindred spirits who thought she'd be into youth romance. Forget it; it wasn't worth arguing with this poor soul.

Actually, his personality influenced her greatly... look how toxic the habits had become! "You can't learn from me! People need friends - even bad ones are better than none. Venting is good too. We're different though - I'm into science and math and can conquer the world that way. I'm a wise type!"

Cheng Ying spoke like an elder, making Chi Wu feel uneasy: "I don't lack friends! Hmph, clear up this mess!"

Then turning to Madam, he said, "Right? Grandma?"

Madam nodded, "Men's business - women should stay out. Wu Zhi knows what he's doing."

In her heart, Madam thought - why make friends now when you two finally connect? She wasn't worried about Chi Wu living alone outside but feared bad influences ruining his chances with Cheng Zi.

Cheng Ying firmly told Chi Wu, "I'm sure Grandma is drunk!"

Chi Wu looked at their grandmother whose face was flushed red. Her words didn't match her usual personality - this woman had been a widow for half a century and never observed any rules against women speaking to men.

Chi Wu stopped pretending with Madam. He got up to help Cheng Ying clear the table, then assisted in putting their grandmother on the kang bed.

Chi Wu tugged the blanket tight around her: "Cheng Zi, Grandma is aging."

Cheng Ying looked at her grandmother's face - though there weren't many wrinkles yet, it did look older.

Chi Wu mused, "Last time I came home, half of Grandma's hair was still black!"

Cheng Ying thought to herself - how powerful this spatial water must be! Still, people inevitably age. The most miraculous thing is just making old people look a bit better as they grow old. That was already impressive. "Was it that obvious?"

Chi Wu said, "I understand why you wouldn't notice living with her daily. I haven't seen Grandma for a month and instantly felt she doesn't seem as strong as before."

Cheng Ying nodded. She refused to dwell on these unsettling thoughts - after all, this was a long way off in the future.

The two waited until their grandmother's breathing stabilized evenly before returning inside.

The warm room suddenly felt empty without human presence.

Chi Wu peeked into the west room and sniffed: "You don't live here."

Cheng Ying replied, "I share with Grandma - it keeps us company."

She sensed Chi Wu might be unhappy and added quickly, "Grandma loves hot kang beds, so we specially heated the east room for her besides central heating. I got used to sleeping there too - I'm just borrowing some warmth!"

Chi Wu muttered, "Do we have enough firewood?" He was upset Cheng Ying slept in the east room when he wasn't home.

Cheng Ying decided no more explanations would help and thought regretfully about her unnecessary remarks: "Sleep or not - if you don't sleep, leave!"