Cheng Ying held the old woman close. "How can you be so discerning? I’ll listen to you. Dear Grandma."

Seeing her impish granddaughter, the old woman could not resist giving her a gentle tap.

Then she called out to Chi Wu, "Wu Zi, pack up, we're leaving. Grandma is coming with you. See if you need to take anything with you."

"Got it. You and Grandma get in the car first; I'll lock up."

The two handled things methodically, yet naturally and openly. They showed such effortless synergy; it was clear something more had developed between them since before they returned to the ancestral home.

Watching the interaction between the two youngsters, the worry that had weighed on the old woman for half a year finally settled in her heart.

Though the two weren't overly affectionate, they were at least as comfortable with each other as they had been before the engagement.

The old woman favored the pair, but she also knew that matters of the heart were beyond outside interference. It was best if they could transition smoothly on their own.

It wasn't new to see her grandson home on the first day of the Lunar New Year, but seeing the in-laws visiting—that was novel. It showed approval for this branch of the family. Even Old Mrs. Chi, who understood little of worldly etiquette, felt a surge of pride.

She treated Old Mrs. Cheng with immense warmth.

She even called back Chi Yong, who had gone out visiting relatives, saying his in-laws were here and he needed to come home and attend to them. She sounded absolutely delighted.

Old Mrs. Chi had the housekeeper prepare a huge banquet. The whole family busied themselves together for half the day, creating a lively atmosphere.

They finally managed to compensate for the cold loneliness of the holidays when no one was home.

Old Mrs. Chi looked at her grandson. "Why didn't you sleep in a little longer? Why the rush to come back? Do you think Grandma wouldn't worry about you two?"

Old Mr. Chi, standing nearby, felt his wife was being theatrical. He knew how many times that very morning she had been complaining about their grandson being thoughtless for not coming home yet.

This old woman truly had no principles left.

When Yang Zhi returned to serve both the elder and younger matriarchs, she felt her own life becoming smoother; it was astonishing that these two women could coexist so peacefully.

Chi Yong felt absolutely no sense of awkwardness in how the two old women interacted. His feeling could only be described as miraculous. Just yesterday, he and his father had been trying to persuade his grandmother to spend the New Year at the Cheng family home.

It felt as if the world had become fantastical overnight. Chi Yong even suspected Chi Wu had slipped some kind of hallucinogen to the grandmothers.

Cheng Ying, however, felt no such shock. If her own grandmother decided she wanted to get along with someone, it was as easy as turning over the back of her hand. If this were ancient times, without the current circumstances limiting her, her grandmother would surely be considered the ideal head matron.

On the first day, the old lady got drunk upon their arrival. Cheng Ying felt a pang of concern; even in happiness, one shouldn't drink that much.

Chi Wu remarked, "Grandma must be truly overjoyed, right?"

Cheng Ying looked at the small old woman, feeling an inexpressible warmth. "It doesn't matter if you brought them here, or if I went there; as long as my husband’s family sincerely accepts and likes me, it makes the old lady so happy she loses all composure, happy enough to get drunk."

Chi Wu wasn't ignorant of the situation or the complex relationship between their two families. Looking at his wife’s effort to please, he said softly, "You've been wronged."

His words weren't being melodramatic. He had acted improperly; he knew how difficult things were between her and Cheng Ying, and he knew his grandmother's attitude toward Cheng Ying, yet Chi Wu had forced the issue.

It stood to reason that the old lady held some reservations about his wife. He had been foolish back then. No matter how thoughtful he was or how much he did, he had ultimately caused his wife distress. No one enjoys being a new bride whom others dislike. He guessed his grandmother understood this deep down.

Chi Wu felt even more remorseful.

Cheng Ying thought it was good that Chi Wu recognized his mistakes. "What are you talking about? With this elder sister's temperament, I can endure any slight you feel I’ve suffered."

It was precisely because of this that she felt wronged.

Chi Wu squeezed Cheng Ying's hand, experiencing a feeling that defied description. How wonderful it was to be like this now.

Though Cheng Ying said nothing, Chi Wu knew that Ying Zi’s attitude was softening little by little, and the two of them were gradually transitioning into their relationship.

Cheng Ying felt her hand beginning to ache from the squeeze, but looking at Chi Wu’s expression, she softened a bit. "Ahem, let's go to bed. We didn't go out for New Year's greetings today, so we must make up for it tomorrow. This sister's social skills probably won't improve in this lifetime; I'll have to rely on you, young man. Work hard."

Chi Wu felt a rush of excitement in his heart. His wife was talking about their future—the beautiful prospect of having a future together!

Cheng Ying felt the atmosphere had eased nicely. Yet, Chi Wu still felt their relationship was progressing too slowly. "Young man? I’m already in my prime. Men my age in the village already have two children." He spoke with a touch of mournfulness.

Cheng Ying kicked him lightly. "That violates the national family planning policy, you wretched child! You actually dare to think that!" She then walked away.

If I soften toward him, I’m a fool. I haven't even stepped into that role yet, and he’s already thinking about having two children. That’s too much.

Cheng Ying glanced over her figure; she hadn't considered having children at all. Two in three years? That should wait until after they were married, shouldn't it?

This winter break was the most content Chi Wu had ever spent. Having his wife nearby meant he could occasionally sneak a small advantage. He felt so satisfied, so comfortable. Alas, happy times always pass too quickly.

When Cheng Ming returned from the village, Chi Wu knew school was starting again and he had to return to his studies. He regretted once more why he had been so quick to agree to let Ying Zi change schools. He still had more than three years to go—how would he manage?

While packing clothes for Chi Wu, Cheng Ying subconsciously left behind the custom-made denim trousers and the like she had prepared specifically for him, replacing them with items bought from outside.

When Chi Wu tried them on, Cheng Ying was dissatisfied. He was too handsome; he looked like a fashion model in anything he wore.

A chill ran down Cheng Ying's spine. What was she doing? With her looks, did she need to guard against others? To think she would subconsciously do something like this—she really lacked confidence.

When Chi Wu left, there was an extra large bag added, filled with his usual clothes. Chi Wu sighed with relief. Regardless of what others thought, he preferred his regular attire. He had worried his wife’s taste had changed.

The old lady looked at her granddaughter with both relief and anxiety. Children are burdens; they are never truly worry-free.

She lectured Chi Wu at length. "You have a home and a business now; you must not act recklessly outside!"

The old lady said all the things her granddaughter couldn't or wouldn't say. Being a grandmother was hard work.

Chi Wu expressed his feeling of being untrusted, wondering what kind of person his grandmother thought he was. "Grandma, just take the feather duster and strike me. I wouldn't dare."

The old lady replied, "Good that you wouldn't," and Cheng Ying added, "It’s better if you don't even think about it."

Chi Wu looked at his wife and nearly burst out laughing. Was this the right feeling? "I only want my wife."

After Chi Wu left, Cheng Ying felt the house was empty.

However, she didn't have much time to dwell on the disappointment, as the new semester soon began.

Cheng Ying threw herself into her studies like never before, and time passed quickly. In the evenings, when she called Chi Wu, they ended up talking for half an hour.

They discussed everything under the sun, able to find something to say to each other. Cheng Ying felt this was the best part of her day.

The old lady's expression grew darker by the day. Previously, she had tried to limit her granddaughter's phone calls with Chi Wu. The cost of the calls didn't bother the old lady, but back then, the two would hang up in five minutes at most.

Look at now—half an hour! They were just talking nonsense. This was too much! A call every day—how wasteful!

The old lady looked at her granddaughter with concern. "Tomorrow is Sunday, isn't it? Why can't you tell him what you need to when he comes back, instead of saying it all on the phone?"

Cheng Ying was unconcerned. At her current status, did she care about a bit of communication fees? "Chi Wu is busy tomorrow; he won't have time to come back."

So, you want to talk longer? The old lady left with a dark face. Out of sight, out of mind.

Cheng Ying didn't dare make the old lady too angry, so she shortened the conversation a little and hung up.

Cheng Ying chased after the old lady, following her back to her room to soothe her. "Grandma, you are getting so petty!"

The old lady thought about the half-hour long-distance call fee. "You are becoming so extravagant! You can be this expensive just dating. Look at the young couples who sleep together; are they as wasteful as you two? It bothers me to watch."

Cheng Ying blushed. This wasn't just 'dating'; they were, after all, fiancés. "We were discussing business, about making money. The phone bill can cover itself." That was a bit of specious reasoning.

The old lady retorted, "Do you think I’m senile? Why hasn't Ming Zi come back yet? It’s almost time to eat."

Cheng Ying said, "Ming Zi? He probably won't be back. I think he’s dating someone; he's been very busy lately. I barely see him."

The old lady dropped the issue of Chi Wu’s phone bill and focused. "What's she like? Is he handsome? Is she good-tempered? What are her family dynamics like?"

Cheng Ying was taken aback. An inventory check? "He's handsome, good-tempered, I don't know the rest. Grandma, am I supposed to investigate his family background? Surely you aren't someone who values wealth over virtue? He’s coming into our family, after all."

The old lady bristled at Cheng Ying's assumption. Her eyes narrowed. "Hmph! Who do you think I am? But, if he could land a good mother-in-law who dotes on her son-in-law, wouldn't Ming Zi have an easier life in the future?"

Cheng Ying replied, "You’re thinking too far ahead. This is just dating; whether it works out is still up in the air. Who knows what he’s planning to mess around with?"

The old lady slapped her thigh. "Oh my! I hear young people these days are quite casual. If they aren't engaged, he can't be messing around! Tell me, why hasn't Ming Zi returned? Go out and find him for me! Make sure he comes back to sleep here tonight, understand?"

Cheng Ying looked at the sky, already darkening. The weather in February and March was still quite cold. Where was she supposed to find him? When young couples go on a date, who knows where they run off to?

She forced a grimace, cursing herself for opening her mouth. "Grandma, you really want me to go look for him?"

The old lady was anxious. "Hurry up, stop dawdling! Your Uncle’s wife left the child with me; I can't have any slip-ups. Go find him. I won't let up until you do. I won't feel at ease otherwise."

Cheng Ying blamed her loose tongue. Why did she have to mention that to the old lady?

She gritted her teeth. "Ming Zi will hate me," she muttered, then headed out into the cold wind.

Where was she supposed to find him? This was truly miserable. In the end, Cheng Ying waited at the intersection and got back the triumphant Cheng Ming, the wicked child who had almost given his sister a cold.