Cheng Ying preferred to see Old Lady scolding people with her hands on hips for two streets over than watching her brooding in self-pity. That had never been the old matriarch's style.

Cheng Ming observed his mother's interactions and felt only warmth, only authenticity. No wonder Grandma doted so much on Yingzi. He admitted to himself he lacked that patience, that tenderness, that tolerance for Old Lady.

Human relationships weren't automatic just because you were her grandson. They were forged through time, ground out bit by bit in daily life.

Cheng Ming didn't know how to feel about this situation. It wasn't entirely his fault - Old Lady hadn't given him a chance. Nor was it all Grandma's blame, after all they'd lived together for so many years. When Cheng Ying and Chi Wu were keeping their grandmother company, he was out fighting street brawls around town. If you missed something, that was the nature of things.

When Cheng Ying returned home with his wife, the newly hired housekeeper had already prepared dinner. The woman found it awkward being alone when no one else was here.

Cheng Ying comforted her, saying the household would soon be lively again as they needed to care for Old Lady. That made the maid feel a little better.

Cheng Ying drew hot water in a large basin for Chi Wu's bath - after two full days without rest, he deserved it. Even Cheng Ying felt exhausted herself now.

The housekeeper noticed how affectionate the young couple was, even going so far as to anticipate each other's needs without being asked.

After dinner Cheng Ying lay down to sleep. Indeed she needed physical and mental rest.

Chi Wu went out while his wife entered their private domain alone. Looking at the chicken soaked in a large vat with dripping-wet wings - not quite dead but close enough.

Cheng Ying lifted the bird, prodding it forward with a stick. It limped along with such difficulty, probably needing wing support to walk at all. She felt guilty about harming the animal so much.

The poor chicken had transformed from a healthy hen into something resembling a rainbow quail through her harsh treatment. Now she was more careful while feeding it pine seeds instead of regular food.

Cheng Ying left their domain feeling disappointed - no help there for Grandma's leg injury, that space couldn't be relied upon now.

Chi Wu bought large bones to make soup for the nursemaid and planned to send it tomorrow to Old Lady.

After settling things they slept through until morning without any dreams or thoughts - too exhausted for anything else.

Cheng Ying "I wonder when my uncles will come. We need to go pick them up."

Chi Wu "Soon enough, both uncles will adjust. Trust me."

He understood his wife's anxiety completely - she worried about Old Lady's feelings if they failed to visit.

Cheng Ying bit her lip. Family matters shouldn't be discussed outside the family... but Chi Wu wasn't an outsider. Who else could she confide in? "How can you be so certain?"

Chi Wu "You know how Uncle Er treats Grandma - you're not blind to that. Second Auntie isn't the same person anymore. As for First Uncle, he's all about appearances anyway. And Mingzi is here with us too."

Cheng Ying "I don't care if they visit or not. It's Old Lady's feelings I worry about. How could she feel at peace knowing her own sons won't even look in on her? Even if they showed up to scold me, I'd endure it."

Chi Wu looked at his wife sharply - he would protect no one trying to undermine his woman in front of him. "What proof do they have against you that gives them the right to criticize? What exactly have they done for Grandma?"

Cheng Ying "After all, it's because of me Grandma moved to the city."

Chi Wu "Grandma came here to enjoy your company! In the village with First and Second Aunties there would be constant quarrels. You're thinking too much into this - we've got every right on our side."

Cheng Ying said nothing but handed him clean clothes. After washing up they brought the bone soup to the hospital.

Old Lady looked more spirited now, relieved by their presence. "I'm fine really! It's unnecessary for you two to take turns staying with me."

Cheng Ying "We need someone to look after you properly. From now on Yingzi and Wu will share duties without needing company from others. Deal?"

Old Lady "Actually I don't want the both of you here anymore."

Cheng Ying teased gently, "Are we being replaced? You're showing new affection for strangers already!"

Chi Wu served up bowls of broth for Old Lady and Cheng Ming. "Drink it quickly then go to school."

Cheng Ming scoffed, "Do you think I need your reminders? I've got my own head on shoulders."

Cheng Ying pouted, "Ungrateful heart."

Old Lady had refused assistance with meals since yesterday - that stubborn streak was exactly her daughter's way. She preferred independence over bothering others.

After breakfast Chi Wu started asking Cheng Ming about Old Lady's night bathroom trips in detail enough to make his wife blush.

Cheng Ming answered honestly while Elder Yang watched approvingly from the side, "Hearing Wu ask so carefully puts my mind at ease - I thought they might not know how to care for you properly."

Chi Wu offered to let Elder Yang return home. "You still need to work, don't you? We'll handle everything here. Just stop by when you're free."

Elder Yang nodded and left with plans to come back that night.

Cheng Ying wanted to refuse the extra help but seeing her mother's genuine concern kept her from objecting - rejecting it might hurt Elder Yang's feelings.

To keep Old Lady entertained Chi Wu brought along a phonograph. "How about this, Grandma? No TV here but some storytelling should be nice?"

Old Lady sighed in relief, "Finally something to do! I can't listen to Mingzi talk about his schoolgirl crushes anymore - it just gives me headaches."

Cheng Ming rubbed his head awkwardly as Old Lady scolded him. "I was trying to keep you company!"

Old Lady crossed her eyes, "You've got too many wandering thoughts lately. Why don't I ever hear Wu talk about any pretty girls?"

Cheng Ming smirked, "His eyes are covered in paper - he can only see Yingzi clearly! My eyes are sharp enough to notice beauty properly."

That remark offended three people.

Chi Wu shot back, "Your eyes are for ogling girls. Our Cheng family's always been honest... unlike you!"

Cheng Ying added, "Lovers with paper over their eyes, women with mud in theirs. Both ridiculous!"

Old Lady glared at both of them, "Both of you rotten brats! Get out!"

She glanced disapprovingly at Cheng Ming, "That was your own sister! How could you speak to her that way?"

Cheng Ming shrugged and left quickly.

After seeing him off Cheng Ying suggested rest. "If you don't want to go to school, stay home a day instead. You didn't sleep well last night."

Cheng Ming waved it off, "I understand. Go back and look after Grandma properly, you've done so much already for Yingzi."

Cheng Ying smiled faintly, "We're all the same though, right?"

Inside he knew otherwise - his steps were hurried as if fleeing.

Chi Wu carried a basin out and asked, "Why such urgency?"

Cheng Ying shrugged and went back to Old Lady. For Cheng Ming's scattered thoughts she simply couldn't be bothered during this chaotic time.

Old Lady recovered quickly - doctors were surprised at her fast swelling reduction. Just needed proper bone alignment now for natural healing.

If this continued, discharge would certainly happen soon.

But Cheng Ying kept the prognosis secret. Better for Old Lady to stay longer in hospital where she'd listen more obediently than at home.

In the morning familiar elderly friends visited from the park - wherever they were just as good a place as any. They came specifically to keep Old Lady company since Cheng household had two university students.

Elder Yang found this amusing while nurses looked unhappy. Probably only held back due to Elder Yang's hospital connections.

Finally at noon Chi Wu sincerely invited them for lunch, but they declined saying "Once Grandma recovers we'll come by ourselves."

They understood Old Lady's stubborn nature perfectly - coming only when expected and leaving promptly without further requests.

One old woman even told Cheng Ying, "If something comes up just call us. We'll keep an eye on your grandmother regardless of busy schedules."

Cheng Ying marveled at Grandma's social network - these were true friends who could be entrusted with important matters.

Old Lady remarked, "You didn't inherit my people skills but took after your mother instead - being 'nice' to everyone without any real close confidants. Don't look like that, I see right through you."

Cheng Ying privately agreed she had social difficulties. In past lives few could truly connect with her beyond superficial interactions.

PS: Three more chapters coming soon! Please vote.