Upon entering the main hall, the first person Cheng Ying saw was an acquaintance—though it wasn't so much that Cheng Ying remembered them; rather, they remembered Cheng Ying and Chi Wu, a pair hard to forget.

As is often the way with merchants, the man was quick to flatter. "Well, well, if it isn't the Chi brothers! You honor this humble place with your presence."

As the man approached, Cheng Ying knew that even if she hadn't recognized him, the list of acquaintances one might run into here was terribly short.

The shop owner remembered Cheng Ying’s shoes more vividly than he did the face of any pretty young girl. He certainly wouldn't admit it, but after seeing her shoes, he’d developed a compulsive habit of checking the footwear of every stranger he met—it was nearly an obsession.

Before Chi Wu could speak, the owner continued, "And the young lady is here too," delivered with an air of practiced familiarity.

Chi Wu thought to himself, Given our relationship, we’re not familiar at all. There’s no need to be so chummy.

Cheng Ying smiled, revealing two small dimples, and stepped forward, standing close beside Wu Zi to speak politely to the owner. "You are too kind, sir. Your business is clearly thriving—congratulations!"

Chi Wu chimed in, "I've heard whispers about this shop, but I never knew it was yours. Truly impressive." Inside, he scoffed, It’s just so-so. My friends have no taste to pick a place like this.

The owner chuckled, his laugh far more genuine than Chi Wu’s. "It's all thanks to the young man's influence! I seized the chance to properly renovate the shop, which is how we got to this level now. I really ought to thank the young man; otherwise, I wouldn't have had this opportunity."

Chi Wu managed a strained, insincere smile. My wife paid to have your shop renovated, of course you’re happy.

Seeing the tension on Chi Wu’s face, the owner quickly smoothed things over. "Why don't you two and your friend head to a private room first? This old brother can catch up with the young man later."

Chi Wu thought, I would feel much more honored if I hadn't run into you at all. "Please, carry on. We wouldn't want to disturb you."

The owner insisted, "I’ve heard from Brother Li that you are a top student here in B City. But since the young lady doesn't visit often, let this old brother fulfill his duties as host."

Cheng Ying understood the implication and remained quiet. "You are too kind; we are the ones imposing."

With that, the owner signaled for someone to escort them to a room, and then he quietly withdrew.

Gangzi and his crew greeted them. "Wu Zi, and this friend of yours! Why didn't you bring us to see such fine sights sooner?"

Chi Wu dismissed them with a sharp look. "Not familiar." He acted as if the owner carried some kind of contagious bacteria.

Cheng Ying understood; this place was essentially a source of dark memories for Chi Wu.

The group ate and celebrated heartily. When they finally left, the owner had waived the bill.

Chi Wu genuinely disliked owing this man any favors.

Cheng Ying countered, "If it’s free, we eat it. See? What a great place this is, paid for with both our money!"

Chi Wu's face darkened. How could I have been so foolish back then, letting my wife spend money so carelessly? "I’ll earn you much more money in the future."

Cheng Ying spoke to a staff member outside. "Please thank the owner for his hospitality. We will visit again if we have the chance. Please relay our regards as we take our leave." Cheng Ying had a way of acquiring things when she wanted them; favors were never in short supply.

And just like that, Cheng Ying walked away with poise and ease.

The five burly men watching thought, Wu Zi’s wife really knows how to handle things. That was incredible. They looked at her with admiration.

The two groups parted ways at the restaurant entrance.

Cheng Ying and Chi Wu headed back to the hotel. The other fellows still had to deal with the professor calling them out.

When Cheng Ying found a quiet moment, she finally asked, "It sounds like you’ve been in contact with that Brother Li from last time?"

Chi Wu replied, "When I was setting up the shop here, Uncle Gan came by, so of course, I had to greet people. It’s just reciprocating favors; you have to meet them a few times. Brother Li even asked me to procure a few more ginseng roots for him."

Cheng Ying nodded; knowing more people always had its advantages, especially with Uncle Gan's connections involved. "Hmm, so you indirectly paved the way for this owner too. You really can’t predict luck. If you hadn’t smashed up his shop back then, would he be where he is today?"

Chi Wu winced, unwilling to revisit that black mark on his past. "Isn't this just trying to shame me?" he muttered. "Yingzi, are your gums feeling better?"

Cheng Ying laughed softly. There was nothing to be embarrassed about. Following Chi Wu’s lead, she smoothly changed the subject, though she did ask at the end, "Should we go pay Brother Li a visit?"

Chi Wu immediately shook his head. "No need, we aren't that close. We have Uncle Gan." Chi Wu was reluctant for his wife to go out handling such social obligations. His wife should be at home waiting for others to call on them; the man was meant to handle things outside. His desire for his wife to never worry about such matters revealed how much of a traditionalist he was deep down.

Of course, if Cheng Ying had wanted him to be different, she would certainly have thought him a capable and responsible man for letting her enjoy comfort at home—preferably while counting money.

Cheng Ying argued, "A brief courtesy visit wouldn't hurt. I may not be skilled at interpersonal relations, but I know it’s better to build them up yourself."

Chi Wu countered, "I'm here now. Since we’re visiting, I’ll take you out properly to enjoy yourselves."

Cheng Ying conceded with a nod. "That’s true. The last trip wasn't ideal. I remember thinking then that once I got this over with, I’d never set foot in this place again. Who knew you’d have to come back here to study?"

Chi Wu felt deeply touched. Cheng Ying had told him before that she wanted to attend the best university, and he realized she had considered cutting off one path in life because of his past troubles. He mattered to her as much as his grandmother did. This realization was enough to make him want to sweep her up and spin her around, but he lacked the nerve. Facing Cheng Ying, Chi Wu became suddenly timid, restricting the boldness he usually felt.

Seeing his hesitation, Cheng Ying knew he had the desire but lacked the courage. What a pity.

As a modern woman, she was quite bold when it came to a man she cared for. Unfortunately, her boyfriend wasn't quite up to the task, and Cheng Ying couldn't explicitly say, I accept you as you are.

They had a communication barrier on this front.

Chi Wu, I already see you and hold you in my heart; why are you still standing still? Being too afraid of your wife isn't a good thing.

Cheng Ying felt she might have trouble teaching their future children proper lessons.

Being married had its pros and cons. If she were watching Chi Wu court another girlfriend, Cheng Ying could easily give advice as a strategist with zero pressure. But since it was her, she had to suppress it.

She took Chi Wu's hand. "Let's go. We should look around and buy some nice things for the elderly ladies back home."

Chi Wu beamed, looking like a happy fool, content that his wife was leading the way.

Cheng Ying bought many things, and then made Chi Wu accompany her to pay respects to his professors.

While she understood Chi Wu’s protective instincts, necessary visits could not be skipped. She insisted he take her to visit Brother Li, the man who had once detained them. She reasoned that if she never crossed their threshold, how could she ask for help later on if trouble arose? Chi Wu still had three years here. Cheng Ying adapted quickly to this reality.

Furthermore, given Uncle Gan’s face, they couldn't offer shoddy gifts.

Brother Li looked at the young woman from before with extra attention. First, her previous display of means was significant; second, her means now were also notable—and she was carrying the very object his elderly father cherished most: a Dragon Fish.

Third, he remembered the fellow who came to him complaining back then—he’d never seen such an imperious young woman, wondering which unlucky soul had let such a person roam unsupervised. Such a girl deserved a second look.

Chi Wu explained, "Brother Li, Yingzi came to pick me up, and we happened to see two fine fish, so we brought them over for your father."

Brother Li smiled broadly. "Don't be so polite. But you won't be taking these back today. Once my old man sees these, he won't trade them back to you." This was a clear sign the gift was perfectly suited to their tastes.

Cheng Ying thought to herself, See? The truly capable people are always the most approachable. The ones who act haughty are usually just half-baked.

Chi Wu learned the value of giving the right gift. He had visited with Uncle Gan several times before, but old Mr. Li had never received him with such warmth. Looking at the current scene, this was the treatment reserved for honored guests.

Chi Wu engaged them in polite conversation, knowing exactly what to say. "My grandfather also loves these. The two fish at home have been kept for years; Grandpa treasures them. But we can’t really tell the difference between good and bad ones."

The dignified old man watching nearby exclaimed, "Really? Oh my, if there's a chance, I must come visit. I’ve never seen such beautiful specimens!"

Cheng Ying mused, If he values these so highly, this item is about to gain a solid market. Everything gains value when more people start collecting. Thinking of my spatial dimensions, this is heading towards his era. People in every age seek different treasures.

Chi Wu replied eagerly, "That would be my honor, nephew. I didn't know you cared for these. Please don't laugh, but Yingzi's grandmother also loves them. The large tanks at our house hold many more than mine, and every single one is vibrant."

The old man was delighted that the whole family shared this passion. "Ah, excellent. What is your relationship with this family?"

Chi Wu suppressed a grin, glancing at the elderly couple lavishing attention on Yingzi. He was suddenly anxious. Brother Li was a lifelong bachelor; he worried these elders might mistake Yingzi for someone else given their enthusiasm.

Chi Wu spoke shyly, "Yingzi and I got engaged last year."

Brother Li nearly wanted to kick him—this kid was completely shameless. That girl was merely worth a second glance, yet he had gone that far.

The old man exclaimed, "Engaged! Wonderful, you should settle things down early." Then he shot a look of displeasure at his son. Useless thing, not as capable as this child, and can't even secure a wife.

Cheng Ying and Chi Wu stayed for a short while before taking their leave; they didn't dare impose too much. This house wasn't one whose door one could wander in and out of freely.

Chi Wu stated, "When school starts next term, I’ll bring over two of Grandma's fish."

The old man replied that they were cherished treasures and he dared not ask the grandmother to part with them, but he wouldn't mind if they brought them over for appreciation. He clearly just wanted to see them again.

Cheng Ying thought, This kid is getting smarter; he knows how to cater to people's interests. Still, they genuinely possessed many of these fish. If they could use them to build goodwill, that would be ideal.

Brother Li saw them off at the door. "Well done, you've come into your own."

Chi Wu replied humbly, "Brother Li, you’re too kind. If I had known your father was so fond of these, why didn't you say so earlier? We have nothing else, but we have plenty of these!"