Why must you rest here by my side? If we were in their room, I could at least lie down with my wife for a bit.

I wonder when this group of eyesores will finally leave; the days would be so much better with just the three of us.

Right now, Chi Wu just wants to be alone somewhere quiet with his wife, to do whatever he pleases.

The mindset of a man who has only just tasted 'meat' after marriage is something Cheng Ying couldn't possibly grasp, so she understood absolutely nothing of Chi Wu’s eager heart. She, meanwhile, slept soundly with the old lady and her daughter-in-law.

If it weren't for the rule that the newly married couple's house couldn't be left empty for a whole month, Cheng Ying would honestly rather not return with Chi Wu.

But Cheng Ying felt too embarrassed to admit to Chi Wu that she couldn't handle his nightly exertions. This boy was like someone who had just been secularized, as if trying to make up for lost time—utterly tireless.

Yet, when it came to enduring Chi Wu’s relentless energy, Cheng Ying felt she was perhaps boasting. She truly hadn't realized this young man was a transformed wolf. Better to hide when possible.

It turned out she had thought Chi Wu was far too pure and kind. The word 'brave' now sounded sarcastic whenever Cheng Ying heard it.

That evening, the whole family was helping the old aunt pack her things. Cheng Ying said, "Auntie, we’re going back on the 29th. Why don't you come back with us? It’ll save you the trouble of traveling separately."

Old Auntie cried out, "Oh no, I wouldn't dare! Feng is here looking after the house and the boy; I wouldn't feel at ease leaving them. There will be plenty of chances to visit later. Don't worry, your Old Aunt and I came by public bus; we won't get lost."

The Old Lady clutched her daughter’s hand. "Come see me when you have time; at my age, every meeting is one less to look forward to."

The Old Lady often spoke with such open-mindedness, but Cheng Ying suspected the truth was that the old woman was terrified of dying.

Cheng Shengxia scolded, "Mom, what are you saying? It’s Lunar New Year. You’re learning all this from Yingzi; why aren't you learning something good? You don't watch your mouth at all."

The Old Lady pursed her lips, displeased. After all these years, to be told she was learning badly! This was why she couldn't get along with her daughter.

Chi Wu chimed in, "Auntie, you mustn't speak ill of our Yingzi like that! Besides, my Grandma is so sensible!"

The Old Lady instantly let go of her daughter’s hand. "It’s Wu Zi who is sensible. I’ve lived this long for nothing; I’m the one who didn’t teach well."

Cheng Ying shook her head. "Auntie, what you said is hurtful. I am much more sensible than Grandma."

First Aunt-in-law and Second Aunt-in-law felt that the intimacy among these few meant they had no place to interject, so they just watched television on the sidelines.

Cheng Ming said, "Actually, it’s because our Cheng family’s Feng Shui is so good; everyone raised here turns out sensible."

As soon as he said that, the entire room fell silent. Then, First Uncle was the first to blush. Did his own son have no eyes? Didn't he think before he spoke? Good heavens, from his own mother, to his own wife, to his own sister, to his own niece—not a single one of them had a decent reputation in the village.

Truly. If you asked around the village, who would dare cross his own mother with that sharp tongue of hers?

What reputation did Cheng Shengxia have in the village?

Although Cheng Ying didn't like to argue or take things too seriously, she had made her mark. The Third Aunt of the Cheng family was a notorious shrew in the village, yet she was thoroughly humiliated by the teenage Cheng Ying. What kind of standing did Cheng Ying have in the eyes of the villagers? She was regarded as being just like the Old Lady. People said the granddaughter raised by the Old Cheng family matriarch was just like her paternal aunt. Depending on how you interpreted that, it could mean anything.

Her son lacked even this much awareness; it was truly shameful.

Cheng Family’s First Uncle declared, "I'm going back to my room. You women can carry on your commotion," glancing at his son as he left. He shuddered.

They really did have completely different temperaments.

Second Uncle laughed genially. Cheng Ming’s words were something he dared not claim. "You all clean up. Brother-in-law, you two should go back first. I’ll have the children come over to pay respects during the New Year," and then he left.

Only the Old Aunt's husband was a good man, calmly listening to Cheng Ming speak from the side. A man must say his wife is good, and his mother-in-law must be good whether she is or not. He couldn't afford to offend them; he had only been recognized by Cheng Ming for a few years.

However, he gave Cheng Ming a meaningful look too—this kid had potential; he would definitely be favored by his mother-in-law in the future.

The Old Lady pulled her own grandson close. "It’s Ming Zi who truly understands things. I never realized Ming Zi had such an open heart."

Cheng Ying turned away. This was a senile old woman. Thank heavens their family was small, or she would surely be a misguided ruler, only listening to those who flattered her.

Chi Wu’s eyes never blinked as he poured on the praise. "I am truly blessed."

First Aunt-in-law and Second Aunt-in-law finally understood what these city folk were like. This was too shameless.

Back in the village, no one would ever praise themselves so openly.

First Aunt-in-law felt her own children truly needed better guidance. They came from the village; even though they lived in the city, they couldn't afford to become too disconnected, or they'd be ridiculed when they returned home.

Second Aunt-in-law decided that from now on, she would make sure the two children came to the city. If for no other reason, it would be easier to talk freely. They could say whatever they wanted; since the neighbors weren't close and no one knew them well, no one would comment on who they were.

The Old Aunt touched her nose. Her husband managed not to expose her was already quite commendable. "Everyone should go rest now. We’ll talk about anything else tomorrow morning. Yingzi, you woke up from your nap, but you’re still nestling in Grandma’s quilt. Go back to your own room to sleep."

Cheng Ying pouted, unhappy, but tonight, she knew the conversation was for the Old Aunt and Grandma, so she reluctantly got off the warm kang bed.

Chi Wu grinned widely, his eyebrows practically flying up. He carefully supported Yingzi. "Slowly now!"

Cheng Ying didn't even spare him a glance. Everyone knew this boy had ulterior motives.

Cheng Ming walked ahead leisurely. "Wu Zi, it’s late, and there’s nothing interesting going on. I’ll gather the others, and we can play cards together."

Chi Wu wished he could kick Cheng Ming. "No, that's a bad idea. Grandma hasn't been sleeping well these past two days; she wakes up at the slightest noise. If the old lady can't rest peacefully, we should just go to sleep quietly."

Cheng Ming and Cheng Ying looked at their Grandma, who could sleep through someone chopping ribs outside, and their expressions were filled with astonishment. How could he say such a thing?

Cheng Ming said, "You are so filial, always thinking of Grandma." His tone was dripping with sarcasm.

Cheng Ying could hear it, but Chi Wu looked straight at Cheng Ming. "Of course, I should be. If I'm not good to Grandma, who will be? You rest well. We have to see Auntie off early tomorrow morning. We're heading back to our room now."

He didn't even give Cheng Ming a chance to reply, grabbing Cheng Ying and striding towards the West Courtyard. He swiftly slid the bolt on the door and, in one smooth motion, drew the curtains. Cheng Ying felt the coordination was just like when they used to hide from the wolf cub back in the day.

Cheng Ying wouldn't believe Chi Wu hadn't trained somewhere if she hadn't seen it.

Cheng Ming only saw a receding shadow; truly, he vanished in a flash.

After finishing up, Chi Wu let out a sigh of relief. Cheng Ming was a plague; he needed to avoid him from now on.

He turned back to Cheng Ying as if nothing had happened. "Yingzi, are you tired? Hurry, get on the kang and sleep."

He was being excessively attentive. Cheng Ying looked at him conflictedly. Should she really be so obvious in tricking people? "I’m not tired. I just woke up. You rest first," she said.

Surely that rejection was clear enough? But he underestimated Chi Wu’s tenacity. "I knew you had rested enough. When you were sleeping with Grandma, I didn't let anyone disturb you for fear you wouldn't recover. I happen to be quite tired; rub my back for a bit."

The meaning was clear: either get on the kang to sleep or keep him company while he slept. Chi Wu's method of sleeping was an active verb; it certainly wasn't pure rest.

Cheng Ying realized that once they entered this room, she basically lost all autonomy. Chi Wu always found a way to pull her onto the kang.

So, Cheng Ying was a little afraid—genuinely afraid to return to the room. Chi Wu was simply too unrestrained.

But Chi Wu was like a tiger released from its gate; he couldn't be controlled.

When they saw the Old Aunt off, she told Cheng Ying, "From now on, you are a grown woman; don't make your Grandma worry." Then she turned to Chi Wu, "The two of you are entrusted to you now."

Chi Wu assured the Old Aunt, "If Yingzi says no, I will definitely follow suit and say no!"

Cheng Ying felt like spitting blood and flatulence. Last night, she had talked until her voice was hoarse, but Chi Wu treated everything she said as if it were just air.

Once the Old Aunt left, Cheng Ying felt her aunt must have been a bit sad.

A day or two later, Cheng Ying brought Dry Uncle and Dry Aunt over to keep the Old Lady company, and Chi Wu drove the company’s large coach, taking the family back to the village.

First Uncle said to the Old Lady, "Mom, take good care of yourself. We’ll visit when we have time."

The Old Lady nodded, saying nothing specific to her eldest son.

Second Uncle looked at his mother. "Mom, Yingzi and Wu Zi are both wonderful; they treat you better than we two brothers did. If you ever get tired of the city, just call me, and I’ll come pick you up."

The Old Lady replied, "Mm, I know. Don't worry about me. Focusing on raising those two children well is more important than anything else. Go home and live your lives well."

She said more to the Second Son than the First.

Cheng Ying watched from the side, realizing the Old Lady had likely given up on First Uncle over the years and didn't care much anymore. One incident after another piled up; First Uncle truly lacked the demeanor of the eldest son.

In contrast, the honest Second Uncle was so simple and sincere that he was endearing.

Second Aunt-in-law said loudly, "Mom, remember to tell us when Dun’er and the others will come to get you. We’ll leave now. Yingzi and they will be back on the 30th, so don't worry."

The Old Lady waved to the Second Wife, whom she didn't particularly favor. "Don't worry about me; go on."

Watching the figures of her sons leave, Cheng Ying felt the Old Lady looked much lonelier. To make the Old Lady happy, Cheng Ying felt she didn't mind being bothersome for a few more days, and later, she would arrange for First and Second Uncles to visit more often to cheer her up.

Chi Wu squeezed Cheng Ying’s hand. "Grandma’s mood is always best when she sees you. Don't be fooled by Grandma being so cheerful these past few days; she's actually been annoyed for a while." He whispered this close to Cheng Ying's ear. Cheng Ying felt her face burn from the proximity. "How do you know?"

Chi Wu said, "Grandma asked Sister Rong to check with me twice. She asked if the car back to the village was ready. Also, Grandma found Cheng Ming several times to ask when First Uncle and his family were leaving. Cheng Ming even complained to me, feeling slighted."

Cheng Ying pursed her lips. She knew exactly what kind of person her grandmother was. "When people get old, they crave liveliness. Why is my Grandma so special?"

Chi Wu continued, "Grandma’s heart is entirely set on you; you just don't realize it. First Aunt-in-law was looking at houses in the back courtyard these past two days, and Grandma’s eyes were narrowed every time she looked at her."

Cheng Ying asked, "There’s such a thing? What was First Aunt-in-law looking at?"