"Mom, tell me about it. I still don't understand the grievances in our family; do I even count as family?" Uncle Gan was frantic. Why hadn't he bothered to pry for information earlier?

Aunt Gan couldn't help but chuckle at Uncle *'s shamelessness; he'd say anything just to hear some gossip.

The Old Lady watched Uncle Gan, her dentures almost rattling loose from laughing, "What's there to say? It’s just how things were. Back then, with Chi Yong's frail body, what standing could he have in the village? He joined our family just to get his household registration settled here. Then, to move to the city—you know how desperate people were back then for city residency—didn't he take the household registration out of the village with him?"

Though simply stated, it invited endless speculation. It would have been better to just state the outcome directly.

The Old Lady had truly become detached now. In the park, the elderly couples whose children had been sent to the countryside understood the lengths people would go to return to the city; they had heard everything. So, the Old Lady understood Chi Yong now.

Uncle Gan slapped his thigh, nearly startling the son in his arms, "I let that brat Chi Yong squeeze me out for so many years! He wasn't any better than me! Mom, why didn't you tell me sooner? You just watched him bully me!"

The Old Lady looked even more aggrieved than Sun Pangzi, "You never told your mother you were being squeezed out either! Why didn't you say so earlier? Then Mom could have helped you somehow!"

Cheng Ying pursed her lips. Serves him right, she thought. Let Sun Pangzi gloat. He went around in circles and ended up exposing Sun Pangzi's foolishness from back then.

Chi Wu raised an eyebrow. Look at you showing off.

Sun Pangzi’s face flushed. "Alright, alright! Look at the time, is it time to make dumplings? Let’s just drop the old stuff, none of us will mention it again."

Cheng Ying said, "Don't! You should show off a bit more."

Sun Pangzi glared at his niece, pushed the child over to the Old Lady, and went out to cook dumplings. Aunt Gan sighed, "Oh, you."

A lively New Year passed quickly. When Chi Wu returned to the Chi family home with his wife, the elderly Mr. and Mrs. Chi had already arranged for over a dozen tables of guests, essentially holding a second wedding ceremony for Chi Wu and Cheng Ying at the Chi residence.

Chi Yong was triumphant that day. Among the guests were his colleagues, Yang Zhi’s colleagues, and old family friends of the Chis.

Chi Wu specifically invited the Old Lady over to join the festivities.

Cheng Ying felt it would have been simpler just to invite everyone together instead of taking two days to arrange things separately.

After the fifth day of the New Year, the driver took Chi Wu back to B City. Chi Wu was busy; spending half a month at home was squeezing time out of a tight schedule. Everything was just beginning, and the field he was entering was entirely new territory, something he had to feel his way through. Chi Wu was completely absorbed, almost forgetting his new wife.

Watching the young couple separate so soon, the Old Mrs. Chi looked even more disappointed than Cheng Ying herself. "If they keep fussing like this, what's the difference between being married and not being married?"

Old Mr. Chi patted his wife’s shoulder, offering what little comfort he could. He said nothing.

But in a few days, they would learn what the difference was between their grandson being married and not being married.

Cheng Ying being the grandson’s wife wasn't just a title. Although she wasn't entirely satisfied with the temperaments of Old Mr. and Mrs. Chi, they were Chi Wu’s grandparents. Cheng Ying felt she was a 'left-behind wife' and naturally had to be filial to the elders; wasn't that a virtue?

When people get old, they get a bit muddled. Why bother arguing with them, right?

Every couple of days, she would visit the Old Lady’s home—sometimes to share a meal, sometimes just to sit. Sometimes she chatted with the housekeeper, sometimes she spoke with Old Mr. and Mrs. Chi. Soon enough, the presence of their grandson's wife began to linger in the house.

Unknowingly, Cheng Ying left her mark on the home. Old Mr. and Mrs. Chi began to appraise their granddaughter-in-law. "You see this child? She is truly sensible. Look at her thoughtfulness. You were so unwilling at first, but which of the girls you picked could compare to Yingzi? Don't let her quiet nature fool you; this child gets things done."

Old Mrs. Chi grew immensely fond of Cheng Ying. On Sundays, she would prepare things, knowing her granddaughter-in-law was coming over. Neighbors even complimented her, "Your child is so filial."

Old Mrs. Chi confessed, "I finally see it too. This child is wonderful, but she does hold a grudge. Now that she’s doing so well, I remember during their engagement, she certainly didn't have this level of earnestness. Do you think she still resents me for something?"

Old Mr. Chi thought it rare for his wife to see things clearly. Reflecting on the engagement, Cheng Ying certainly wasn't like this then. Back then, she was probably treating the Chi family like distant relatives. The child did have a bit of a stubborn streak. "Don't provoke your granddaughter-in-law again," he warned.

Old Mr. Chi regretted saying it as soon as the words left his mouth; it didn't suit his status.

Old Mr. Chi amended, "This child knows where she stands." This was tacit approval of the warning.

Aside from school, Cheng Ying spent her time solidifying her presence with both sets of elders. Her days were full. The only regret was that her period arrived right on schedule, meaning she hadn't conceived the Old Lady's great-grandson yet.

Cheng Ying felt quite down when communicating with Chi Wu that evening.

Chi Wu thought, You’re too eager, and as he broached the subject, he felt his trousers grow tight.

A young man separated from his wife right after getting married was hardly suited for discussing such matters across a distance.

After their chat, Chi Wu, flushed, spent over ten minutes in the bathroom before emerging. He muttered only one thing: "Forbidden pleasure."

A week after talking with Cheng Ying, Chi Wu drove back. Cheng Ying was quite pleased; a man who didn’t miss his wife wasn’t a good man. Yet, when she saw him, she was still surprised—was this really her husband?

Chi Wu bypassed his grandparents and immediately dragged his wife into the room.

Cheng Ying felt that Chi Wu’s sudden burst of wildness was an inevitable reaction. If they were together all the time, it wouldn’t be like this.

This resulted in Cheng Ying missing Chi Wu when he was gone, and being slightly intimidated when he was present—what a vicious cycle.

Chi Wu only went to see the Old Lady after cleaning himself up.

Cheng Ying lay alone under the covers, thinking he must have timed his return perfectly. Right? Her period had only just ended a few days ago. Cheng Ying had a painful realization: she shouldn’t complain so easily next time.

Chi Wu stayed home for two days, spending time with his grandparents and Cheng Ying, before leaving.

To be honest, Chi Wu hated leaving more than he ever had before.

He looked at Cheng Ying, unable to move. "Yingzi, come see me on Sunday?"

Cheng Ying turned away, not bothering to look at him. "We'll see."

Chi Wu grabbed his wife’s hand and wouldn't let go. "Yingzi!"

Cheng Ying sighed, "Fine, I'll check the schedule and then say."

Chi Wu wasn't entirely satisfied, but it was much better than her flat-out refusal. Besides, he doubted she could refuse if he arranged for his driver to come get her. Chi Wu was incredibly shrewd.

Cheng Ying watched the SUV pull away, taking three steps back before moving forward, and puffed out her chest. Another realization struck her: The beauty's bower is the hero's tomb. She touched her own cheek—a truly shameless thought.

Cheng Ying and Chi Wu carried on in this cycle for half a year. For Chi Wu's graduation ceremony, Cheng Ying arranged for a large coach so their entire family could travel to celebrate with him.

By this time, Cheng Ying was two months pregnant. Chi Wu hadn't been going back for nothing; there had always been tangible results.

Both the Chi and Cheng families treated Cheng Ying like royalty, lavishing attention on her. It wasn't just Yingzi’s grandma who doted on the child; Old Mr. and Mrs. Chi held immense expectations for the baby Cheng Ying carried.

Cheng Ming still had another year of schooling, but Cheng Ying had chosen a four-year major so she could graduate alongside Chi Wu.

However, Cheng Ying skipped her own graduation ceremony for Chi Wu's sake, entirely centering herself around her husband. Cheng Ying felt a little guilty toward Chi Wu about the baby issue; they hadn't even enjoyed much time as a couple before the Old Lady was eager for a child. Chi Wu had accommodated Cheng Ying on this, and she understood that.

In truth, Chi Wu was happier to have children, but based on Cheng Ying's understanding forged over decades, she didn't see it that way. Coming from her era, having a child at thirty was sometimes considered early. She felt Chi Wu was slightly shortchanged.

It was a state of pure, conflicted emotion.

At Chi Wu’s graduation ceremony, he proudly introduced Cheng Ying to his classmates, professors, and alumni: "This is my beloved wife."

Cheng Ying pursed her lips and greeted them. It was the first time she had heard Chi Wu use such a formal term; usually, at home, he just called her Xifu (wife). This formal address of Airen (beloved partner) was rare.

Yang Zhi held Yingzi’s grandmother. "Mom, aren't they wonderful together? Hearing Chi Wu speak like that, I finally feel like he’s grown up."

Yingzi’s Grandma replied, "Of course. Your daughter is pregnant; if your son-in-law still hadn't grown up, you’d have reason to worry."

Old Mr. Chi looked at his proud grandson and sighed, "My grandson—academics, career, family foundation—all complete. Tell me, how many people at his age achieve what my grandson has?"

Chi Yong listened, his heart aching slightly. "That's because they caught a good time."

Old Mr. Chi laughed heartily, annoyed that his son was unconvinced. But it was true; the grandson had indeed hit a fortunate era.

Chi Yong held back another thought: his son had good taste and secured a good wife. Their starting point was higher than others could match; not everyone had that much drive at eleven or twelve, setting out to trade medicinal herbs a hundred li away on a bicycle.

Looking at Chi Wu, Chi Yong felt that his son’s current success stemmed from his own effort and sacrifice. Yingzi was the girl Chi Wu had longed for for years. Chi Wu hadn’t let his career or studies lag because he was settling down with a wife—that showed character.

Chi Yong didn't know that Chi Wu was acutely aware of his wife's caliber. If he didn't achieve something significant, how could he stand beside Cheng Ying?

Matching his wife's achievements was Chi Wu's aspiration. Surpassing her slightly would be even better. But for now, Cheng Ying simply didn't dare slack off. Her annual income was already higher than Chi Wu’s, simply because the things she cultivated on the mountain gained value with every year they grew.

Chi Wu thought his wife was practically an old tycoon; she chose her profession well and invested smartly.

A man had to work hard. If he caught a wife like that, he had to chase after her relentlessly.

Chi Wu hosted a thank-you banquet at a hotel owned by an old friend. This time, he dragged Cheng Ying up, formally introducing her: "This is my wife, my wife since childhood." By this point, Chi Wu was probably a little drunk.

Cheng Ying pursed her lips, looking at this version of Chi Wu, and finally recognized a familiar spark. The capable, mature demeanor from the graduation ceremony was gone, replaced by the slightly arrogant, showing-off child.