Of course, Chi Wu only handled the arrangements for the research institute. Other matters were still managed by professionals.

The old lady had been lucid for a while when Cheng Ying got married and occasionally coherent during Cheng Ying's early pregnancy. Most of the time, however, she remained muddled.

As Cheng Ying's belly grew larger, her energy waned further, and the grandmother became even more confused. Every time she grabbed hold of Sun Fatso, she insisted he was the third son.

When Chi Yong visited with Yangzhi and Uncle Gan, she'd take hold of Yangzhi's hand and push it toward Uncle Gan, urging them to live harmoniously. How awkward for the whole family!

Auntie Gan wasn't bothered by this, but Chi Yong was genuinely upset - after all these years together, how could his elderly mother randomly entrust his wife to someone else?

Uncle Gan knew about Grandma's only regret - her youngest son died early and he didn't care who she confused him with. Now that his restaurant business was stable, he often brought the child over for visits, accepting whatever name she chose.

Cheng Ying felt it was a blessing for Grandma to have such a devoted stepson in her old age.

Most bizarrely, Grandma would feed Uncle Gan all the best dishes, urging "Third Son" to eat more. She'd also remind Yangzhi and Auntie Gan, "Save some food for Dongzi!"

Sun Fatso felt his heart tighten - his godmother remembered her real son yet still hadn't forgotten her stepson. That kind of affection was genuine.

Only Sun Fatso could play two roles simultaneously without going mad. He adapted surprisingly well.

Cheng Ying discussed with Cheng Ming, "Should we invite the eldest and second uncles to visit Grandma?"

Cheng Ming replied, "Grandma's just confused but physically healthy. Don't worry." This meant he didn't want their real father involved.

Cheng Ming worried more than Cheng Ying did - if Grandma was lucid it might be fine, but in her current state she could develop strange thoughts like their mother had once done. Distance was better sometimes.

Unfortunately some people and situations couldn't be avoided just by wishing them away.

While Cheng Ying was undergoing prenatal care at seven months pregnant, the eldest sister-in-law arrived with her nearly betrothed daughter-in-law.

As the younger sister-in-law, Cheng Ying warmly welcomed this pre-betrothed bride. In their rural community, unmarried girls wouldn't casually visit another family unless marriage negotiations had already occurred - clearly a potential match for Cheng Tie.

Cheng Ying observed the poised young woman and inwardly noted her urban background. "Big Sister-in-Law definitely won't settle for a country bride," she thought to herself. Wondering if the eldest sister-in-law would eventually move with her son into town.

While mothers often planned their sons' lives thoroughly, newlyweds frequently found it difficult to accommodate their in-laws. This was an all-too-common occurrence.

Eldest Sister-in-Law exclaimed, "Oh look at Yunxue - this is Yingzi, Cheng Tie's sister!"

Grabbing Cheng Ying's hand she announced, "This is your older sister-in-law!"

Cheng Ying nodded politely, "Welcome in please." She felt grateful there wasn't a tradition for younger sisters to present gifts to new elders.

The eldest sister-in-law then went straight to see her mother-in-law. "Mom," she called out.

Grandma looked up briefly at the newcomers but continued hugging the rooster as usual.

Eldest Sister-in-Law insisted, "Mom it's me - your eldest daughter-in-law! I've brought your granddaughters-in-law to visit!"

Glancing at the young woman nearby Grandma scoffed, "Impossible! I haven't drunk anything yet and you're trying to deceive me?"

Cheng Ying and Auntie Rong stared in shock. How could this be considered confused thinking? She was clearly going beyond normal dementia.

Eldest Sister-in-Law tried again, "Mom it's really Cheng Tie's future wife - we came all the way here just to see you!"

Grandma refused to acknowledge them now.

Cheng Ying felt for her sister-in-law. The poor woman must be mortified standing there as an unacknowledged bride-to-be. Eldest Sister-in-Law had definitely come too early with this visit.

The young woman remained composed, maintaining the same expression throughout.

Nonetheless Cheng Ying observed that if this girl married Cheng Tie, she'd easily surpass his current third position in the family pecking order.

Eldest Sister-in-Law asked, "Mom do you recognize me? I'm your eldest daughter-in-law!"

Grandma still refused to look back. Cheng Ying realized how deep their mother-son relationship must have been - hearing her sister-in-law's pleading was heartbreaking.

Once outside with the others, Eldest Sister-in-Law finally said, "Yingzi why does Grandma act this way toward you? When we got married she was perfectly lucid but now she doesn't even recognize me after just one year. What happened?"

Cheng Ying swallowed hard, wondering how Grandma could remember her when their interactions were so limited. "Grandma recognizes those who've cared for her regularly - I, Wuzi, and my mother. Occasionally when my aunt calls, they can chat a bit. Eldest Sister-in-Law if you'd just call Grandma on the phone occasionally rather than demanding face-to-face visits, she might remember you better."

Her words weren't gentle at all. It was clear she resented being compared to them.

Eldest Sister-in-Law's face flushed purple with anger. "You think we don't have opportunities because Grandma lives far away from us?"

Cheng Ying countered, "Loyalty has nothing to do with distance. People build families across continents every day. Eldest Sister-in-Law you traveled all this way just to visit - I'd say that's the most devoted care possible. The truth is Grandma doesn't get along well with anyone long-term. This moderate distance is actually ideal."

Eldest Sister-in-Law was clearly furious at being confronted about their past neglect.

The young woman spoke up, "We've heard Cheng Tie has a younger sister in the city - we were always eager to visit. Today's opportunity is perfect Yingzi!"

Cheng Ying gave her an enigmatic smile while rubbing her belly, "I'm afraid I can't accompany you much with my condition. You'd better let Eldest Sister-in-Law show you around."

She wasn't unkind toward the girl - just realistically constrained.

Yunxue suddenly noticed Cheng Ying's pregnancy for the first time and exclaimed, "You're expecting! Such good fortune to be younger than Cheng Tie yet already have a child!"

Cheng Ying, with her refined perception and worldly experience, easily saw through these naive attempts. "Well what could I do? My father passed away early so I had no one else to rely on but myself."

After that comment, Yunxue fell silent for quite some time while examining the house.

Eldest Sister-in-Law asked suddenly, "Where's Cheng Ming?"

Cheng Ying almost said he'd return later but stopped herself. Why let others ruin their peaceful life? Better to be upfront about things now.

"Chengming no longer lives here," she said carefully. "He got a job and moved out, didn't you know?"

Eldest Sister-in-Law's face paled instantly. "Got a job! What does that have to do with where he lives?"

Cheng Ying glanced at Yunxue before continuing cautiously, "Chengming found accommodation through his workplace."

The eldest sister-in-law turned livid. "What are you implying Chengming is your brother? You're so cruel making him live in dormitory conditions! What ulterior motives do you have? Don't think I don't know why you've been manipulating Grandma!"

Cheng Ying didn't respond immediately, but Auntie Rong stepped through the curtain to stand behind her.

Rubbing her belly, Cheng Ying said, "Eldest Sister-in-Law I'm not sure what you're referring to. Chengming and I are siblings who shared this home due to our close relationship. Now that he's working, it was natural for him to seek his own residence. People must build their own nests! How could it be wrong for Chengming to pursue a career? As for calling me 'something'... well let me just say Grandma is more important than your accusations. I only want her longevity!"

Fire burned in Eldest Sister-in-Law's eyes as she raged, "Don't think you can claim the house because you live here! It belongs to Grandma! What do you have? Just a teenager who inherited everything from Grandma? All these assets belong equally to all grandchildren. I'll tell you now - no way!"

Cheng Ming suddenly entered with purple-tinged face that rivaled his mother's fury, "Mom what are you saying about Grandma's legacy? During the family division we had just fifteen dollars each! Grandma gave us the least share. You can still claim her land if you want through Village Chief records."

"Family division was only for household items," Eldest Sister-in-Law snarled, "Grandma never divided whatever she personally owned. If she passes away soon..."