Old Mrs. Chi tapped her son’s back. “Look at how Wu Zi knows how to sweet-talk his wife. Ying Zi even bought gifts to apologize, and look at you. We had to fix things up just to get you a wife, aren't you embarrassed? You still have the nerve to bring it up.”

With that, Old Mrs. Chi took her watering can upstairs to water her flowers, though she deliberately kept her movements within a meter or so of Chi Wu’s door, always harboring suspicions of eavesdropping.

Chi Yong felt stifled. Chi Wu was his personal shadow, and Cheng Ying was his adversary. Why provoke me like this? Why highlight him by contrasting us?

He turned and headed to the kitchen, giving his wife a look filled with grievance. Yang Zhi looked at him, bewildered. What’s wrong now? Why does that look suggest I’ve mistreated him? I truly don’t understand why educated people need to have mood swings at any given moment. Can we even have a peaceful life?

Cheng Ying pushed open Chi Wu’s door and was quite surprised; he hadn't bolted it. Leaving it unlocked was a sign of respect for her.

She entered with a sheepish grin. “Wu Zi, I brought you something.”

Chi Wu didn’t even spare her a glance, still standing by the window looking out. Oh, Cheng Ying felt completely struck dumb. He looks like the very picture of a brooding scholar. If he’d utter a few lines of tragic poetry, he’d be a melancholic young nobleman. I can’t handle it. Her nose twitched slightly.

When did this young man become so irresistibly touchable? Cheng Ying felt vexed. Where was the Chi Wu who always wore a dark smile that made him look like he was tailing her?

Chi Wu’s expression was sour. He was here just to stare blankly. “Do you have nothing else to say?”

Cheng Ying: “I do, I do! I was just worried you couldn’t handle watching the two kids all by yourself, so I hurried over to help!”

She wasn't entirely sure what she was saying.

Chi Wu pointed to the items before him. “So, this was just on the way?”

Cheng Ying: “Absolutely not! I bought this specifically, specially for you. Do you like it?”

Chi Wu held up the razor. It was certainly practical, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Cheng Ying was deliberately trying to placate him, that she seemed guilty. This realization soured his mood instantly. He huffed. “I know I was the one begging back then; I wasn't worth much. But no matter what, in your eyes, I still can’t get past that hurdle.”

Cheng Ying felt a toothache coming on. You were the one in the wrong back then, and you dare to use it as leverage now? Have you no shame?

Just as she was about to explode, she saw Chi Wu’s dark expression. Ah, the beauty trap. Cheng Ying blurted out, “That just means you had greater foresight than me back then. I thank you for having the vision to recognize talent! Otherwise, how could we have such a happy home, and two wonderfully sensible, obedient, and adorable children?”

After speaking, Cheng Ying glanced at the roof, silently praying, Don't let it thunder in broad daylight; it must be striking me down. That was the most insincere statement she'd ever made.

Having someone placate him made his mood considerably better. Even knowing it was manufactured, Chi Wu enjoyed it.

Cheng Ying grew anxious watching him remain silent. “Don’t make me thank your ancestors for eight generations!”

Chi Wu glared. “Is it going to kill you to humor me a little longer?”

Cheng Ying: “You’re giving me goosebumps. I’m telling you, this is the only time! And you still bring up the past like it’s a valid point. What kind of habit is that? You could have learned from anyone else, but you learned from Dad—running away from home with the kids! Internal family disputes must be settled within the family, understand?”

Chi Wu glared back, still harboring anger, but Cheng Ying’s coaxing smoothed it over. “Don’t try to fool me, Cheng Ying. If I get truly angry, our whole family will move into the village just to spite you.” Let’s see you show off then.

Cheng Ying felt utterly wronged. Even in my white coat, people can see the goodness in my heart. It’s just who I am—perhaps I have good karma.

Watching the storm clear, her mood brightened considerably. “With my charm, we’d probably have to move to Mars to be immune.”

Chi Wu’s face darkened. Now she’s getting carried away. Cheng Ying immediately realized she’d spoken too carelessly after just having apologized. “Slip of the tongue.”

Chi Wu picked up the razor. “I wonder if this works well.”

Cheng Ying immediately became submissive. “It’s absolutely excellent, and it has a matching set! Look, there’s even a hair clipper!” This was quite the bargain bundle.

Chi Wu touched his hair. “My hair seems a bit long.”

Cheng Ying: “Really? Perfect. Let’s try this thing out. Honestly, only my skills are worthy of styling a head like yours. Let me tidy you up.”

Chi Wu sounded indifferent. “You’re so busy. The kids don’t need you to watch them, your work doesn’t need your attention, and the outside world doesn’t need your help.”

Cheng Ying clenched her back molars. How much of an act can one man put on? If he really didn't need me, would he mention that his hair is long right in front of me?

What she thought didn't matter; her words had to be enthusiastic. “How could that matter compared to you?”

Saying that, she briskly rolled up her sleeves. “Wait while I grab an apron, or the stubble will stick to my clothes, and I won’t be able to hold the kids.”

Chi Wu pursed his lips. “Then do as you please. It’s the same wherever I get my hair cut.”

Cheng Ying rolled her eyes. “Oh, thank you for deigning to grant me the opportunity to serve you, Your Highness.”

Chi Wu stiffened his face. “You’re welcome.”

And so, five minutes later, everyone who had been skeptical of the spoiled grandson throwing a tantrum witnessed the following: Chi Wu sat on a wooden bench in the small courtyard in front of the building, while Cheng Ying, armed with scissors, a razor, and a thinning comb, worked diligently on his head.

During the process, Chi Wu’s various complaints of dissatisfaction could be heard.

Chi Yong’s jaw nearly dropped to the ground. He had to admit he couldn't compare to his son, not even close. Why such a drastic difference in treatment?

Chi Yong didn't know whether he should learn from his son or grab Yang Zhi and stare closely at his daughter. Why is your daughter treating my son this way, yet you treat me like this? Chi Yong felt deeply wronged.

Old Master Chi stood at the doorway playing with the two children, while Old Mrs. Chi watched anxiously from the side. “Isn't she just finding ways to tidy up Wu Zi? Should we get him a hat? Can you even see it? They spoil him too much! How can you mess with a man’s hair like that?”

Old Mrs. Chi’s current grievances with Cheng Ying were only aired to her husband. For the sake of her two grandsons, she had to pamper her daughter-in-law. If she didn't, the next time they visited, who would she complain to?

Old Master Chi said, “Look at her technique—how could she possibly make a mistake? From now on, we’ll save money on haircuts! I’ll ask my granddaughter-in-law to cut mine too.”

Old Mrs. Chi looked at her husband, then at her great-grandson, and said nothing more. Chi Yong was left alone, gloomily watching the unfortunate child outside.

Old Master Chi didn't forget to strike at his son. “Look at Wu Zi! What kind of father are you? You even made me misjudge things!”

Then he turned and went inside to drink tea, hands clasped behind his back.

Cheng Ying had always possessed a unique eye for styling Chi Wu. Otherwise, how could he stand out so vividly with his single eyelids and thin lips? At that time, Chi Wu’s features weren't in vogue; people favored double eyelids, large eyes, and high-bridged noses—men who looked honest and straightforward.

Chi Wu’s only features that met the aesthetic standards of the time were his build and height.

But after Cheng Ying styled him, everything changed. He was pleasing to look at from every angle.

Cheng Ying found herself gazing at him a few extra times. Look at my man!

Chi Wu stroked his jawline. “There’s still a bit here.”

Cheng Ying quickly went over to shave his beard. She didn’t stop until it was almost time for dinner, finally managing to satisfy Chi Wu.

Seeing that rare smile—even just a profile view—was a hard-won victory.

After washing his hair and face (both assisted by his wife, of course), Chi Wu mused internally, Since Old Mrs. Chi passed, how long has it been since Ying Zi treated me like this? Maybe getting into small arguments occasionally is good for raising the quality of service. It really took effort to enjoy this level of high-end spousal treatment.

Chi Wu, drying his hair with one hand, emerged from the bathroom looking refreshed and energized. His little chubby daughter was so mesmerized she looked like she might drool. Cheng Ying tapped the girl’s head. “Have some self-respect!”

Chi Wu pinched his daughter’s chubby cheek. “She takes after her mother.” He then raised an eyebrow pointedly at Cheng Ying.

Cheng Ying immediately agreed, her tone as pleasant as possible: “We’ll change, both of us.”

Chi Wu instructed loftily, “If you can always see things this accurately, then perhaps there's no need to change after all.”

Cheng Ying thought, Can you be any more difficult? “Of course. I must hold myself to the highest standards. Unlike you, the two of us definitely won't be drooling.” She then turned to her daughter. “Right?”

The little chubby girl nodded adorably. “Definitely!”

Look at how well-trained this wife is, Chi Yong thought. I’ve lived all these years for nothing.

Old Mrs. Chi also looked at her grandson with sparkling eyes. Now that’s a grandson of the Chi family!

When Cheng Ying went to tap her granddaughter’s head, Old Mrs. Chi moved like a startled rabbit, snatching the girl away in a flash. Cheng Ying suspected the old woman had some martial arts training; her agility was remarkable.

Old Mrs. Chi scolded, “How can you casually tap a child’s head? You two can mess around, but don't use my great-granddaughter as your subject! Our taste doesn't need your commentary; it’s already high-class. The fact that we even look at you twice means we think highly of you!” Clearly, this whole family shared the same temperament; only the degree of arrogance differed.

After placating her husband, Cheng Ying had to clean up her own mess. “I didn't mean to! I held back!” She knew she couldn't assert herself right now, being outnumbered and isolated.

The chubby girl didn't mind, looking up at her father. “Tomorrow I’ll ask Dad to take me to school. My Dad is the most handsome!”

Cheng Ying retorted, “Silly girl, why compare? Your mom takes you to school every day; doesn't your mom outshine all the other kids’ mothers?”

The little girl fell silent. Her mom was indeed beautiful, but not as beautiful as her dad.

Chi Wu beamed at his daughter, warmer than a spring breeze. “My daughter has good taste. Monday, Dad will take you.”

Cheng Ying dared not challenge him, knowing she’d spend the rest of the afternoon coaxing him otherwise. “Does your dad need to compare himself to anyone? Even without comparison, he leaves them in the dust!” Her flattery had no bottom line.

The little chubby boy also admired his father's new look. “Mom, I want a haircut too!”

Cheng Ying: “Forget it. You scream like you’re being slaughtered when I even look at you. I’m not serving you!” This was based on past experience.

The chubby boy objected, tugging at his father. “I want one! Mom is clearly biased; she’s always biased!”

Old Master Chi chimed in, “Ying Zi, parents can’t be biased! Children’s minds are tender; it can warp their character.”

Cheng Ying looked glumly at the old man. She could understand being accused of favoring one child over another, but favoring her husband over her son? Old Man, are you sure you’re looking for a daughter-in-law for your grandson, not a wife for yourself?

Before she could finish her internal complaint, the old man added, “I should probably get a haircut too.” This meant his afternoon wouldn't involve sweet-talking; it was time for mandatory service.

Chi Wu thought his skills were decent for styling his wife and son, but styling the elder master felt a bit shaky. “I’ll take you to the barbershop, Dad. I have time this afternoon.”

Old Master Chi looked at his grandson, feeling the urge to give him a good swat. Is this my real grandson? He pointed at Chi Yong. “Are you sure you didn't mix up the baby when he was born? Trade him for someone else?”

Chi Yong mumbled gloomily, “I’m beginning to suspect that too.”

Cheng Ying kept quiet. This family had been acting strange lately. But looking at her son’s hair, if he didn’t scream like he was being butchered, Cheng Ying was willing to style him. “Alright, stop fidgeting. Your father’s lecture has already rattled you; don’t you know how much weight you carry?”

The little chubby boy sucked his finger. His mom always complained about him being plump.

Chi Wu corrected him, “He has weight! My son is called imposing and powerful.”

Cheng Ying agreed, “Truly imposing and tall, looks very dependable. Eat heartily, son, Mom doesn’t mind you!” She then looked at Chi Wu. “Is this acceptable now?”

The little chubby boy finally realized that he only had a real dad; his mom must be a substitute. At such a young age, his life lesson was that if he lost his father, what would he do? He immediately wrapped his arms around Chi Wu and declared, “Daddy is the real one!”

Cheng Ying lifted her foot, genuinely wanting to kick someone. Whose unlucky kid is this?

After dinner, everyone gathered around the Chi family’s little chubby boy while he got his haircut.

Everyone had suggestions: Artistic styles, wild styles, abstract looks, and even vintage interpretations were all offered.

Cheng Ying held her tools, truly unsure how to proceed. If this continued, her son would be bald. The suggestions were wildly diverse.

The chubby boy’s face was pale. He wasn't crying or howling, but it seemed he was reaching his limit.

Chi Wu’s way of encouraging his son was to stick his own head out. “Look, do you want to be as handsome as Dad? Endure it, you have to hold on!”

The little boy managed, barely, not to scream. He endured for the sake of looking handsome, just like his dad.

In the end, Cheng Ying ignored all the skewed advice and styled his hair exactly as her son had suggested: a cut identical to Chi Wu’s. They looked adorable, like matching miniatures. They weren't father-and-son in matching outfits; they were father-and-son in matching haircuts.

Old Mrs. Chi smiled broadly, pulling out a camera from God knows where, shooting pictures rapidly as if they were free. The result was clearly stunning.

Cheng Ying felt her own mood lift seeing her son happy, especially seeing Chi Wu holding him. As long as Chi Wu was happy, their family life would run smoothly. Today hadn't been a sacrifice in vain.

As for Old Master Chi, Cheng Ying could only manage a conventional short back and sides. She explained, “I can’t help it, sir. Your hairline only allows for this style—it helps hide the shortcomings.”

Old Mrs. Chi nearly fell over laughing. It certainly wasn't her usual dignified and aloof demeanor, but Cheng Ying’s words were too brutally honest. The old man was nearly bald, yet he insisted on a style from his granddaughter-in-law. How could it look like his grandson's cut?

Old Master Chi was not entirely satisfied. “I was hoping the three of us could have the same hairstyle.”

Cheng Ying looked at the sparse hair on the old man’s head—that was truly too difficult. “Even the most skillful housewife can’t cook without rice.”

Just that one sentence made even Yang Zhi hide in the kitchen to snicker. Forget Yang Zhi; Old Mrs. Chi, sprawled on the sofa without any pretense of modesty, laughed so hard. The scene was simply too hilarious.

Old Master Chi didn’t want to ruin such a good atmosphere, even though he was the butt of the joke. He patted his head and conceded generously, “It is a bit demanding.”

On the way home, Cheng Ying announced, “I need to start preparing hair-growth treatments for you in advance! Diet is crucial. Otherwise, from now on, we’ll only eat black rice and ginger.”

Chi Wu was speechless. Why? What other problems are there?

Cheng Ying continued, “What if you take after Grandpa? That will increase the technical difficulty for me! It’s hard to style an elderly handsome man.” She was genuinely contemplating it; most styles wouldn't suit him, especially with the top being so sparse.

Chi Wu’s stern expression finally broke. The storm had passed.

Chi Wu: “Don’t worry. Even if I had no hair at all, I’d still be so handsome you’d drool just looking at me.”

Cheng Ying pursed her lips. He was certainly confident. She studied him seriously; without hair, he probably wouldn't look bad.

Chi Wu squinted at her. “No need to look. If I say I’m handsome, I’m handsome.”

Cheng Ying: “Be more modest. Aren't you afraid the wind will blow your tongue out?”

Chi Wu: “Whether I’m wearing clothes or not, you say I’m handsome, right? It’s the same principle whether I have hair or not.” He was being a suave rogue, no wonder he was standing so close to speak.

Cheng Ying pushed him away—too shameless! But she had to admit, he was indeed quite handsome in every state.

The argument that started Saturday morning ended with the family of four being happy by evening.

By Sunday, Chi Wu, his mood completely restored, finally remembered his father.

Chi Wu finally managed to take time to visit his mother-in-law to discuss the elder couple’s future affairs. He had no choice; Chi Yong was calling him constantly, acting as if he’d been afflicted by a spiritual sickness, almost disowning his son. Chi Wu suspected his father was suffering from nervous exhaustion compounded by depression; it was quite serious.

To win favor with his stepmother and mother-in-law, Chi Wu specifically brought his little daughter along, beautifully dressed. Even if he was rudely rejected, at least he’d have a buffer so they wouldn't kick him out immediately.

Cheng Ying looked at the pair. “Where are you two going? Didn’t you visit them yesterday?”

Chi Wu: “Mind your own business. Chubby Girl misses Grandma, right?”

The little girl, accompanied by a handsome escort, was a prime example of beauty clouding judgment. “Mmm.” She would probably agree with whatever her dad said.

Cheng Ying: “Who did you get that from? What will happen when people fool you in the future? How can you have zero intelligence the moment you see a handsome man?”

Chi Wu didn't want to listen. “Is that how you slander your own daughter? We’re leaving now. You stay home and reflect seriously. I expect a written self-criticism later.”

Then the father and daughter left. Cheng Ying turned to her son and started instigating. “Your dad—and he threw you over here when he left—the weather changed!”

Cheng Shuo, the chubby boy, replied, “I’ll watch you reflect and write your check for Dad.” Then, marching with purposeful, square steps, he went inside. He was busy; no time to waste chatter with women—that’s what his dad taught him.

Cheng Ying felt that she and her son were naturally incompatible. Is this even my son? People would think I adopted an extra father. “Stop acting up. Don't keep saying I’m biased. Look, I’m spending Sunday with you, but where is your dad? He went off to play with your sister.”

The chubby boy pouted at his mother. “Women worry too much. We’re men. If I’m not with Dad, we two are still the best.”

With his head held high, he left. Fine, Cheng Ying felt like a petty, ungentlemanly person. She failed to sow discord between father and son. What a failure.

With her husband and daughter gone, and her son ignoring her, life was indeed leisurely.

Cheng Ying found nothing much to do alone, so she slipped into her space. She checked the fish in the water tanks and then looked at the lazy mother hen nearby. Lately, the hen seemed listless. Cheng Ying suspected it was related to her habit of plucking its feathers.

Ever since discovering the regenerative nature of the hen’s feathers, Cheng Ying had dedicated herself to plucking them, intending to assemble a feather duster. It would be beautiful, and more importantly, a memento—every feather had been touched by Old Mrs. Chi.

Moreover, she had been collecting feathers shed during Old Mrs. Chi's lifetime. Although she collected them one by one, Old Mrs. Chi had kept the colorful hen for a long time, so she had quite a number—though still not quite enough to make a full duster.

Perhaps plucking had been a bit excessive, causing the colorful hen to be slightly overwhelmed, hence its lethargy.

Cheng Ying fed the hen a handful of pine nuts, then pressed the hen to the ground and rubbed it for a while before letting go. “Do you miss Old Mrs. Chi too?”

No matter how Cheng Ying asked, the hen couldn't answer. The space wasn't that advanced; at most, it had a color-changing stone that could display a few words.

Cheng Ying tidied up the space thoroughly before emerging, not forgetting to gather some medicinal herbs.

She was a doctor, after all, and this anti-inflammatory item needed testing. At least if she were to use it, she needed to know its potency. It wasn't for her to casually drink or steep; it was for someone else.

Cheng Ying intended to send the effective samples back for her maternal grandfather (Lao Ye). She heard many people sought his medical advice, and she thought this could boost his reputation—after all, this was the best medicinal material.

If nothing else, the anti-inflammatory effect was excellent; she had tested it herself.

Then she looked at the endless trees and saplings in her space—they were all money! They were the foundation she was saving for her daughter and son.

Whenever she looked at these things, Cheng Ying’s heart felt expansive. Even if they weren't cash now, they were equivalent to real estate. Mine, all mine. It would be even better if a portion could be converted to cash for her son. However, Cheng Ying didn't plan to take risks. Even when she was desperate for money, she hadn't dared to go too far in utilizing them, fearing she might attract unwanted attention. Now, she needed to proceed steadily.

Thinking that she had such a dependable man, perhaps Wu Zi was even better than she gave him credit for. At this thought, her mood instantly lifted, and she casually took out the feather duster.

Chi Wu took the children to visit Chi Yong. Under Chi Yong’s meaningful winks, he left the children with his father and went to find Ying Zi’s mother for a talk.

Chi Wu tried several times, unable to open his mouth. How could he possibly ask: "Mom, have you ever considered whether you’d prefer to be buried next to my father after you pass, or next to Yingzi's father? Isn't that putting your own mother in a difficult position?"

He truly didn't know what his own father was thinking, to let such a ridiculous question occupy his mind.

This wasn't making things difficult for himself; if he just lived well and passed away after Yang Zhi, wouldn't everything be up to him anyway?

Besides, even if he had to fight for it, couldn't he just manage to get Yingzi's mother's ashes into his own coffin? Why make such a fuss?

Yang Zhi noticed that Chi Wu seemed to have something on his mind and spoke up, "Wuzi, is something the matter?"

Chi Wu rubbed his hands together. "Mom, yes, there's something. I just wanted to ask you something..."

He looked at Yang Zhi, and the question simply wouldn't come out. Given Yang Zhi's temperament, if he actually asked that question, the mother-in-law would probably fall ill from the stress.

Chi Wu stammered awkwardly: "Mom, it’s nothing. I just wanted to ask you to talk to Yingzi properly—don't always pester the children, picking on our fat boy and fat girl for no good reason."

Yang Zhi laughed. "It's fine. Yingzi is just childish sometimes; she’s just playing around with the kids. I think it’s quite nice this way, seeing her want to play and get close to them, not knowing how to go about it, just like I was. Wuzi, don't worry. Yingzi has always known what’s important and understood the difference between serious and trivial matters since she was small."R1152