How much of an inheritance Chi Wu left for the children, even Chi Wu himself didn't clearly know; anyway, as soon as he and Cheng Ying felt they had provided enough for the children to not be bullied, Chi Wu was whisked away by his wife for travels abroad.

It was then that Cheng Ying’s spatial realm truly began to develop. Whatever species suited the realm's growth, Chi Wu would bring them in to cultivate. Furthermore, any rare saplings or seeds Chi Wu encountered would see him spending time within the realm, nurturing them from single specimens to small clusters, and finally to self-sustaining acreage. Moreover, Chi Wu always had surplus funds, and wherever he found land, he would clear it, plant trees, and send a deed back to his son.

With such a devoted father as Chi Wu, even if Chi Shuo lacked any ambition, the family's wealth would be impossible to exhaust through mere extravagance. No wonder others envied Chi Shuo to the point of eye twitching, yet couldn't find any leverage against him.

Cheng Ying felt Chi Wu had a mind perpetually burdened with worry. Their son and daughter were grown; what more did they need to fret over? Hadn't they noticed how few people sought them out these past few years? That proved their children could handle their own affairs, and they could finally let go.

Regrettably, just as the couple was enjoying themselves the most, Chi Wu would inevitably dedicate himself to their children's well-being within the realm for a few days, reigniting his efforts.

Could it be said Chi Wu cared more for his children than for his wife? Cheng Ying felt demeaning herself by dwelling on it; wasn't she desirable too?

Still, it left a lingering knot of resentment.

Cheng Ying was genuinely happy to encounter their daughter outside, but as someone who had monopolized Chi Wu’s time and affection for several years, she strongly resented having someone else share that attention. When the children weren't around, Chi Wu was so devoted; now that their daughter and son were present, what did that leave for her, Cheng Ying?

Thus, facing her daughter Cheng Le's cheerful declaration—“We’re doing great, Mom and Dad! Wait until we tire ourselves out traveling, then we’ll come home and let you two enjoy our filial piety”—

Cheng Le responded with a mix of heartbreak and tears, severely criticizing her own mother: “Is this how parents behave? Do you know what suffering Chi Shuo and I endured back home? How could you be so irresponsible as to just run off? How dare you suggest coming home now after disappearing without a word? Didn’t you fear we’d call the police? Besides, aren't parents supposed to stay close by? What about Grandpa and Grandma?”

Cheng Ying looked away, feeling guilty at how wronged her child sounded. However, when Chi Yong and Yang Zhi were mentioned, Cheng Ying grew displeased: “Don't bring them up. When they pass, absolutely do not notify us. Your father and I grieve for your grandparents in our hearts; that’s enough. Understand?”

Cheng Le froze. How foolish she had been! Living under the same roof, yet she never realized her own parents had issues with their elders to the point of skipping the funerals. How serious must it be?

Cheng Ying scoffed, “What are you looking blankly for? Nod if you understand.”

Cheng Le asked, “Did Grandpa and Grandma provoke you?”

Chi Wu interjected, “Nonsense, don’t listen to your mother’s prattle. Your grandparents are in good health; they’ll outlive us yet!”

Cheng Le turned to her father, “Dad, how can you just side with Mom on everything? You’re willing to just abandon me like this? You should at least be around to marry me off! Don't worry!”

Chi Wu truly was worried. He wouldn't trust his plump daughter to just anyone; they were all just after taking advantage of his girl. There was no helping it. When facing life and death decisions, perhaps a slight leniency could be shown toward a future son-in-law, letting his son help screen them.

Seeing her long-lost, familiar parents, Cheng Le cried all night, not giving Cheng Ying a chance to refuse comfort.

She was their daughter, after all; she had to be consoled. By the time Cheng Le stopped crying, the unlucky son, Chi Shuo, had arrived. The couple, thinking they could wave goodbye and leave again, found that possibility suddenly unlikely.

Chi Shuo had changed drastically. Transforming from a second-generation heir consumed by pleasure to a successful rich second-generation required a price. For instance, the roundness of Chi Shuo’s face, and the constant smile on it—when Cheng Ying looked at her son now, she realized all that was gone.

It would be a lie to say her heart didn't ache. If it weren't for this wretched spatial phenomenon, Cheng Ying believed Chi Wu could have shielded their son from storms for at least another twenty years, by which time their son would likely have grandchildren. At that age, heartache wouldn't matter as much.

But now, it was impossible. His parents couldn't show their faces in public. Didn't that mean their son had to face the storms alone? How could she bear it?

Cheng Ying hugged her son, weeping with sorrow. Cheng Le stood by, lamenting, “I knew I wasn’t their real child! Look, first I cried, but the moment my brother showed up, he started crying! Is it necessary to bully me like this?”

Chi Wu comforted his daughter, reasoning that she had been looked after by her brother and hadn't suffered much. The only one who had truly endured hardship was their son.

Chi Shuo declared, “I don’t care what you two say; you must stay somewhere within my sight.”

With that single, unreasonable demand from the rich heir, the parents were welcomed back to the country.

For a couple who had been gone for years, people didn't know how to regard them—this fifty-year-old pair. Cheng Ying and Chi Wu also faced the awkwardness of not knowing how to interact with their relatives.

Yet, after getting off the plane, Chi Wu and Cheng Ying encountered no such problem—no one came forward to greet them.

It was impossible they weren't recognized. Yet, absolutely no one approached.

Cheng Ying mused, “We never formally announced our deaths, and you didn't even hold funerals for us. How is it that we’ve returned from the dead, yet everyone is silent?”

Chi Shuo’s face darkened; his mother always managed to broaden the scope of things. When an acquaintance greeted Chi Shuo, Cheng Ying and Chi Wu stood beside their son, observing.

They overheard the acquaintance confiding in Chi Shuo: “Brother, are your parents having an affair? I always said your family was too perfect; how could a couple be so exemplary? Now the trouble starts. Don’t worry, brother, we support you. But tell me honestly, is it your father’s illegitimate child out there, or your mother’s?”

Chi Shuo stared at the sky. Cheng Ying nodded; so that was one possible explanation.

Cheng Le exploded, “My mother doesn't have an illegitimate child!”

The brother nearby patted Chi Shuo’s shoulder with great understanding: “Your sister is used to having things her way; she definitely won't accept this easily. Take good care of her. Look at your god-sister over there; she seems much shrewder than our sister. Ah, every family has its own troubles.” With that, the acquaintance walked away.

How could people wildly speculate like this? If one person started the rumor, everyone who saw them thereafter looked at Chi Wu and Cheng Ying with the same judgmental eyes. It could only be said this was the general consensus.

Closer acquaintances came to offer Chi Shuo words of comfort, while others sighed sympathetically.

Even some older uncles passed by and remarked, “Your family isn’t lacking in wealth; just give them a little something to send them far away so they stop causing trouble.”

Chi Wu was utterly perplexed. His own unimpeachable character, could it really lead people to such conclusions? Nothing could be more upsetting than this.

Cheng Ying declared, “Great! After going around for a bit, I’ve become an illegitimate daughter! Tell me, am I the product of my own dalliances outside, or yours, Chi Wu?”

Cheng Le piped up with the latest update: “My mom belongs to my mom, and my dad belongs to my dad! If you two go off and play separately, each having your own household, then we two are the pitiable children!”

Chi Wu roared, “Go stand outside and shout 'Dad' toward us!”

Cheng Ying burst out laughing. This was the first time Chi Wu had been truly enraged; fifty years of a good reputation ruined by his own actions.

Chi Shuo consoled his father, “It’s fine, Dad, you’re still the best father. Go check outside; who wouldn't envy me for having such a good dad? Just stay home comfortably. I’ll bring my work to you later; you won’t have to show your face.”

Cheng Ying remarked, “Your son is truly considerate.”

When they met Chi Yong, the now handsome old man slapped Chi Wu’s shoulder twice: “I’ve never seen such an unfilial son!”

Cheng Ying thought to herself that finally, someone hadn't misidentified them. Although she and Chi Wu had tried their best to dress in a mature fashion, their inherent youthfulness was something that cultivation couldn't completely obscure.

Yang Zhi held Cheng Ying with one arm, “Why haven’t you come back once in so many years?”

Well, this was another person who never truly believed Chi Wu and Cheng Ying could face disaster. Could it be that the confidence given by family was just too high?

Cheng Ying asked, “Mom, are you and Dad doing well?”

Yang Zhi replied, “We’re fine. You two, you need to comfort those two children properly. These past two years, the kids have become so sensible it breaks my heart. Even if you wanted to train children, you wouldn’t be this ruthless!”

Well, this one had automatically supplied an explanation for their absence.

Cheng Ying said to Yang Zhi, “Mom, you still look so young.”

Yang Zhi touched her face, “Time seems exceptionally kind to me, but I have aged. My body has become clumsy. If these two children hadn’t taken care of us, we wouldn't manage.”

Cheng Ying was relieved that her own children were sensible and filial toward the elders.

Perhaps because her own face also appeared youthful, Yang Zhi didn’t notice the difference between Cheng Ying and Chi Wu.

But to Chi Yong, it was different. Before, he might have thought the Feng Shui of the Cheng family was nourishing, but now it was different. They all drank the same "bleaching water"; that possibility didn't exist. Looking at Chi Wu and Cheng Ying again, he couldn’t help but understand the reason for the children’s many years away. How could time be so uniquely favorable to anyone? “Alas, they worked hard their whole lives. Spend a few days with us, and then go play wherever you like. You deserve to enjoy yourselves now.”

Chi Wu started to say, “Dad—”

Chi Yong cut him off, “No need for talk. You need to help Chi Shuo sort out the company well when you return, so they don't bully our children. Watching them get bullied like that makes me angry. How can someone be a father and let his children suffer like that?”

See? Even with such a good father, there were still those dissatisfied.

When Chi Ye returned and saw his older brother and sister, he genuinely hesitated to address them. “Do I look old? Why is my whole family radiating the feeling of weathering storms except me?”

Cheng Ying snapped, “Get out of here! Even if I look eight years old, I’m still your sister. What kind of attitude is that?”

Though the conversation was brief, it clearly showed that the first impression Chi Wu and Cheng Ying made was always based on appearance.

When Cheng Ying grew bored at home, she started wearing her daughter’s clothes, dressing up beautifully to go shopping with her. Being a supposed illegitimate daughter felt much freer than being Cheng Ying herself. It was like reliving youth, even though her heart felt ancient.

Sometimes they would encounter young men chasing after them, calling and texting. Whenever this happened, Chi Wu would tease that Cheng Ying was out there tricking children.

It could be said that with parents like these, Chi Shuo’s life was one of perpetual helplessness. They had heard of parents warding off admirers for their children, but never of a hardworking son having to fend off romantic interests for his parents, and they sprang up everywhere.

There was no helping it; both parents were fiercely jealous.

Chi Shuo felt busier now than when his father was away. At his most frustrated, Chi Shuo cleared out a secluded paradise in the remotest corner of their old forest, creating an ideal residence for his aging parents—a sort of Peach Blossom Spring, perhaps better than having them live at home, constantly forcing Chi Wu to explain to people, This is not our brother; this is our elder. In fact, he rarely introduced them as his actual parents.

It was fortunate that he and Cheng Le didn't strongly resemble Cheng Ying and Chi Wu; otherwise, things would have been much more complicated.

Cheng Ying found life quite agreeable. When the mood struck, she would travel abroad with Chi Wu. No one recognized them anyway. At worst, during passport checks, they’d introduce themselves as having gone to the best rejuvenation clinic for facelifts. When they tired of the excitement outside, they would return to the mountain for some private time together.

Or they would stay for a few days in the courtyard house within the spatial realm with Chi Wu, living comfortably until they felt a touch of loneliness.

Chi Wu even discussed it with Cheng Ying, “Shall we have a child?”

Cheng Ying’s immediate reply was, “Are you still capable?”

Chi Wu was annoyed. Though not originally fixated on having another child, he spent a diligent six months trying. Of course, the results were far from ideal.

Cheng Ying felt it had something to do with the way she phrased the question. Now, she couldn't very well comfort Chi Wu by saying it wasn't his fault; it truly wounded a man’s pride.

Cheng Ying could only play meek, trying to avoid Chi Wu as much as possible. Fortunately, their daughter was getting married. To Cheng Ying, it felt slightly unfair that her daughter was marrying before her son had even found a wife. But what choice did she have? If their daughter didn't marry soon, she’d worry herself sick—she was almost thirty, an age that would have driven Cheng Ying mad in her previous life.

Now, her daughter was highly sought after. Though she was nearly thirty before marrying, there were countless suitors. There was no other way; her daughter had a good father.

Regardless of the reason, Cheng Ying was happy her daughter was popular. Perhaps, thinking differently, letting Chi Wu hold a grandchild might be quite nice, saving the couple the trouble of conceiving again. The phrase "an old clam giving birth to a pearl" sounded too scandalous.

Cheng Le’s fiancé was the son of Brother Li, the man who had once helped Chi Wu and Cheng Ying. The young man was quite accomplished. Apparently, their daughter was the one who clung to him, so there was no concern that the marriage was due to Chi Wu being her father. Besides, the fiancé’s father was no less impressive than Cheng Le’s father.

Cheng Ying and Chi Wu absolutely had to attend Cheng Le’s wedding.

Cheng Le looked at her father, who was handsomer than the groom, and genuinely didn't want to invite them; they were sure to steal the show.

Chi Wu suggested, “Should I dye my hair?”

Chi Shuo countered, “If you sport silver hair, people will think you’re having a rebellious phase with your illegitimate son standing there.”

Well, that earned Chi Wu a kick.

However, as a father-of-the-bride, Chi Wu was genuinely worried. How could he face people? How would he toast Brother Li?

Cheng Ying advised dismissively, “Fine, the most you have to do is tell Brother Li you recently had a facelift and the results are good.” How irresponsible!

Chi Wu huffed, “As a man, how could I say something like that?”

In the end, he dragged Cheng Ying to select the most dated suit and styled his hair to look thoroughly old-fashioned for the wedding. Truly, no one else dressed like Chi Wu did.

The wedding scene was meant to be warm, happy, and joyful, but the groom couldn't feel elated as his bride was led by a young man who looked like a handsome youth. Even knowing this was his father-in-law, the groom was displeased because no one else knew who he was. Amidst the solemn and touching ceremony, most guests were whispering amongst themselves: Who is this man? Why is he leading the bride? Even without a father, shouldn't a brother escort the bride? Could he be a previous husband? Such rumors began to circulate, making the bride and groom struggle to maintain composure.

Cheng Le looked at Chi Wu, on the verge of tears. Cheng Ying whispered beside her, “Darling, don't say next time you won't use your father, or your husband will get upset!”

Well, this beautiful woman was even less considerate.

It was Brother Li who grabbed Chi Wu’s arm, “So many years, Brother Chi, your style is still impeccable.”

Chi Wu replied, “We were young back then. Now our children are getting married. Brother Li, this girl is my only daughter; you must favor her from now on.”

A father is never truly reassured about his daughter.

Brother Li looked at Chi Wu and said, “I’m already this age. Shouldn't I entrust my two children to you for better care? I’d feel more at ease.”

Cheng Ying chimed in, “You’re only a dozen years older; how can you say that so easily?”

Brother Li looked at the couple and felt his own life was tiring, extremely tiring. “You see how much worrying I have to do just to age like you two, who are more than a decade younger?”

Cheng Ying responded, “There’s no helping it. Cosmetic technology is advancing daily; this is my only indulgence. Brother Li, now that our children are together, our families will become closer. If I had known my daughter would marry your son back then, I would have troubled you more.” She truly hated discussing the issue of age.

Brother Li sighed, “Indeed. If I had known a single word from me could bring me such a daughter-in-law, I wouldn't have let Brother Chi suffer outside for so long.”

Well, this was camaraderie between the older generation. The young couple nearby were frowning anxiously. The groom wondered, “Should I specifically declare to everyone that this is my father?”

The groom stood firm, showing his manliness: “No need. This is my father-in-law. Who dares say anything?”

He was certainly manly, but he now carried a heavy burden; his friends would certainly tease him mercilessly later.

Chi Shuo stood to the side, thinking that when he got married, he wouldn't invite these two for anything. His father’s appearance was guaranteed to overshadow him. He wasn't sure when it became popular, but everyone seemed to favor boys with single eyelids now. Although his father was older, people's poor eyesight mistakenly saw the fifty-year-old man as a fifteen-year-old youth. What if his future wife was fooled and his own brilliance was stolen by his father? Chi Shuo couldn't bear to mention it.

When Chi Wu and Cheng Ying’s grandson reached elementary school age, Cheng Ying picked him up from school and was mistaken for his elder sister. This event compelled Cheng Ying and Chi Wu to blend into the crowd; drawing too much attention was truly detrimental to the children's development.

Furthermore, it would be difficult to explain to the in-laws.

Fortunately, with Yang Zhi possessing a face that remained youthful despite her age, people were less suspicious of the two aging parents.

But they were only less suspicious, not entirely free of doubt.

Cheng Ying felt her children must have discussed them behind their backs, perhaps even suspecting they were spirits.

Cheng Ying even discussed with Chi Wu, “Should we store enough supplies in the realm and never come out again? How long will we have to wait for old age before we can’t show our faces anymore? Even getting a passport abroad is a problem; they don't believe the ID card and the appearance belong to the same person; they insist the ages don't match.”

Chi Wu replied, “Living too long is also vexing. How old are we really? We aren't that old, yet we have no place to stay. It’s both fortunate and unfortunate.”

This sounded like the mannerisms of Chi family's grandmother, allowing for a brief moment of lamentation.

However, after this, even Chi Shuo rarely saw his elderly parents. In fact, Chi Shuo often suspected his parents might truly not be human; they were becoming increasingly ethereal, appearing and vanishing without a trace.

Perhaps Cheng Ying just had a sudden impulse to take a long, distant departure from her son, fearing she wouldn't be able to handle the separation otherwise.

But the realm had certainly become much more vibrant with Cheng Ying and Chi Wu residing in it. The old mother hen was long dead, but Cheng Ying brought in new ones, and the development was diverse, though in Cheng Ying's view, they were all much the same: colorful mountain pheasants. She also raised a couple of dogs, built a courtyard house filled with various farm tools, a grinding stone, a generator, and all sorts of modern equipment, including laptops stuffed with batteries.

Cheng Ying felt the significance of leaving the realm was diminishing. With enough diesel and gasoline, perhaps the realm could achieve independent operation, becoming a fully integrated production and consumption cycle.

Anyway, as long as they lived within, they would be immortal. However, the two of them were beginning to lose the meaning of life. Perhaps one day they would simply become weary of living.

Life without relatives was monotonous.

Chi Wu had expressed to Cheng Ying, “With you by my side, I never feel bored.”

Only after Chi Wu had said this several times did Cheng Ying finally reply, “When I married you, I never imagined we would live together until today. For me, perpetual happiness together was a luxury; look at how many couples split up.” She uttered this only as a sigh.

Regrettably, Cheng Ying didn't know that this single sentence caused Chi Wu to snap. In the already monotonous realm, Chi Wu stopped speaking altogether.

Cheng Ying couldn't figure out what she had said to provoke Chi Wu. Chi Wu felt that his wife hadn't been completely honest with him for so many years, making him question if she had ever envisioned a future with him—what a dreadful realization. Did this mean all his years of affection for Cheng Ying had been wasted?

He didn't intend to stop Cheng Ying from speaking, nor did he want to explicitly state the reason for his anger. After so many years together, if Cheng Ying couldn't understand why he was upset, then their entire bond must have been a sham. Chi Wu seriously doubted the true nature of Cheng Ying's feelings for him. The trivial, rotten-sesame-seed matters from the past were hardly worth mentioning in his mind.

The only words he offered Cheng Ying were, "I'm going out." And then, just like that, Chi Wu went to find his daughter. He truly offered Cheng Ying no chance to apologize. R1152