Chapter 10

The old gentleman, while speaking, suddenly raised his stick

"Honghong, step aside," the old man struck Cheng Yi's back with a stick. "He has long been driven out of my house, and now he has nothing to do with you. Our Cheng family will definitely take full responsibility for you, once I catch that rascal Cheng Hao back."

The old gentleman was pleased, thinking that this grandson finally had some discernment. "I have long seen that Honghong is a virtuous person; you had to go through the gates of hell and come back to realize it."

The second concubine's expression changed upon hearing this, and she hurried over to support him

There is nothing more to discuss about the matters concerning Shi Jieyi; it is over, and it is over. He assured the old master that he would definitely take full responsibility for Zhou Honghong for the rest of his life.

The second concubine finally revealed a smile, repeatedly expressing her gratitude. "Thank you, old master, for your kindness, thank you, old master."

As soon as Dr. Zheng left, Zhou Honghong began to make things difficult. "I said, how can you be so stubborn? You can't even say a few soft words.

Cheng Yi felt that she was very naive; in such a small place, there is always a lot of gossip from the aunts and uncles. The events of the previous generation are still talked about with great interest today. "Can you honestly say that you will never return here for the rest of your life? Unless you are determined not to associate with your relatives. Who knows, one day you might bring your partner back, and before you even step through the door, you could be overwhelmed by idle chatter."

He shouted: "This is simply absurd! Do you all think he is made of iron? Or does he have nine lives? Do you still wish for his well-being?"

Zhou Honghong is about to be driven to desperation by him. "Isn't it enough for me to be with you?"

The old master, affected by Zhou Honghong's actions, lost his mood for the game, put away his stick, and wore a very stern expression on his face. "Honghong, if you want to be with him, I will support you. However, if he dares to bully you, I will take care of him."

When Dr. Zheng arrived, his complexion was extremely poor. He examined Cheng Yi's injuries—spinal dislocation

Cheng Yi was pinched by Zhou Honghong and replied heavily, "Yes"

Zhou Honghong only took his words as a joke

The old gentleman's movements slowed down, and he gently tapped Cheng Yi's shoulder with a stick. "Listening to this kid, you two have no chance."

Zhou Honghong could tell from the expression on the second aunt's face that something was definitely amiss. This old man is truly troublesome; wasn't everything fine just last month? How is it that as soon as Cheng Yi has improved even a little, trouble comes knocking again

However, little did he expect that in the days to come, he would cling to her words and refuse to let her go

His words, she could not bear even in the state of Cheng Hao's failure. If it were a girl who had been successful, it would be like rubbing salt into a wound. It was also for this reason that she realized how cruel Cheng Yi was to her

The second concubine and Zhou Honghong were scolded to the point of feeling guilty, and did not dare to speak up

Zhou Honghong was startled and hurriedly knelt down. "Old Master, I beg you not to take action"

After the old master’s figure disappeared, Zhou Honghong helped Cheng Yi to rise and asked, "Have you been hurt again?" Her tone revealed an undeniable concern.

Zhou Honghong, filled with anger and humiliation, pushed Cheng Yi aside and stormed out the door

The old master took one last look at Cheng Yi, then snorted and left

Alright. I will go with you, is that acceptable

It was Cheng Yi who spoke up. "It was my fault for accidentally dropping it. It has nothing to do with them."

The old gentleman said again: "I heard that the young lady of the family was preparing to go abroad."

Zhou Honghong was momentarily rendered speechless by him.

Cheng Yi rarely had a conflict with her this time, speaking in a flat tone. "I am telling you the truth. With the old man around, you and I have to stick together."

Later, she refocused her attention on her studies and hardly thought of him anymore. She believed that once she truly let go of her feelings, she would be able to face him with composure.

Zhou Honghong looked on with a pained heart, pleading sorrowfully. "Old Master, I do not want Cheng Hao. I will be with Cheng Yi Ge. I beg you, do not hit him. His injuries have not yet healed; he will die..."

Cheng Yi said lightly: "Hey, Zhou Honghong, you said it was with me."

Cheng Yi's body seemed to stiffen for a moment

"Hong Hong." The old man wore a stern expression. "Our Cheng family has wronged you; my unworthy grandson has caused you too much trouble."

A few days later, the second concubine came to find Zhou Honghong, her face pale.

Cheng Yi let out a muffled groan, forcing himself not to collapse. He had not fully recovered from his injuries, and with this blow, it was likely that his bones had shifted again

The old gentleman thought that Zhou Honghong was angry because of the matter concerning Shi Jieyi, and thus said: "This woman, you see, is narrow-minded. However, her heart is soft. As for men, they should employ a strategy of self-sacrifice."

When the second concubine sent Doctor Zheng off, she gave him double the consultation fee. She can now return home, and her financial situation is no longer as strained as before

I previously mentioned acting with you, and that was because of Jieyi at times. Since the old man insists that I marry you, we can develop our relationship. Also, your acting skills are quite poor

"No, we were supposed to be together from the start." She grasped Cheng Yi's hand, on the verge of tears. "Cheng Yi, please say something, quickly."

After she finished speaking, she truly cried. Having experienced the panic when he was beaten nearly to death, she was extremely frightened. His body had not yet recovered, and the old man was unaware of the severity of his actions. If he were to be beaten again, she feared that he might really not recover.

She clearly provided him with a way out, yet he still remained obstinate

Cheng Yi cleared his throat, showing no appreciation. "Don't you want to be with me?"

Cheng Yi knelt on the ground, and the old man still held that iron rod in his hand

One should marry a virtuous wife

Cheng Yi continued, "They all think that I took you away. If you weren't with me, could you withstand the gossip and slander from those people?"

Cheng Yi smiled

Reason may dictate reason, but the direction of the heart is beyond her control

That will have to wait until you have healed from your injuries. Did you not hear Dr. Zheng say that if you get hit again, he will not save you

The old gentleman interrupted her words. "No need to help him. Back then, it was quite a spectacle; it was not that she did not want it, but with the fervor of the mountains and the merging of heaven and earth."

Regardless of the circumstances, saving people is the most important matter. When the second concubine and Zhou Honghong rushed over, the old master and Cheng Yi were in the courtyard

Thus, the grandfather and grandson, one wanting to find a wife and the other desiring a granddaughter-in-law, reached an unprecedented harmony at this moment

Zhou Honghong was suddenly taken aback by his smile. After regaining her composure, she pursed her lips and continued, "In any case, at least the old master has calmed down. You shouldn't always provoke him; he is quite old, and it's not good to keep upsetting him."

The old master pondered for a moment and said: "Second daughter-in-law, Cheng Yi, you may return to your family now"

However, she guessed that it might be because she and Cheng Yi had not gone to apologize to the old man, which left him feeling displeased

Take care of your health. Zhou Honghong felt that continuing the conversation would likely infuriate him again, so she turned and walked out.

Cheng Yi has already gone to find the old master

I will move out with my mother at that time

However, Cheng Yi unexpectedly revealed her innermost thoughts. She did not know when he had figured it out, and she felt even more ashamed to face him.

Zhou Honghong felt a chill: So this old man came to watch the joke of Cheng Yi's heartbreak?

Zhou Honghong stared at the stick, fearing that the old man would swing it with force at any moment

Zhou Honghong felt a surge of frustration in her heart and had no desire to engage with Cheng Yi, directly replying, "Have you lost your mind?"

Zhou Honghong nodded. "Thank you, old master"

Moreover, on a later day, Zhou Honghong learned that the visit from the old gentleman was actually a prearranged act with Cheng Yi.

She looked up at him, wanting to give him a sarcastic smile, but found that she couldn't even lift the corners of her mouth, so she could only maintain a blank expression. "What joke are you talking about? Once I leave this town, the old man won't be able to control me anymore"

Cheng Yi's expression darkened. "You really want me to spell it out, don't you? How long have you secretly liked me, still hiding it away."

Cheng Yi looked at her with a captivating gaze. "This is not being pragmatic."

Cheng Yi said last time that she was fortunate to have found the opportunity to cut off this young sprout.

The old master thought for a moment, having punished those who needed to be punished, he was too lazy to pursue it further. "Alright. This beating you received can be considered a lesson learned. Treat her well, as this is what our Cheng family owes her, and you owe her a life even more."

This requires your cooperation; if you accompany me to sway in front of him, he will be delighted

She has had fantasies about Cheng Yi

Fortunately, when Zhou Honghong later went to deliver the medicine package, she did not see Cheng Yi at all

The old master turned to Cheng Yi again. "I will hold off on this punishment for now. The day you get into trouble again, I will definitely impose a heavy penalty on you"

However, she believed that she was concealing it well. She never inquired about his relationship with Shi Jieyi, and indeed, she felt that her studies were more important. She thought that the feelings of these young girls would gradually dissipate over time.

Wasn't it agreed that we would act? Why should I engage with you

Zhou Honghong secretly cursed in her heart, wasn't this just bringing up a topic that shouldn't be mentioned? If Cheng Yi became stubborn again, it could very well lead to another beating

The old gentleman was puzzled as to why he suddenly had a change of heart

Hmm. He still kept his head down, responding somewhat weakly. "I guess we will have to call Doctor Zheng over again."

Then Dr. Zheng turned his fire towards Cheng Yi, cursing as he helped him set the bones.

What does it mean to say 'it can also be'? Zhou Honghong was choked. 'Why should I act for the sake of others' opinions and engage in a real act with a rogue like you!'

"Old Master." Upon entering, Zhou Honghong quickly walked over upon seeing such a scene

"So you will never come back? What about your mother?" He curled his lip. "You are out there living it up, yet your mother still has to endure the judgment of others."

Zhou Honghong wiped the tears from her face. "I will go call the doctor over."

Cheng Yi allowed him to scold. Thus, the only sound in the room was Dr. Zheng's roar

She forced a smile. "Old Master, she has already broken up with Cheng Yi..."

Cheng Yi nodded in agreement and then briefly explained to the old gentleman that Zhou Honghong was currently avoiding him and likely did not wish to be with him any longer

"Hong Hong, the old master has arrived. He... he is going to impose family discipline again..."

Cheng Yi remained silent, while the second concubine did not dare to speak up beside her

She is afraid of saying the wrong thing, carefully considering how to begin.

Zhou Honghong could not discern the old master's intentions and glanced at Cheng Yi. However, he was looking down and could not see any expression on his face

Then you must be careful, for my life is in your hands