“Chuxia, An’an, I was wrong yesterday. I get easily flustered when it comes to the kids. Last night, I asked Xiaoze and Xinxin, and it turns out they were too mischievous. Their father and I have already disciplined them, so please don’t take it to heart.”

Cen Huaize and Cen Huaixin lowered their heads and apologized to An’an, “Sorry.”

Chuxia looked at Cen Zhengshi’s family without a trace of a smile, “I accept your apology.”

Forgiveness wasn’t on the table for her; she had already decided to distance herself from Cen Zhengshi’s family in the future.

They were not people she wanted to associate with.

An’an also nodded to Cen Huaize and Cen Huaixin, signaling that the matter was settled.

Once Cen Zhengshi’s family left, An’an said to Chuxia, “Mom, I don’t like Xiaoze and Xinxin. Can I not play with them in the future?”

Chuxia patted his head and said, “Of course. You can play with whoever you want. Mom won’t interfere with your friendships. You are free to choose.”

Cen Huai’an nodded, “Okay.”

He knew his mom wouldn’t stop him, but Cen Huaize and Cen Huaixin were his uncle and aunt’s children, and adults always liked to have the kids play together.

“Did Cen Zhengshi’s family come to apologize because of you?”

At dinner, Chuxia asked Cen Zhengnian.

He looked surprised and furrowed his brow, “When I called my older brother yesterday, he said he would have the children apologize, but he didn’t mention that my sister-in-law would apologize.”

Given Xiwang’s character yesterday, she wouldn’t easily admit her mistakes.

“So, Xiwang’s visit probably wasn’t due to your influence,” Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian concluded, thinking there must be another reason behind Xiwang’s visit.

The day before New Year’s Eve, Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian finally understood the reason for Xiwang’s change of attitude.

Cen Father told Cen Zhengnian about Cen Zhengshi’s request.

Cen Zhengnian’s eyes were full of disbelief, his brows tightly knit, “My brother wasn’t like this before.”

Cen Father said, “People change, especially after they start their own families and have children. Changes are even more significant.”

Before starting a family, siblings might have a good relationship, but after starting their own families, many siblings end up drifting apart.

Once people have their own families, they begin to prioritize their own interests.

“If you want to…”

Cen Father’s words were interrupted as Cen Zhengnian immediately said, “Dad, don’t interfere with my work.”

Cen Zhengnian’s work was his lifelong ambition.

He wasn’t interested in administrative promotions but focused on doing his research well.

He wanted to achieve his goals based on his abilities, and this was Cen Zhengnian’s pride.

Cen Father felt a sense of relief, seeing that his son was handling things well. It was comforting to have a son like Zhengnian, unlike Zhengshi.

“Alright!” Cen Father patted his shoulder, “I’ve told your brother that if you don’t want my help, this courtyard will be left to you and Chuxia. We’ll compensate you for the rest.”

Cen Father spoke with a sense of guilt toward Cen Zhengnian.

“There’s no need…”

“You must accept it!” Cen Father insisted, “Since your brother has taken the job, your mother and I can’t let you and Chuxia suffer. That’s settled, and don’t bring it up again.”

Chuxia and Jiang Shengnan were in the living room, talking and preparing ingredients for lunch.

Xiwang was also helping, appearing to smile constantly, but Chuxia could sense her insincerity towards Jiang Shengnan and herself.

Chuxia didn’t want to engage in conversation with her and maintained a cold attitude.

Cen Huai’an sat quietly between Chuxia and Jiang Shengnan, helping out silently.

He didn’t glance at the playful Cen Huaize and Cen Huaixin in the yard.

Xiwang’s eyes kept darting towards the study, and Jiang Shengnan, noticing this, said with irritation, “Xiwang, go into the study and ask Zhengshi to get a bottle of vinegar.”

Xiwang eagerly stood up and went to the study.

Jiang Shengnan patted Chuxia’s hand, saying, “Her mind is elsewhere. It’s pointless to keep her here.”

Chuxia understood and agreed.

Xiwang thought she was hiding her true feelings well, but her fake smile was apparent to everyone, revealing her hypocrisy.

After lunch, when Cen Father made his announcement, Xiwang’s face looked a bit unpleasant, but Cen Zhengshi held her hand, suggesting they had probably discussed this privately.

So, there were no objections to the courtyard being given to Cen Zhengnian and Chuxia.

Later, Chuxia learned from Cen Zhengnian why they had a courtyard.

Cen Zhengnian’s eyes showed pain.

It was the agony of realizing that his once close brother had changed beyond recognition over the years, leading them further apart with no way to bridge the gap.

“Chuxia, when I first entered university, my older brother was full of ambition in the army. He told me he wanted to become a general and the most formidable commander in the army. Now, just over a decade later, how did he become the kind of person we used to dislike so much?”

Cen Zhengnian covered his face and bowed his head, still unable to accept the current state of his older brother.

Back then, Cen Zhengshi had told Cen Zhengnian he hated those in the army who relied on their family connections and didn’t want to use his father’s connections.

He wanted to achieve his goals on his own.

Cen Zhengnian shared the same mindset, wanting to achieve his goals without relying on family.

Chuxia patted Cen Zhengnian’s shoulder and hugged him.

Cen Zhengnian buried his head in her embrace, looking vulnerable like a child.

“People change for many reasons—long-term struggles, family influences, and the darkness one encounters as they age. People may mature and become responsible, or they might lose the best qualities of their youth and become hypocritical, worldly, and opportunistic.”

Cen Zhengnian said, “I understand. I just didn’t expect my brother to be one of those people.”

Chuxia replied, “Your brother is human too, and he can change. Besides, you haven’t seen him often over the years, so none of us know what he’s been through. Over more than a decade, a lot can change.”

The world changes, and people grow.

Even in the few years since Chuxia started college, she felt her own transformation—becoming more composed.

After all, what about more than ten years?

Cen Zhengnian was initially unable to accept things, but after Chuxia comforted him for a while, he gradually came to terms with it.

However, on New Year’s Eve when they went to Jiang’s grandfather’s house for the New Year’s dinner, Chuxia could still sense that he was in a bad mood.

Cen Huai’an noticed this as well.

Sitting next to Cen Zhengnian, he took his large hand and said, “Dad, don’t be sad. Mom and I will be with you.”

Hearing these words, Cen Zhengnian felt like a soothing balm had been applied to his aching heart, easing all his negative emotions.

Holding Cen Huai’an’s hand, his mood began to lift.

By the time they arrived at Jiang’s grandfather’s house, Cen Zhengnian had completely regained his usual demeanor.

Walking alongside Chuxia into the house, he held her hand and whispered, “Sorry for worrying you.”

Chuxia shook her head, “We’re family.”

The Jiang family was almost all present by then.

Jiang Shengnan and Cen Zhengshi had arrived, and everyone was in the living room busy preparing for the evening meal.

When Jiang Zhiyi saw Chuxia, her eyes lit up. Waving the rolling pin in her hand, she called out, “Cousin, over here!”

Chuxia put on an apron and walked over to her, asking, “What’s up?”

“Let’s work together, Cousin. I’ll roll the dough, and you can fill and fold the dumplings.”

“Alright.”

Chuxia sat on a stool, took a piece of dough, added some meat filling, and pinched the edges together to make a dumpling in the shape of a yuanbao.

The whole living room was filled with the noise of people talking, creating a lively atmosphere.

Jiang Zhiyi moved her stool closer to Chuxia and whispered, “Cousin, after meeting with Xi Wang, I still think you’re better.”

Chuxia smiled but didn’t respond to this comment. “Let’s focus on making dumplings. Don’t talk about others.”

“No, I have to say it. I feel so frustrated inside.”

Since Xi Wang came to Jiang’s grandfather’s house and started working, Jiang Zhiyi had vented a lot.

“I think she and my mom must have a lot in common; they’re both so difficult to please.”

Chuxia couldn’t help but laugh quietly. “Would you dare say that to your mom?”

Jiang Zhiyi immediately tightened her mouth and shook her head, “Don’t say that. I don’t even dare tell my mom that I don’t want to pursue a graduate degree.”

Jiang Zhiyi looked extremely distressed when she talked about this, her face scrunched up in pain.

“Cousin, you don’t know how hard my mom is pushing me. It’s like she’s going to follow me to school to make sure I study.”

She kept rolling out the dough, saying, “I really don’t want to continue studying. My major isn’t what I like. I don’t want to pursue further education. I want to be a journalist, report valuable news, and contribute to society. I also want to see the changes in cities under the reform and opening-up policies.”

When Jiang Zhiyi talked about her dreams, her eyes sparkled.

This was what she truly loved.

She was currently studying literature, a major chosen by her mother, and she found it very painful.

Zhou Huaying hoped Jiang Zhiyi would enter academia or her father’s organization in the future.

“Have you talked to your mom about this?”

Jiang Zhiyi shook her head, “I’m afraid to say it.”

Her face showed fear.

Not only her, but even her older brother, now grown up, was afraid to oppose their mother.

Her Sister-in-law might be strong outside, but in front of their mother, she was as meek as a quail.

Chuxia couldn’t offer much help or advice, as this was Jiang Zhiyi’s life and future, and a matter between her and Zhou Huaying.

It’s difficult to resolve family matters; meddling in other people’s family issues could offend everyone involved.

And since this was Cen Zhengnian’s maternal uncle’s family, if Jiang Zhiyi did something in the future that Zhou Huaying couldn’t accept, knowing that Chuxia had given advice could cause trouble for them.

Chuxia told Jiang Zhiyi, “You can talk to me, but I’ll only be a listener. I won’t say more.”

Jiang Zhiyi nodded in understanding, “I just need someone to talk to. If no one listens to me, I’m going to go crazy.”

She didn’t dare talk to her older brother or father about it.

Her older cousin might accidentally spill the beans, so Jiang Zhiyi could only confide in Chuxia, whom she felt close to.

Besides, they were both university students and had more in common.

The adults were busy.

Jiang’s uncle and second uncle were pasting couplets in the yard and doing heavy work, while Cen’s father and Cen Zhengnian were helping with washing and preparing vegetables.

Aside from Jiang’s grandfather and the children, no one was idle.

The children had all run outside to play. Zhang Lu, like the king of children, led them in games and firecrackers in the alley.

Jiang Weixi wobbled along behind them like a little penguin, calling out in her baby voice, “Big brother, big sister! Wait for Wei-wi!!”

She was still young and would often mispronounce words when she was anxious.

Zhang Lu stopped and put her hands on her hips, saying, “Weixi, run faster!”

Cen Huai’ze and Cen Huai’xiu were impatient to play and didn’t want to deal with the little ones.

They spoke curtly, “Why bring a three-year-old? She can’t run fast and is a hassle!”

Zhang Lu snorted and glared at them, “You weren’t born three years old! Weixi is your little sister. If you don’t want to play with her, we don’t want to play with you either!”

“Yeah!” Jiang Weixi supported her older sister blindly.

Cen Huai’an, walking behind, caught Jiang Weixi, who almost fell while running too fast, and gently said, “Weixi, don’t run. Walk slowly. We’ll all wait for you.”

“Thank you, Big Brother!” She smiled brightly, finally calming down and holding Cen Huai’an’s hand.

Cen Huaize and Cen Huaixin couldn’t wait and ran off to join the group of children playing.

Cen Huaize was truly mischievous and had a knack for playing pranks, with Cen Huaixin cheering him on from the sidelines.

Everyone knows that firecrackers should not be thrown at people, but Cen Huaize and Cen Huaixin delighted in throwing them at people’s feet.

They watched with glee as the older and younger kids jumped and screamed in surprise.

The two laughed heartily, as if this game were the most amusing thing ever.

When Zhang Lu and Cen Hua’an arrived and saw this, Zhang Lu’s face instantly flushed with anger. “Why are those two so annoying!”

Cen Hua’an nodded silently, “Yes.”

He also disliked Cen Huaize and Cen Huaixin.