After explaining some harsh truths and the ways of the world to Mother Cheng and the others, it was almost lunchtime. Cheng Su took a few elders to a local restaurant to enjoy some local afternoon tea. As they settled down, watching people leisurely reading newspapers, sipping tea from time to time, and nibbling on snacks, it was genuinely enviable.

"I think it’s only in big cities like this where people can truly be at ease. In our place, we’re facing the dirt and facing the skies, busy from dawn till dusk — where would we find the leisure to drink tea and read newspapers? It’s exhausting," Mother Cheng lamented.

Cheng Su said, "Indeed, there’s a habit of tea-drinking and chatting here, but not everyone feels laid-back. Actually, many people are struggling to make a living here; there are plenty of farmers working hard just like us!"

Guangcheng truly became prosperous in the 21st century; farmers rising up also happened in that era. One by one, wealthy villages emerged, and it’s not rare for many farmers to suddenly become millionaires.

And nowadays, there are still many farmers, even more than those living in the bustling city centers.

"But I think the real leisure is over in Chengdu, Sichuan. If you have the chance in the future, you should go and experience it — there, people truly know how to relax, drink tea, listen to opera, and watch face-changing shows. Such ease!" Cheng Su recalled her experience.

"You surely know a lot, girl." Mother Cheng gave her a sidelong glance, then noticing Xiao Qi’s eyes darting around, said, "Didn’t Second Brother Cheng ask you to pick a gift for Xiao Qi? Why did you only choose a small piece of clothing?"

Cheng Su put a crystal shrimp dumpling into her bowl and asked rhetorically, "What else should I pick then? Clothes are a gift too."

Mother Cheng was momentarily speechless.

Mother Qi said, "I think picking a couple of silver bracelets would be good too, for protection."

"We have plenty of those at home, and besides, he’s a little boy — bracelets wouldn’t look good on him." Cheng Su took out a small jade ring tied to a red string from her son’s collar, saying, "Wearing jade is fine too. This was given by the old master of the Ning Family."

The old master of the Ning Family didn’t come for Xiao Qi’s first month, but he had Ning Ge bring over a small piece of jade to ward off evil, claiming that jade nurtures people. This thumb-sized jade ring was particularly fine, so Cheng Su put it on her son.

Mother Qi glanced at the jade, with its glossy sheen, and kept silent for a moment.

"Second Brother Cheng is formally called an uncle. It’s just a courtesy, but we can’t really take advantage of that. Xiao Qi has already received enough from the Cheng family, and I fear excessive blessings might overwhelm him." Cheng Su continued,

Her words effectively silenced the two. In truth, she believed that even when people are courteous, you can’t treat them as easy marks for benefits. If you do, they might not say anything, but inside they might see you as petty and greedy.

Moreover, whatever Xiao Qi needs, can’t she buy it for him? Things bought with her own money can be used with more confidence.

She’s working hard to do business and make investments not only for her own well-being — being able to live, eat, and dwell comfortably — but also for the benefit of her family. And as her son, he gets to enjoy the advantages — that’s the privilege of being her son.

Once Cheng Su finished speaking, Mother Cheng and Mother Qi both fell silent. They both believed in gods and fortunes — too much blessing could not be contained and might backfire, which would be unfortunate.

Qi Xiaoqi held Cheng Su’s finger, lifted his eyes to look at her, saw her smile, and he opened his toothless mouth and laughed gleefully.