Director Hao knew it was getting late and Cheng You was in a hurry to get home, so he focused on the main points.
He wanted Cheng You to continue cultivating the Mucao grass, and the Plant Research Institute would purchase it at a suitable price.
Cheng You said, "Director Hao, after I finish teaching them, they'll be able to cultivate it themselves."
"I know, but it's not as fast or as high quality as what you can produce."
He noticed that the Mucao grass Cheng You handed over had two grades. One type, though it grew, looked malnourished.
The other type was vibrant, with lush leaves and branches, and looked much better.
He had inquired about it and learned that the medicinal herbs produced in the Zhen Shan Tang Herbal Garden were of inherently high quality.
Whether it was due to the soil, the seeds, or special cultivation methods, that was Cheng You's skill.
Director Hao figured that instead of struggling to figure it out himself, it was better to spend money to buy from Cheng You, as everyone had their specialties.
Cheng You agreed, "But I can't guarantee when I can start supplying or the quantity."
Director Hao understood that cultivating Mucao grass was not easy.
"Then I'll have someone draft an agreement and send it to you to review. Oh, and I'd like to send someone to learn from you. Would that be convenient?"
Cheng You nodded, "Yes, do you have anyone in mind?"
Director Hao hadn't decided yet. The researchers all had their own work and it depended on whether they were willing.
Cheng You left the Plant Research Institute and found Qi Chengyan waiting for her in the car.
Seeing her rush out, Qi Chengyan opened the car door and stepped out, opening his arms to catch her.
"Why are you here?"
Qi Chengyan lifted her by her hips and carried her towards the passenger seat.
"It's too late, I was worried about you being alone."
He placed her in the passenger seat, and Cheng You pecked him on the cheek.
"A reward for you!"
Qi Chengyan hooked his lips, "This alone is not enough."
The two of them were close, their breaths mingling, and an ambiguous atmosphere filled the air.
Cheng You pouted her red lips slightly, "Then I'll give you another kiss."
Qi Chengyan's gaze deepened, and he raised his hand to lightly rub her lips with his rough fingertip.
"Wait until we get home."
Cheng You opened her eyes, and he had already closed the door and was walking to the driver's seat.
She idly rummaged through the things in the car and stumbled upon an invitation.
Coincidentally, it was for Qiu Yingxun and Pei Lanlan's wedding banquet.
"Who gave this to you?"
She and her husband weren't close to Qiu Yingxun, so it was unlikely they would have sent an invitation.
Qi Chengyan glanced at it and said lightly, "Zeng Xiuyun."
Cheng You chuckled and put the invitation down.
"How dare she send an invitation?"
Qi Chengyan said, "Mom sent it."
It was said that Zeng Xiuyun had a fit when she heard that Qiu Yingxun was going to marry into the Pei family, throwing tantrums at the Song family and forcing Old Master Song to give money as a betrothal gift, insisting that Pei Lanlan should marry over, not the other way around.
Cheng You found it amusing, "The Pei family isn't letting him marry into the family for free; they're giving him money and a ready-made house. What's he unhappy about? It's perfectly reasonable for Pei Lanlan to marry into his family, but not for Qiu Yingxun to move in? Qiu Yingxun can't offer as much as the Pei family."
Qi Chengyan remained noncommittal, not taking Qiu Yingxun's matters to heart at all.
Cheng You asked, "Just a betrothal gift isn't enough. Pei Kesheng wouldn't agree to let his daughter marry him and then have to rent a place to live together."
In Pei Lanlan's situation, she would need to be constantly monitored by Pei Kesheng to be reassured.
Qi Chengyan gave a faint smile, "So Zeng Xiuyun is after the house."
In fact, Old Master Song couldn't even afford the betrothal gift.
He had his pension and his own house, enough to support himself and Zeng Xiuyun.
However, after marrying him, Zeng Xiuyun spent extravagantly, making the end of each month tight.
It was just enough for their expenses, with no savings.
The old man called Song Qinglan and her sisters over, intending to ask them for money.
Now Zeng Xiuyun had her sights set on the Song family's house as well.
Song Qinglan certainly wasn't after the Song family's house, but she also wouldn't let Zeng Xiuyun have it easily.
Even if the old man agreed to let Qiu Yingxun live with the Song family, she wouldn't let Zeng Xiuyun succeed.
Cheng You tossed the invitation aside; it had nothing to do with her anyway.
To her surprise, the next day, Zeng Xiuyun showed up again.
She hadn't had enough of being confined in the Disciplinary Inspection Department last time.
This time, she changed her approach, from coercion to enticement.
"This is a folk remedy I found out about. They say it helps you get pregnant, very effective!"
Cheng You: "...Why don't you keep it for yourself? Perhaps your maternal grandfather is still vigorous enough to have another child with you, so he can inherit the Song family's fortune."
Zeng Xiuyun's veins bulged on her forehead, but she could only endure it.
She knew the situation clearly and knew she was asking for a favor.
"Your maternal grandfather and I aren't after that."
Cheng You asked curiously, "Then why are you here today? Isn't it about money?"
If she had openly admitted to needing money, Cheng You might have respected her a little more.
At her age, why still maintain a persona of deep affection?
Zeng Xiuyun's chest heaved faster, and her smile became strained.
"I'm here today to discuss something with you. My grandson, Yingxun, is getting married. He's your classmate, so you're welcome to attend the wedding banquet."
Cheng You remained silent, waiting for her to continue.
Zeng Xiuyun took a couple of steps forward, smiling brightly.
"I heard that Chengyan has a courtyard house. Courtyard houses are very spacious. It can accommodate not just two people, but even twenty. Could you let Yingxun and his wife stay in the courtyard house?"
Cheng You adamantly refused, "No!"
She had no relation to Qiu Yingxun, so why should she lend him her house?
It contained many of Mrs. Qi's belongings. Who knew if he would damage them if he stayed there.
"How can you be so heartless, child? This is your maternal grandfather's wish!"
Cheng You laughed mockingly, "Then go talk to my mother-in-law. If she agrees, then I'll agree."
Zeng Xiuyun was momentarily stumped and felt a surge of annoyance, causing her temples to throb.
"It's precisely because your mother-in-law is unreasonable that I've come to you. I know you're a good child..."
Cheng You quickly interrupted her, "Don't try to brainwash me. I'm not a good child! I will absolutely not agree to this. Go talk to Qi Chengyan."
Having no other option, Zeng Xiuyun sat down and began to wail at the door, complaining about the unfairness of fate and her unfilial descendants.
Cheng You had seen this act countless times in the countryside since she was a child. How could she be swayed by it?
"Old lady, we are not your children or grandchildren. You only have one grandson, and that's Qiu Yingxun! But he is indeed unfilial, getting involved with his stepmother. I've never seen anyone as shameless as him in my life."
Zeng Xiuyun's cries caught in her throat, her face turning red with suppressed rage.
"What nonsense are you spouting? You're not allowed to slander my grandson!"
Cheng You rolled her eyes, "I'm saying he's inherited your true teachings. He likes to climb into beds and take unconventional routes to achieve his goals."
Zeng Xiuyun almost choked to death, pointing a trembling finger at Cheng You.
"You! You're simply talking nonsense!"
Cheng You shrugged, "If you think I'm talking nonsense, why don't you go back and ask your grandson."
Zeng Xiuyun looked around nervously, worried that someone would overhear Cheng You's words. Once she confirmed no one was around, she relaxed and left in a huff.
However, as soon as she left, Sister He and several other neighbors opened their doors, wanting to ask Cheng You about Qiu Yingxun and Cheng Tao.
A stepson and his stepmother, that was too scandalous!