Wang Qiqi glanced over the manuscript when she received it. Although it presented some difficulty, it was manageable enough for her to handle, though it would require a bit of careful consideration. Consequently, Wang Qiqi’s translation speed wasn't very fast. After finishing the entire piece and reviewing it thoroughly, she announced, "I'm done."

Li Xiangdong simply made an "Oh," without making any immediate move. After a moment, he snapped back to attention. "Ah, you're finished?" He glanced up at the clock. Hmm, while a bit slow, it was still within an acceptable range for a newcomer.

Li Xiangdong took the manuscript Wang Qiqi had translated and first examined the handwriting. Well, although the script wasn't beautiful, it was commendably neat, making it presentable to a client. "If possible, try to practice your penmanship a little more."

Wang Qiqi acknowledged this with an "Oh." While everything would eventually be digitized, typing up manuscripts and printing them was simple enough, but it didn't possess the same feeling as actual writing. Besides, she could treat it as self-improvement.

Li Xiangdong quickly reread the document and then looked back at Wang Qiqi. "There are a few minor flaws, but overall it's quite good. Tell you what, start by translating some simpler things." Then, Li Xiangdong pointed out a few problematic spots in Wang Qiqi's translation.

Wang Qiqi knew her translation wasn't bad, but she hadn't expected there to be so many issues. Listening to Li Xiangdong's analysis, Wang Qiqi nodded continuously. While some of her translations were adequate, they felt stiff, nowhere near the quality of Li Xiangdong’s. "Okay, thank you." Even with the experience of a past life, since she wasn't a full-time translator, her skills couldn't match his. She had only hoped to grasp the general meaning, but for professional translation, that simply wasn't enough.

"No need for thanks; just pay closer attention next time you translate." Li Xiangdong was quite satisfied with Wang Qiqi’s attitude. Despite not having a formal degree in English, she possessed a certain spark. In the translation business, that spark, combined with hard work, was often crucial. Since he seemed to have found a suitable translator, Li Xiangdong didn't waste any more time and discussed the general compensation with Wang Qiqi. For Wang Qiqi, the main draw of taking on translation work was to improve her English skills; of course, earning money was a bonus. Wang Qiqi had no objection; she simply had no standard for what a novice translator should charge at this particular time, so there was nothing to compare it against.

Li Xiangdong pulled out a stack of manuscripts he had on hand—all simple, urgent jobs perfect for Wang Qiqi's practice. "Can you get these back to me tomorrow? The rate won't be great, though." Li Xiangdong had actually considered pulling an all-nighter himself. The manuscripts were simple, but with an express fee, the pay would have been quite good, and they were from a long-standing client. Li Xiangdong truly didn't want to pass up the opportunity.

Wang Qiqi knew express jobs usually commanded extra pay, but as a newcomer, did she have the standing to demand more? She wasn't the only one who knew English. If his translation agency weren't small and lacking volume, clients might not choose an inexperienced student who wasn't even an English major. "No problem."

Li Xiangdong noticed the momentary blank look on Wang Qiqi's face, but he wasn't going to mention the possibility of adding a fee. Newcomers needed to be pushed hard, and besides, Li Xiangdong didn't feel his offer was low. "Take your time. As your ability improves, we can discuss the price further. And even after you finish translating, I’ll still need to review it afterward."

Wang Qiqi didn't know how to respond; all she could do was smile. "Could I work on the manuscripts in the living room outside? I wanted to go back with Han Tao." Having come this far, Wang Qiqi figured she might as well head back with him.

Li Xiangdong found a few sheets of A4 paper. "Just translate here." Good, this girl was getting into the work groove quickly.

"Thank you," Wang Qiqi said, picking up a manuscript and starting to read. She ran through the phrasing several times in her mind, considering how to translate it effectively. As a novice, she could afford mistakes, but she couldn't afford to keep making them; she needed to show progress.

Li Qian had initially intended to tell Li Xiangdong to offer Wang Qiqi a better rate, but she was surprised at how quickly Li Xiangdong settled the compensation with Wang Qiqi, and that the other party seemed agreeable. Li Qian wisely held her tongue. If she suddenly pushed for a higher price now, what would Wang Qiqi think? Would she assume their profit margins were much better? If Wang Qiqi’s translations steadily improved and she took on more difficult assignments, Li Qian would discuss the fee structure adjustments with Li Xiangdong then.

After translating for a while, Zhang Qian felt a stomach ache, excused herself, and went to the restroom. Li Qian quickly moved to Li Xiangdong's side and picked up the manuscript Zhang Qian had just been working on, reading it over. After a short pause, she murmured, "Quite good."

Li Xiangdong understood his wife’s assessment. "She’s a promising seedling, but how promising remains to be seen. Having a good seedling can also bring its own troubles. First, it solves the manpower shortage. Second, few capable people are content to remain subordinates. Perhaps in two or three years, once their wings harden, they’ll strike out on their own, just like you and I did."

Li Qian smiled as she placed Wang Qiqi’s paper down. "A soldier who doesn't wish to be a general is not a good soldier, right?" Li Qian didn't think it would be that easy for Wang Qiqi to go independent. "If we worry about our subordinates leaving, should we even hire anyone?"

"Only competition will force us to grow quickly, right?" Li Xiangdong sighed. "We’re doing well now, but I want to expand the business. Manpower is the real issue. I just had an idea: perhaps we should try recruiting English majors from universities. Even if they are new, they can start with simpler tasks." Truly capable translators were few; they either worked for large agencies, went independent, or demanded high fees. Li Xiangdong used to insist on hiring experienced people, but few experienced translators respected a small operation like his. Interviewing Wang Qiqi had shifted his perspective.

Li Qian didn't entirely agree with Li Xiangdong's suggestion, but if they could find a few people with Wang Qiqi’s level of ability, it wouldn't be bad. "Are we turning into a new hire training center?" Even if they moved to better placements after graduation, they might not stay in their little workshop, but a few years would suffice, and if a couple of grateful ones stayed, it would be worthwhile.

Li Xiangdong hadn't thought that far ahead. "Training new people is a bit troublesome, but the price point is low, isn't it?" It just meant he would need to focus more energy on reviewing later, but reviewing was faster than translating, provided the person was competent. If he hired someone lacking skill, it would be better if he just translated it himself.

Li Qian realized they were looking at things from different angles. She disagreed with his suggestion, but she opened her mouth as if to say something before returning to her seat. Wang Qiqi would be back soon, and it wouldn't be good for her to overhear their discussion.

When Wang Qiqi returned to the room, she sensed a slight shift in the couple's atmosphere. Even though they were both bent over their work, Wang Qiqi felt the air in the room was odd. It was likely they had discussed something while she was in the restroom, and it might even concern her.

Wang Qiqi quietly sat down and resumed translating. The couple's business was hardly her concern; she needed to focus on her translation work. Time passed quickly while concentrating on a task. By the time Wang Qiqi finished two manuscripts, the Li couple was already packing up. They had a lunch engagement and needed to leave early. Wang Qiqi also packed up, preparing to depart. The study was a place of confidentiality; it was fine if one of them was present, but since both of them were leaving, there was no reason for her to linger.

Just as Wang Qiqi finished packing and stepped out of the study, she saw Han Tao emerging from Li Zhe's room. "You done too?"

Han Tao nodded. "Yeah." Li Zhe also had an outside engagement that afternoon, which was why the session was ending early. "Be careful during the exam, or you're on your own. I need this salary to cover tuition and living expenses."

Li Zhe murmured several affirmations from behind. "Don't worry, I'll study hard." Li Zhe had always thought his life was quite unlucky—good family background, yet his parents were perpetually busy with work. But after chatting with Han Tao, he realized Han Tao had it much rougher. Still, Li Zhe didn't think Mr. Han seemed unhappy with his life. Every time he spoke of his late father, his voice was filled with happy childhood memories. Despite their modest means, Han Tao's mother worked the day shift but still managed to prepare delicious food for Han Tao and wake up early to eat breakfast with her son. Li Zhe couldn't recall the last time his own parents had eaten breakfast with him; they were up early only for an event that day, and sometimes he had to relay messages through the housekeeper.

After bidding farewell to the Li couple, Wang Qiqi and Han Tao left the Li residence. Han Tao instinctively took Wang Qiqi’s bag. "Congratulations on getting the work."

Wang Qiqi smiled and nodded. "Yes, I finally landed my first job." Even with memories from her past life, she felt this was the first job she secured based on her own efforts in this current life, aided by a timely benefactor, without relying on past advantages.

Han Tao looked at the beaming Wang Qiqi. He didn't understand why such a modestly paying job made her so elated, almost to the point of tears. Han Tao's confusion didn't stop him from clumsily wiping away her tears. "There, stop crying, or you’ll look ugly. If your eyes get red, Shi Man and the others will think I bullied you..."

Wang Qiqi looked at Han Tao’s awkward movements and his clumsy attempt at consolation, then burst out laughing. "Is that how you comfort someone?" It was just a moment of intense emotion. "Let’s go get steak for lunch. My treat."