The plane took off again after a brief stop in Moscow, heading for its final destination, Paris. Wang Qiqi stared out the window, a quiet sense of relief washing over her. Take-off and landing were always the worst parts of flying for her, the most perilous moments of the entire journey.

Shi Man glared at the rapidly disappearing skyline of Moscow. “This is Moscow, we should have gotten out to look around,” she lamented. Though not a devout follower of any particular ideology, Shi Man had grown up learning about this city from textbooks and desperately wanted to see it firsthand.

“What’s there to see? You’d probably have to board the next flight before you even got out of the airport,” Wang Qiqi yawned, setting down the book in her hands. To ward off boredom, Wang Qiqi had specifically borrowed several travelogues about the areas surrounding Paris. Even if she couldn't visit them all, she felt compelled to read them. In her mind, she prayed the week-long trip to Paris would allow her to finish her procurement tasks quickly, leaving enough time to stroll along the Seine, observe the artists, or perhaps even commission a portrait as a souvenir.

Shi Man’s tone grew slightly unhappy when she heard Wang Qiqi’s words. “We could have at least checked out the Moscow airport. Haven’t you always said an airport is the calling card of a city?” she countered. Surely, this airport must reflect some authentic Russian character.

“Sure, but do you actually speak Russian? Do you think you could find the gate going in and coming out?” Wang Qiqi retorted. “If we had four hours, we could have gone out for a walk, but alas…”

“If you like it, we can come back and visit sometime,” Juliana chimed in, waking up with a stretch. “Although my dad said there’s nothing much worth seeing in this city.”

“Your dad’s been to Moscow?” Shi Man was genuinely surprised. She had no idea the Zhu family had business dealings in Russia.

Juliana hummed in assent. “My dad used to work as a daotie [speculator/trader] in Russia back in the day, but not for long. He said while the money was easy to earn, you needed to know a lot of people, and they took the biggest cut. Plus, hooligans were always causing trouble. So, after making a few profitable runs, he quit.”

Daotie? Shi Man and Han Tao weren't very familiar with the term, but Wang Qiqi knew it well. Heavens, many daotie back then lived quite comfortably, raking in considerable amounts of money. However, as Russians and Chinese interacted more over time, the locals became shrewder. Consequently, many who entered later without real clout lost their capital. Of course, many who got rich early also ended up imprisoned on spurious charges; by the time the money ran out, they were released. The fact that Father Zhu managed to return home safely with his fortune proved he was truly a clever man.

This was the first time Shi Man had heard the real story of the Zhu family’s rise to wealth. Frankly, most people speculated that Father Zhu had simply hit the jackpot during a booming stock market period. To learn their actual first pot of gold came from this venture was surprising.

Han Tao had heard vague accounts, but his knowledge was limited to what he’d read in books. As for the hardships of being a daotie in Russia, he could only imagine. “It was easy money then, but it’s easy money now too—this is the age of the internet explosion,” he argued. Although current internet access in China was limited and couldn’t reach foreign sites, many of Gong Junyu’s seniors had gone abroad immediately after graduation. They frequently corresponded with Gong Junyu, often discussing computer-related matters, but sometimes mentioning the soaring stock prices of many US tech companies. Han Tao picked up bits and pieces from Gong Junyu.

Wang Qiqi understood Han Tao’s current zeal for the computer and internet industry. She would never voice such a deflating opinion, though. Some things wouldn't be believed just because she said them; one had to experience them to understand. Thinking about it, Wang Qiqi recalled that in a few years, the stock of the giant company Apple would dip below ten dollars, leading many to predict its demise. But who could have foreseen that within a few short years, Apple would become the most valuable company on Earth? Wang Qiqi realized she absolutely had to document this crucial piece of information. Regardless of whether she had a chance to go to America, she couldn't miss such an opportunity. Missing a chance this good wouldn't happen often again, especially one promising wealth without demanding excessive intellectual effort.

Juliana had some awareness of the internet’s global rise, but having come from a family rooted in physical industry, she found tangible business more reliable. While the computer industry might demand high investment, it carried risks. She didn't interrupt Han Tao’s perspective, though—what was the point of telling him he was entirely wrong? Juliana was surprised Wang Qiqi was listening so intently. She glanced at Wang Qiqi; wasn't she always so rational? When had she become so fervent?

Wang Qiqi checked the time, gave Shi Man and Juliana a nudge, and headed to the restroom to splash water on her face and take care of necessities. Returning to her seat, she stuffed her belongings into her bag and waited for the landing. While waiting for the jet bridge, Wang Qiqi had already eaten a few pieces of chocolate. Shi Man waited impatiently beside her. “Why isn’t it over yet?” The line beside them was moving swiftly, but their queue seemed completely stalled.

“Likely the domestic passengers,” Wang Qiqi sighed. Whether now or in the future, the treatment Chinese citizens received internationally was frankly poor, unless they were wealthy enough to engage in massive shopping sprees that boosted GDP—then they were tolerated.

By the time Wang Qiqi and the others cleared customs, over two hours had passed. Though this was their first time abroad, having company guarantees and confirmed return tickets meant their inspection time was relatively short.

As soon as Han Tao stepped out of the airport, he declared, “I’m never coming back to this place.” He felt as though they were being treated like illegal entrants. The way they scrutinized him and the condescending tone of their voices left Han Tao thoroughly displeased.

“Why not? We’re here to make money,” Wang Qiqi joked, though she knew the possibility was nil. “Maybe one day, Han Tao, if you can afford a private jet, they’ll treat you like royalty.” She knew the cost of a jet, let alone the continuous maintenance and crew salaries. Even if she dabbled in luxury goods, she didn’t know how much she’d have to move to recoup the initial investment, and by then, she’d certainly attract the attention of the IRS, facing massive tax bills. Forget it; she was definitely not going to be the one to stick her neck out.

Han Tao acknowledged Wang Qiqi’s slightly teasing tone with a simple “Mhm.” “I’ll work hard,” he promised. “Even if I can’t buy you a private jet, I promise to get you first-class tickets from now on.”

Shi Man immediately scoffed when she heard Han Tao’s words. “Just talk. You can’t even make Qiqi happy.” That was just too much.

“I like it,” Wang Qiqi said. If Han Tao had immediately promised to buy her a private jet without hesitation, she wouldn’t have been as pleased. How many promises had she heard in her past life? And what was the result? “I just like Han Tao’s grounded sincerity.”

Well, since the person concerned had spoken, there was nothing Shi Man could do. “Should we take a cab?”

A taxi? Wang Qiqi was startled. “This isn’t RMB! I did my homework; we can take the airport bus downtown.” She felt that if they took a cab all the way to the city center, the image of Chairman Mao on the currency might jump out and accuse them of wastefulness.

The bus? Shi Man considered it. Since Qiqi insisted, she’d go along. But she was curious. “How do you know so much?” Shi Man remembered the borrowed travelogues didn't have such clear details.

Wang Qiqi smiled, covering her mouth. “While you were sleeping, I chatted with a foreigner sitting nearby. He told me.”

That foreigner had initially tried to flirt with Wang Qiqi. When he learned she had a boyfriend, he didn’t completely ignore her and answered her questions quite thoroughly. Where he didn't know something, he admitted it. In that respect, he was far more broad-minded than many Chinese men, some of whom turn hostile the moment they learn the girl they admire has a boyfriend.

Juliana had noticed Wang Qiqi speaking with a foreigner earlier, but because she was tired and Wang Qiqi had mixed English with French, Juliana had only heard muffled bits and wanted to sleep. She hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to be asking about such practical matters. “Impressive. Having Qiqi along means we’ll be set for future travel.”

“My consulting fee is very high,” Wang Qiqi announced smugly to Juliana before heading in the general direction of the bus stop. Naturally, they had to ask a few people along the way to locate the precise spot. Just as they stepped onto the bus, they heard someone shouting, “Qiqi, Qiqi!”

Wang Qiqi initially paid no mind. If they were in China, she would have looked up to see if someone was calling her. But in a foreign land, the only people who knew her were the three beside her. Why would they shout for her? So, Wang Qiqi ignored it.