When the four of them left, although they also had four large suitcases, most of them were empty, specifically to carry things back. Originally, according to Wang Qiqi and the others' idea, four large suitcases would definitely be enough, but in the end, even the four large suitcases were insufficient. They had to buy several backpacks temporarily to pack all their personal belongings into them, and then boarded the plane laden with bags.

Just like the journey to France, everyone transited through Moscow before returning to the Capital City again. As the plane landed, they all let out a long sigh of relief. "We're finally home."

Shi Man’s next line was, "I need a proper Chinese meal." Although French haute cuisine was also good—steak, desserts, and so on—Shi Man could tolerate it occasionally. But after too many times, she realized that Chinese food suited her palate better. "Having been out this time, I’ve understood one thing: I’m still better suited to staying in the country."

Zhu Lina agreed with this sentiment. "But there are still so many people who want to go abroad, probably thinking the grass is greener on the other side. Still, right now I just want a good night's sleep, and then a great meal."

Han Tao walked behind them, looking weighed down with worry. Wang Qiqi kept glancing at him. She had heard what Shi Man and Zhu Lina said that day, but she pretended not to know anything. Wang Qiqi thought that if Han Tao wanted to talk, he would. However, Wang Qiqi wholeheartedly agreed with Shi Man’s concerns. Setting aside the fact that she and Han Tao were currently just boyfriend and girlfriend, even if they were married, marriage was just a piece of paper, easily torn. But Wang Qiqi didn't know if she would have the courage to go to the United States if Han Tao suddenly announced he was taking a leave of absence to go there.

Wang Qiqi had considered going to the US, but at this moment, she didn't want to. Mainly because staying in the country now would lead to better future development. For example, she could first make a killing in the stock market, then buy property and storefronts—in short, everything to substantially increase her net worth, and only then check if there were opportunities to make a small fortune in the US. Forget it. She’d let nature take its course. If Han Tao wanted to leave, could she really keep him? Wang Qiqi consoled herself with a very Ah Q spirit.

Han Tao pursed his lips, then let out a long breath, a deep sigh escaping him. He then looked at Wang Qiqi, who was walking beside him looking completely listless. "Rest well for a few days when we get back, then we’ll go back for a visit to see my mother."

Seeing Luo Yi—Wang Qiqi’s heart rate immediately sped up. Han Tao had previously mentioned he didn't want to go back during the summer break. Why did he suddenly want to see his mother right after returning from France? Had he made a decision and wanted to report to his mother, simultaneously giving her a heads-up so she wouldn't fly into a rage?

Wang Qiqi felt her heart grow incredibly cold. She thought: Did Han Tao see her as nothing more than a useless girl who only knew how to argue endlessly? "Fine, I have no objections. It’s a good chance to visit my sister; my little nephew is supposedly quite cute too."

Han Tao noticed Wang Qiqi’s low spirits at this moment. "What’s wrong?" He freed one arm to rest it around Wang Qiqi’s shoulder. "I’m sorry, I wasn’t much help at all during this trip."

Han Tao knew he had contributed nothing during the trip to France. After he saw JOHN off, he realized there were only a few days left before they departed. Of course, Qiqi and the others had already finished purchasing everything. With him contributing nothing, they had managed it all. As for the sarcastic remarks from Shi Man and Zhu Lina, Han Tao assumed it was because he hadn't done any work. And as for Wang Qiqi's odd behavior, Han Tao noticed it too, knowing it was related to him, but he thought it was because Shi Man and the others were treating Wang Qiqi coldly because of him.

Hearing this, Wang Qiqi knew he truly didn't understand the situation. "I’m fine, just tired from the long flight." Forget it, forget it; hadn't she just resolved to cheer up? "Han Tao, no matter what decision you make, I will support you."

With those words, Wang Qiqi hurried to catch up with Shi Man and the others, who were going to collect the luggage. Wang Qiqi felt she would cry if the luggage was wrongly claimed. Han Tao was stunned. Only one thought echoed in his mind: Qiqi knows. Qiqi knows everything. He genuinely hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to know; the problem was, Han Tao couldn't figure out how she could possibly know.

In the time that followed, Wang Qiqi kept her face drawn, which struck Shi Man and Zhu Lina as rather strange. They exchanged glances but said nothing—partly because they didn't want to step on a landmine, and partly because they were also exhausted.

The four of them, carrying a pile of luggage, arrived at the spot they had arranged with Huang Yong. They had been worried that he might be busy today, but to their surprise, Huang Yong was already waiting there.

Huang Yong’s appearance startled the four of them into silence. When they left, they had four light suitcases, but when they placed the luggage in the car's trunk, they visibly paused, looking strained. Had they gone on a major shopping spree? "You bought quite a bit."

Zhu Lina sighed. "Yes, Master Huang, thank you for the trouble this time."

Huang Yong noticed that once the girls got into the car, they closed their eyes and stayed silent. He wondered where these girls had gone, buying so much and looking so worn out. But he was a man of discretion; he knew which words could be spoken and which were better left unsaid, or else he wouldn't be receiving private assignments. Not many people travel through the airport these days—some on business, some for personal matters. The key takeaway was that confidentiality was required.

After returning home, Wang Qiqi needed three full days of rest before she completely recovered. During these three days, she did nothing but rest. Even when she came out to eat or sprawled on the sofa, her expression remained peculiar, which baffled Shi Man and the others. They wondered if she hadn't enjoyed her time in France enough, or perhaps Han Tao hadn't accompanied her for a walk along the Seine to have a portrait drawn of the two of them.

Shi Man and Zhu Lina tried to talk to Wang Qiqi, intending to gently persuade her. Although the two of them held a low opinion of Han Tao, they didn't want to see Wang Qiqi in this state either. But Wang Qiqi’s only response was indifference; she walked past them coldly, and Han Tao received the same treatment when he approached.

Shi Man watched Wang Qiqi drift out of her room like a ghost. She shifted her mouth. "Look at Qiqi’s state, can we really go back?" Shi Man and the others had planned to rest for two or three days after returning and then head back to their hometowns, but now they couldn't leave her like this. Even though Wang Qiqi hadn't said anything, they knew she and Han Tao had grown distant.

Zhu Lina glanced towards the bathroom. "I'm not planning to go back. I can stay here to handle things; my mom is coming over anyway." This way, she could also intern at the Beijing company and keep Wang Qiqi company.

"Why aren't you going back?" Wang Qiqi walked out of the bathroom and looked strangely at Zhu Lina for saying she wouldn't leave. "Are you two worried about me?" Wang Qiqi knew her mood hadn't been great these past few days, but she certainly wasn't at a stage where she needed looking after. "I heard what you were saying when I went to buy dessert that day."

Nani? Shi Man and Zhu Lina were stunned that Wang Qiqi had overheard them. Both froze. "W-we didn't say anything because we hoped that before Han Tao reached a conclusion..." Shi Man spread her hands, explaining why they hadn't told Qiqi earlier.

Wang Qiqi poured a cup of coffee. Ever since the coffee equipment arrived from France, she often smelled the rich aroma of coffee, though she hadn't drunk any until now. "I know, and I thank you both. What I need now is to wait for the result. Perhaps he intends to tell me in front of his mother."

Wang Qiqi placed the coffee cup on the tea table and started nibbling her fingers. Although she had mentally prepared herself for three days—no, for several days—Wang Qiqi felt she still hadn't fully accepted the situation.

To go back and see Han Tao’s mother—Shi Man jumped in. "Does that mean he wants to go abroad?" Otherwise, why the sudden need to go back? He had previously said he would stay in the Capital during the summer. How could one trip to France change so much?

Zhu Lina kept pursing her lips; she thought the same. Her feet were constantly shifting up and down. After a moment, she asked, "If he goes to the US, what will you do?" With so much temptation, who knew if he could resist? Three more years, or maybe even longer—many things could happen in just one year.

Wang Qiqi shrugged, shaking her head repeatedly, clearly showing her distress. "I don't know either. But if that guy says Han Tao can go to the US, I suppose it means Han Tao is capable, and if he goes to the US, it’s quite good for his future prospects. I can’t stop him..." It would be hard to stay and hard to leave. "I don’t want him to regret it later because of me. Spending a few years in the US would be much better than staying here, especially since his major is Computer Science."

Zhu Lina understood Wang Qiqi’s worry. "You need to talk. You two need to talk." Some things couldn't be avoided just because Wang Qiqi didn't want to face them. "Maybe he’s also weighing whether or not to go. This way you’re acting does absolutely no good for your future together."

"Right, talk," Shi Man muttered, though she desperately wanted to curse and say, Talk my foot! What is there to talk about with that man? But she knew she didn't have deep feelings for Han Tao; Qiqi was different. To bear so much pressure after only two years—it was questionable if she could pull herself together.

Talk to Han Tao? Wang Qiqi felt truly conflicted. "I'm worried..." What if Han Tao said he was going to the US? Should she persuade him to stay or break up with him? Wang Qiqi felt she couldn't accept either outcome.

"How will you know the result if you don't talk?" Zhu Lina looked at Wang Qiqi, who was riddled with worry about one thing and another, and felt like giving her a good punch to knock some sense into her. "Besides, are you worried about the living expenses in the US? You could completely go with him."

"No way, if Qiqi goes to the US, what about us?" Shi Man objected immediately when she heard Zhu Lina's suggestion. (To be continued)