Having figured things out, Song Yao once again took Wang Qiqi with her to go house hunting. “I’ve thought it over; I’m buying a commercial unit. Whether I open a shop or rent it out in the future, it’ll be profitable.”

Don’t let Song Yao’s demeanor fool you into thinking this was entirely her idea, but Wang Qiqi noticed Song Yao’s eyes darting around, avoiding her gaze, and she understood. “Is this your brother-in-law’s idea? He thinks that once Tao Tao gets a bit older, you won’t have to watch him every second and can go out and do something?” This classmate Gong Peixing was quite thoughtful. When little Tao Tao was an infant, Song Yao revolved around him constantly, with no free time. But once Tao Tao started kindergarten or primary school, Song Yao would be left all alone at home. It wasn't realistic for her to go play cards or shop all day; that would certainly cause domestic disputes. As for buying a house, please, how many houses could one buy in a year? There was no need to look at houses all day long. Only by arranging a job for Song Yao would prevent her from feeling idle. Under these circumstances, going out to work was unsuitable—what if something happened at home and she couldn't get time off? Moreover, having been a housewife for several years, Song Yao was not used to taking orders. Therefore, working for herself seemed the most appropriate path.

Song Yao could only sigh. How was it that everything she and Gong Peixing discussed, Wang Qiqi guessed it all? She replied dryly, “Yes, your brother-in-law said not to expect the business to be hugely successful, but mainly to keep me from being lonely after Tao Tao starts school. It’s a pity we don’t have much money; otherwise, we could buy another apartment.” Then the home would be in the complex, the commute short. If business was good, Gong Peixing could even come help after work. What a shame, what a shame. “By the way, Qiqi, what are your plans?”

“One commercial unit,” Wang Qiqi stated her intention. Although Wang Qiqi felt it unnecessary to buy, it would be a pity to pass up such a prime location. Besides, with the money for just this one property, if she increased her investment in the stock market, she could definitely recoup the housing cost in about half a year.

Song Yao originally expected Wang Qiqi to sweep up at least three or four units, not just one. “Qiqi, you’re not going to…?” How much rental income did this girl earn every year? On top of that, she didn't even need to touch her principal while studying. Song Yao couldn’t help but feel that if Wang Qiqi only bought this small amount of property, there must be something fishy going on.

“I plan to buy a commercial unit in Jingcheng…” Wang Qiqi might not have said this to just anyone, but with Song Yao, she absolutely would. Although she was Wang Damei’s daughter, her lips were sealed tight, and she remained somewhat guarded around her own mother. Of course, Wang Qiqi admitted that the house bought early in the year had some effect; otherwise, she wouldn't be this bold.

Buying a commercial unit in Jingcheng? Although Song Yao didn't know the property prices in Jingcheng, she knew that if one could afford a property there, whether for rent or for when Tao Tao went to university or even worked and married there, there would be no worries. She forgot all about going to the sales office and eagerly pulled Wang Qiqi aside to ask about the property prices in Jingcheng. When she heard the unit price Wang Qiqi quoted for Jingcheng properties, she was stunned. “So expensive! At this price, we shouldn’t even consider the downtown area.” Jingcheng truly lived up to its name; the property price alone made Song Yao feel a cut above the rest. Of course, it also solidified Song Yao’s determination to buy property in Jingcheng. Although the current prices sounded steep to Song Yao, it meant one thing: property prices in Jingcheng would continue to soar rapidly. “How about we skip buying the city house today? I’ll discuss it with your brother-in-law, and we’ll go straight to Jingcheng to buy property. Then I won’t have to worry when your nephew Tao Tao gets older.”

Wang Qiqi watched Song Yao startle and exclaim, quickly stopping her. “Why aren’t you buying here? The house here can be handed over by the end of the year, and then you can rent it out for income. You’re not planning to… right now?” Although Wang Qiqi had a good relationship with Song Yao, she couldn’t possibly tell her, Sister, my friend’s family is in real estate and has cheap houses for sale. Wouldn’t that be taking advantage of the Zhu family? Even for Wang Qiqi and Shi Man, although they often talked about fighting the rich and buying more houses, if the Zhu family’s properties were released, Wang Qiqi and the others wouldn't buy many—three at the very most. Moreover, the stock market was projected to dip next year. Many people who made money in the market would withdraw their funds to buy property, causing housing prices to slowly gain momentum. So, buying property now was a good suggestion, but the question was: did she have the time?

Song Yao nodded. “Yes, Jingcheng’s development trend is promising. Maybe your brother-in-law and I will move to Jingcheng to develop our careers. You also know how annoying my in-laws are; they are absolute vampires. My sister-in-law just found out she’s having twins and is bragging about it everywhere, saying the wife is blessed.” Song Yao clicked her tongue. Twins are a blessing, but the issue was, “Their salaries are decent, but supporting two… I’m praying with all my might that they have two sons.”

Wang Qiqi watched Song Yao, who had been cursing her sister-in-law for potentially having a girl just days ago, change her tune so quickly. But if they really had two sons, “Your in-laws will be ecstatic, but the pressure will be immense—a house for each means two, not to mention tuition fees.”

Song Yao nodded with a sly smile. “That’s right. But it’s okay; the in-laws will help them. It’s just that her family apparently isn't well-off, and she has an older brother. Even if their daughter has twins, they are still grandsons to the in-laws and outsiders. How many parents help their married-out daughters when they have sons…” As Song Yao spoke, she remembered something. “My parents are quite good; even though they have a son, they still support me, their married-out daughter. I was originally planning to hide the thought of buying property in Jingcheng from my mom, but now I feel that would be too much.”

Wang Qiqi didn’t say anything like, Your change of heart is correct, regarding Song Yao’s transformation. In any case, they were mother and daughter. “By the way, if you go to buy property in Jingcheng, do you have the time?” One person has to work, and the other has to look after the child—that was the most crucial reason.

Song Yao had long considered that. She glanced sideways at Wang Qiqi. “Don’t I still have you? Aren’t you also looking at properties in Jingcheng? You can keep an eye out for me then.” Song Yao thought to herself that Wang Qiqi was such an astute person; could the places she chose be bad? She could pick a spot right next to Wang Qiqi’s property, and then she’d have someone nearby to help manage the house.

Wang Qiqi understood, staring at Song Yao for a long moment. “Fine, since it’s just keeping an eye out, I have no objections. I’ll call you then and try to wrap up the property business before the National Day holiday.” Wang Qiqi thought, I can’t wait for the stock market crash next year to make a move. Although housing prices aren't rising that fast, now is considered rock bottom. “Keep the money you have; we’ll buy more houses next year.”

Song Yao liked this point. “I told your brother-in-law: if we can buy two houses every year, we won't have to worry for the rest of our lives.” Then they absolutely had to raise Tao Tao well and send him abroad later to become a talent, to show the biased old lady what kind of success her favorite son and grandson could achieve. “In short, I’m entrusting my nephew’s future happiness to you, his aunt.”

Wang Qiqi was speechless. How could she argue with such a shameless mother? “Aren’t you in a hurry to go back?”

“Your brother-in-law is home today, and I pumped some breast milk.” Although Song Yao still had milk, the supply wasn't much; otherwise, she wouldn't be running around less than a month after giving birth. “Oh, right, I want an ice pop. I haven't had one in ages.” Song Yao passed an ice cream stall and saw a girl walking away after finishing a cone. She immediately started drooling. Song Yao loved eating cones in the winter; sometimes, even in winter, she would go to KFC just for a cone to satisfy a craving. This shows how much this child loved these treats, but she hadn't had any cold drinks for over half a year now.

Wang Qiqi shook her head at her. “You can’t, even if you pay for it yourself. Your brother-in-law is supervising. You can only have something warm or something hot, pick one.” That’s a joke! What if Song Yao let something slip? Wouldn't she be the one in trouble? So Wang Qiqi wouldn't agree to such a risky favor. “Otherwise, I’ll call Aunt Wang…”

If Wang Qiqi told Gong Peixing, Song Yao wouldn't be afraid. But if Wang Damei found out, Song Yao knew exactly what kind of treatment she would receive when she got home—forget about going out; she’d probably be forced to drink concoctions endlessly. “Ugh, forget it then. I’ll just have some warm milk.” Song Yao huffed, indicating her great displeasure, and walked away from Wang Qiqi.

Wang Qiqi took Song Yao to a fast-food joint and ordered a milk for Song Yao. Of course, Wang Qiqi wouldn’t deprive herself. She ordered a milk and then added a serving of fries, and she didn't skip the chicken wings either. “Sister, you can only have the milk; nothing else, understood?”

Song Yao’s hand was already reaching for a fry, agonizingly close to grabbing one. Just as she was about to pout, Wang Qiqi wiggled her finger at her. “Big Auntie.”

Wang Qiqi instantly shut Song Yao down. All Song Yao could do was drink her milk while watching Wang Qiqi enthusiastically devour the chicken wings and fries. “It’s a pity it’s not as good as KFC’s.” Even among foreign fast-food chains, there were differences. Accustomed to KFC’s offerings, Wang Qiqi found this unknown fast-food chain utterly unappetizing.

It was so unappetizing, yet she ate everything. “Pig! If this tasted good, you’d probably eat even more.” At this moment, Song Yao was completely certain Wang Qiqi was getting back at her, deliberately ordering a lot of food and eating it with gusto just to provoke her. “Didn’t you say yourself that eating too much fast food makes you fat? Qiqi, haven't you noticed you’ve put on weight recently?” Hahaha, Song Yao said smugly.

Wang Qiqi was stunned by Song Yao’s comment. She had felt her clothes were a bit tight these past few days, but she always thought one couldn’t gain weight in the summer. To have even Song Yao notice made Wang Qiqi anxious.