Wang Qiqi slept in beautifully, then washed up at the public bathhouse before checking out with her luggage, which she decided not to store since it was empty anyway.

As soon as Wang Qiqi and Shi Man walked into the department store, each pulling two large suitcases, they felt numerous eyes intentionally or unintentionally glance their way. Wang Qiqi’s first thought was that she must have put her clothes on wrong; she looked herself up and down. “There’s nothing wrong with my clothes. What are they looking at?”

Shi Man’s reaction to Wang Qiqi was, “Stop being so dramatic. Let’s hurry up and get that stuff. If they don’t have it, we’ll have to run to other places. And we forgot about getting the tax refund at the airport.” Shi Man was quite smug at this moment; someone had forgotten something very important.

Wang Qiqi certainly hadn’t forgotten that detail. “I remember. That’s a significant amount of money.” Forgetting anything else was fine, but forgetting money was out of the question.

Wang Qiqi and Shi Man went from shop to shop, matching items, paying, and collecting goods. Naturally, some counters issued Wang Qiqi a VIP card, which pleased her greatly; it felt like a certificate of status. When they arrived at the mall, their two large suitcases were empty, but when they left, both were full, and the large backpacks they carried were also stuffed to the brim. “Do we look like nouveau riche?” Shi Man asked Wang Qiqi as they settled into the taxi.

Wang Qiqi hummed in response. “We’ll just grab something quick for lunch. We’ll eat something good after we check all this stuff in for shipment.” Having been running up and down floors shopping since arriving at the mall at ten, it was no wonder they were exhausted. If Wang Qiqi and Shi Man hadn’t scouted the location the day before, this shopping trip would have been even busier. “When we get back home, I’m just going to sleep,” she murmured.

In the preceding days, Wang Qiqi, trying to make up for the time she hadn't fully enjoyed last time, had navigated to every destination using either the "11 bus" or local public transport, map in hand. While she saved money, it wore her out considerably. Even this shopping trip, which she expected to be the most relaxed, turned out to be far from easy. “Next time, no matter how long the list is, I’m definitely booking a double room so we can purchase things in batches.” Batch purchasing was certainly better than doing it all at once.

Shi Man wholeheartedly agreed with this suggestion; making money was important, but one shouldn’t sacrifice their well-being. “I’m never staying in a youth hostel again. It’s not my style.” Shi Man believed that traveling meant eating well and sleeping well; if it meant living so miserably, one might as well stay home and rest properly.

Juliana watched Han Tao pacing restlessly beside her and let out a yawn. “There’s still an hour until the plane lands, then we have to get through the exit gates…” It would take at least three more hours. Why had he dragged her out so early to pick up Wang Qiqi, and now that they were at the airport, he insisted on standing alone right at the arrival gate waiting? Seeing Han Tao looking like this, what choice did Juliana have? Suggesting they find a place to rest because the flight was still early—could she really say that?

“I’ll just stand here…” Han Tao turned and noticed the fatigue in Juliana’s expression. He remembered what Qiqi and Shi Man often said about how hard Juliana, the rich second generation, worked. “Then let’s find somewhere to sit down.” As for suggesting they eat at one of the airport’s restaurants, Han Tao would never propose that; the food was simply too expensive. Han Tao, accustomed to frugality, felt it wasn't worth it, but there was nowhere else nearby to sit. “Then let’s get something to drink.”

Juliana murmured an “Oh.” Since he had spoken, Juliana wouldn't take the initiative to suggest where they should eat or offer to treat him. If it were Wang Qiqi or Shi Man, she wouldn't hesitate to say, “My treat.” But considering Han Tao, she hesitated.

The two sat in their seats, exchanging only a few words occasionally. It was truly quiet, and passersby gave them strange looks, as their demeanor was odd—not quite like a couple, but certainly not like strangers.

Juliana didn't care much about the external judgment. Although she wasn't looking at anything, her mind was completely occupied with work matters. Even after interning for six months, she had been thoroughly chastened. She had initially thought her abilities weren’t lacking and that she could adapt quickly, but she realized upon handling real tasks how many problems surfaced. This made Juliana understand completely that her supposed internships had been a joke. Those people at the head office who praised her abilities had only done so out of respect for her parents. This realization had stripped away much of Juliana’s superficial impatience.

Han Tao was preoccupied with the incomplete programming procedures. After frequent online exchanges with JOHN, Han Tao had completely recognized his shortcomings. Every day, besides tutoring, he stayed glued to his computer, constantly designing programs. Although he was frequently discouraged, his progress was quite evident; he was no longer as much of a novice as before.

Both were content with the current quiet atmosphere. When the announcement for Wang Qiqi’s flight finally came over the loudspeaker, they waited a little longer before getting up and heading to the arrival gate to meet them.

After a long wait, Wang Qiqi and Shi Man finally emerged through the gate, pushing their carts. Juliana rushed forward immediately to hug them both. “You must be exhausted. The car is waiting outside. Let’s go downtown for a bite to eat first, and then we can head back.” By that time, reaching the city center would be just in time for the tail end of dinner.

In the past, Shi Man would have enthusiastically supported this plan, but this time she waved her hand dismissively. “Forget it, let’s save it for tomorrow. What we need right now is sleep.”

It was then that Juliana and Han Tao noticed the exhausted look on both Shi Man’s and Wang Qiqi’s faces. “You didn’t sleep on the plane?” It seemed impossible for such a long journey without any sleep.

Wang Qiqi wore an expression of helplessness mixed with having encountered bad luck. “We wanted to sleep, but the problem was we had a snoring giant sitting next to us.”

“Exactly! He started sleeping the moment we boarded. Qiqi and I could only steal a few moments of sleep when he woke up briefly. But that guy can sleep. He was awake for maybe only three or four hours throughout the entire journey, and that was just to drink water, eat something, or use the restroom,” Shi Man complained continuously while clutching Juliana’s arm. Han Tao had long since taken over pushing the carts they had been managing. “His snoring was loud enough for the three rows in front and behind to hear. Do you think someone like that should even be taking a plane…”

Juliana and Han Tao finally understood Wang Qiqi and Shi Man’s deep resentment. If it had been them, they would likely have the same expression right after getting off the plane. “Then we’ll eat another day. You two go back and rest first. Oh, and I’ve already bought your train tickets for the night after tomorrow.”

Shi Man was closing the car door when she heard Juliana’s inconsiderate words. She wasn’t paying attention and nearly jammed her finger. If Han Tao hadn’t noticed and helped, she probably would have screamed loudly. “We just landed, haven't even reached home, and we already have the next leg of our journey waiting.” Another sleepless night ahead—Shi Man felt truly miserable.

Wang Qiqi felt the same way. “The flight over was exhausting enough. Never mind, never mind, I need to sleep.” Wang Qiqi pulled out a thick, long winter scarf from her carry-on—a travel essential that could double as a blanket.

Juliana and the driver helped carry Wang Qiqi’s luggage upstairs. After Wang Qiqi took out the clothes and personal items belonging to her from the bags, she handed the receipts and vouchers to Juliana. “All the receipts are here. You check them against the items; you can convert the currency into RMB yourself.” Last time, Wang Qiqi had done the calculations herself, but this time she didn't bother.

“I’ll calculate it. We’ll settle the accounts when we get to Beijing,” Juliana replied, not wanting to disturb Wang Qiqi’s rest, and went back downstairs with the driver.

“Qiqi, want some noodles before you sleep?” Han Tao saw Wang Qiqi yawning while holding her change of clothes and knew she wanted a bath, so he spoke up.

“Okay.” Although having Chinese food after returning from overseas was appealing, Wang Qiqi knew this request would put Han Tao in a difficult position, and even if he cooked it, she would probably be reporting directly to Morpheus.

Han Tao had just put the noodles in to boil when he saw Wang Qiqi swaying out of the bathroom, her gait startling him—she looked almost ethereal. Looking closer, he realized she had her eyes closed. “Qiqi, Qiqi, open your eyes, eat something, and then sleep.”

Wang Qiqi desperately wanted to sleep; the drowsiness was intense. She thought a bath might lessen the urge, but perhaps it was too relaxing, making her just want to lie down in the tub. However, realizing Han Tao was the only one inside, she worried that if she actually fell asleep and he didn't hear her reply, he might barge in. It was for this reason that Wang Qiqi forced herself to climb out.

She had managed to climb out of the tub, but Wang Qiqi was still savoring the feeling of wanting to drift off. Hearing Han Tao call her, she was about to say she wasn't hungry and wanted to sleep when her stomach let out a loud rumble. “Then I’ll have a couple of bites.” If she didn't eat, not only would her stomach refuse to cooperate and protest incessantly, but the man standing there wouldn't allow it either.

Wang Qiqi hastily ate two mouthfuls, then waved her hand. “I’m going to my room to sleep. Help clean this up later, thanks.” If it were anyone else, Wang Qiqi wouldn’t be so unguarded, but this was Han Tao, someone she trusted completely.

Han Tao knew how tired Wang Qiqi was; he could tell from the car ride back. Three people crammed into the back seat was uncomfortable, and there was constant braking, yet she had slept all the way until they reached the building.

The Wife Supports the Husband: A Dynasty Thriving with Gossiping Neighbors, and the Extraordinary Life of One Woman. (To be continued.)