Shi Man stood at the doorway, pointing at what Wang Qiqi was wearing. “You’re not seriously planning to negotiate with your former boss today wearing that, are you?” She wasn’t demanding formal attire, but surely simple casual wear with jeans and sneakers wasn't appropriate? It lacked any presence when stepping out.

Wang Qiqi nodded. “Yeah? Should I wear a business suit?” That would be ridiculous. Stepping out looking like a student, even in a suit, might make them think she was trying too hard to appear mature, signaling insecurity, which would put her at an even greater disadvantage. “We’re just having a chat. If we can cooperate, we will; if not, we won't. There’s no need to project some kind of powerful aura.”

Shi Man thought to herself that since the arrogant, black-hearted Boss Li had finally lowered his head, Qiqi should seize the opportunity to crush him with her demeanor, telling him not to bully young people. Oh well, never mind. “Pay close attention to what you say. Don’t sell yourself short just because of some minuscule past kindness from him. I’m also worried he’ll demand you work exclusively for his company. You need to be careful that Boss Li doesn't see you acting meek and obedient again and try some new trick.” If the other party hadn't initiated things, Qiqi might not have left in the first place.

Work exclusively for his company? Wang Qiqi paused while putting on her shoes when she heard Shi Man’s words. Honestly, after receiving that message yesterday, she had been considering what was negotiable—perhaps hoping to take on jobs that prioritized his company’s orders first. That would be normal, but she hadn't expected Shi Man to bring up this possibility. Of course, it wasn't impossible, but from Qiqi’s perspective at the time, working for only one party was repellent. “Wouldn’t working for two or several companies be more advantageous for me?” At least if one raised their prices, the others could also demand an increase. “I’m under a lot of pressure too. Nana’s property development is finishing soon, and I need to make my move too.” Being a major landlord isn’t easy. That first pot of gold isn't dug up effortlessly.

“It’s good you realize that. I just worry you’ll be swayed by a few sweet words and get tricked again.” Since Qiqi had said as much, Shi Man naturally believed her. Furthermore, the loan pressure would soon increase. Shi Man thought they themselves were about to buy two properties, let alone Qiqi. “How many units are you planning to buy?”

“One apartment and one shop unit. Han Tao is planning the same.” Wang Qiqi had initially considered buying two more, even if the loan pressure was heavy. Pressure breeds motivation, right? But Han Tao’s remark had made her see sense. Although it involved payment, they were offering a significant discount. The Zhu family wasn't a charity organization; they had people to support. If Qiqi and Han Tao bought too much, fewer properties or shops would be available for others to purchase, meaning less profit for the Zhu family. Realizing this, Wang Qiqi felt too embarrassed to take excessive advantage. As for Song Yao and her husband, who wanted to buy a place in the capital, Qiqi could only offer her sincerest apologies.

A shop unit? Shi Man walked down the stairs alongside Wang Qiqi. “A shop unit? The location isn't good, is it? It’s quite remote. Who would rent it?” In Shi Man’s view, a slightly remote apartment was fine; if it couldn't be rented out, she could live in it herself. But a shop unit was different. Not only was it expensive, but if it couldn't be rented, you couldn't live there. It seemed like a bad investment; the same money could buy an apartment twice the size.

“Five years ago, this area was also very remote, but look around now at how many people there are. You have to believe that as the economy develops, more and more people will stay in the capital to build their careers. Not to mention Bai Ge and those students who came from the West and Northeast—they all plan to stay in Beijing after graduation, with no intention of returning home. How many of them have the means to buy property? They’ll definitely rent. City center prices will be high, so for budget reasons, they’ll look toward the suburbs…” Wang Qiqi trailed off here. Although this projection might sound like fantasy to some, anyone capable of analysis would understand: for a shop unit, as long as the surrounding foot traffic is sufficient, how remote it is hardly matters.

Shi Man fell silent, quietly riding her bike toward the university with her head down. Wang Qiqi, meanwhile, wondered how much money Han Tao actually had on hand. Although he’d made some from the stock market and programming, Qiqi knew it wasn't enough, especially since he intended to buy a place nearby so they could move in together. Wang Qiqi had considered offering to cover half the cost, but Han Tao insisted that as a man, he had to buy the first home they shared. Faced with his resolve, what could Wang Qiqi say?

Wang Qiqi arrived at Li Xiangdong’s translation agency just on time. Instinctively, she moved to enter Li Xiangdong’s office when the receptionist intercepted her. “Excuse me, Miss, who are you looking for?” The receptionist was polite, but she blocked Wang Qiqi’s path.

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected such a diligent receptionist. Although she hadn’t been there many times, she’d visited a few times before; the previous receptionist knew her. When Wang Qiqi walked back to the reception desk, she understood why she was stopped: the old receptionist was gone, replaced by a young, beautiful woman. Wang Qiqi sighed, thinking about the typical behavior of domestic companies—once they had money, they replaced the receptionists with younger, prettier ones, believing it projected prestige. She hadn't expected Li Xiangdong to be so conventional. “Hello, I have an appointment with Boss Li Xiangdong.”

Upon hearing it was an appointment with Boss Li, the receptionist raised her gaze slightly, scanning Wang Qiqi in a way that made her extremely uncomfortable. She genuinely wanted to bolt. “Are you done looking? May I go in now?” Wang Qiqi snapped.

“Boss Li is very busy; he can’t be seen just because you say so. He’s occupied right now; please wait.” The receptionist thought this must be some girl trying to hit on the boss. She saw plenty of those, young women claiming appointments only to be ushered out quietly. “You can wait on the sofa over there.” Hmph. The receptionist felt a surprising amount of pressure from the beautiful Wang Qiqi and decided to give her a firm warning upfront.

Wang Qiqi hadn’t anticipated this little performance. They hadn’t even called up to verify; they just claimed Boss Li was busy. At this time, shouldn't he have cleared his schedule for their meeting? Still, he ran a large translation agency; he must have far more urgent matters than a student like her. Fine, if the receptionist said so, why should she rush? She was on time, after all. If Li Xiangdong wasn't there later and got angry, the blame wouldn't fall on her.

Wang Qiqi calmly sat on the nearby sofa and pulled out a book to read. She realized there might be some sort of connection between this receptionist and Li Xiangdong. Li Qian glanced back intentionally as she turned, noting that while the receptionist was pretty, she lacked Li Qian’s elegance. However, she possessed something Li Qian didn't: youth, perhaps mixed with adoration for Li Xiangdong. To a young woman her age, Li Xiangdong was undoubtedly a successful man. Wang Qiqi didn't know if Li Qian was aware of this, perhaps she was, perhaps not, but it didn't matter. The important thing was they were still married. Divorce would be a huge blow to Li Xiangdong, especially considering it was joint marital property. Though, he might try that old trick of transferring assets.

While sitting there feeling that Li Qian was being wronged, Wang Qiqi wondered if Han Tao would pull a similar stunt when she was in her forties. She didn't know if she would have the courage to leave him then or if she would swallow her pride and pretend not to notice anything.

Wang Qiqi sat quietly reading and lost in thought. Meanwhile, Li Xiangdong, locked in his office, grew increasingly anxious as time passed. Initially, he could reassure himself that Wang Qiqi might have been delayed on the road, but after half an hour, he felt something was off. Being five or six minutes late was possible, but taking this long without even a courtesy call seemed wrong.

“Qiqi was scheduled for this time, right?” Li Xiangdong confirmed again with Li Qian.

Li Qian nodded. “Yes, this time. Could something have happened on the road?” Qiqi never missed an appointment without notifying him.

Li Xiangdong entertained the possibility and patiently waited for Wang Qiqi to arrive. While he waited foolishly, Wang Qiqi, after waiting for half an hour, asked the receptionist again if she could enter. “The guest hasn’t come out yet,” the receptionist replied curtly without looking up.

“Why don’t you call up to check if their discussion is over?” Wang Qiqi was genuinely irritated now. She had been willing to overlook it if the woman was abusing her position, but this was taking too long, and she showed no sign of yielding. Wang Qiqi’s anger flared. “As a receptionist, you haven't made a single call, nor did you ask the visitor’s name, yet you immediately state the boss is unavailable. Is this a qualified receptionist?” This was truly wasting her time. “Are you going to make the call or not?”

The receptionist was momentarily startled by Wang Qiqi’s intensity but held her ground. If she called up just because Wang Qiqi demanded it, wouldn't she lose all face? “I did call. You just didn’t see it. Boss Li said he’s in an important meeting and cannot be disturbed.”

Wang Qiqi stared directly at her, but the receptionist couldn't meet her gaze. Wang Qiqi knew she was guilty. Fine. If she thinks she has connections, she can rely on her backer. “In that case, I’m also short on time. I’ve waited over half an hour. This young lady said Boss Li is busy meeting clients, so I’ll be leaving.” Wang Qiqi deliberately raised her voice as she noticed a familiar face peering out from the office. “But I hope you aren't the one who ends up regretting this.”

Wang Qiqi turned to leave but stopped abruptly at the door. “I am Wang Qiqi. When your Boss Li is finished, please inform him that I came as agreed. He was the one who didn't have time to see me—I just don't know if he truly didn't have time or just pretended. However, I won't be coming again.”