Song Yao certainly knew this couldn't be rushed, but she gathered from Wang Qiqi's words that she was inclined to give her the business. The only issue was that Wang Qiqi needed to learn to be more democratic and discuss it with Shi Man and the others before giving a definitive answer. “No rush, no rush. The shop premises won't run away,” Wang Qiqi whispered this to Song Yao, ensuring she didn't see Song Yao's expression. Had she noticed, she would have told Song Yao that the matter hadn't been discussed yet, and deciding who gets it was still up in the air. While Juliana wouldn't have any designs on this venture, Shi Man might, and what if they wanted to entrust it to Feng Xuanxiang's relatives? Wang Qiqi couldn't insist too strongly, as this was everyone's business, not just hers alone.

Song Yao was quite satisfied with the results of the late-night chat; she had achieved what she wanted, and she had also heard Wang Qiqi’s analysis of her marital problems. “Qiqi, you should get to sleep early too. Don’t stay up too late.” Content, Song Yao slid into bed, and before long, the sound of snoring filled the room.

Wang Qiqi was, in fact, quite tired. There was no elevator in such a tall building; it was all done by two legs, climbing up and down. By the end, Wang Qiqi didn't know where she got the courage or strength to climb the stairs; it was purely instinct. But now that Song Yao was asleep and even snoring, the poor thing, Qiqi, was still relentlessly rushing through her work. “I’m so jealous of you.”

Wang Qiqi got up and switched off the main light in the room, then walked to the living room to pour a cup of coffee. Just then, Juliana also emerged with a mug to get coffee. She looked surprised to see Wang Qiqi. “Still working?” It was almost one in the morning; how was Qiqi not asleep yet, especially since she had complained at dinner about feeling like a migrant worker today, with her legs aching?

Wang Qiqi yawned and gulped down the coffee. “Yeah, I finished the two urgent items. There are still a few less urgent ones I plan to knock out tonight. I don't have classes tomorrow afternoon; I’m taking my sister and the others out sightseeing.” Being a host isn't easy. Thankfully, she only needed to show up; if she had to cover all the expenses, Wang Qiqi felt it would be a huge loss. “How much longer do you need?”

Juliana sighed. “Probably an all-nighter.” The operation in Jingcheng was getting bigger and bigger. Since Han Meina had interned at the office, she knew a bit about the situation, so her old man placed the heavy burden on Juliana’s shoulders. The consequence was that Juliana spent less and less time on campus. If Shi Man wasn't taking notes for her, her exams would truly be a problem. For every gain, there was a loss; the only consolation Juliana could offer herself was that after gaining weight in her first year following her high school slimness, she had regained her slender figure. “I only have classes tomorrow afternoon. By the way, how many properties are you planning to buy?”

“I’ll discuss it with Han Tao tomorrow. Han Tao wants to buy a slightly larger place in Beijing so his mother has a place to stay when she visits Jingcheng,” Wang Qiqi mumbled, feeling a bit speechless. She privately wondered how likely she was to return after they went abroad, but she couldn't oppose him directly in front of her dutiful son-in-law.

“So, two apartments, two shops?” Juliana noticed that Wang Qiqi seemed most focused on the shops, though Han Tao didn't seem entirely supportive.

“Maybe three shops,” Wang Qiqi thought, why pass up a deal if she could pay the remaining balance next year? “Oh, my sister just mentioned the purchasing agent thing. She asked about our plans after we go abroad…”

“She’s coming to Beijing?” Juliana had no opinion on who should manage that business. “As long as she’s willing, and Manman and the others agree, I have no objection. Besides, once we go abroad, we either hand it over to someone else or shut it down. It’s better if someone takes over; at least we can still earn some money.”

Wang Qiqi understood Juliana’s perspective. “Thanks. I’m heading back to my room.”

Returning to her room, Wang Qiqi wasn't surprised to find Song Yao already asleep, clutching her pillow. Wang Qiqi sighed; she really was accustomed to sleeping while hugging her brother-in-law. She hoped that when she finally fell asleep, Song Yao wouldn't suddenly wrap her up.

Wang Qiqi didn't sleep well all night. She had gone to bed late, and she was exhausted. Worse, Song Yao pulled her in for a tight hug, placing an arm across Wang Qiqi’s body and even draping a leg over Wang Qiqi’s thigh, pressing down so hard Wang Qiqi could barely breathe. Wang Qiqi tried a few times to slip away from Yao, but as soon as she relaxed, Song Yao would pull her back tighter. After several failed attempts, Wang Qiqi gave up the effort; it was completely futile.

Wang Qiqi silently cursed in her heart: wasn't cuddling in sleep a male prerogative? In her past life, Gao Kai used to like holding her when sleeping, and Han Tao did too. In winter, Wang Qiqi, who was colder due to her low body temperature, quite welcomed it, treating it like hugging a constant-temperature hot water bottle. But in summer, it was truly a burden. She never expected Song Yao’s cousin to be so formidable. Wang Qiqi truly felt a moment of pity for Gong Peixing; he had it tough. Song Yao slept soundly all night, the only strange thing being that Gong Peixing kept squirming out of her embrace. Could he really be...? But thankfully, he stopped moving away later, otherwise, Song Yao might have had to resort to force. Oh, wait, Song Yao remembered what Qiqi had told her earlier. If she had really acted, Wang Qiqi would probably have flipped out—she kept her up late after an exhausting day, and then she got pinned down, and she even made a move! When Song Yao woke up the next day, she realized she had been sleeping while hugging Wang Qiqi, which gave Song Yao quite a fright. She knew this girl Wang Qiqi hated being pressed on when she slept the most. Ah.

Song Yao carefully got up and paced in the living room. "Oh, how could I forget I was sleeping with Wang Qiqi?" She glanced at Wang Qiqi’s slightly furrowed brow. Song Yao thought, maybe she should just make something delicious, hoping that when Wang Qiqi woke up, she could appease her anger.

While Song Yao was busy preparing breakfast in the kitchen, Wang Qiqi, still asleep in the bed, heard the piercing sound of the alarm clock. Without opening her eyes, she skillfully reached out, patted around, and silenced the alarm before putting her hand back under the covers. Wang Qiqi was simply too tired; her entire body was screaming that it was exhausted.

Wang Qiqi truly didn't want to get up. She’d been busy all day yesterday and had a late night, and she hadn't expected Song Yao’s sleeping habits to be so rough. Wang Qiqi kept sighing; it felt like she’d run a marathon yesterday, and her lower back still ached.

After a long struggle, Wang Qiqi finally crawled out from under the covers. As she yawned and headed to the bathroom, she was startled by a person flashing a fawning smile. "Sis, you..." Wang Qiqi squinted, taking a moment to recognize Song Yao. "Don't be so charming so early in the morning; you'll frighten someone." Honestly, she didn't let her rest while sleeping, and now that she was awake, she still wouldn't let her go. This was too much.

Wang Qiqi maneuvered around Song Yao and headed toward the bathroom. “Sis, did you make breakfast?” There was a scent of porridge in the air. Wang Qiqi initially thought the smell of someone else’s porridge had drifted in, but the closer she got to the kitchen, the stronger the aroma became. There were only four people in the house, and only Song Yao would be making breakfast.

Song Yao nodded. “Yeah. Qiqi, should I serve you a bowl?” Song Yao had considered buying steamed buns or something similar, but she turned back before leaving the door because she didn't have a key. She didn't know if the other girls were awake yet, and how she would get in was a problem; she didn't dare call. “I only made some porridge. Oh right, Qiqi, can you give me your key? I’ll go out and buy some buns.”

“No need, Sis. This is what we usually have for breakfast; porridge is better.” Making porridge required waking up early. Wang Qiqi used to have the patience for it, but with heavy workloads and frequent late nights, Wang Qiqi had forgotten when she last made porridge. “Plain porridge with preserved vegetables—a perfect match.”

Song Yao had originally wanted to insist on a simple breakfast, but since Wang Qiqi was so set on it, she stopped arguing. “Then I’ll eat first. After I’m done, I’ll meet up with your brother-in-law and the others. And thank you for yesterday.” While making breakfast, Song Yao had thought of many things and suddenly remembered she hadn't thanked Wang Qiqi yesterday.

Wang Qiqi accepted Song Yao’s gratitude without pretense. “Sis, you really need to fix your sleeping posture. I honestly don't know how Taotao managed to grow this big so successfully... I can’t imagine what it’s like when Song Yao sleeps next to Taotao. It must not be like this, or that child would probably…”

“I know. I thought I was hugging your brother-in-law,” Song Yao said apologetically. “Don’t worry, I won’t do it next time.”

‘Next time’? Wang Qiqi scoffed without holding back. “Next time, I won’t share a blanket with you, and at least I won’t have a late-night chat with you again; that’s too terrifying.” Doing such a taxing thing once was enough. “Oh, Sis, when you go back, discuss with Brother-in-law how many properties to buy. If we finalize the houses early, we can pick better floors.” Especially the shops—prime locations are absolutely critical.

Shi Man made a sound of acknowledgment. “Qiqi, are you planning to?”

“I want to buy two of each.” As for the size, Wang Qiqi needed to discuss that with Han Tao. “Sis, if you’re in a hurry, you should leave early. Nana and the others don’t have classes until the afternoon, so they won't be up early. I have class later too. By the way, Song Yao was actually quite worried about Gong Peixing. Hearing what Wang Qiqi said, she quickly finished her breakfast. “Then I’ll go. We can have dinner together tonight, near where we’re staying. You’re busy too; don’t rush around.” Song Yao thought that Qiqi came out to accompany her, but when she got home, she just had to work. They were all grown adults; couldn’t they entertain themselves? “Don’t rush around. Earning money isn’t easy for you. I finally understand why you never get fat, no matter how well you eat—it’s all from sheer exhaustion. Staying up late every night, relying entirely on coffee and tea to stay awake. Song Yao felt that even Wang Rui, diligently studying for the Gaokao, wouldn't be this busy until this late.” She cautioned, “Take better care of yourself normally; don't always stay up late; it’s bad for your health…” Song Yao knew Wang Qiqi didn't like to be told and knew she neglected this when busy, but as an older sister, she had to say a couple of things.

Wang Qiqi nodded, signaling she was listening. “Don’t worry, Sis. I usually go to bed before midnight.” It was rare for her to pull an all-nighter; this time was an exception because Song Yao and the others were visiting.

(To be continued)

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