Julina took Shi Man's last remark to heart, confirming firmly, "Really, he will be our financial manager, and he won't charge any fees." Julina knew that the biggest income for a financial manager came from a small commission on the client's profits. Perhaps at the start, it would be a win if anyone entrusted Feng Xuanxiang with their finances without charging too many fees, but once Feng Xuanxiang's performance improved, he could start choosing clients, and the fees would naturally rise. Although Julina wasn't sure how far Feng Xuanxiang's path would extend, she was definitely optimistic about the man.

"Absolutely." Although Shi Man felt she was conceding a bit by agreeing, she readily assented, a decision she would deeply regret for a long time afterward—why had she let a simple meal make her clash with Julina?

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected such a substantial gain for herself; she could already picture her future wealth rapidly increasing with someone's help. "Manman, you are the best; dinner tonight is on me." Given the many future benefits, Wang Qiqi felt it necessary to cement this arrangement; after all, accepting a meal placed one under an obligation. "Manman, you must eat a lot tonight; since your man isn't here, you are representing us."

Shi Man had initially wondered if Julina’s excitement was due to some hidden agenda. While she was pondering this, she heard Wang Qiqi offer to treat them to dinner and urge her to eat well. She immediately dismissed her own concerns and looked excitedly at Wang Qiqi. "Does that mean I can order anything I want?" Good heavens, Wang Qiqi was rarely so generous; Shi Man felt she couldn't pass up the chance to fleece her thoroughly. Hmph, let that be a lesson for bullying her in the States. "It won't end up being fifty-fifty, will it?" The more Shi Man thought about it, the more she suspected Wang Qiqi’s generosity hid a catch. Benefits weren't that easily obtained, and she might end up regretting it.

Wang Qiqi was speechless. If it weren't for the sake of freely 'enslaving' someone later, would she be going to such lengths? Hmph, she decided to ignore it; since Shi Man had already agreed to the deal, backing out wouldn't be easy. She didn't even look at Shi Man, replying somewhat haughtily, "If someone doesn't believe it, fine. Since you suggest fifty-fifty, then we’ll each cover our own. I was originally going to thank you and Feng Xuanxiang for your help. What a pity..." Wang Qiqi sighed. "But perhaps it’s for the best. We haven't had much money left after buying the house; saving two [portions of the bill] is still saving two."

Han Tao, watching from behind, saw Wang Qiqi delivering those insincere words. He glanced at Shi Man, who looked anxious, while Julina remained the calmest, merely watching the show in the middle, occasionally providing subtle cover for Wang Qiqi when her facial expressions faltered. He thought that Shi Man couldn't compare to Julina, or even Qiqi. Even though Shi Man’s parents were officials and she should have seen more of the world than Wang Qiqi, somehow she seemed less savvy. For instance, if this were Wang Qiqi’s situation, she definitely wouldn't have been fooled.

Shi Man’s previous hesitation vanished upon hearing Wang Qiqi’s reaction. That was normal. If Wang Qiqi had shown no regret, that would have been completely abnormal. "Hmph! You promised something and now you take it back? Is that how you treat people? I don't care; you’re paying for dinner tonight, or else..." Shi Man threatened, "Do you think you’ll have the nerve to ask my man for free financial management later?"

That was the line they were waiting for. Wang Qiqi and Julina exchanged a look. "No problem. All right, let's hurry back, take a shower, and I still need to help Han Tao set up his room." They used to share bunk beds, but now the room was empty, so there was no need for that arrangement anymore.

Han Tao adjusted his glasses. "I think I forgot to tell you, I already asked Daizi to help set up the room. He should have already moved the furniture in."

What? The furniture was already bought? And he hadn't even told her? Wang Qiqi felt a surge of anger. This was about decorating their home! She had specifically looked forward to buying a nice bed, but unexpectedly, someone had outsourced the entire decoration rights without consulting her first. Wang Qiqi had initially planned to help him move his luggage, but now, feeling slighted, she got into the car with a proud toss of her head. "I'm tired; I don't want to move luggage."

Shi Man looked at Wang Qiqi, then at Han Tao, and patted Han Tao’s shoulder. "Brother, take care." Poor man. Didn't he realize that no matter how assertive Wang Qiqi usually was, or how much she disliked shopping, she was genuinely interested in setting up a room, especially one she might stay in occasionally? For him to make such a mistake—she truly couldn't fathom what he was thinking. Why couldn't he maintain that melodramatic, soap-opera earnestness from the flight?

Julina sighed, seeing Han Tao’s confusion, and patted his shoulder. "As a man, you should move it yourself; it’s not heavy anyway." Julina understood that Han Tao had delegated the task to Daizi to spare Wang Qiqi exhaustion, but the problem was that he hadn't realized this would only make Qiqi angrier.

Han Tao was initially bewildered, but then he understood why Wang Qiqi was upset. He admitted he hadn't considered this angle, but he genuinely thought that since furniture needed to be bought anyway, having Daizi handle it was simply convenient.

Seeing Han Tao get into the car, Wang Qiqi didn't ask if he was tired. Although the sight of sweat beading on her man's face caused a pang of heartache, she managed to suppress the urge to ask. Hmph, until someone apologizes, Wang Qiqi decided they were not reconciling. This was too much; she hadn't received even a hint of prior notice. She had been looking forward to browsing furniture stores tomorrow to buy the pieces herself, but now...

Han Tao intentionally didn't wipe the sweat from moving so much luggage, hoping Wang Qiqi would feel sorry for him. But to his dismay, she acted as if she saw nothing. This made him realize things were serious. Qiqi was usually soft-hearted, but today was different. Han Tao didn't mind the many 'third wheels' in the car, and even if Wang Qiqi was avoiding him, couldn't he still pursue her?

Han Tao suddenly hooked Wang Qiqi’s arm, resting his head on her shoulder. "So tired. I didn't realize we brought this much luggage back."

"But, wife, I noticed our bags aren't even as full as Manman's. Next time you go to the States, buy more; it makes no sense for the two of us to have less luggage than Manman alone."

"So tired, and so thirsty. Wife, do you have water on your side?"

Wang Qiqi snorted coldly. If he was thirsty, why was he talking so much instead of quietly resting? Didn't he care that he was tired?

Han Tao realized Wang Qiqi was deliberately ignoring his complaints and could only pinch the bridge of his nose. Previously, no matter how upset Qiqi was with him, she wouldn't treat him with such public disrespect. Today, Qiqi seemed genuinely furious. "I asked Daizi to buy the furniture so you wouldn't have to exert yourself, but the interior decoration is still up to you. Don't you always say soft furnishings are more important?" Alright, Han Tao was the first to yield, whispering near Wang Qiqi’s ear as if begging for mercy. "You know, furniture needs time to air out after it's bought, so..."

Wang Qiqi knew this was true. With that small budget, they couldn't afford solid wood furniture, nor was it necessary. Cheap furniture likely wouldn't be high quality and would smell strongly; it wouldn't be good without airing out for a period. "I know. I’m just angry that you didn’t tell me, and I also wonder how well Daizi chose the pieces." But what could be done if they were mediocre? They’d have to make do for two years. Wang Qiqi saw Shi Man constantly glancing over, her eyes alight with anticipation of drama. To save her man some face, she suppressed her true feelings, though the look she gave Han Tao showed her anger hadn't completely subsided.

Han Tao knew the immediate alarm was cleared. As for later, he decided to let it go for now. "I’ll cover the bill tonight."

Wang Qiqi placed her hand behind Han Tao’s back, hidden from everyone’s view, and squeezed his flesh hard. "That’s generous of you, Han Tao. Thank you for treating us." Tch, he should be paying anyway. Did he perhaps not intend to pay? How despicable! Hmph, Shi Man was right; she was being too considerate of this man. Han Tao was utterly speechless. He finally understood that no matter what he said now, Wang Qiqi would find fault. He regretted not listening to Daizi earlier; Daizi had warned him about how Qiqi might complain if he helped buy the furniture. At the time, Han Tao had confidently said she wouldn't, but now he could see that Daizi understood women better. Han Tao now only hoped Daizi hadn't bought truly terrible furniture.

Han Tao drew Wang Qiqi close, letting her lean against him to rest. Shi Man realized there wouldn't be much more entertainment, so she closed her eyes to rest. She knew she had seen enough for one day. Once Qiqi recovered and realized she had been watching the spectacle, she might seek revenge. Besides, it was good to calm her own mood and conserve energy for the delicious dinner ahead.

Julina, seeing the three of them settled in the back resting with their eyes closed, could only shake her head and start chatting with the driver.

"Manman, what are we eating for lunch?" Julina asked after noticing Shi Man's eyes constantly darting around in the rearview mirror.

Shi Man was indeed not asleep. Having slept so much on the journey, she worried about insomnia that night. She didn't believe Wang Qiqi or Han Tao were sleeping either; they were probably just trying to avoid her watching them. "Whatever. We're eating well tonight anyway." If she wasn't worried about getting too hungry, Shi Man truly wouldn't want lunch. "Let's just have noodles; I’ve missed them after being away for so long. Lunch is on me; don't fight me for it."

Wang Qiqi hadn't actually been sleeping, just resting with her eyes shut. Hearing Shi Man’s declaration, she let out a soft laugh. "Just a bowl of noodles? Who needs you to treat? We'll pay separately."

Shi Man pouted. Hmph, taking out her frustration on me because she's mad at someone else—that's too much, absolutely too much.