"Qiqi, what do you think of this set of bed linens? It looks quite nice." As Han Tao passed a bedding counter, he spotted a four-piece set that was really appealing—it looked so fresh and clean, exactly the type Wang Qiqi would like.

Wang Qiqi walked around a few times and found the bed sheets in the mall to be incredibly expensive. Even though they were pure cotton, the price was something else... Wang Qiqi was contemplating whether she should check the small shops near the wet market to see if they sold pure cotton sheets. "The prices are too high." Wang Qiqi paused, then decided to pull Han Tao away. This guy was really something; there was no need to spend so much money on a set of sheets that were the same quality as those outside.

"As long as you like it, that’s what matters. Your man is earning a salary now, too," Han Tao said, leading Wang Qiqi back to the counter. He knew Qiqi would probably just find a beautiful piece of cotton cloth herself and ask a tailor to make it—though the finished products were indeed lovely and comfortable, and cheaper too. But now that Han Tao had money, he felt there was no need to be so frugal. "Today, I’m covering all the expenses, and we’ll have a good meal later." By this time, his stomach was growling. On the way over, Han Tao had noticed a Japanese restaurant that had opened nearby. He’d heard that eating Japanese cuisine could be quite pricey, but to make his wife happy and fulfill her wishes soon, this expenditure was necessary.

Hearing such generous words from someone, Wang Qiqi secretly thought, didn't he just say that his money was our money, and our money was still his money? What was this sudden stinginess about? It was too much, but then again, a man couldn't be too tightly controlled. If he wanted to be generous, so be it. Wang Qiqi mused that later on, she would have to take custody of his entire salary. If he wanted to treat her to a meal or buy her a small gift as a surprise, he would have to use his private stash; he absolutely couldn't use the 'public funds' to treat her or surprise her. If there was going to be a surprise, it should be her surprising him. "Fine, since you're rich now, go ahead and spend. I’m waiting for the day I can shop on the first floor without checking the prices." By now, Wang Qiqi knew the money she had on hand could sustain her very comfortably for a lifetime, provided she didn't become too extravagant.

Han Tao looped his arm around Wang Qiqi and kissed her forehead. "That day will come." Perhaps it was the influence of their time in the States; Han Tao had certainly become more open than before, like occasionally stealing a kiss from Wang Qiqi on the street. "This color is nice. I think it would be good for autumn bedding."

"It gets dirty easily." Wang Qiqi actually liked the light blue sheets, but the issue was that they showed dirt too quickly, requiring frequent washing, which wore out the fabric faster.

"No problem, just wash it often." As long as Wang Qiqi liked it, that was all that mattered. Han Tao asked the clerk to wrap up the set, paid swiftly, and they left.

Since Wang Qiqi wasn't one for long shopping trips, and Han Tao was certainly no fan of browsing, they got their shopping done very quickly. If they saw something they liked, the quality was good, it felt right to wear/use, and the price was acceptable, they could pay and leave with efficiency. Thus, even though they started quite late, they were quite quick; by noon, they had already accumulated quite a few large and small bags of purchases. "In the afternoon, we can focus on buying the comforters," Han Tao said, leading Wang Qiqi into the Japanese restaurant, letting out a long sigh. Although shopping was fast, the items they bought were quite bulky.

"Mm," Wang Qiqi had no objection to eating Japanese food. Even though she felt Japanese cuisine involved small portions for high prices, eating it occasionally was within an acceptable range. Furthermore, she figured this was Han Tao's way of apologizing for the furniture incident, and he probably also harbored a desire to ask her to move in with him soon, so there was no need for her to be overly polite.

Han Tao watched Wang Qiqi walk into the restaurant without any change in expression, not mentioning whether it might be too expensive or suggesting they eat somewhere else. He knew it wasn't that Qiqi disliked the food; it was just that every time they went out, she always picked places with cheaper food that was still decent, just to lessen his financial burden. "Don't hold back; order what you like. Today is a day worth commemorating for us." It was practically his official start date. Though JOHN hadn't explicitly stated it, Han Tao knew the other man was concerned about whether Han Tao would choose to work in the US after his studies abroad. There had been offers before, but once people learned he still had to return to China for school, the conversation died. However, those people had left their cards, saying they could discuss future work once he formally started his studies in the US. Although this matter was likely quite sensitive, the circle was small, and rumors would inevitably surface. JOHN hadn't asked directly, but from the way he kept looking over, Han Tao knew they were feeling some pressure, otherwise they wouldn't have offered such favorable terms.

Wang Qiqi murmured an acknowledgment. She took the menu from the waiter, looking at the prices. She thought that compared to prices in later years, they were actually quite reasonable, but relative to current salary levels, they were still steep. Snapping back to reality, Wang Qiqi debated whether she should order the most expensive items and thoroughly fleece the man, or be a bit more frugal. Ultimately, the latter won out. After all, that money was still hers. Following the waiter's recommendation, Wang Qiqi ordered a set menu and then added a few of the restaurant's specialty dishes. "That should be enough. If not, we can order more." Wang Qiqi stopped Han Tao from taking the menu to order further. She felt too awkward to tell him in front of the waiter that eating Japanese food until you’re full is a costly endeavor.

After confirming the order, the waiter left. Wang Qiqi whispered her true thoughts to Han Tao. "Just a taste of indulgence is fine. Later, we can go next door and order a steak." Wang Qiqi felt that ordering a steak to share would be much more satisfying. "See how good your wife is? One meal with both Japanese and Western flavors."

Han Tao stared at her, momentarily stunned, then finally managed a sentence. "Wife, you are truly becoming a better homemaker." Perhaps some men would pound their chests and declare that their partner shouldn't worry about saving money because he was rich. But Han Tao was definitely not that kind of person. A person who grew up in hardship understands the value of saving money, no matter how much one acquires, because life is unpredictable. Who knew what one might encounter? Look at Gao Kai, for instance. In Han Tao's eyes, Gao Kai used to be like a mountain, and part of his motivation to work so hard was to show everyone that having him as Qiqi’s boyfriend meant she wouldn't be worse off than with Gao Kai. But unexpectedly, the once-flourishing Gao family had fallen into decline. The reasons for their downfall were a topic of much curiosity. Even as a minor shareholder, running a restaurant business for years should have left them with some foundation. When the rumor spread that the head of the Gao family had gambled away a considerable amount at the casino, everyone understood. Han Tao heard these whispers from Wang Qiqi’s mouth, which deeply reinforced his belief that no matter how rich someone becomes, they shouldn't get too cocky; those who are conceited never meet a good end.

"That’s right," Wang Qiqi replied to Han Tao with a hint of pride. "We are going to be parents to second-generation wealthy kids."

"So we're the ones who suffer. By the way, Qiqi, let's go buy rings." Han Tao spotted a jewelry store through the window and suddenly remembered he hadn't bought Qiqi any jewelry. He looked at her bare fingers; although they were lovely, something felt off, especially in the US where many people expressed admiration for Qiqi, and her lack of jewelry made her seem like someone without a steady boyfriend, or perhaps in a very new relationship.

Buy a ring? Wang Qiqi withdrew her gaze from the window and looked at Han Tao. She found it strange that he would suddenly think of buying her a ring; she had never heard him mention it before. Could this impulse be prompted by someone else's actions?

Regarding rings, Shi Man and Julietta had both asked her before. Wang Qiqi wasn't particularly fond of wearing things on her hands, and though she felt a little regretful about Han Tao's previous oversight, she hadn't dwelled on it. A ring was just a formality, but now that he had finally realized it and brought it up, she definitely intended to wear whatever he gave her. "Okay, let’s get a simple one." Wang Qiqi worried that the current version of Han Tao, possessed by a sudden urge to spend like a nouveau riche, might insist on buying her a massive gold ring that would blind people. As for a diamond ring, Wang Qiqi certainly didn't count on having that kind of fortune.

Simple? Han Tao neither agreed nor disagreed. He decided he would make a final call after they got to the gold shop. "We'll see when we get there."

Wang Qiqi rubbed her still-not-full stomach—perhaps only five-tenths full—and then glanced at the bill. Her heart ached a little; it was genuinely expensive. For the same price, she could have eaten her fill at a Western restaurant. "It's nice to switch things up occasionally."

Han Tao patted his own stomach. If Qiqi wasn't full, he certainly wasn't either. "Let’s go buy the ring first."

When Wang Qiqi followed Han Tao into the jewelry store, she understood why he had suddenly thought of buying her a ring: it was definitely a spur-of-the-moment decision. Wang Qiqi had initially assumed he was inspired by Feng Xuanxiang buying Shi Man a ring, which led her to believe she shouldn't expect too much from Han Tao.

After some discussion, Wang Qiqi ultimately won the argument and bought the ring she wanted. Han Tao, watching the very happy Wang Qiqi, then looking at the ring on her finger, felt that Qiqi was being far too considerate of him. Although she had said she liked simple rings, this one was too simple—so simple that people might mistake it for a ring bought for ten yuan. Han Tao secretly vowed that he would definitely buy Qiqi a big diamond ring in the future. He hadn't missed the way Qiqi’s eyes had flickered toward the diamond counter right when they entered. (To be continued)

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