Now that Han Tao had a study, there were times when Wang Qiqi needed to work, so she would settle into the study to handle her tasks, while Shi Man, who initially commented that Qiqi was staying over at her boyfriend's so often she must forget where her own home was, now, after finishing her evening meal and her walk, no longer went straight back, but instead dropped by to chat and share culinary insights with Lu Qiaowei.

Indeed, after months of watching others cook and then starting to cook herself—though it involved wasting countless ingredients in the process—Shi Man had managed to get the simpleton to sample quite a few of her dishes under her gentle pressure. The consequence was that he lost weight; sometimes Shi Man’s cooking was merely odd-tasting, while other times it was a lethal weapon. For this, the simpleton made frequent trips to the restroom and complained ceaselessly to Shi Man. But when Fatty’s weight dropped by twenty catties, returning him to the weight he was when he first met Lu Qiaowei, Shi Man became insufferably smug, often pestering him to treat her to a meal. After all, without her, how could Fatty have lost weight so quickly?

At such times, the simpleton would threaten to email Feng Xuanxiang, telling him how many bouts of stomach trouble he endured, nearly landing him in the hospital, all in the name of cultivating a wife capable of excellent cooking for his sake. Whenever they quarreled, everyone would gather around to watch the spectacle. After many repetitions, Shi Man stopped bringing it up. However, the simpleton often grumbled, asking Shi Man to deliberately ruin a dish so he could get diarrhea and shed a few more pounds. Looking at his trim figure and feeling no strain during his runs, the simpleton concluded that being leaner was better. Furthermore, since starting his fitness regimen, the simpleton felt his overall health had improved; the frequent heart flutters or aching arms were gone. He also felt he had become quite the campus figure now; many girls would divert their gaze to him when they passed by. This pleased the simpleton immensely, allowing him to shine brightly during his senior year.

The simpleton had a great opinion of himself, feeling he had indeed achieved some glory, and even Lu Qiaowei’s classmates and roommates began saying he was worthy of her. But in Lu Qiaowei’s eyes, the leaner simpleton seemed to put her at a disadvantage. “I say, simpleton, stop fussing over this and that. You’re already good enough; just exercise every day. Besides, Sister Manman’s cooking is much better now; how could she still make those awful dishes?” If Lu Qiaowei hadn't previously sided with Wang Qiqi and the others in urging the simpleton to lose weight, she would have told him to stop dieting long ago. Being a little heavy didn't matter, at least the girls’ gazes toward him weren't so warm. Now that he had successfully slimmed down and, after being refined by Shi Man and the others, the simpleton even possessed a certain flair in his dress. As a result, the simpleton became hot property; a handsome and capable young man is popular everywhere.

Wang Qiqi, hearing Lu Qiaowei admonishing the simpleton from the study, whispered softly to Han Tao, “Finally, someone couldn’t stand it anymore.” Wang Qiqi knew that many freshman and sophomore girls had been sending the simpleton flirtatious looks and love letters recently. “Right, you weren't this popular on campus too, were you?” Wang Qiqi suddenly recalled that compared to the simpleton, her own man must be even more sought after. In the past, Wang Qiqi often went to Han Tao’s university to wait for him, establishing her status as the main consort. Yet, even so, many girls looked at her man with tender adoration.

Han Tao had been eagerly anticipating how the simpleton would answer that question, waiting to see how he would navigate that hurdle. But before he could revel in his own anticipated success for long, the spotlight shifted to him. However, he was no inexperienced freshman like the simpleton; he had seen much more and knew how to handle such situations. “Don’t worry, I won’t spare those people a second glance. They only see the successful me, but you are different…” Han Tao remembered when he first entered university, how his classmates looked at him with contempt when they learned he earned tuition and living expenses by tutoring, only to later cling to him when they understood his capabilities. Han Tao would never accept such women, not even if Qiqi weren't by his side. He certainly didn't want to worry about entanglements back home when he eventually went to the States. “Besides, you know how busy your man is. Speaking of which, what are we doing about the train tickets for going home for the New Year?” In the past, Li Xiangdong always helped buy the tickets. But now Wang Qiqi no longer worked for Li Xiangdong, so asking him for help was out of the question, and spending a whole winter night on a train was torture.

Wang Qiqi had already asked Ye Ruizhi to help with the train tickets. With such a good boss, and feeling she had shared quite a bit of information about Li Qian’s recent life with him, no matter the angle, Mr. Ye surely had to give her some face? But Wang Qiqi had originally requested three tickets, not anticipating the extra one for Han Tao. “Aren't you going to the States?” The words left Wang Qiqi’s mouth, and she realized Han Tao hadn't booked his flight. Perhaps Han Tao wasn't going to the States this year? That was good news, though she wondered what Shi Man would think when she learned her man would be spending the New Year alone in America.

“I am,” Han Tao pulled Wang Qiqi closer, making her sit on his lap. “My cousin is getting married, so I took some leave. I’ll go to the States after the third day of the Lunar New Year and come back in March.” It was only a temporary leave. Fortunately, the professors at school knew Han Tao’s situation and understood that skipping classes wouldn't affect his academic standing. Although the professors were reluctant to admit it, they knew there was little they could teach Han Tao in terms of his major; rather, Han Tao could discuss advanced topics with them.

Leaving on the third day of the New Year? Returning in March? Wang Qiqi knew nothing about these arrangements. She tucked away her smile, looking at Han Tao with a serious expression. “Such major news, and you didn’t tell me.” Alright, Han Tao’s cousin’s wedding was a minor event in Wang Qiqi’s estimation, so not knowing about it was forgivable. But Han Tao’s departure time for the States and his return date were a huge issue.

“I only got the leave approved today; otherwise, I wouldn't have planned to go back for the wedding.” Although it was his cousin’s wedding, and he, the successful cousin, was expected to attend proudly with his mother to show the Han family relatives how wrong they were to cast him and his mother out, he actually preferred to spend the New Year with his mother. “Last year, I was working overtime during the New Year, and when I saw your email detailing all the delicious food you prepared, and how poorly my appetite was, I cried.”

Even though almost a year had passed, Han Tao felt a deep sense of grievance remembering spending the New Year utterly alone overseas, only managing it through work. Especially after reading Wang Qiqi’s email. “I desperately wanted to call and book a flight back, Qiqi, you have no idea…” Han Tao quickly pulled Wang Qiqi into an embrace, afraid she would see the moisture in his eyes and catch his expression. “All I thought then was that next year, I must spend at least one reunion dinner with you all before leaving.”

Wang Qiqi knew that spending the New Year alone abroad was hard for Han Tao, but she hadn't expected him to contemplate returning home. And this rascal had written in his emails that everything was fine! “Then why didn’t you book a ticket back at that time?” Wang Qiqi didn't harbor the thought that he shouldn't have come back—that if he had, they wouldn't have their current happy life. Money was never more important than people.

Han Tao stroked Wang Qiqi’s hair. “If I had come back then, it would have worried you all more. You would have thought I wasn't welcome there, that they had driven me out. Besides, didn't you often say my job was to earn money to support the family, and yours was to be beautiful as a flower?” Han Tao thought he couldn't let such a good opportunity pass, even if Wang Qiqi wouldn't blame him, he wouldn’t forgive himself. “Since I’m going later this time, do you want to come with me?” Han Tao tried to tempt Wang Qiqi.

Wang Qiqi was certainly tempted, but the problem was she dared not ask for leave. If she were in her senior year, she would have taken the time off without hesitation—it was just an internship unit. Wang Qiqi had no intention of finding a unit for an internship. Putting aside how difficult it was for someone without connections to enter a brokerage firm, she was planning to go abroad anyway. Why would they be willing to train her? She might end up being treated like a menial laborer. What Wang Qiqi kept silent was that she had already planned to travel around during the second semester of her senior year; after all, it was only about writing a thesis. “No, I’ll accompany you to the States during the winter break of my senior year.” Staying longer wouldn't be an issue then.

Han Tao hummed softly, understanding Wang Qiqi’s intention. “Okay.”

While the two were tucked away in the study discussing their Lunar New Year plans, Wang Qiqi suddenly remembered something. “Isn't your cousin younger than you? Has he turned twenty yet?” Heavens, he looked like he had just graduated high school not long ago; how could he be getting married so soon?

“He has; he’s not much younger than me. It’s good to settle down and start a family early so he can quickly give the Han family a grandson.” Han Tao clearly understood the intentions of his cousin’s family: they were hoping to raid the old woman’s coffin and curry favor while she was still alive. “Just ignore whatever those people say then; not a single word they utter is human.”

Wang Qiqi nodded. In fact, even if Han Tao hadn't mentioned it, she had no intention of meeting those relatives. According to Luo Hongjuan, those so-called relatives were leeches who flocked around once you became successful. Especially when someone actually suggested introducing Han Tao to a girlfriend right in front of Wang Qiqi. Wang Qiqi recalled how Luo Hongjuan immediately put on a stern, commanding face. “Qiqi is my daughter-in-law; I don't have a second son.” Honestly, it was the first time Wang Qiqi had seen Luo Hongjuan look so powerfully stern. But then again, if Luo Hongjuan had always been weak, how could she have persevered until now, considering Han Tao’s father died when he was still young?

Fú Xīng Jià Dào by Qiān Dǎo Nǚ Yāo: See how the transmigrated female lead enjoys blessings, wealth, romance—all fortunes aligned! (To be continued)