Luo Hongjuan finished washing the dishes and walked into the living room, spotting Wang Qiqi engrossed in her computer. "Emailing with Taotao?" She calculated the time; her son should have already settled in the US by now.

After sending the email, Wang Qiqi nodded, handing Luo Hongjuan the longan and red date tea she had brewed earlier. "Mmm, he arrived. The journey was smooth. I told him to rest immediately; otherwise, once things get busy, who knows if he'll get this much downtime again." Wang Qiqi recalled a certain idiot who had told her he slept well on the plane and planned to go straight to work. That always annoyed her—such a silly person who didn't know how to slack off. Capitalists are capitalists, after all; they’ll squeeze you dry. You have to seize every opportunity to be lazy when you can.

"Oh, he’s not actually thinking of going to work, is he? What a silly boy." Luo Hongjuan thought about how long her son had been on the plane, in such cramped seats. Even if he could sleep, the thought alone was uncomfortable, yet he was still focused on work. "By the way, Qiqi, do you have time? Could you tell me a bit about the brands? I’m hoping to get up to speed quickly when I go over there." Although asking her daughter-in-law for advice felt a bit awkward, Luo Hongjuan quickly reasoned: was she going to refuse to learn just to save face? Besides, being embarrassed in front of family was far better than causing offense or losing business in front of clients later on.

Hearing Luo Hongjuan, Wang Qiqi nodded, indicating it was no problem, but she cautiously inquired, "Mom, why the sudden interest in going into business with Yao Yao? While starting a proxy purchasing service seems easy right now, it’s not entirely smooth sailing. Also, Mom, do you feel like I've been favoring my sister and her family too much?" Wang Qiqi had pondered this alone in bed after returning. After all, Old Mrs. Han had mentioned right in front of her that she was taking care of her maternal family. Wang Qiqi wondered if Luo Hongjuan had taken that to heart.

If anyone else had said that, few mothers-in-law would have been pleased, but Luo Hongjuan wasn't upset in the slightest when Wang Qiqi asked this. In her eyes, this was Qiqi treating her like a real mother—only a mother and daughter would question each other so frankly. "How could I think that? I know my limits, Qiqi. I can certainly help out, assist where needed, but making all the executive decisions? I don't have that capacity. I also felt that if I stayed here, the Han family's issues would eventually surface, and I wouldn't be able to escape. But if I go to the capital city, I can steer clear. And Qiqi, you’ll be in your final year of university next semester. Song Yao also mentioned she might not go to the capital until after the New Year. She was worried she wouldn't be able to smoothly take over the business then, so she asked if I’d be willing to go. I thought about it and agreed. Honestly, I’ve been quite worried since I agreed, just in case I mess up the business and can't account for it."

Since Luo Hongjuan had put it that way, Wang Qiqi expressed her own concerns. "If it were my business, I wouldn't mind whether it succeeded or failed. But this business belongs to Song Yao and her husband; they’re essentially abandoning everything here for a new life in the capital. Although they made the final decision, they wouldn't have considered moving to the capital if it weren't for my connection. No matter what, I have to consider my sister and her husband. There are so many factors in the capital. Since you’ve made up your mind, Mom, I know you’ll do wonderfully." Wang Qiqi recognized that Luo Hongjuan was resolute; once she made a decision, she would see it through. Moreover, if she didn't let Luo Hongjuan try, how would she ever know if she wasn't a capable salesperson? Most importantly, Luo Hongjuan was the best kind of listener. While she might not always offer the best advice, she provided a sense of security, which was quite useful in the proxy business. That business relied on established clientele, and maintaining those relationships depended entirely on one's skill. "We should just tell Song Yao that you’ll become a partner."

In Wang Qiqi's view, although Han Tao was good at making money, given Luo Hongjuan’s personality, she would never agree to take Han Tao’s money. Therefore, the best approach was to let Luo Hongjuan earn her own income.

Luo Hongjuan hadn't considered the issue of shares at all. She quickly waved her hand dismissively. "No need for such hassle. A salary will be fine for me." Song Yao’s offered salary was far from low, and there were commissions on top of that. Furthermore, Luo Hongjuan wasn't strongly motivated by money; people earned more for the sake of their descendants. She wouldn't think that far ahead for herself. Song Yao knew that even if she stopped working now and spent the rest of her days in comfortable retirement, she would live very well. But that wasn't what Luo Hongjuan wanted, nor did she intend to simply be Song Yao's assistant in exchange for equity.

Wang Qiqi bringing up shares was not a baseless suggestion. Even if she hadn't coordinated with Song Yao, she knew Song Yao wasn't foolish. She understood that maintaining a good relationship with Luo Hongjuan was absolutely crucial for keeping things smooth. Wang Qiqi doubted Song Yao had brought Luo Hongjuan over without considering this angle. As for the shares, even if it wasn't mentioned now, Song Yao would bring it up later. "Mom, my sister will definitely give you shares. Once Han Tao and I go abroad, my direct communication with her will decrease, and you staying in the country will become the tie that binds us." Even relatives require maintenance, especially a relationship like the one between herself and Song Yao, which was largely cemented by mutual interest; that needed even more nurturing.

Luo Hongjuan wasn't dense either. With a moment's thought, she understood. If Song Yao genuinely intended to give her shares, Luo Hongjuan wouldn't refuse; she could simply leave them to her grandchildren later.

Song Yao arrived at Qiqi’s house, carrying a small basket of fruit, acting cheerful while Luo Hongjuan was out for the day. She looked at Wang Qiqi with an ingratiating expression, and Wang Qiqi, knowing Song Yao was seeking approval for an action already taken, played along by sitting stiffly on the sofa.

Song Yao had waited a few days before coming over, assuming Qiqi had already smoothed things over with Luo Hongjuan. To her surprise, her cousin was still acting this way. Song Yao regretted not bringing Taotao along so she could have a relaxed chat with Wang Qiqi. Although that little boy sometimes caused trouble, in a setting like this, his presence would have undoubtedly eased the atmosphere. "Qiqi, I know it was wrong of me not to consult you beforehand..."

Wang Qiqi couldn't hold it in any longer. She was also worried that if she pushed someone too hard, they might reveal something inadvertently, and Wang Qiqi figured she’d be unlucky. So, Wang Qiqi burst out laughing. "Alright, I know you didn't mean it. I just felt my reaction wasn't up to par because you didn't give me a heads-up. It's a good thing Han Tao's mother and I already cleared up the issue about the live-in son-in-law, or else..." Wang Qiqi felt a chill just thinking about the string of potential crises. If they hadn't sat down to communicate, everyone would have bottled things up, and eventually, it would have erupted, leading to ugly words and attitudes. It was truly a narrow escape.

Song Yao, seeing Wang Qiqi playfully shake a tiny fist at her, also felt a wave of relief. "I was reckless, utterly reckless." She had genuinely thought that building a good relationship with Luo Hongjuan would naturally bring her closer to Wang Qiqi, but she hadn't realized there were so many underlying complexities. Her planning was clearly inadequate, and Qiqi being upset was perfectly normal. "Oh, by the way, did you two finally sort things out?"

Wang Qiqi let out an affirmative sound, lacking her usual warmth. "If my mother-in-law and I hadn't completely cleared the air, do you think you'd be sitting here so peacefully? I would have stormed over to your house demanding an explanation long ago."

Song Yao could only offer a silly smile. "I just think Auntie is quite good at interacting with people. Even though she had an ulterior motive, you have to know that if she weren't capable, I, as a complete businesswoman, would absolutely not have taken her on. Of course, if she does well, she will definitely get shares. Once I move to the capital, I’ll hand everything here over to Yang Jing; whether it succeeds or fails will depend on her capability. As for me, I plan to make a name for myself in the capital, buy property once I have money, and not just let the money sit around. People turn bad when they get rich." Song Yao thought she really should have listened to Qiqi: turning money into property was the best security for any unforeseen circumstance.

Wang Qiqi looked at Song Yao in surprise. "Why so philosophical? Did your husband do something to upset you?" But then she dismissed the thought; if Gong Peixing had done anything of the sort, Song Yao wouldn't be sitting here calmly. In Wang Qiqi’s view, it would have led to chaos.

"Your brother-in-law hasn't done anything wrong. I’m just taking precautions," Song Yao stated calmly. Wang Qiqi watched the composed Song Yao, mentally criticizing that while everyone was optimistic when only theorizing, in reality, even the strongest heart could be crushed when faced with actual trouble. "When Auntie comes in March, Qiqi, you should take her to look at some shops. If you think any are suitable, let's finalize the location and start renovations. I plan to have the shop operational by the summer vacation..." Song Yao laid out her vision. "Then Auntie can hold down the fort in the capital, and by the time I get there, the operation should be up and running."

Wang Qiqi could only offer a wry smile. "What does setting up a shop have to do with me? So, I'm responsible for finding the storefront, overseeing renovations later, and I suppose I'll have to help find staff and perhaps offer some assistance when Han Tao's mother arrives?" That was quite a calculating scheme. Perhaps without Luo Hongjuan involved, Wang Qiqi could have pushed back a little, but now that her mother-in-law was committed, there was no way Wang Qiqi would refuse; she would put even more heart into helping.

In response to Wang Qiqi's accusation, Song Yao chuckled sheepishly. "We'll pay you a salary! We’ll pay you wages! You won’t be working for free."

Hearing that, Wang Qiqi’s mouth twisted in genuine annoyance. "What? So you originally didn't plan on paying me?" Good heavens, people say small business owners are stingy, and it seems they're absolutely right—the smaller the boss, the tighter the purse strings.