Song Yao meticulously studied the email Wang Qiqi had sent while at home, then called Qiqi. “Qiqi, which shop do you think is better?” Even though the rent was steep, Song Yao felt that this pressure was the only way to motivate herself to earn money. Moreover, there were many wealthy people in the capital city, and Qiqi had mentioned quite a few established clients. This business seemed viable. If they could nurture those client relationships within the store, Song Yao was sure the business would take off.

Gong Peixing leaned over, scrutinizing the email from Wang Qiqi. The listed rental price made him gasp. He realized that the capital was the capital; the rent was this high! This figure gave Gong Peixing a moment of hesitation, but he knew the situation wasn't one where he could simply back out. Yang Jing was already prepared to take over, and he had already confirmed things with Wang Qiqi regarding Beijing. Backing out now would make them both look bad.

After chatting with Wang Qiqi for a long time, Song Yao finally hung up. She stared at the computer screen for ages, truly unable to make a choice. Song Yao admitted Qiqi made a lot of sense. While buying the shop seemed like a massive upfront investment right now, it meant grasping control of their own destiny. After all, rent increased every year, and the rate of increase depended on the landlord or the rent of surrounding businesses. “What do you think,” she proposed, “if we just buy the shop outright when the time comes?” This was a huge expenditure, the single largest outlay since their marriage, and it definitely required discussion.

Buy the shop outright? Song Yao’s suggestion shocked Gong Peixing considerably. Only then did he realize why Wang Qiqi’s email included not just the rent but also the purchase price of the shop. He hadn't paid much attention at the time, but it meant Qiqi was giving them a choice. However, Gong Peixing understood that if Qiqi included the price, she must have intended for them to purchase it.

Although Gong Peixing wasn't involved in the daily operations of the shop, he had some understanding of its business potential. From Song Yao’s tone, he could sense her inclination. Even though she spoke tentatively, it signaled her stance. Gong Peixing considered the implications. “Buying the shop is good in the long run, but we don't have that much cash.” What Gong Peixing didn't say was that the current rent alone was substantial. If the business struggled later, they could simply lease the shop out, fetching a price higher than the current rent. The purchase price was a one-time expense, plus perhaps a mortgage, making it a sure-fire profitable venture. “I agree buying it is better, but the money…”

Song Yao was surprised by Gong Peixing’s immediate agreement, taken aback by his directness. “You’re not secretly unhappy about this, are you?” She glanced at him carefully, worried that he was agreeing verbally while cursing her inwardly.

Gong Peixing wasn't angered. He crossed his arms. “Why would I be unhappy? This is a good thing, no matter what. Look at how housing prices are rising lately. The property we bought in Beijing is also going up, right? Honestly, I regret not being a bit bolder back then and buying more.” The shop, for instance, was the perfect choice: high income, high return on investment. What a shame.

Hearing Gong Peixing say that tightened a knot in Song Yao’s heart. “Don't mention it. That’s why we can’t miss this opportunity this time. You need to ask for leave tomorrow; we’re going to Beijing.” If they were buying the shop now, it made even more necessary for her to make the trip. Besides, Gong Peixing was planning to resign anyway, so there was no need to over-perform; they should let others see a bit of his capability.

Gong Peixing noticed a distinct shift in atmosphere ever since he hinted at resigning. His superiors, colleagues, and subordinates all seemed visibly relieved. The latter was perhaps understandable, but the former two treated him with noticeably different attitudes—suddenly much kinder. If Gong Peixing couldn’t detect this, he’d truly be a dead man. “The more leave I take now, the happier they become. It proves I’m definitely leaving. Sigh, I didn't realize my presence put such pressure on them.” Especially after he overheard something accidentally that deeply hurt him: a colleague, someone who always smiled at him, someone he often helped during family emergencies, someone he considered a friend, was badmouthing him behind his back. How could that not anger Gong Peixing? Song Ziwen had warned him, and his father-in-law, Song Wenbo, had even specifically cautioned him to be wary of that colleague. Gong Peixing had dismissed his father-in-law’s concern as meddling, but now he deeply admired his father-in-law’s foresight. Meeting someone just once allowed him to gauge their character. Gong Peixing realized he still had much to learn.

Song Yao patted Gong Peixing’s arm. “Don’t be upset. Being envied is a sign of your competence. Remember, my father had good relationships at the factory, and you have good standing there too, coupled with your own abilities. Of course, they’re apprehensive about you. But their pettiness is truly something else, sigh.” Though Gong Peixing hadn't shared everything with Song Yao, Song Wenbo certainly knew things and would have relayed them to his daughter. Song Yao not bringing them up in front of Gong Peixing was simply to spare his feelings.

Gong Peixing understood the logic, but the issue was, “I’m genuinely uninterested in all that office politics. You know me. I just want to make our landlady business bigger and better.” Perhaps Gong Peixing had initially aimed for promotion, but after these years, he had lost all real interest in factory titles. Putting aside everything else, look at his father-in-law: he was doing quite well at the unit, popular, mid-level position, but how much was his overt and covert annual income? Compared to Gong Peixing’s annual rental income, the difference was staggering. If it weren't for the fact that someone in the family was already self-employed, Gong Peixing would have quit long ago.

“I understand, I understand. No need to get angry. My dad is moving to a 'second line' position after the New Year,” Song Yao said, recalling news Wang Damei had shared privately. Suddenly, an idea struck her: Gong Peixing leaving now might actually be for the best.

Moving to the second line? Gong Peixing recalled the recent internal shifts at the plant. “The wind is changing; we should leave quickly then.” His father-in-law stepping down meant only a minor financial loss for him, but he couldn't tolerate being slighted. “I thought…” He was surprised that Song Wenbo would give up his position so easily; it seemed rather strange.

“Though my father is deeply resentful, he knows that holding on would only invite more dissatisfaction. It’s better to retreat now. My dad is very envious of the income you and Ziwen earn. He always said he was too busy with work before—too occupied—to find time to look at properties. Now he finally has the time to do what he wants: look at houses, go fishing, drink tea, and tend to his flowers.”

“He can also accompany Mom when she travels around,” Gong Peixing mused. Perhaps his father-in-law stepping down now was a blessing. Wang Damei was a good person, but she was perhaps too indulgent when looking after children. Although Yang Jing and Song Ziwen hadn't said it outright, Gong Peixing knew they preferred having their son raised by Yang Jing’s parents, believing that upbringing would lead to more success.

When Wang Qiqi received Song Yao’s email, she smiled broadly, confident Song Yao would make the right choice. However, the content of Song Yao’s email shocked Wang Qiqi. She recalled that in her previous life, Song Wenbo hadn't moved to the second line. Why was this scenario unfolding in this timeline? Of course, Wang Qiqi wasn’t entirely sure, as her knowledge of the Song family in her past life wasn't extensive. She only knew Song Yao divorced, Wang Damei died of cancer, and Song Ziwen gambled away the marital home. Perhaps, precisely because of the various issues with his children and wife in the previous life, Song Wenbo had struggled on, knowing that holding his position provided a good income.

Wang Qiqi spotted Song Yao and Gong Peixing emerging from the airport arrival gate and waved enthusiastically. “Sister, Brother-in-law, you’re really making money now, traveling by plane!” Good heavens, rich people! Wang Qiqi kept clicking her tongue in admiration.

Song Yao walked up to Wang Qiqi and playfully smacked her a few times. “Teasing your older sister, are we?”

Gong Peixing followed behind Wang Qiqi, pushing the luggage cart toward the parking lot. “That’s right. You fly abroad often. This is the first time your brother-in-law has ever been on an airplane.” Of course, his mother-in-law, Wang Damei, hadn't even set foot on a plane yet.

“It’s alright, Brother-in-law. You can take my sister out traveling more often in the future. What’s the point of making money if not to enjoy life? Besides, what if you discover a new business opportunity during your trip? That would be the best outcome,” Wang Qiqi said, thinking of Li Qian, who had actually conceived the idea of opening a hotel in Lijiang purely through travel. Wang Qiqi envied her greatly. In her past life, she had visited Lijiang and dreamed of opening a tranquil hotel there herself, but the financial burden had been immense. Furthermore, Li Qian mentioned that the Naxi-style ancient house she bought was incredibly cheap. While the interior renovation costs were high and many items needed to be purchased, the initial purchase price alone made Wang Qiqi envious. This made her sigh, realizing that travel often unveiled new business prospects and avenues for wealth.

“We’ll see once the shop in Beijing is stable,” Song Yao replied. She wasn't particularly fond of traveling for leisure, but she did want to go out and look for items she could import for sale, thus expanding her business scope and creating more revenue streams. However, she knew the chances of traveling significantly in the next two or three years were slim.

Once Wang Qiqi got into the car, she asked, “Sister, do you two want to rest for a bit?”

Song Yao shook her head. “No need. We’re going straight to look at the properties. Your brother-in-law and I have tickets to fly back the day after tomorrow.” Alas, Yang Jing was currently minding the shop, but as a heavily pregnant woman, she could deliver any day. Song Yao didn’t dare linger; everything needed to be done quickly.

Wang Qiqi acknowledged this with an "Oh," instructed the driver, and drove toward the commercial unit Wang Qiqi had specified. Since they were in such a hurry, there was no need to delay.

(To be continued)