Song Yao saw Wang Qiqi’s determination to buy a new house and stopped trying to persuade her. “Song Ziwen is buying a house, right? The old place is fine for just the two of them, but now there will be an auntie, plus we have to occasionally consider both sets of parents visiting. The current place is absolutely not enough. Why don’t you two buy near us for mutual support?” It would be convenient for looking out for each other.

Wang Qiqi pondered for a moment and nodded. “Okay, I’ll discuss it with him tomorrow.” The renovation could also be entrusted to Song Ziwen. As for the house here, they could just leave it empty; once the new house is done, they can move some of the parents’ things over directly. “Are you planning to buy one?”

Song Yao shook her head. “Where would I get that much money? Besides, there are eyes watching over there. Forget it. We won’t be without a place to stay when we return, so why waste the money?” She didn’t want to spend a fortune only for the house to end up being given to someone else to live in—that would be a massive loss.

Wang Qiqi didn't press the matter further. “I don’t have high demands. Buying a place over a hundred square meters will do. My only requirements are decent security and a good layout. Most importantly, I need an absence of too many intrusive relatives—the distant aunts and cousins.”

“That’s a given. If you buy an expensive property, even the most gossipy people might not have the spare time to pry,” Song Yao stated with certainty.

Wang Qiqi didn’t entirely agree with Song Yao’s assessment. “I just hope the security is strong enough to shoo away anyone annoying.”

Just as Song Yao was listening to Wang Qiqi detail her requirements for the new house, there was a knock at the door. Song Yao set down her watermelon and went to open it. “Honestly, why does it take you half a day just to drop someone off?”

Gong Peixing pinched his voice and called out, “Qiqi, do you have anything to drink?” He was absolutely parched. Gong Peixing truthfully felt too weak to even walk properly; he seriously wanted to just collapse on the floor. “Wife, you have no idea. Don't ever invite me to activities like this again.” After taking the glass of water Song Yao handed him, Gong Peixing downed it in one gulp.

“You have no idea. I dropped them off downstairs at the little uncle’s place ages ago, but escorting those two upstairs took up far too much of my energy. I almost just walked away then and there.” Remembering the embarrassing state of those two drunks, Gong Peixing was furious. “How old are they? And they’re already alcoholics.” Gong Peixing detested people who drank until they had zero awareness; didn't they know it was terrible for their health? “I just saw them to their doorstep and left.” What came next involved Wang Dagui. “The little uncle was even asking why they were so drunk, saying the older sister and brother-in-law shouldn't have let it happen. Listen to what he said.” Gong Peixing thought that if he had heard those words downstairs, he would have guaranteed himself dragging the people out of the car and driving away. That statement was truly terrifying. Had they done something in the past to deserve being plied with alcohol like that?

Song Yao became angry too. “If I had known, I shouldn’t have gone. They don’t stop to think about the character of his daughter and son-in-law. No one would actually try to stop them from drinking; they all act like they’re gods of wine. If they lose control, it becomes our responsibility? We are the older sister and brother-in-law, yes, but the problem is, does his daughter listen to anyone? Humph! If she listened to advice, would she be acting like this?” She continued, “Look at how readily she drank and how well she played at the karaoke hall today—she’s clearly someone who does this often. And then they blame me for not stopping her. Hilarious.”

“Alright, why get angry over them? By the way, I have a business trip in a few days, so I won't have time to take them to the airport,” Gong Peixing said to Song Yao. After taking such an insult today, taking them to the airport would make him a complete fool.

Song Yao hummed in response. “You’re leaving?”

“We bought train tickets for the day after tomorrow. The three of us will leave together, then we need to prepare for the exams, and after that, we’re flying to the US.” Wang Qiqi had no interest in constantly taking long flights; it was genuinely ruining her skin. “Sister, when are you heading over?”

“At the end of the month. Yang Jing is taking over now; she’s basically up to speed, so I can consider my job done.” Song Yao had been quite worried initially, thinking Yang Jing seemed a bit aloof, but she hadn't expected her to adapt so quickly. She had managed to maintain good relationships with many clients. “Speaking of which, is the shop decoration almost done?”

“Yes, yes. Wait a moment, I’ll get the photos.” Wang Qiqi walked to a corner of the living room, rummaged through the suitcase she brought back, and pulled out a stack of photos. “These are pictures after I put the new stock in. What do you think?”

Song Yao knew her little sister always did things well. “I can rest assured when you handle things.” She took the photos and looked closely. “They look quite nice; the arrangement is very cozy. These sofa cushions…” They looked rather expensive.

“I asked a few grannies in the neighborhood to make them. I got the fabric as wholesale remnants, so it didn't cost much. Even including the labor, it’s not a significant expense.” Wang Qiqi had asked the grannies to make several sets for herself too, planning to make the inserts when she got to the US; putting them in those covers would look absolutely beautiful.

After hearing the price Wang Qiqi quoted, Song Yao was stunned. “This price is unbelievable.”

“Right? I told you this price would make you completely satisfied,” Wang Qiqi said smugly, then pointed to some of the handicrafts scattered around. “I had the old ladies process all of these. Their handiwork is excellent. When you go later, Sister, you can also ask them to make things for you.”

Song Yao nodded repeatedly. “They look very pretty; they immediately give a feeling of home warmth, and the best part is the cheap price.” After reviewing all the photos, Song Yao patted Wang Qiqi’s shoulder. “You are definitely the ideal candidate for a virtuous wife and capable mother—achieving such beautiful results while spending the least amount of money.”

Wang Qiqi and Han Tao sat at Wang Damei’s house for quite a while before Wang Rui and Cao Jiaming finally appeared, staggering a bit. Wang Damei disliked their appearance immediately but didn't say anything.

Wang Dagui started complaining to Wang Damei. In truth, Song Yao had already told Wang Damei about the incident that morning, and she knew the whole sequence of events. She had intended to let it go if Wang Dagui didn't bring it up, but she hadn't expected her younger brother to have the nerve to complain. “Dagui, you’re an older man now. You need to know that some matters require proper investigation. Do you know the circumstances under which Wang Rui and the others got drunk?” If it weren't for considering Cao Jiaming was present and needing to save face for this father-in-law, Wang Damei, with her protective nature, would have already started cursing. For a young woman, her studies weren't progressing much, yet she’d learned to drink, and got blackout drunk—what kind of decorum was that for a girl?

Wang Dagui hadn’t expected his complaint to turn into him being lectured by his sister. He wanted to put on a display of authority, but he ultimately held back, worried that if he tried to assert himself, he would only end up being scolded by his sister instead.

“Little Uncle, you should have asked what happened with Wang Rui yesterday. After dinner, Qiqi suggested we go sing. Little Rui was so agreeable; as soon as we got into the room, she announced she wanted to drink, and she drank quite a lot. What could we do? Qiqi said not to drink, and then Little Rui said that since the older sister was celebrating being successful, she wouldn't even treat them to a little drink…” Song Yao thought that with so many people present, she couldn't accept this blame.

Wang Rui felt a surge of anger inside. She couldn't retort out loud. Yesterday, she had actually intended to spend a bit more of Qiqi’s money, which led her to drink beyond her usual limit. However, she used to sing and order that much alcohol before without getting this intoxicated. But the drinks yesterday were definitely real liquor, not fakes.

As Wang Rui pondered why her alcohol tolerance had deteriorated, she noticed the looks of slight disdain from the relatives present. “Auntie, weren’t we happy yesterday? I’m sorry that I got a bit carried away with the drinking. My father is just worried about me. I promise I will pay attention in the future and won’t make this mistake again.”

Since Wang Rui had said that, there was nothing more Wang Damei could say. The surrounding relatives, hearing this, felt relieved. After all, they lived far apart, north and south, and it was rare to meet, especially for a joyous occasion. Getting drunk was somewhat understandable. “Forget it, forget it. The matter is past; why dwell on it now?”

“Exactly. But Little Rui, you shouldn't get drunk when you’re so young; it’s bad for your health.”

Song Yao noticed how the tone of the surrounding conversation had shifted. She glanced at Wang Qiqi, signaling that her sister was becoming more formidable by the minute. Wang Qiqi simply shrugged; to her, these matters were inconsequential. “When is Comrade Song Ziwen showing up?” Time was tight, and discussing the price comparison early was crucial. Wang Qiqi had already discussed Song Yao’s proposal with Han Tao this morning, and Han Tao had no objections. Having a familiar face nearby meant security was a non-issue.

“Let’s talk this afternoon; we’ll be busy hosting lunch,” Song Yao said, noticing Wang Qiqi’s anxious look. “Are you in a rush? Aren’t you leaving on the train tomorrow evening?”

“Tonight, Han Tao’s maternal grandparents want to have a gathering, and we’re the ones paying for it,” Wang Qiqi calculated that this trip back home was truly an example of money flowing like water. “Did you know the Luo family wanted to invite ten to eight tables?” Wang Qiqi had thought the Luo family would be somewhat better based on Han Tao's description, but they turned out to be rather greedy too. In her and Han Tao’s view, it should have just been a small gathering among Luo Hongjuan’s immediate siblings. “It was only thanks to Mom speaking up that they finally agreed to just three tables.”

Wang Qiqi resolved that when she eventually married, she definitely wouldn't hold a local reception. After all, there weren't many relatives close to her. Even inviting them to the US for the wedding, Wang Qiqi would be happy to do so.

Song Yao cast a pitying look at Han Tao, noticing his slight, wry smile. “Every family has a few difficult relatives. Without their existence, how would you appreciate how wonderful your current life is?” She added, gesturing toward Wang Rui, who was currently acting demure and virtuous with her boyfriend, “Look at how well someone is behaving now, a complete transformation.”

“That’s her. I just don't want to spend so much energy socializing with relatives,” Wang Qiqi thought. Even if they called her opportunistic, she had long since given up on these so-called relatives. Why should she cling to them when they were the ones clinging to her? (To be continued.)