Wang Qiqi couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. This reunion dinner, meant to mend fences, had managed to create such a tense atmosphere within the first few sentences. If someone had to humble themselves, she figured it should be the elder, adopting the superior posture—that seemed normal enough. But why start by subtly accusing Han Tao of something?

Moreover, Wang Qiqi noticed how the expressions of those present shifted dramatically after Old Master Luo managed to freeze the mood. Some looked eager for drama, others detachedly watching, but the majority appeared visibly nervous. The former group likely had distant ties to the Luo family, while the latter—the immediate siblings of the matriarch—were clearly anticipating some kind of benefit. The awkwardness was palpable. A middle-aged woman attempted to speak up but was quickly pulled back by a man beside her. The silence stretched for about ten minutes before Luo Hongjuan finally stepped in. "Xiao Tao, is that how you speak to an elder? Regardless, he is still your senior."

Hearing this, Luo Jianguo wished his daughter had kept silent. What was that supposed to mean? Wasn't she implying that the elders were being unreasonable? Luo Jianguo’s face flushed crimson instantly.

Wang Qiqi internally praised her mother-in-law’s sharp wit. Who would have thought that this seemingly mild-mannered person could be so devastating? Sometimes the quietest people deliver the heaviest blows; she had just managed to anger an old man to the point of risking a cerebral hemorrhage.

Luo Hongjuan had said that deliberately. She knew outsiders viewed her as malleable—a "dough person" easy to shape—but she wasn't inherently easygoing. Life had simply ground her fighting spirit down to the faintest spark of hope. "Father, is everyone here? Shall we begin serving? I arranged today’s menu. Everyone, please eat heartily. Wasting food is such a shame."

Luo Jianguo had expected his daughter to offer some sort of apology, but instead, she hadn't even glanced his way, immediately assuming the role of hostess and inviting everyone to sit. While Luo Hongjuan was paying the bill and thus technically the host, Luo Jianguo believed that no matter what, she was his daughter. He, by right, was the true host, justified by the fact that he usually announced the start of the meal. In any gathering where he was present, whether the daughter or the son was footing the bill, it was always he who declared it time to eat.

Luo Hongjuan’s words caused a noticeable shift in the expressions of many present. Some people were already moving toward their seats. Then, a sharp-featured, weasel-faced middle-aged woman—whom Wang Qiqi had been observing—spoke up. "Big Sister, no matter who hosts the meal at home, it is always Father who calls everyone to the table." Although the statement itself merely recited a fact, her mocking smile made it clear she was looking for trouble.

"Excuse me. I haven't attended a family dinner in nearly twenty years, nor have any of my siblings invited me out to eat," Luo Hongjuan replied, sensing that since the atmosphere was already sour, there was no point in trying to smooth things over. "Everyone, please take your seats. Qiqi, Xiao Tao, come and sit down too." Luo Hongjuan beckoned her son and daughter-in-law to join her. As for the others, they could sit if they wished.

Luo Hongjuan’s forceful reply stunned her siblings. They were all thinking how this person, long unseen and considered meek and useless, had suddenly become so assertive. It was truly rare. They quickly took their places, knowing there had to be a strong reason for Luo Hongjuan’s sudden stance. "Sit, sit down."

Luo Jianguo was tempted to flip the table and walk out, but he worried that if he left, his daughter might not bother trying to salvage the situation later. Could he actually walk away? That would leave him looking foolish on both sides. Luo Jianguo knew he had absolutely no leverage or right to act haughty in front of this daughter. Yet, simply sitting down felt like a profound loss of face.

Luo Hongjuan watched the old man, who usually held himself in such an arrogant, superior manner, appear so utterly subdued, so choked with resentment. She sighed internally. "Father, let’s sit down together and have a meal. It’s rare for us all to gather. Tao Tao and the others have to return to the capital tomorrow."

Luo Jianguo huffed a few times, maintaining a stiff posture, before finally sitting down. "Serve the food." This time, Luo Jianguo’s declaration to start eating was the most reluctantly uttered command.

"Grandpa, this beef is quite good," Han Tao said, placing a few slices of beef into Luo Jianguo’s bowl.

Luo Jianguo grunted. "Even though you grew up without a father, your mother raised you very well as a single woman."

"Later, you should talk with your cousins. Even if you only saw each other as children, they are still relatives. Help them out where you can," Luo Jianguo said, his face flushing slightly as he spoke.

Han Tao deftly avoided the subject. "Grandpa, the food here is excellent, very tasty." He couldn't keep provoking the old man’s bottom line right here at the dinner table.

Everyone present, especially the younger generation, showed expressions of eager anticipation and hidden delight upon hearing Luo Jianguo’s words. Wang Qiqi noticed it all and offered a cold smirk. She presumed their thoughts mirrored those of the Han family—once Han Tao was established in the States, they expected him to help them emigrate too. What pipe dreams they were chasing. "Mom, these spareribs are wonderful," Wang Qiqi said, placing a few ribs into Luo Hongjuan’s bowl.

"Younger brothers, please eat more. If the dishes aren't enough, we can order more," Luo Hongjuan instructed. How could she not understand her in-laws’ intentions? In her view, they should have started by emphasizing kinship, only mentioning favors once relations had warmed up. She hadn't expected them to be so impatient, bringing it up so directly.

Watching Luo Hongjuan and her son avoid the topic of sibling affection and focus only on encouraging others to eat, their gazes shifted back to Luo Jianguo. They had planned their strategy at home: the old man would lead the charge, and they would provide backup. But Luo Hongjuan and the others were completely ignoring them, either letting Han Tao deliver a sharp retort or steering the conversation back to the food.

If it were just Luo Jianguo and Luo Hongjuan alone, perhaps the old man would have been slightly more accommodating. But with so many relatives watching, the usually stubborn Luo Jianguo felt deeply uneasy under their scrutiny. With a sharp slap, he brought his chopsticks down on the table. "Luo Hongjuan, no matter how old you are, no matter how much money you have, you are still my daughter! What’s wrong with asking you to look after your nephew and niece? Don't forget, your surname is Luo!"

Wang Qiqi thought the old man had finally dropped the pretense and was showing his true colors. Seeing that kind words weren't working, he immediately resorted to using his seniority to threaten Luo Hongjuan. "Grandpa, one generation manages the next. I think my maternal uncles are well aware of my mother’s financial capacity." Han Tao’s expression hardened too. Honestly, they had planned a peaceful meal, or at least to wait until after dinner for any trouble, but these people insisted on creating a scene right at the table. Han Tao couldn't tolerate it endlessly. "Furthermore, I remember everyone who has been good to me. And there’s another saying everyone knows, right?"

"Is that how you treat your elders?" Luo Jianguo exploded. "Luo Hongjuan, look at the son you raised."

"Father, you are getting old; perhaps you shouldn't meddle in certain matters. I remember who has been good to me and who hasn't," Luo Hongjuan said, truly wishing she hadn't bothered hosting this meal, which already felt tainted. "I am leaving for the capital tomorrow, and I won't be back often after that. Can't we just eat quietly, considering this is the most complete gathering of the Luo family in over a decade?"

"Big Sister, you’re leaving for the capital?" Everyone was surprised. If Luo Hongjuan was moving her base to the capital, how would they maintain a good relationship with her in the future, and how would they rely on Han Tao for assistance?

"Qiqi’s cousin is opening a shop in the capital; I plan to go there and work for her," Luo Hongjuan said, electing not to mention that she held shares in the enterprise herself.

"Qiqi’s cousin is very wealthy, opening a shop in the capital?"

"What kind of shop? Will it be another one selling imported goods on consignment?" A young woman who seemed to have some knowledge of Wang Qiqi’s family situation piped up. "Auntie, when Cousin goes to the US later, can he bring us back some foreign things?" Things like cosmetics, nice handbags, and clothes—perhaps even take them abroad to travel or settle down.

"It should be fine. The capital certainly has greater growth potential," Luo Hongjuan thought, relieved that she was leaving tomorrow, otherwise these people might start visiting frequently asking for favors.

"Bringing things back is certainly no problem, as long as the money is right," Han Tao readily agreed. Helping anyone was the same, as long as payment was involved.

"Ah, Cousin, you're already rich, why be so calculating?"

"How is money ever 'enough'? Besides, when was I ever rich?" Han Tao thought. We don't have a good relationship; why should I help you for free? "Qiqi always gets paid when she helps her cousin bring things back, and even a small errand fee," he added. Hmph, it’s best if you’re unwilling to pay; I’m not begging you to do business with me.

"Big Sister, the richer people are, the more they nitpick," Han Tao’s eldest maternal uncle spoke up. He found it strange; both his sister and brother-in-law weren't so calculating, so why was Han Tao so focused on money?

"If I were truly rich, my elderly mother wouldn't have to leave home and earn money in the capital. Furthermore, it’s better to set terms clearly from the start. I have to make a living in the States too," Han Tao said unhappily. "Eldest Uncle, I recall you once gave my mother some rice and cooking oil—I remember that. And when I visited the States last time, I brought you a full set of designer suits, and an expensive handbag for Auntie. I think you don't need to keep bringing up those distant memories, do you?"

The rest of the Luo family members were stunned that Han Tao had given the eldest son of the Luo family such gifts. They had never heard a whisper of it before, and envious, jealous, and resentful looks immediately fell upon the couple. They were silently thinking how fortunate this couple was. Those small gifts years ago couldn't have cost much, but Han Tao's reciprocation was far more valuable. They were instantly filled with regret for not having spent a little money themselves back then, like the eldest brother, thinking how such a small outlay could have yielded such a huge return.

Thank you to all readers for your support of Step-by-Step in 2013. I wish you all smooth sailing and good health in the New Year. I wonder how everyone spent the last day of the year? I had hot pot with my best friend, hoping for a prosperous year ahead. (To be continued...)