"Oh, by the way, is everything QiQi’s cousin ordered purchased through you as a proxy buyer?" a sharp-eyed girl in her early twenties inquired. Regarding the previous, obviously idiotic question, her internal thought was that the girl asking was a fool only looking for a handout, just like her mother. Why wouldn't she consider that if the relationship with Han Tao wasn't good, how could he possibly bring things for her? It would be much smarter to think differently—to have Han Tao help bring items back from abroad and profit from the markup through buying and selling. Otherwise, why would Wang QiQi’s cousin open a shop in Jingcheng? Wasn't it because business was good and profitable? However, it was a pity about her cousin; he'd rather help his wife's relatives than think about helping his own.

Wang QiQi shook her head. "Han Tao didn't help purchase those items. It was the boyfriend of a friend of mine studying in the US who helped procure them. Otherwise, if we relied on Han Tao only coming back during the winter and summer breaks to visit the US, how could my cousin's shop stay open?"

"Ah, it wasn't through Han Tao's help?" someone asked in surprise. "Oh, sorry about that," someone mumbled sheepishly.

"There was no other way. This business requires upfront capital. Coincidentally, my friend’s boyfriend was studying abroad, so we partnered up to do business," Wang QiQi explained plainly why she didn't involve Han Tao in this venture. "Actually, this business doesn't make much profit; it relies on large volume. We have to cover the initial funds, so we only earn a ten-point service fee, which several people have to share." Wang QiQi was reluctant to create a formidable rival for her sister-in-law.

Everyone present understood immediately: Han Tao’s wife was even tougher than Han Tao, demanding a ten-point fee right off the bat. "We're all relatives; you still add a percentage even for personal use?"

Wang QiQi smiled. "There’s no choice. Should I tell my partners, 'Sorry, this is for my relative's personal use, so please waive the fee?' Would anyone believe that? Besides, how much volume constitutes personal use? It might just be a pretext to profit from the markup. So, we agreed from the start: regardless of who it's for, even for personal use, they must pay that ten points."

Luo Hongjuan’s little dd fell silent, staring at Han Tao. His supposed girlfriend stepped forward and spoke, letting out a cold snort. "Big sister, I truly worry about your future days. Although your son is good, his wife must also be decent. Otherwise, a black-hearted daughter-in-law will eventually turn a filial son into a black-hearted son." In his mind, mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law were always natural enemies; few enjoyed truly harmonious relationships. Even those who seemed fine on the surface were often just acting, like his own mother and her daughters-in-law—how many were genuinely happy? Weren't they all putting on a show for outside relatives? Didn't they fight fiercely among themselves behind closed doors?

Wang QiQi sighed inwardly, Good heavens, am I even going to be able to finish this meal? The implication now was that she, as a wife, would not be filial to her future mother-in-law. Heavens, Wang QiQi genuinely felt wronged. Although she could never treat Luo Hongjuan as her own mother, she believed she treated her very well. If she, as a daughter-in-law, wasn't good enough, she really wanted to know how many daughters-in-law qualified as 'good.'

"I am very satisfied with QiQi," Luo Hongjuan said. She knew what kind of person Wang QiQi was; as long as one didn't cross the line or overstep boundaries, she would never pay attention to such gossip. She was generous with spending and generous to the elders. "You all don't know QiQi well enough. Don't let this girl's sharp tongue fool you; she actually has a very soft heart and is very considerate of others."

"Mom, don't worry. You are QiQi’s only mother; if she isn't good to you, who will she be good to?" Han Tao said displeasedly. What a group of relatives stirring up trouble—even more infuriating than the Han family members! "Eat up, QiQi, you go settle the bill in a bit." If the conversation continued, Han Tao felt he would have to stand up and explode.

Wang QiQi softly replied, "Okay," and took her purse from her bag, walking toward the exit. She had already inquired and knew that they accepted card payments here. In no time, Wang QiQi returned after settling the bill, nodding to Han Tao to indicate it was taken care of.

Han Tao raised his glass. "My apologies, everyone. We have things to attend to at home, so we’ll be taking our leave now. The bill has been paid; please enjoy the rest of your meal." Han Tao knew that the host leaving first didn't look good, but he had no choice; he simply couldn't endure it any longer. Even if he was hungry and hadn't eaten enough, he’d rather find another place to eat.

Han Tao’s announcement stunned everyone. When Wang QiQi went out to pay earlier, they thought she was preemptively paying to stop anyone else from fighting for the bill. They hadn't expected her settling the account meant they were leaving. "But we've only just started eating; there's no need to leave so soon."

"Exactly, exactly, there are still so many dishes left."

"If you can’t finish them, just leave them. You can pack them up if you don't mind," Han Tao said, helping Luo Hongjuan and Luo Jianguo say their goodbyes before preparing to depart. Luo Hongjuan obediently followed her son's lead.

As soon as Han Tao and Wang QiQi left the private room, the atmosphere inside erupted like a boiler. "Dad, look at Big Sister and the others. Just because they have a little bit of stinky money, they think they’re so great."

"Second brother, it's not just a little bit of stinky money; it’s a lot of money. I heard QiQi’s cousins have bought quite a few houses and shops here. Plus, when Wang QiQi’s parents passed away, they received substantial compensation, and she inherited houses from them. Rumor has it there are several commercial properties. And she bought a house in Jingcheng herself. I really don't know how Big Sister got so lucky to have such a wealthy daughter-in-law. If it were me, I’d be flattering this daughter-in-law too." Luo Hongjuan's sister said enviously, turning to look at her own son. She used to think her son was quite good, but looking at him now, the angrier she got. "Eat, eat, eat! All you do is eat, you’re about to turn into a pig! Bring some honor to your mother! If you don't have the ability to study hard and go abroad, then learn from your cousin—find a rich wife so your mother and I can live the life your Auntie does."

The young man had been enjoying his meal happily until his mother berated him. He snapped back, "Mom, didn't you say Han Tao only became successful because he found a rich girlfriend and used her money to get by? And didn't you say Auntie would eventually become a well-paid nanny, constantly having to serve this rich and difficult daughter-in-law?"

Luo Hongjuan's sister’s face instantly turned pale upon hearing her son say this. She desperately wanted to choke this foolish boy to death. Clearly, such things should only be said at home. Moreover, she had just been hot-headed back then; seeing her older sister living well ignited her jealousy, coupled with a bit of drinking, which led her to spout nonsense. She hadn't expected her son to remember it, and even if he did, how could he bring it up in this setting? "You silly boy, I was drunk!"

She then noticed many people around wearing mocking smiles. She became furious too. "Why is this idea only mine? Didn't you all previously say..." She started naming who said what about Luo Hongjuan, and the scene devolved into an accusation session.

Luo Jianguo watched his grandchildren, utterly devoid of manners, biting at each other like mad dogs. The hand holding his chopsticks gripped tighter and tighter, veins bulging on his arm. His head bowed lower and lower. His bitterness was immense. Previously, these children would return home complaining about being stymied at work because their superiors disliked them, and how well they acted in front of him. It turned out it was all an act. He was about to step in and reprimand them—if they wanted to make a fuss, they should do it at home; who causes a scene in a restaurant? Didn't they care about losing face?

While they were arguing, they failed to notice the very subject of their conversation was standing right outside the door, listening to every word. Tears slowly welled up in her eyes. While she knew these siblings would certainly gossip behind her back about some things, she never expected them to think this way. Just as Luo Hongjuan was about to turn and leave, she noticed her son Han Tao’s face was flushed crimson, and Wang QiQi beside him was pulling his sleeve persistently.

Luo Hongjuan was startled. She didn't know how much Han Tao had overheard. "I followed Mom in," Wang QiQi said, clearly displeased with the gossiping behavior of the people inside. After all, Han Tao was treating them to this meal, yet they were still talking about who would pay—they had no conscience whatsoever. However, Wang QiQi was genuinely frightened when she saw Han Tao's reddened face, looking ready to storm in and cause a scene. If this escalated, the consequences would be severe.

Luo Hongjuan immediately blocked Han Tao’s path, preventing him from entering the room. "Son, there’s no need to bother with them. Didn't you always say letting them anger you only makes you more unhappy? Listen to Mom, let’s just go back." As for the forgotten belongings, Luo Hongjuan didn't care to retrieve them anymore; they weren't worth much anyway.

"Why shouldn't we take our things?" Han Tao mumbled, his lips pressed tight. "Why should we avoid them, why should we be like when we were little? Mom, look at them—I must go in. That way, they won't dare to shamelessly ask for favors later while despising us. Hmph, they should look in a mirror first."

After saying that, Han Tao pushed the door open and walked in. "Pardon me, I forgot to pick something up."

Wang QiQi watched as Han Tao walked into the room amidst the astonished gazes of everyone present. He walked to the spot where Luo Hongjuan had been sitting, picked up a silk scarf, and then very calmly walked to the doorway of the room. Just as everyone assumed he was about to leave the room, Han Tao stopped. "If you want to ask for favors or free handouts again, don't say contemptuous things about people behind their backs. First, look at your own faces. But what makes me happy is that at least now you've acknowledged that I have achieved something. It's much better than when you all loudly proclaimed after my mom and I left when I was little that my mom would be poor her entire life, and I would only ever be an unremarkable worker."

Wang QiQi finally understood why Han Tao hadn't agreed to just leave earlier—it turned out these relatives were discussing how successful Han Tao had become with such scorn. (To be continued)