Seeing Dai Lijun still sowing discord, Han Tao retreated several steps away from him. He wondered if the simpleton had gone crazy from studying, knowing full well that Qiqi held something over him, yet instead of begging for mercy, he was jumping around on the sidelines. “Qiqi, let’s go look at houses. Didn’t you say we were going to a market this afternoon?”

Go to a market? Dai Lijun pouted. What a country bumpkin. What fun was there in a place like that? But he still followed along; wasn't the purpose of coming today to look at houses?

“Yeah, actually, there’s nothing much to it, I just wanted to go for a walk.” Wang Qiqi turned her head and glanced behind her at Dai Lijun, catching him just as he pouted. “Dai Lijun probably doesn’t want to go, how about just the two of us go?” Qiqi hadn’t managed a single outing alone with Han Tao since arriving in the US.

“Good.” Han Tao pushed the cart with one hand while holding Wang Qiqi’s hand with the other. “But it seems we can’t go inside to look at these houses. How did you manage to get in last time?” The doors of many houses were shut tight. Although they could vaguely glimpse the interiors through the windows, the view was too blurry, which made Han Tao very curious about how Wang Qiqi had gotten inside previously.

“Last time, someone happened to be looking at a house, so I just shamelessly went over to take a look,” Wang Qiqi thought, wondering why, on a weekend, she couldn’t find anyone viewing houses. “It’s fine. You two can look at the community environment first. If it’s good, we can look at the specifics of the houses next time.” Wang Qiqi admitted she had miscalculated this time by not making an appointment in advance.

When Dai Lijun heard that he wouldn't get to see Wang Qiqi’s future house today, he was truly disappointed. “No way, we just came to check the environment.” While the community environment was nice, the problem was, “What I care about is the house we’re going to live in. Can a good environment be eaten?”

“Sigh, we worked so hard all day for nothing,” Dai Lijun decided not to move. What good was the scenery? At that moment, a thought struck him: what if Qiqi and the others didn't end up buying a house here after all?

Dai Lijun went on strike and didn't want to continue the tour. Wang Qiqi didn't care; at least she’d have one less person nagging beside her. Han Tao was quite pleased with Dai Lijun’s sudden lack of consideration. “Since you’re not leaving, just wait for us here and watch the bicycles while you’re at it.”

Dai Lijun watched the two of them abandon the bicycles and walk off. “Hey, are you treating me like a bike-sitter?” Unbelievable, simply too much. He had originally planned to rest for a bit and then wander around the community himself, but now, what was the point? He was stuck here guarding the bicycles.

“Weren’t you tired? Weren’t you planning to just stay put here?” Wang Qiqi turned with a giggle and looked back at him. Hmph, this kid just wanted to go off and play by himself; she might as well grant him his wish.

“Sigh.” Dai Lijun certainly noticed the mischievous glint in Wang Qiqi’s eyes. “Go on, go on. I’ll watch them.” Well, it seemed he really was stuck here resting.

“You,” Han Tao tapped Wang Qiqi’s head. “Keep bullying him; I like it, though.” If he wanted to slack off, let him slack off thoroughly.

Wang Qiqi, with familiar ease, led Han Tao to the front of a specific house. “This is the one I’m fond of. Although it’s a bit far from the lake, I saw from the attic window that you can catch a glimpse of the lake corner…” Wang Qiqi explained meticulously. “But I don’t know if this house has been sold. That couple we saw that day seemed very satisfied with it.”

“Since you like it, we’ll contact the sales office tonight.” Han Tao was very pleased with Wang Qiqi’s taste, and if the house was good, it wouldn't lack eager buyers.

“Yes, it’s best to finalize the house while you have a couple of free days,” Wang Qiqi thought. She had many errands to run, and buying it sooner was better than waiting until they were about to leave, when she would be swamped with work.

Wang Qiqi pulled Han Tao to the back of the house. “What I like most is the two big trees in the yard. I wonder if we could build a treehouse later, so the kids will have a place to play.” A treehouse—Wang Qiqi had been eyeing the idea for a long time, but it required a rather specific type of house, and she hadn't expected that buying a house this time might actually make this wish come true.

A treehouse? Han Tao looked at the height. “Wouldn’t that be a bit dangerous for a child?” How old is the child? What does she know? If the adults aren't careful and the child tumbles off, it will be too late to cry. Then there will be a host of problems, with the community and relevant authorities coming after you. “A swing would be fine, but with such a large space, there will be plenty of room for the child to play later.” Han Tao knew Wang Qiqi definitely wouldn't use the entire space just for planting flowers; for her, that would be a hassle.

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected her vision to be so coolly dismissed by Han Tao. Although he spoke the truth, the problem was hidden beneath the surface. “Actually, I want it. I thought I could go up to the treehouse to surf the internet, read, or nap when the weather is nice.” If the child doesn’t need it, can’t the parent use it? “And if there are any issues later, I can discover them early.”

Han Tao had been puzzled why Qiqi suddenly brought up a treehouse; she knew the child wasn't interested in such things at that age. He hadn't realized she wanted to play there. “Oh, you. How old are you? Maybe not. If the child sees it, it’s still a bit risky. You can just tinker with the attic. Besides, you wouldn't feel safe sleeping in a treehouse, would you?” What if someone saw and trespassed? It would be too late to cry then. The thought of that scenario sent a chill down his spine. To prevent that vision from forming in his mind, he felt he had to stand firm and prevent Qiqi from building a treehouse.

“Also, if you build a treehouse, you need to check with the surrounding neighbors. What if they disagree, and you can’t do anything?” Han Tao continued.

Han Tao’s words left Wang Qiqi speechless. From the child's safety to the neighbors' opinions—if Wang Qiqi didn't understand now, she'd be a fool. “You just don’t want me to build a treehouse, do you?” Wang Qiqi felt terribly wronged, but she also knew it was true. If a treehouse were built, and the neighbors objected, she’d truly have no recourse, especially since the two trees were very close to the neighbor's property, and foreigners value privacy so highly. “Forget it, forget it. I’ll just fuss with my attic.” She’d turn the attic into her own little world; then he wouldn't have anything to say. “It’s just a shame there’s no balcony. Oh, right, I’m installing a bathtub in the attic. That way, I can lie in the tub and watch the stars.”

Han Tao was too exhausted to comment on Wang Qiqi’s rapid shift from one idea to the next. “If you like it, fine. But I think we could put our bedroom in the attic. Don’t you like that open feeling?” Then, the scene of Qiqi bathing… The thought made Han Tao feel the premonition of a nosebleed immediately. He frantically drove the notion out of his head. This was a public setting; he absolutely couldn't make a fool of himself.

Wang Qiqi felt she was having the worst luck today. She wanted a treehouse, and Han Tao rejected it with all sorts of excuses. Then he suggested using the attic for her, saying she could decorate it as she pleased. Fine, she mentioned her plans for the attic, and the next thing he said implied all her requirements would be met anyway. “I’m not looking anymore. Let’s go back.” Wang Qiqi turned, pouting, and walked back towards where Dai Lijun was waiting.

Han Tao watched his wife, whose smile had just vanished and now showed signs of an impending blizzard, utterly confused. But he knew he couldn't let Qiqi just walk away; shouldn't problems be solved immediately? Han Tao grabbed Wang Qiqi’s arm. “Qiqi, what’s wrong now?”

Now? Wang Qiqi thought the word was highly suspect. “Do you think I’m being unreasonable?” Wang Qiqi felt she had always behaved exceptionally well; she’d even gotten a tan while looking for a house. While this didn't matter to her, she hadn't expected that after putting in so much effort, merely expressing a slight idea about the new home would result in someone criticizing her like this. Hmph. “It’s still best to have one’s own house.” At least then no one would pick apart every little thing.

“What’s mine isn’t yours?” Han Tao was baffled by her statement.

“Mine?” Wang Qiqi raised her voice. “I just had a couple of ideas for the new home, but look how you’ve repeatedly opposed my suggestions. Tell me, what about that?” Although Wang Qiqi wanted to ignore Han Tao, she knew that leaving just like that would give Dai Lijun more reason to assume something big had happened, and if he told Shi Man, it could lead to even greater complications.

“Repeatedly opposed?” Han Tao certainly didn't concede to this accusation. “I only opposed building the treehouse, and that was unavoidable. What else did I oppose?”

Refusing to admit fault—that was the most detestable part. “Didn’t you say earlier that I could handle the attic, decorate it as I wished?” Han Tao nodded; he remembered that, but he didn't think he had opposed anything significant about it. “And now you say the attic will be our bedroom. Is that still my personal space?” On this matter, Wang Qiqi wasn't willing to back down. A spacious home couldn't exist without a space that truly belonged to her, a space where she could do whatever she wanted.

Han Tao hadn't realized Wang Qiqi’s sudden shift in mood was because of that one sentence. He patted his forehead and laughed. “I just thought if the attic was big enough, we could decorate it nicely. Haven't you always wanted a spacious bedroom? And a tub next to the bedroom—I only thought of that when you mentioned it. If you disagree, we can put the master bedroom downstairs. I was thinking if we live in the attic, we could give the main master bedroom to my mother, so she wouldn’t have to leave her room to use the facilities at night.” That was genuinely what he had been thinking.

Well, it turned out half of it was for him and half for her. What could Wang Qiqi say to that answer? Could she demand to occupy both the attic and the downstairs bedroom? “The attic needs plumbing, and the space needs to be large enough.”

“That’s certainly something we must consider.” Han Tao noticed Wang Qiqi’s face, though still slightly sour, was much better than before, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He admitted it was a spur-of-the-moment thought; if Qiqi hadn't been so enthusiastic about the attic, he really wouldn't have suggested it. But he hadn’t expected his suggestion to excite Qiqi so much. Alas, it seemed one really had to be careful with words, especially regarding domestic arrangements.

Dai Lijun watched the couple walk away from him, found a patch of shade, and lay down on the grass beneath it, hooking his legs over his knee, closing his eyes, and humming a tune. His previously agitated heart gradually calmed down, enhanced by the cool breeze drifting over the lake. “This place really has excellent feng shui. Maybe I should take a nap?”

As for the security of the bicycles, Dai Lijun thought they weren't expensive items. Besides, he’d been there for quite a while; he hadn't seen a soul, not even a dog. He figured it was unlikely someone would sneak by while he was asleep and have the leisure to steal the bikes.

Although Wang Qiqi and Han Tao’s faces were no longer stern, they were far from the sweet expression they wore when they walked hand-in-hand earlier. Though they walked side-by-side, one could easily fit Dai Lijun between them, and they remained silent the whole way, each looking either down or steadily ahead.

When Wang Qiqi reached the parting spot, she saw only three bicycles, but the person assigned to watch them was nowhere in sight. “Hey, where’s Dai Lijun?” Heavens, even if the area was safe, that guy was too bold.

If Wang Qiqi hadn't been arguing with Han Tao just now, she might have pushed the bikes away, hidden them, and then woken the simpleton up to ask where the vehicle went. But Wang Qiqi simply didn't have the energy for such games now.

Wang Qiqi nudged a bike. “Simpleton, can we go?”

Hearing someone call him, Dai Lijun rolled over and stood up with a secret grin. “Ah, did you finish looking at the houses?” Impossible! It hadn’t been that long; Dai Lijun felt like he had just closed his eyes.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to go back?” Wang Qiqi said crossly, mounting her bike and speeding towards home.

Dai Lijun watched Wang Qiqi leave without him. Even if she hadn't fully woken up, he knew she was in a bad mood. “You provoked Qiqi into being unhappy.” Dai Lijun stated it with certainty. Just a moment ago, the two of them had been sweetly conspiring against him; how could things have soured so quickly?

Han Tao rolled his eyes at Dai Lijun. “Mind your own business. Your bike wasn't even locked, and you felt safe sleeping. If someone stole it, you’d be the one crying.” Then he left without waiting for Dai Lijun. He knew if he lingered, Dai Lijun would figure something out. Han Tao knew Wang Qiqi was upset right now, but this anger wouldn't last long; perhaps by the time they rode home, most of her fury would have dissipated.

Dai Lijun saw Han Tao also wearing a sullen expression, making him less sure. Was it because he had been sleeping? “Honestly, they ask me to watch the bikes but don’t even pay me a viewing fee, and now they have the nerve to scold me…”

Han Tao turned back and sharply rebuked him. “If you’re not leaving, don’t pretend you don’t know the way back later. Don't cry if you get lost.” Han Tao threatened, doubting that someone who complained constantly about the heat and fatigue on the way would recognize the route home.

Dai Lijun was speechless. He only dared to curse inwardly: Did Han Tao and Wang Qiqi have a falling out just now, and I ended up being the unlucky one to witness their lazy behavior? “Alright, alright, I’m going.” Dai Lijun knew he needed to be exceptionally well-behaved from now on, lest the cook strike and refuse to make him dinner.

Dai Lijun followed Han Tao, maintaining a distance, trailing behind Wang Qiqi. What he didn't understand was that sometimes Wang Qiqi would slow her cycling pace, yet Han Tao made no move to accelerate. “Tao, you offended Wang Qiqi.” Dai Lijun was now completely certain.

Han Tao grunted an acknowledgment. “I truly don’t understand women’s minds. ‘A woman’s heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea’—I finally understand that today.” Han Tao hadn’t wanted to say anything, but he felt deeply wronged.

Hearing this complaint, Dai Lijun’s ears perked up immediately. “Brother, is Qiqi throwing a little tantrum? But it’s normal for women to throw small fits.” Dai Lijun thought, This is how it should be! What woman doesn't fuss a little with her boyfriend? “Look at my Weiwei, she often throws fits with me. I think you’re being overly sensitive. Qiqi never fussed with you before; now that she’s throwing a small fit, you think Qiqi is difficult. Brother, you are truly lucky.” Dai Lijun was weeping internally. He had experienced this scenario far too many times. He hadn't complained, but his friend was unhappy because of his girlfriend’s temporary mood swing. “I think you are the one being overly sensitive.”

Han Tao had only intended to vent a little to feel better, but he hadn't expected his close brother to comfort him this way, especially with that last sentence. “I’m overly sensitive?” Heavens, Han Tao had never imagined receiving such an evaluation.

“Why not overly sensitive? Didn’t you always say you should let the girls have their way?” Dai Lijun countered using Han Tao’s past advice. “By the way, why is Qiqi angry with you? What did you say to her?” At this point, Dai Lijun realized he still didn’t know the reason for their argument. Damn it, how could he criticize Han Tao without knowing what happened? He really was too careless.

Han Tao was in no mood to explain the cause of the argument to Dai Lijun. “Stop bothering me; I’m already in a bad mood. Didn’t you say I was overly sensitive? I need to think about why I am sensitive.” Since he called me sensitive, I might as well be sensitive for his benefit.

Dai Lijun instantly regretted his words. “Brother, I was just pointing out your mistake. You must always self-reflect when a woman throws a tantrum, regardless of who is right or wrong…” Dai Lijun shared his wisdom. “For instance, I just demonstrated it to you. No matter what your girlfriend says to you, as long as it’s not a fundamental issue, don’t insist on getting a clear, precise answer. Remember, you’ll only be the one to suffer in the end.”

Han Tao nodded, signaling that he understood Dai Lijun’s advice. “I get it. I never thought I’d see this day.” Alas, he used to think Dai Lijun was always submissive, and now he was in the same boat. Some things, like watching others’ misfortune, come back to haunt you eventually.

When Dai Lijun heard Han Tao explain why they argued (Han Tao only mentioned stopping Qiqi from building a treehouse in the yard), Dai Lijun grew nervous too. “I can’t tell Weiwei about this. If she finds out, she’ll definitely egg Qiqi on to build it. I don’t understand these women. Oh, right, Manman will probably get the urge too by then.” Dai Lijun thought Han Tao was absolutely right to object this time, otherwise, if they bought a house, his own wife might pull the same stunt, demanding a treehouse. Then, would he agree or disagree?

“So, you think I was wrong to object?” Dai Lijun’s words excited Han Tao, who felt there were common topics shared among same-sex friends.

Dai Lijun shook his head. “Not wrong, but in Qiqi’s eyes, you were wrong. After all, she’s been running around in the hot sun for so long for this house, and her skin has darkened. She only made this one request, and you flatly refused. Of course, Qiqi is unhappy. Of course, in front of Qiqi, I can only side with her. You know Qiqi is our housekeeper now; I can't afford to offend her. I can only support you spiritually.” Dai Lijun said this with brotherly affection. “But you can vent to me; we are brothers after all.” Hahaha, after letting Han Tao see the scene where he lacked manly dignity, Dai Lijun thought he’d never get a chance to regain the upper hand. Unexpectedly, Qiqi provided him with the perfect opportunity—how could he not use it?

The more Dai Lijun thought about it, the more he felt coming out in the sun today was the right choice. If he had stayed home, someone might have chased after Qiqi, begging her forgiveness and offering concessions to cheer her up. He wouldn't have witnessed such an exciting scene. “You shouldn’t just let Qiqi go now. You need to chase after her. No matter how much Qiqi ignores you, you must swallow your pride and coax her back. You’ve seen how I begged for mercy before; you know what to do, right?” Hahaha, if Han Tao actually did that, wouldn’t Dai Lijun get a great show? The thought that Han Tao was now at his mercy made Dai Lijun incredibly excited.

What Dali Jun was thinking, how could Han Tao not understand? If Dali Jun hadn't been there, he would have already chased after her. But the problem was Dali Jun was right beside him; he absolutely wouldn't do that. Otherwise, Qiqi would definitely be even angrier, not to mention how smug the person beside him would become. Besides, Han Tao had already figured out how to coax Wang Qiqi to be happy, and at that time, this unwelcome appendage tagging along would certainly not be present. "Do you think I don't understand what you're thinking? Besides, Qiqi is an understanding girl. Everything I told her was reasonable; she just hasn't sorted it out in her mind yet. Maybe once we get home, Qiqi will see sense."

Dali Jun certainly understood what Han Tao said. "As for wanting to see my good show, don't even think about it," Han Tao said casually while riding the bicycle beside him.

Dali Jun stuck out his tongue. As soon as Han Tao said those words, he knew Han Tao's thinking had returned to normal. "I was just following your lead. Besides, are your jokes that entertaining? Oh, right, after you get back..." It seemed someone had mentioned going to the market earlier, but now that Qiqi was angry, whether she would go was questionable.

"We rest when we get back. Qiqi rides the bike so fiercely; she definitely needs to rest." Waking up so early and riding for this long, wouldn't she be tired? Moreover, this was the best way to placate the other person. "Aren't you tired? Do you want to go? If you want to go, I'll accompany you."

Han Tao accompanying him? Dali Jun mused what two grown men would gain from strolling around. "Forget it, forget it. The two of us going out like that doesn't look right, and I’m tired too." Since Qiqi wasn't going, he might as well go back and sleep. Since arriving here, he had been busy until eight or nine every day; this was only the schedule after the busy phase had passed. He planned to burrow at home and rest well while things were quiet.

Han Tao smiled. O-yeah, the tactic to fool Dali Jun was a success.