"Huh, the cantaloupe is gone?" Wang Qiqi reached out, touching the bowl on the coffee table, only to find no fruit after a long search. "Sis, sis, the cantaloupe is gone."

Song Yao, who had just managed to doze off while there were no customers around, certainly hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to stir things up like this. Once she clearly heard Qiqi's shout, she immediately snapped, "In a bit, Qiqi. Your sister is a bit tired. Get me some coffee. Oh, right, Qiqi, two customers are coming later for Hokkaido milk bread—did you make it?" Hmph, trying to squeeze me dry, Song Yao thought. Her own younger sister truly seemed determined to eat back every penny spent that day, treating herself like royalty these past few days. However, Song Yao couldn't help but feel happy thinking about the two regular customers arriving later; that was money, after all.

Hokkaido milk bread again. Wang Qiqi sighed, truly regretting her impulsive decision that day. Hearing her precious nephew mention wanting toast, she’d made some. But the bread had barely cooled when several regular customers showed up looking for items. Song Yao casually handed them a few slices. At first, they might have been slightly unaccustomed to it, but later, upon learning it was the boss's own baking and tasted excellent, they gradually began stopping by in the afternoons for tea, checking for new items. Everyone was quite satisfied with Song Yao’s skill, yet they never once asked if she would sell them some bread. But that one day, someone, after eating the toast, shamelessly asked if they could buy some to take home. This completely stunned Song Yao. After all, she wasn't a pastry shop; she lacked permits and necessary paperwork. If someone reported her, she’d be in deep trouble, possibly even leading to bankruptcy. Later, several customers came up with a solution: perhaps offering a serving of homemade bread as a gift for reaching a certain accumulated spending threshold. How could Song Yao not be happy with that? Firstly, she wasn't directly selling food items, and secondly, it boosted operational income.

As for why she made Qiqi bake the toast, it was because this was a pastry Wang Qiqi had only recently learned from some materials, and Song Yao hadn't fully mastered it yet. Furthermore, Wang Qiqi had been freeloading off her during this period, which Song Yao had long been annoyed by, so she would make her work whenever she had the chance.

"Did you hear me, Qiqi?" Song Yao knew Wang Qiqi had mentioned yesterday that the smell of cake made her nauseous. Truthfully, she herself could still eat one or two pieces before, but smelling that aroma daily was making Song Yao a bit queasy too, though her reaction wasn't as intense as Wang Qiqi's.

"I heard. The dough is already proofing." Wang Qiqi just couldn't figure out why one customer wanted a whole loaf of toast almost every three days. Had she never tired of it? Couldn't she try a different flavor? What worried Qiqi even more was that as this 'policy' spread, whether actively or passively promoted by Song Yao, many customers would choose their favorite pastries in exchange. Wang Qiqi estimated that if this continued, Song Yao would have to expand operations, perhaps opening a coffee and pastry house. She recalled a few times when the cake she baked smelled so fragrant it drifted outside, attracting a few foodies. When these people realized the establishment dealt in clothing and cosmetics, they left with expressions of disbelief, muttering constantly that such a delicious smell clearly belonged to cake, yet the owner wouldn't admit it.

Song Yao carried the sliced cantaloupe upstairs and, unsurprisingly, found Wang Qiqi’s fingers constantly tapping away at the keyboard, knowing the girl was busy with something related to making money again. Many people, including Wang Rui, believed Wang Qiqi was living well because her parents had left her a large inheritance, plus she had found a capable, loving, and promising man. "You really should show those who are jealous and badmouth you behind your back how diligent you are."

Wang Qiqi knew what Song Yao meant, her eyes not leaving the screen. Having just returned from abroad and been busy for several days recently, many orders had piled up. "What's the point of showing them? People only see your success, your happiness, and how rich you are now. For example, my classmates only envy that I spent the summer vacation in the US. If they knew I bought a house there, I don't know how much more jealous they’d become."

"Your brother-in-law talked to you about Wang Rui's situation, right? He mentioned your idea, and after thinking it over these past couple of days, I see there's a possibility," Song Yao had intended to wait for Wang Qiqi to bring it up, but she was surprised Qiqi was acting as if nothing had happened.

Wang Qiqi didn't expect Song Yao to ask so directly. "You discussed it with Aunt too, right?" Calculating the time, Wang Damei should have returned from Yunnan by now. And the issue she had been avoiding had resurfaced. Wang Qiqi understood that for Wang Damei, whether her guess was true or not, she would likely favor the possibility that required her to spend no money.

Song Yao nodded. After calling home yesterday to discuss Wang Qiqi's suggestion, her own mother's first reaction was anger. However, after much deliberation regarding Qiqi's speculation, she felt it wasn't entirely impossible. After all, how could someone in the throes of a passionate romance in May change so drastically in just two or three months? "Mom said we need to discuss this with Uncle. Qiqi, what if it’s not what we think, and they really broke up? If Wang Rui truly can't come up with the money, won't our sin be even deeper?" The superstitious Song Yao worried that the Buddha would record her misdeeds, thus diminishing her own good fortune. As for Wang Rui herself, Song Yao felt she brought it all upon herself, causing such annoyance at home now.

"That would be Wang Rui's sin too, Sis. You have to understand, we are doing this for her own good. You can't always clean up her messes every time something happens. If you're still worried, go over to Wang Rui’s place—don't notify her beforehand. Then, assess the situation before deciding." Wang Qiqi suddenly recalled that her niece Wang Rui still held some standing in Wang Damei's heart. If things were truly as Wang Rui claimed, Wang Qiqi figured that if Wang Rui got into trouble, Wang Damei might hold a grudge against her. Then there was Wang Dagui. Wang Qiqi reasoned that if there was no need for her to spend money, why nail the situation down so rigidly? Let them go probe the situation first.

"Exactly, exactly." Wang Qiqi’s suggestion won Song Yao’s approval. "I’ll tell Mom right away." As for what happened next, Song Yao declared it had nothing to do with her. "I don't have any money anyway. She's not my daughter, and I wasn't the one who told Wang Rui to go after that old man in Hong Kong."

"Then you can expect Wang Dagui to pin the bill on you," Wang Qiqi stated with certainty, certain it wouldn't fall on her.

"You think he'll let you off the hook?" Song Yao countered. "Wang Dagui might not say anything to you, but don't forget my mother." Song Yao knew her mother would definitely discuss the matter with Qiqi.

"I think Aunt will end up tracking down that young male third party, then make that Hong Kong man pay! Isn't Wang Rui so capable? She managed to squeeze a hundred thousand out of her student boyfriend; there’s no reason she can’t milk some money from the old man in Hong Kong." Wang Qiqi thought that if there wasn't some tangible benefit to gain, Wang Rui wouldn't be willing to seek out an older man; it just didn't add up.

"Exactly, exactly." Song Yao jotted that down. "But Qiqi, how do you know so much?" Song Yao wondered. It seemed Qiqi had only experienced that huge upheaval right after her parents passed away; since then, everything had been smooth sailing. Why would she know so many tricks of the trade?

"It's on TV, isn't it? Besides, you know Wang Rui’s personality," Wang Qiqi shifted her gaze back to her work, acknowledging that what happened next was beyond her purview. "Oh, right, Sis, Han Tao and the others’ flight lands early tomorrow morning, around six something. I’ll have to trouble Brother-in-law to pick them up." Since Brother-in-law had a car, of course, he would be asked.

"Ah, an early flight tomorrow morning?" Song Yao calculated the time. "That means they'll be boarding almost immediately." Really, not giving any advance notice—did they expect to take a taxi back themselves?

"They already boarded. They just emailed me saying not to pick them up." In reality, Shi Man and the others probably didn't want to send that email, but they worried there would be nothing to eat when they got home, which prompted the message. "I need to wake up early tomorrow to make congee for them." Wang Qiqi figured the two of them would definitely want something to eat after arriving. "Sis, I’ll run to the supermarket later." The fridge at home was already bare—just some fruit and drinks. Shi Man would cry if she saw the fridge like this upon return.

Luo Hongjuan came upstairs to put things down and happened to overhear that her son was arriving early tomorrow morning on such an early flight. "Qiqi, I’ll stay at your place tonight. You go pick up Tao Tao, and I'll cook at home. Yao Yao, I'll come over tomorrow afternoon instead." Although her son might not have the energy to chat much, Luo Hongjuan insisted on preparing plenty of food for him.

"Auntie Luo, please take tomorrow off. You’ve been so busy lately." Song Yao considered that one day might not be enough. "How about taking two days off? There isn't much happening at the shop these few days anyway." Luo Hongjuan had been busy with the shop since May and hadn't had many breaks.

Luo Hongjuan waved her hand. "One day is enough. Tao Tao and the others have things to do too." Luo Hongjuan thought she wouldn't even have a place to stay if she stayed over. "Tomorrow night, you all come to Qiqi's place for dinner; I’ll cook there."

"Okay, I'll bring beef tomorrow," Song Yao said. Even if Luo Hongjuan hadn't suggested it, Song Yao had planned on everyone getting together. Such a gathering wouldn't be easy in another year.

"Don't bring beef; that's like rice over in the States," Wang Qiqi interjected, knowing Han Tao and the others wouldn't want beef because they were sick of it. "Oh, right, Sis, bring Lu Qiaowei with you then."

"If not beef, what should I bring?" Song Yao pondered. "Then I’ll bring some fruit." Vegetables and meat that needed cooking would be too late if brought over then, so fruit it was.

Wang Qiqi didn't sleep well all night. It wasn't because her man was coming back; rather, with someone constantly tossing and turning beside her, Wang Qiqi couldn't fall into a deep sleep. When she felt the person next to her stirring, Wang Qiqi secretly opened her eyes to check the time—only three o'clock. There was still an hour until Gong Peixing came to pick her up; if she slept more, she’d oversleep.

"Qiqi, you’re up?" Luo Hongjuan, having just finished washing up, was surprised to find Wang Qiqi already awake.

Wang Qiqi thought, This isn't by choice. "I woke up, so I got up. If I sleep more, I’m worried I’ll oversleep."

Luo Hongjuan looked at the time, then at Qiqi’s dark circles. "Go rest a bit more. I'll wake you when it’s time. I’ll go make some breakfast." Luo Hongjuan realized at this moment that Qiqi was getting up so early likely because of her. "Was I too noisy yesterday?"

"It was fine," Wang Qiqi neither confirmed nor denied. "Mom, while you’re at it, make a portion of breakfast for my brother-in-law too. He’ll probably rush over here as soon as he’s awake."

"I know, I know. I’ll make you some noodles first. We can eat the century egg and lean pork congee when you get back." Luo Hongjuan remembered her son loved this congee she made; she had rarely made it for him before because she was busy with work, and now that she had time, her son was busy.

"Okay, Mom. We have some dumplings left at home too; can you make some pan-fried dumplings? Those are more filling." Wang Qiqi didn't know how long Han Tao and the others would sleep after returning. They might sleep until the afternoon, and just a little congee wouldn't be enough.

"Okay, and I’ll bring some of the pastries you made yesterday." Luo Hongjuan wasn't sure if her son would prefer a Chinese breakfast or a Western lunch, so she decided to prepare for both. "Qiqi, go rest a bit."

Wang Qiqi checked the time; it was already 3:15. "I'll take a quick shower and check my email." Business with the foreigners seemed to be going well lately; Wang Qiqi noticed a few orders coming in every day. Of course, there was also the possibility that Mary truly had very few subordinates, perhaps just the two of them working.

"Qiqi, let me quickly make some cake for you first." Luo Hongjuan, knowing her daughter-in-law was planning to make money, promptly took the milk out of the fridge, poured it into a bowl, and placed it in the microwave to heat.

"Okay, thank you, Mom." Wang Qiqi thanked Luo Hongjuan, opened the computer first, and muttered, "I’m such a cursed child. Just the other day I was advising Song Yao not to be too attached to money, and look at me, just as obsessed." She concluded that things were easy for others, but difficult for her to achieve the same.

Gong Peixing knocked lightly, then opened the door immediately. "Auntie Luo, is there any breakfast? Song Yao is sleeping, and no one is making me breakfast, nor are there any stalls outside."

"Eat some noodles first; I’m simmering some congee for later. There’s still plenty of time, don't rush. I also prepared some bean congee; would you like some?" Luo Hongjuan had already heated the water.

Wang Qiqi, battling away on the computer nearby, heard Luo Hongjuan's offer and was utterly speechless. Milk, yogurt, soy milk, and coffee—oh, and juice too. Five types of breakfast beverages alone! Did she think the house was a hotel buffet? Only Luo Hongjuan had this level of enthusiasm; Wang Qiqi would never prepare so thoroughly.

Gong Peixing smelled the familiar aroma drifting in the air. "Qiqi, did you brew coffee this early?"

Wang Qiqi hummed in response. Waking up so early made her groggy; without coffee, she absolutely couldn't stay alert. Wang Qiqi felt her dependence on coffee and tea was deepening, displaying the habits of an old tea drinker and a coffee addict. "Brother-in-law, the coffee I made today is a bit strong."

"It's fine; I'm used to it." Gong Peixing hadn't cared much for coffee before, but after coming to the capital and smelling the coffee from the shop, he’d developed a fondness for it. He even bought several books on coffee from the bookstore and spent his free time studying brewing techniques and latte art at the shop. Now, the coffee Gong Peixing brewed was definitely a signature item. "Qiqi, your skills haven't improved." The moment he smelled it, Gong Peixing shook his head. Such good coffee being wasted by Wang Qiqi! Her skills used to be quite good, but she just hadn't kept practicing, which Gong Peixing found a pity.

Wang Qiqi’s requirement for coffee was simply that it was drinkable and refreshing; she didn't have many other demands. Gong Peixing was different. "Brother-in-law, I think if you have the chance in the future, you should take a coffee course and open a coffee shop."

Gong Peixing's heart stirred at the suggestion, but he quickly shook his head. "Coffee is just a hobby for me. If I opened a coffee shop, there would be too many things I'd have to face. I’d rather stay tucked away in the shop brewing coffee as a hobby." The startup cost for a coffee shop wasn't small, and location was crucial—rent for a storefront wouldn't be cheap. The pressure would be too high; it was better to focus on improving the current shop.

After finishing breakfast, Gong Peixing intentionally downed a large cup of coffee to keep him alert on the road. "Drinking a cup of coffee really boosted my spirits," Gong Peixing said, sitting in the driver’s seat and patting his full stomach, letting out a satisfied burp.

"I also packed some bread, Brother-in-law. You can eat it later if you get hungry," Wang Qiqi said kindly, then slowly lay down on the back seat. "Brother-in-law, since you brought coffee, I’m going to sleep for a bit." Wang Qiqi had initially worried it would be improper to let Gong Peixing drive alone while she slept, especially in the early morning, which felt a bit dangerous.

"Didn't you say you were going to sleep early yesterday?" Gong Peixing wondered if she was missing her man.

Wang Qiqi yawned. "Someone missed her son and kept tossing and turning; I couldn't sleep at all."

So that was it. Gong Peixing looked at his sister-in-law, who was already snoring shortly after lying down, and slowed the driving speed a bit more. While this speed might make them late for the airport, even if the plane landed on time, they still needed time to collect luggage and clear customs; getting out by 7:15 would be considered early.

"Qiqi, we’re here! Qiqi, we’re at the airport!" Gong Peixing parked the car and called out to Wang Qiqi, who was sound asleep in the back seat.

Wang Qiqi heard they had arrived at the airport, yawned, and slowly sat up. "Brother-in-law, I’m going to buy a coffee first. Do you want anything to drink?" After sleeping, she felt even more listless and desperately needed a cup of coffee to wake up.

"No need." Gong Peixing held up his own thermos to show Qiqi; why buy one when he brought his own? Besides, he didn't think any outside coffee could taste as good as his own brew. "I'll wait for you at the exit."

Wang Qiqi shrugged. "Brother-in-law, you'll regret it. There’s a coffee shop here with nice pastries and good coffee, really quite good." Considering the airport prices, it wasn't actually expensive.

Gong Peixing raised an eyebrow. If Wang Qiqi endorsed it, it couldn't be too bad. Wang Qiqi didn't set high standards for her own work, but if she were paying for something, she would definitely look for good value. "Then maybe we should buy a cup." He wanted to try the coffee and pastries that Wang Qiqi praised.

Gong Peixing looked at the sign that reappeared, then at the person in front who kept muttering, This must be it, it has to be here. "Qiqi, are you sure you remembered correctly?" There were so many places in the airport; it was easy for women to get turned around, and Qiqi might have forgotten the location.

Wang Qiqi pointed to the restaurant next door. "I remember it being right next to this one." There was no way she could have remembered wrong.

"Is this the shop name?" Gong Peixing was defeated by Wang Qiqi. He only remembered a restaurant next door. Was there only one restaurant in the entire airport? Moreover, it was possible the place had changed hands and become something else.

Wang Qiqi was jolted by Gong Peixing’s words. Right, why was she always looking for a coffee shop near a restaurant? She broadened her search area, and after walking for about ten more minutes, she finally spotted the coffee shop from her memory. "Brother-in-law, this is it! This is it!" Wang Qiqi felt it hadn't been easy. Before pushing the door open, she stepped back to check the shop number. A huge airport was so troublesome; at a small airport, you wouldn't need to memorize any of this; it was all so compact.

As Gong Peixing entered the coffee shop and closed his eyes for a moment, he nodded. "It is quite good."

Wang Qiqi and Gong Peixing each ordered a cup of their preferred flavor, then slowly wandered toward the arrival gate. "I get the feeling the owner of this place isn't counting on making a big profit," Gong Peixing commented. While waiting, he had glanced around and noticed not many customers, perhaps because it was still early.

"As long as it tastes good, that’s what matters." Wang Qiqi admitted that when she couldn't find the place earlier, she’d worried it had closed down. She had sat there for a long time last time, and there really weren't many customers. However, it was a nice spot to order a coffee and pastry while waiting to pick someone up. "Oh, I forgot to bring a couple of portions for Han Tao and the others." Even though there would be food waiting for them back home, Wang Qiqi knew they wouldn't have eaten much on the plane.

Shi Man’s spirits lifted immediately upon seeing the food in Wang Qiqi’s hands. If it weren't for the sheer volume of luggage stacked on the cart, Wang Qiqi suspected Shi Man would have practically flown with joy. “Qiqi, you’re the best for bringing me something to eat. Wait, why is it coffee? Are you implying I still don't look energized enough?” She’d spent the entire trip sleeping; her energy levels were fantastic.

“If you don’t want it, I’ll drink it. You two are lucky; you managed to sleep the whole way back, while my brother-in-law and I were up before dawn,” Wang Qiqi remarked with a distinct air of grievance, looking at the pair who clearly looked more refreshed than she did despite the long journey. Honestly, who was the one returning from overseas?

“No, no, I’ll drink it, I’ll drink it.” Shi Man had only grumbled slightly; if Wang Qiqi truly refused to let her have it, she wouldn't have stood for it. Even though she had rested the whole way, economy class seats were tiny—how comfortable could that really be? “There’s cake too?” Shi Man took the bag, spotted the cake, and became instantly delighted, snatching it up and shoving a large piece into her mouth.

“Eat a little less. Han Tao’s mother was up early preparing breakfast—both Chinese and Western style,” Wang Qiqi immediately warned. She knew that if she didn't intervene, Shi Man would likely lash out at her once they reached home, even though Wang Qiqi felt entirely blameless in the matter.

Shi Man hadn't anticipated Han Tao's mother rising so early to prepare such a lavish breakfast. Contrasting that with Qiqi's slightly tart tone, Shi Man teased, “Qiqi, are you perhaps feeling jealous?”

Wang Qiqi let out a few cold snorts, refusing to address the question. Instead, she pivoted to ask Han Tao how he was, taking the opportunity to briefly update him on the situation with the new house. Though she had mentioned it online before, Wang Qiqi preferred to deliver the details face-to-face.