Song Yao sat on the bunk, waving frantically at Song Ziwen. "Brother, the rest is up to you." Earlier, Song Yao had pulled Song Ziwen aside for a serious talk, worried that the Gong family might stir up trouble again after she left.

"Brother, put more focus on this demolition matter," Wang Qiqi urged, waving continuously at Song Ziwen. "And Brother, study hard. Become a great designer in the future." Although the probability was low, a little encouragement was necessary. If he actually managed to make something of himself and become a design master, their interior decoration company would definitely thrive.

Thinking this, Wang Qiqi felt she should pull some strings to have Dai Zi and the others buy some design books back from the States. After all, foreign design was more human-centered. The current domestic decoration style felt less like designing a home and more like referencing hotel aesthetics; impressive as it might look, it always felt ungrounded. Besides, a sense of fashion could be cultivated through effort, and Song Ziwen had at least a small foundation for understanding style. As for whether Song Ziwen could even decipher the contents of the books (definitely the original English version), Wang Qiqi shrugged. That wasn't her business. She couldn't be expected to purchase the books and then translate them too. Moreover, to align with international standards, it was crucial for Song Ziwen to master English quickly.

"Brother, work hard. I'll try to procure some design books for you later," Wang Qiqi said with a cheerful smile. What she was really thinking was how much she regretted not being there to see Song Ziwen's expression when he received the books she mailed him. Wang Qiqi guessed it would be one of utter frustration—ah, what a pity. "Brother, you must study diligently and expand the decoration company. A bright future awaits you. Then you can take your sister-in-law shopping in Europe too."

The train departure was fast approaching, yet Wang Qiqi was still utilizing every second, continuously painting grand visions for Song Ziwen. Her persuasive chatter reminded Song Yao of how Wang Qiqi had once egged her on to buy property with similar grand promises. "Qiqi, it's a pity you didn't go into sales," Song Yao murmured to Gong Peixing beside her.

Gong Peixing smiled and nodded in agreement. Frankly, even though Wang Qiqi was speaking to Song Ziwen, his own heart was stirred. He felt he should also try his hand at something new. "What do you think if I also learn that software and get into interior decoration?" Gong Peixing felt that managing Song Yao's shop business and overseeing the shops in the capital was becoming too dull. He was in the prime of his life, yet living a near-retired existence. He couldn't find his own career path. Even if he wanted to become a landlord, he needed capital to buy properties first. Thinking about utilizing his expertise, Gong Peixing wondered if he should find a company to work for. He immediately dismissed the idea. Never mind how much he could earn; if anything happened at the shop or home, he couldn't just leave whenever he wanted.

Song Yao hadn't expected Gong Peixing to also consider starting a decoration company. She actually thought it was a decent line of work, but the problem was her husband’s lack of vision. All their previous home renovations relied on Song Ziwen for advice, while her husband only monitored quality. A designer absolutely needed good vision and their own ideas on how to perfectly renovate a space. "Do you think you can be a good designer?" Song Yao didn't directly negate Gong Peixing’s idea, as that would only incite his competitive spirit.

Uh oh. Gong Peixing was stumped by Song Yao's question. Although his wife hadn't stated it outright, he knew what she meant: compared to Song Ziwen, he had an innate deficiency. "Fine, sigh. I just feel like..." Suddenly, among the six people, Gong Peixing felt like the most useless one.

Song Yao noticed her husband looking dejected and spiritless. She subtly pointed toward Wang Qiqi. Her husband was truly dense; if he couldn't find a goal, he could ask Qiqi. Even if she couldn't provide a solution, she could offer some guidance. Song Yao wasn't unwilling to guide him, but she didn't have any great ideas herself. Moreover, no matter how she tried to advise him, in Gong Peixing's eyes, she was always someone on a higher pedestal.

"Qiqi, I have something I want to ask you." Gong Peixing took a long time gathering his courage, finally speaking up a full half hour after the train had departed.

Wang Qiqi was already nodding off, lulled by the rhythmic clatter of the train, and was about to climb to the upper bunk when Gong Peixing's question stopped her. Wang Qiqi looked at him in surprise. She had expected Song Yao to ask why she hadn't partnered with her previously but was now readily agreeing to cooperate with Song Ziwen. Although Song Yao seemed only to be smoothing things over at the station earlier, Wang Qiqi figured she must have felt some lingering resentment. But to her surprise, Song Yao remained silent, and Gong Peixing spoke first. "Brother-in-law, what is it?"

Gong Peixing had originally planned for his wife to chime in and prompt the conversation. It wasn't cowardice; he was worried that if he voiced his concerns now, Qiqi would assume he was planning to earn money to pay off his family's debts. Although he wasn't sure if his in-laws knew his brother owed gambling debts, if they did, they would surely be furious. This was completely irresponsible behavior. Even though it wasn't his responsibility, he knew he had to tread very carefully these days. Sigh. Gong Peixing had completely lost faith in his own relatives. All he hoped for now was that his family wouldn't drag him down further.

Wang Qiqi watched Gong Peixing’s gaze continually shift towards Song Yao, while Song Yao was focused entirely on Taotao, who was sleeping soundly. Wang Qiqi wondered what was going on; their behavior was decidedly abnormal. Suddenly, an idea flashed through her mind: could they have been fighting? But that didn't seem right; they were fine that morning. Perhaps they were only acting this way to avoid worrying her aunt and uncle? Now that the Song family wasn't around, did they feel free to drop the act?

"Brother-in-law, what exactly do you want to ask?" Honestly, if he didn't speak soon, the little terror, Taotao, would wake up, and she wouldn't have an easy time of it! He was well-rested now; would he even sleep tonight? "Sister, if you let Taotao sleep this long, what if he refuses to sleep halfway through the night?" That was prime sleeping time. Although she had no classes tomorrow, Wang Qiqi needed to visit the library to research materials. Graduation theses weren't easy to pass, especially when preparing to study in the States. Given how difficult US visas were to obtain now, she needed to work even harder.

"But I can't wake him up," Song Yao said helplessly. It wasn't just Qiqi who was annoyed; she was frustrated too. Later, Qiqi and the others could bundle up and continue sleeping on their bunks, but she, as a mother, couldn't. She had to keep an eye on him, or this little rascal might wander out of the soft compartment, leaving her to deal with the crying. "Qiqi, you're enjoying your most comfortable time now. Once you have children, you'll realize this good life drifts further away. Just look at me." Song Yao thought about how, when they had some money and time before, this boy was too young to go out. When he finally got a little older, funding became an issue, coupled with numerous worries. Sigh. Song Yao felt she was worse off than some of her moderately successful friends, who at least took one trip abroad every year and lived quite comfortably.

Wang Qiqi looked at Song Yao, who was scrutinizing Taotao with unconcealed, abundant love in her eyes. "Sister, gloat, go on and show off."

"Brother-in-law, just say what you need to say." After bantering with Song Yao for a while, Wang Qiqi noticed Gong Peixing was still frozen in place, hesitant to speak. She had to urge him again.

"Say it. It has to be said eventually." Song Yao’s silence wasn't because Gong Peixing thought she didn't want him to make much money to support the Gong family. She was worried Qiqi wouldn't have good advice and would be put in a difficult position, considering Qiqi's suggestion for Song Ziwen to open a real estate agency also depended on certain objective factors.

Wang Qiqi watched the couple exchange glances, then yawned. "Sister and Brother-in-law, just say what you need to say. Everything is negotiable except lending money." It wasn't that Qiqi refused to lend money, but she considered herself poor. Fortunately, the house from the demolition compensation wouldn't be handed over for another year; otherwise, Wang Qiqi truly felt like jumping off a building. Even though she spent frugally, her cash flow was incredibly tight.

"Don't worry, we won't ask you for money," Song Yao snapped. "But although the few of us count as wealthy, we're actually dirt poor." Last night, lying in bed, she and Gong Peixing had talked at length, bringing up their savings. People assumed they had millions in the bank, but in reality, their savings were only working capital for the business, and they still owed the bank a substantial amount. "Your brother-in-law just wants to discuss what he, as a man, can do. Ever since he saw Song Ziwen starting a real estate agency and planning that decoration company, he’s been green with envy." But a man’s ambition must be supported. "Qiqi, please think of a solution."

Wang Qiqi was taken aback. Gong Peixing had brought up this topic when he picked her up at the station, but less than a month later, he was raising it again. Was he spurred on by his brother's situation?

It wasn't that Wang Qiqi didn't want to help, nor was she worried that Gong Peixing would help the Gong family once he had money. It was that she didn't know much about running a business. While she could suggest real estate brokerage, Gong Peixing didn't have Song Ziwen's smooth-talking ability; he might not be able to break into the market. Wang Qiqi felt she needed to consider this carefully. Given their high expectations, she couldn't just dismiss them.

Seeing Wang Qiqi’s troubled expression, Song Yao and Gong Peixing’s hopes immediately sank. They figured if even Qiqi was stumped, what options did they have?

Wang Qiqi thought for a long time, then said with difficulty, "Sister, it’s not that I don't want to help you, but I really don't understand these things well. For real estate brokerage, Brother-in-law's smooth-talking skills..."

Song Yao had never considered Gong Peixing handling client negotiations. He was too honest. A businessman needed to be honest when required, but had to be sweet-tongued when necessary. "Someone trained in mechanical engineering only knows how to work hard. But my brother’s previous job had something to do with machinery too; why isn't he like that?" Song Ziwen first drove trains and later transferred to the maintenance department; he was essentially a self-taught mechanic.

Trained in mechanics? A thought sparked in Wang Qiqi’s mind, but it was too fast for her to grasp. "Didn't Brother-in-law work in design at the company before?" Wang Qiqi thought she remembered Gong Peixing's previous job correctly.

"Design was also a late start; it was after I agreed to marry him that my father pulled strings to get him transferred," Song Yao explained. "Actually, your brother-in-law studied mechanics in technical school; he's very familiar with machinery and equipment. The quality of parts he processed was definitely top-notch." But her father felt that just staying in the workshop wasn't very promising, so he arranged the transfer.

Processing parts? Hearing this, Wang Qiqi suddenly had an idea. "Brother-in-law isn't familiar with things like lathes, is he?" Although this trade was looked down upon now, considered a dead-end job for a laborer, in another seven or eight years, it would be a blue-collar trade earning much more than a white-collar salary. If they got into it now, Wang Qiqi thought the prospects were good, but she quickly hit a crucial roadblock: money. Even buying a single lathe would likely put significant financial pressure on them.

"He studied for three years in technical school and worked for three or four years. Do you think he wouldn't be familiar with it?" Song Yao didn't overthink Wang Qiqi's question, assuming she was just curious.

"Besides that, does Brother-in-law know about other equipment? Like planing machines?" Wang Qiqi continued to inquire curiously.

This question made both Song Yao and Gong Peixing find Qiqi very strange, wondering why she was pressing the topic. Song Yao's mind raced; she wondered if Qiqi had thought of something. But her immediate reaction was, "You're not planning to have your brother-in-law go work in a factory, are you?" If that was the idea, forget it. With only a technical school degree, what high-paying job could he find? It was better for him to stay home and handle affairs.

Gong Peixing felt a bit disappointed too. Did this mean he could only find a job in a factory? He thought that if he knew this would be the outcome, he shouldn't have resigned; at least he'd have an office job.

Wang Qiqi gave Song Yao an unapologetic glare. "Are you getting slow? I just think if Brother-in-law is knowledgeable about lathes and such, he could buy a piece of equipment himself and rent a space to process things, provided he can find clients." In any case, securing clients was key. If they were back in their hometown, client acquisition wouldn't be a huge issue, but here in the capital, although there were many factories needing this service, he was an outsider, and his skill level was unknown; drumming up clientele would be a hassle.

"Buy a lathe and process parts himself?" Song Yao felt somewhat discouraged. Even though he'd be working for himself, wasn't it just like before? Covered in grease all day, smelling of machine oil. Song Yao had finally escaped that smell; why return to the beginning?

Wang Qiqi hummed in affirmation. "Although this profession isn't highly regarded, if the craftsmanship is good, the profit margins are substantial. I think Brother-in-law has an idea of that." This trade relied entirely on skill; good skill meant better pricing.

Gong Peixing hadn't initially taken it seriously, but after hearing Wang Qiqi's analysis and recalling some snippets of conversation from the office before, he said, "I think Qiqi's suggestion is good." Although his skills weren't as masterful as the old workers, Gong Peixing felt his own work wasn't bad, and if he were making things for himself, he would certainly be more attentive. In his previous unit, even with significant material waste and a large support staff, there was still profit, and it was quite considerable. Gong Peixing mused that if they removed the irrelevant support personnel, there was no reason not to make money.

Song Yao was surprised that even Gong Peixing agreed. "Ah, you really want to go back to your old trade?" That was strange; he hadn't seemed to love that job when he worked in the unit before, and he was thrilled when he was transferred to the office. Why agree so quickly now?

"When I worked in the workshop, the salary wasn't as high as in the office, so of course, I preferred the office job." Gong Peixing felt a bit of regret in his heart. If he had known he would return to this trade, he shouldn't have wasted those years fiddling around in the design department. If he had persisted, he could have become a true master craftsman by now. "I shouldn't have coveted that small bit of extra money and the relatively leisurely downtime back then."

"When would you have advanced working in the workshop?" Song Yao was immediately displeased upon hearing this. "Do you think my father was wrong to transfer you?" What did he mean by that? But then she thought about the financial aspect. Never mind how much the equipment would cost to purchase; they needed to rent a place to house the machines—that all cost money. She calculated that the total cash they could muster was only tens of thousands. It sounded decent, but that sum wasn't enough to buy machinery. Plus, if Song Ziwen needed to open his decoration company, they would likely need to invest tens of thousands there too. The more Song Yao calculated, the tighter her chest felt. She was on the verge of tears. Although the future looked bright, right now, Song Yao felt truly cornered by a lack of cash—a penny could cripple a hero.

Gong Peixing hadn't realized his small complaint about coveting comfort back then would lead his wife to such conclusions. "That's not what I meant. I just feel like I wasted time. But if I really want to return to this line of work, I think I should find a job first."

Although Gong Peixing knew he could buy a lathe and start working immediately, he hadn't touched lathe work in several years and wasn't sure how proficient he was. Another factor was client acquisition, which was a major hurdle. He felt the former was more critical: good work ensured client satisfaction and also maximized material savings, thus maximizing profit.

"Find a job?" Song Yao was surprised. She expected Gong Peixing to be contemplating when to buy equipment or find a location, not that he wanted to find employment. "Aren't you planning to start your own thing?"

"Of course, I plan to do it myself. But before that, I plan to sharpen my skills." If he did that, he would have the confidence to approach clients, wouldn't he? "I just thought about it; having been in the design department, I can better utilize materials and design specialized components that meet client needs." Specialized parts were the most profitable. Gong Peixing realized that the years in the design department hadn't been entirely wasted; he had learned something.

"Now you realize how good my father was to you. Treat my parents well in the future," Song Yao said. Since he admitted to learning a few things in the design section, Song Yao naturally took the opportunity to remind Gong Peixing to appreciate his in-laws' kindness.

"Don't worry, I know," Gong Peixing replied. He knew that compared to his scheming parents, his in-laws were far better. "It's just about the shop in the future..."

"Don't worry. Work hard. My and my son's comfortable future depends on you." Song Yao wholeheartedly supported Gong Peixing's decision. Although her husband wasn't eloquent, he had some authority when it came to technical matters, and once he set his mind on something, he would pursue it relentlessly. "Study for half a year; let's aim to open our small workshop after the Spring Festival." Song Yao calculated that if they started buying equipment after the Spring Festival, the financial pressure wouldn't be too severe.

Gong Peixing almost protested how long that would take, but after recalculating the timeline—and more importantly, the finances—he admitted that starting preparations right after the Spring Festival might actually be tight. "I wonder if Qiqi would be willing to invest a portion?"

Invest again? Wang Qiqi was stunned. Why did everyone starting a company or workshop want to pull her in? She wasn't Midas, guaranteeing fortune. "This won't require a huge amount of capital; let's skip it." Even with the most conservative budget, they would need to put in at least one or two hundred thousand yuan. Wang Qiqi knew how much money she had in total. Even 20% would be tens of thousands, money Song Yao should have access to. Perhaps he was inviting her to participate just to scale up the operation. Wang Qiqi decided against it. While the potential return was good, she didn't have that much capital.

"Exactly, Qiqi. You just invested in Song Ziwen's decoration company; you should support your brother-in-law's venture a bit too," Song Yao interjected before Wang Qiqi could refuse. "Han Tao, tell me, do you even see me as your sister-in-law?" Song Yao's face hardened, adopting a sternness that Wang Qiqi and Han Tao had never seen before.

Wang Qiqi looked at Song Yao's expression and couldn't help but internally critique her; judging by how she looked right now, she was definitely Wang Damei's daughter. Han Tao could only offer a wry smile. What was the point of asking him? He never concerned himself with these matters anyway. "I have no objections. These matters are Qiqi's responsibility." He adopted the air of a man who followed his wife's lead, clearly indicating that as long as Qiqi agreed, he wouldn't say a word against it.

"Don't worry, I'll ask Song Ziwen to join us then. My family will take the lion's share; you and Ziwen will just hold a stake." Song Yao knew that Wang Qiqi’s reluctance probably had something to do with money. "Besides, we won't need to put down the capital until after the New Year. You'll have the funds by then, right?"

Since Song Yao had pressed the issue this far, Wang Qiqi had little choice but to agree. "Fine, I'll take two-tenths at most."

Song Yao didn't care how large the share was; she just needed Qiqi to invest. "Deal."

Wishing all our readers a Happy New Year, good health, and plenty of money.

And also a thanks to myself for writing without rest again this year—three consecutive years of working through both Lunar New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. I hope this year I can stockpile more chapters and finally take a proper trip to RS.