Wang Qiqi watched Luo Hongjuan hold Han Tao's hand, constantly reminding him of this and that, so she turned to the kitchen to prepare sweet soup, giving the space to the mother and son.

Luo Hongjuan watched Han Tao, who was leaving again just a few months after returning, and sighed in her heart, "Don't wander around too much after you get to the US; just stay home. Remember to call back a few more times." Perhaps the Luo Hongjuan of the past would never have spared the expense of such an expensive international call for her son, but ever since that terrifying incident, Luo Hongjuan had developed a sense of dread towards the United States, a country she once considered safe across the ocean, always worrying that her son might encounter danger if he went out.

Han Tao nodded, signaling that he understood, "Mom, I know. Don't worry, your son won't run around. You know my character; your son isn't someone who likes to fool around." Once in the US, he would be busy enough; he still needed to check out the terrain near the school he would attend. Once the acceptance letter officially arrived, he could rent an apartment. Of course, he didn't know which school Qiqi would attend.

Frankly, Luo Hongjuan really didn't want Han Tao to go to the US right now. "Son, let's go next year. You can finish your work online anyway." In Luo Hongjuan's mind, if her son could complete tasks this way before, there was no reason he couldn't do it now. "The US is really dangerous. Even if controls are strict now, what if the bad guys are already in the US?" Han Tao was Luo Hongjuan's only hope. She couldn't imagine what she would do if her son weren't around. What good was all the money in the world? Even with daughter-in-law Qiqi, she was still young and couldn't remain a widow forever; in the end, only she would be the most heartbroken.

Han Tao had intended to comfort his mother a little, after all, that terrorist incident was just a fluke that caught the government off guard; the possibility of achieving such a feat a second time was low. But when he saw the pained smile on his mother's face, he felt helpless. He knew his mother was probably terrified that something might happen to him. "Mom, don't worry, I'll be fine. Qiqi and I haven't even had seven or eight children for you to play with yet."

Wang Qiqi, hearing this in the living room, pouted. Seven or eight children? Did he think she was a sow, capable of handling it all in one go? Wang Qiqi looked down at her belly; she really couldn't imagine her stomach swelling and shrinking seven or eight times. Moreover, the more births, the harder it would be to recover her figure, right? Besides, Wang Qiqi truly couldn't imagine falling asleep to the sound of crying children and waking up to it later.

Shi Man, also in the living room, almost burst out laughing at Han Tao’s comment but quickly covered her mouth and gave Wang Qiqi a silent smile. After some time, when her composure settled a bit, she exclaimed, "Oh my god, Qiqi, you're going to have seven or eight? That makes you a total sow!" Good heavens, Shi Man could already vividly imagine seeing Wang Qiqi in the future, followed by seven or eight little ones, introducing themselves as Da Ah, Er Ah; the scene alone made Shi Man feel amused, let alone meeting the real thing later.

Wang Qiqi watched Shi Man nearly wobble over in her own fantasy, knowing that she was probably composing all sorts of things in her mind about her. "Don't worry, your man will have the same idea." Hmph. Feng Xuanxiang's family was from a small county in the north. Wang Qiqi didn't believe they wouldn't have the idea of having many children and enjoying many blessings. Since she wasn't having an easy time, she wouldn't let Shi Man have an easy time either, right?

Wang Qiqi's words successfully froze the teasing Shi Man was about to unleash. She knew that when her future mother-in-law heard Feng Xuanxiang was going to the US, her first reaction was that they could have more children then. She had even grabbed Shi Man's hand, constantly saying how happy it was to have many siblings, and how miserable it was when a son was an only child—the implication was clear in every word. Thinking of this, Shi Man gave Wang Qiqi a look that said, "We are both suffering." And just like that, the two women aligned their positions: neither would let the men have the final say.

Luo Hongjuan was a traditional Chinese elder who firmly believed in the saying that more children brought more blessings. "Good, when the time comes, Mom will go to the US to help you take care of the children." The mere thought of many children surrounding her, constantly calling her Grandma, filled Luo Hongjuan with joy.

Hearing this, Han Tao internally cried out, "This is bad." Ever since he saw that kid Han Jun spoiled by his elders, Wang Qiqi had discussed with him whether children should be raised by grandparents. Wang Qiqi’s stance was clear: she would raise the children herself, even if it exhausted her, rather than letting them be spoiled by the elders. Han Tao strongly agreed with this. But now, hearing his mother's intention to raise the grandchildren, he felt a bit conflicted—his mother on one side, his wife on the other, but most importantly, the future of his own children.

Luo Hongjuan noticed that her son, who had been acting like a child clinging to her, suddenly looked uneasy after hearing her words. She also found it strange. Weren't they always talking about letting her go to the US alone before? Why the change in attitude now? It made her feel perplexed. She knew her son was good and filial, and Qiqi was also good and filial, always helping her buy things whether at home or abroad; she was certainly qualified to be a daughter to her. So, where was the problem?

Although Han Tao was trying to figure out how to discuss the issue of child education with his mother, he also paid attention to Luo Hongjuan’s expression. "Mom, your upbringing was actually quite good. For instance, you raised me quite well. But I worry..." Han Tao started by complimenting his mother's ability to raise children, citing himself as the best example. The transition that followed would allow Luo Hongjuan to automatically grasp what he hadn't explicitly said.

When Luo Hongjuan heard her son mention that he achieved success under her tutelage, her heart ached a little. Although many people said she had a knack for raising children, successfully cultivating her only son Han Tao to be so accomplished, Luo Hongjuan knew it was all due to her son's own hard work. "You were more sensible than many children from a young age; you never demanded this or that, and you worked hard in your studies." Other children were still spending their parents' money, but her son had been earning his own tuition and living expenses since middle school. "Don't worry, your mother knows her own limits. I can cook a meal or clean the house, but when it comes to raising children, I truly don't have the capability. I won't interfere with your children's education in the future."

Although Luo Hongjuan felt a bit regretful, she also understood her limitations. Even if she wouldn't dote on the children as a grandmother might, she wouldn't raise a useless child like Han Jun. But she definitely wouldn't cultivate a capable and outstanding grandson either. Thinking that everyone's starting point was ultimately for the child's good, Luo Hongjuan felt slightly better.

Hearing such words that implied self-deprecation, Han Tao felt a pang in his heart. This was his mother; how could she define herself as merely a nanny? Wang Qiqi, sitting in the living room listening to their mother-son conversation, was also on tenterhooks. She knew Han Tao could be ruthless to outsiders, but his heart was absolutely soft towards the friends and family he deemed important. For other matters, Wang Qiqi might indulge Han Tao's whims, but since this involved the children, she was genuinely worried.

"Mom, don't worry, I will absolutely not let you be just a nanny. Your son will earn a lot of money in the future, and we'll hire nannies to work in the house then." Hearing his mother concede the point, Han Tao certainly wouldn't let her do work fit for a nanny. "Then you can live like the old matriarch of a landlord's family, waited on by servants, with children surrounding you..."

Luo Hongjuan couldn't help but laugh at Han Tao constantly making empty promises. "Do you think labor costs abroad are cheap? It's not like you're earning US dollars and spending Mao Zedong's currency here. Just save a little for me. If we really have seven or eight children, I think just buying the houses will keep you busy enough." Luo Hongjuan calculated the price of the houses they would buy in the US in RMB and then multiplied by seven—it gave her a jolt of panic. It was a significant sum! If they spent all their savings back home, it would cover it, but what about the children's education fees? As she kept calculating, Luo Hongjuan's heart began to race faster.

"Son, I've calculated it. Seven children are too expensive. Let's have fewer," she said slowly after thinking deeply with her head bowed. "Four grandchildren should be enough. Having four grandsons standing out together would be quite impressive."

Wang Qiqi had expected that when Luo Hongjuan said seven was too many and suggested having fewer, she would say two were enough—a boy and a girl to complete the perfect set. But she never expected her to suggest four grandsons. Good heavens, Wang Qiqi thought, can we control that? There's no guarantee every pregnancy will result in a boy, and Wang Qiqi actually preferred girls. Boys are easily raised into ungrateful whelps. Han Tao, such a filial son, sometimes Luo Hongjuan felt he forgot his mother after getting a wife. However, when chatting with Song Yao, she often mentioned how filial Wang Qiqi and Han Tao were. Wang Qiqi wondered if Song Yao said this because she was her cousin. Still, people always liked comparisons. Compared to that kid Han Jun, she was definitely much better off.

"Mom, your standards are too high." Han Tao hadn't expected his mother to want four children. The thought of four rowdy boys running around made his head spin. He knew that four boisterous boys would have destructive power exceeding an reinforced company. "Mom, I prefer girls. See how meticulous Qiqi is, always thinking of many things; I’m rather careless."

Luo Hongjuan hadn't expected her daydreaming to make her son so nervous. "Don't worry, it's not like I only want grandsons. I like them regardless of gender." In truth, she had just spoken without thinking. "Besides, you and Qiqi were both well-behaved children from a young age, so I expect your children will also be very good." If the parents have good genes, the children born should also be excellent.

Luo Hongjuan and Han Tao chatted for a while longer. She glanced at the time and realized it was getting late. "Taotao, it's getting late. I have to go. I won't see you off at the airport tomorrow." Although Han Tao's flight was in the afternoon this time, because Lu Qiaowei had started classes and Gong Peixing had gone to work, the staff at the shop were a bit tight. That’s why Luo Hongjuan came early today to cook Han Tao a good meal and remind him of many things, as she wouldn't be seeing him off tomorrow.

"I know, Mom. You need to take care of yourself too." Although Luo Hongjuan insisted Han Tao shouldn't escort her to the bus stop, Han Tao knew his mother often said the opposite of what she meant; she also wanted to see him more and chatter a bit longer about things he needed to watch out for.

On their last night before parting, Wang Qiqi and Han Tao didn't go to bed until very late. This wasn't because they had been 'rolling around' for so long, but because they had talked for ages. Although they had the internet now and could chat frequently, even voice chat, there was the issue of the time difference, and a more crucial factor was Han Tao's work schedule. If tasks were heavy, he’d be rushing assignments; if light, things were more relaxed. Even if Wang Qiqi had a visa for the US, she had time constraints, but traveling wasn't easy either. Of course, Wang Qiqi also had her own plans.

Originally, Wang Qiqi planned to use the four university summer breaks to travel across most of China. But with less than half a year left until graduation, her plan had barely materialized. Wang Qiqi knew the possibility of completing this goal or plan later wouldn't be very high; even if she did, she worried it might be when she was in her seventies or eighties. So, she had long decided that once her senior year coursework was mostly complete and classmates went for internships, she would travel around and relax. Previously, Han Tao had been a bit moody, even trying to persuade Wang Qiqi to go abroad with him, but plans changed faster than expected. Even if obtaining a US visa wasn't difficult, Han Tao didn't want Qiqi to endure anxiety by accompanying him. Han Tao knew that the next time they met, if everything went smoothly, it would be around March or April.

"When you see beautiful scenery out there, remember to send me photos." Han Tao knew Wang Qiqi had bought a digital camera. Despite the high price, the benefit was that Qiqi could send him the photos over the internet. "Even though I can't travel with you, I hope to see all the scenery you see."

Of course, Wang Qiqi would share all the photos she took on her travels with Han Tao, but back then, she had to get them printed. Now, with a digital camera, Wang Qiqi knew she could even note down the feeling she had when taking each picture. "Aren't you worried I'll have romantic encounters? You know I plan to stay in Lijiang for a while," Wang Qiqi provocatively asked. After all, even Li Qian had quite a few romantic encounters in Lijiang; how come the eternally youthful, peerless beauty like herself hadn't garnered any attention? However, as that border town became more famous, many people specifically went there to act sophisticated, seeking so-called romantic encounters or one-night stands, which lowered Wang Qiqi's opinion of the place. But the Lijiang of today was probably still better. Therefore, travel must be done sooner rather than later. Although prolonged development means better facilities, it also means it becomes more commercialized, and the natural scenery slowly loses its former beauty with the increase in foot traffic.

Regarding Wang Qiqi's question, Han Tao couldn't deny he was worried. But he countered, "Aren't you worried about me abroad...?" Han Tao considered himself a somewhat promising handsome young man. A former receptionist at his company had pursued him ardently, even ignoring the fact that Han Tao had a girlfriend, confidently stating she could compare to Wang Qiqi. If it were someone else, Wang Qiqi estimated the chance of him being swayed would be high, as she had met that girl—she was absolutely stunning, and more importantly, she was American! But her Han Tao was definitely a good man. He completely ignored women who threw themselves at him. Han Tao never had any good feelings for women who knew someone was taken but enthusiastically played the role of the home-wrecker. Although this incident ended with the woman resigning, Han Tao sometimes brought it up to prove he was a rather sought-after bachelor in the US.

Wang Qiqi had intended to trap him with her question but ended up being countered instead. "Hmph, if you dare to do anything to betray me..." Wang Qiqi flipped over and lay on top of Han Tao, staring intently into his eyes (though Han Tao didn't notice because the room light was off). Wang Qiqi felt that merely threatening someone with words wasn't enough. She pulled Han Tao's arm and bit down hard on it. "This is the consequence of you doing anything to betray me."

Wang Qiqi admitted she was a bit jealous. After all, home-wreckers never disappeared completely, and the best control was managing her own man. Fortunately, her man had neither the time nor the inclination to cheat; his mind was currently filled with earning money and building his career. Perhaps in another twenty years, Han Tao would be a successful, charming middle-aged man, and Wang Qiqi would be older with less exquisite skin; maybe then he might entertain stray thoughts. "Promise me, promise me," she urged.

Han Tao hadn't expected Wang Qiqi's reaction to be so strong. He hurriedly patted her back, assuring her, "Alright, let's go to sleep. We have dinner with Bai Ge and the others tomorrow noon." That dinner with Bai Ge and the others was supposed to have happened earlier, but it was delayed due to some issue with Luo Rui.

After seeing Han Tao onto the plane, Wang Qiqi's mood plummeted. The tears she had been holding back finally flowed, startling Shi Man, who had come to see him off. "Qiqi, Qiqi, what's wrong?" Goodness, why was Qiqi reacting so strongly at the send-off today? Shi Man thought she had experienced many send-offs and should be accustomed to temporarily living apart from her man; this reaction was truly abnormal.

Although a casual remark from Han Tao early that morning had somewhat soothed her, Wang Qiqi was still filled with worry. Wang Qiqi never dreamed; she always slept soundly until morning. But last night, she kept having nightmares where various women relentlessly seduced Han Tao, and she was yelling and jumping on the sidelines, trying to rush to Han Tao's side to punch and kick those vixens, but she felt strangely restrained. Wang Qiqi had woken up startled several times from the dream, even soaking her nightgown. The dark circles under her eyes this morning were quite noticeable, and everyone assumed it was because she couldn't bear to part with Han Tao, so they just teased her a bit.

After crying for a while, Wang Qiqi felt much better. She wouldn't share her inner unrest with Shi Man, not because she didn't want to share, but because she was troubled herself, constantly worrying about the future with Feng Xuanxiang. If Wang Qiqi voiced her worries now, she didn't know how low Shi Man’s spirits would sink.

Although Shi Man couldn't guess Wang Qiqi's mood exactly right, she knew it must be worry about Han Tao. Previously, Han Tao's winter trips to the US were only about a month long, but now he was leaving for three or four months, and alone at that. How could Wang Qiqi not worry? "Don't worry, everything will be fine. Han Tao is a good man, and besides, our Qiqi isn't bad either. If he leaves, will you not find another good man?"

"But I worry I won't find another man this tolerant of me." To be serious, Wang Qiqi had a bit of a dominant streak, and for a capable man like Han Tao to tolerate her continuously was something Song Yao envied several times. Song Yao also had a bit of a dominant streak, but Gong Peixing was definitely not as good as Han Tao in handling it. She often advised Wang Qiqi to be mindful; good men were highly sought after and easily targeted. Given Wang Qiqi's temperament, finding a man who could tolerate her was truly questionable.

"Tch, look at you, so lacking in ambition," Shi Man said, annoyed by Wang Qiqi’s look of a dejected little wife. "By the way, when are you planning to go to Yunnan?" Shi Man had originally planned to go to the US after finishing her thesis and had told her family she wouldn't return for the Spring Festival. But since she couldn't go to the US, Shi Man planned to use the free time to travel around with Wang Qiqi. She thought going to the Yunnan area might be rewarding—for instance, they could visit local specialty shops to see if they could acquire some unique items to bring back to the capital to sell.

Wang Qiqi calculated that the Spring Festival would be around mid-February. "I plan to go in December and spend about a month touring all of Yunnan." This meant visiting the more famous spots, but this travel itinerary was certainly astonishing—something only people with both money and time, like them, could manage. "What do you think? We can go back to our hometown for the New Year then."

Shi Man felt the timeline was stretching a bit long, but she had nothing pressing back in the capital; going home meant listening to relatives boast about their minor triumphs, which sounded utterly boring. Might as well let the trip linger, since she certainly wasn't short on funds anyway. "Fine then, should we go book the plane tickets?" Booking a bit early always offered some discount, after all.

Wang Qiqi’s plan for this excursion was clear: "We're taking the train, and we're staying in cheap motels."

Shi Man froze when she heard Wang Qiqi’s itinerary. "Wait, seriously? Are we that strapped for cash?" She wondered if Wang Qiqi had stretched the ten-day budget into over a month, leading to a downgrade in overall comfort. "Look, we aren't actually broke, maybe we should just shorten the trip then." Shi Man worried that because Wang Qiqi was sinking capital into two different companies, she might be feeling a pinch—though Shi Man privately thought she could easily lend Wang Qiqi the money if needed.

Shi Man mused that roughing it on a trip was simply not her style, but the real question was whether this travel plan would actually bend to her preferences.