Wang Qiqi and Shi Man, carrying three or four suitcases, hailed a taxi right after leaving the airport and headed straight back to their hometown. They had rushed to the airport early that morning, and after all the hassle, neither of them had the energy left to haul their luggage to the train station for a long journey. Besides, it was Spring Festival travel season now. Wang Qiqi could already sense the overwhelming crowds at the train station; getting tickets would be a nightmare, unlike later generations where you could buy them online and just scan your ID to enter.

"We're finally home," Wang Qiqi murmured, watching the increasingly familiar scenery glide past the car window. They had been truly lucky to find a cab from their hometown willing to take them. Wang Qiqi knew that if the driver didn't pick up a fare heading back to the city, it meant a wasted trip back empty. So, she tentatively tried to negotiate the fare. Although the driver was quite surprised that people rich enough to fly would haggle over such a small fare, the young woman had a point: refusing them meant an empty return trip, while taking them meant guaranteed income. So, he agreed to take Wang Qiqi and Shi Man.

Shi Man was starting to feel hungry; the airplane meal had been truly awful. "I wonder if my parents are home. Oh, Qiqi, we're neighbors now, officially." Shi Man suddenly realized that Wang Qiqi’s new place was in the same complex as her own home. Having another place to visit frequently during the New Year sounded wonderful.

"Only after you move in will we be neighbors," Wang Qiqi corrected. She remembered that her place was renovated, but they hadn't moved in yet. There were many necessary formalities to handle once they got back, all of which Wang Qiqi needed to observe strictly. Fortunately, her Great Aunt Wang Damei had written down everything that needed attention and had already prepared most of the necessary items.

"So, Han Tao is moving in too?" Shi Man suddenly remembered something important: if Han Tao moved in, wouldn't the photograph of his deceased father also need to be placed in the new home? That would mean two sets of parents' photos.

"Mmm, my aunt asked, and she said it's fine. Since this is both my family's and the Han family's house, both sets of parents' photos can be displayed." Though, Wang Qiqi secretly wondered if the Underworld had undergone reforms too. Still, it was a good outcome, and Wang Qiqi felt that the in-laws would get along splendidly, and her mother and father would surely bless her and Han Tao with smooth sailing in everything.

Shi Man admitted she didn't understand these matters, noting that her own parents were more superstitious. "Ugh, you’re so annoying. You really aren't from my era at all." Shi Man genuinely felt that Wang Qiqi belonged to her parents' generation.

Once home, Wang Qiqi plunged into a whirlwind of activity. First, she visited the old house to inform her parents about the move during the New Year. The next day, she celebrated the New Year in the newly finished, long-ventilated new house. Wang Qiqi had been looking forward to getting these matters settled so she could finally rest and recover her strength. However, she then received a call from her mother-in-law, Luo Hongjuan, saying she would arrive in their hometown the very next day. During the call, Luo Hongjuan listed numerous items Wang Qiqi needed to purchase.

Shi Man watched Wang Qiqi’s drawn face and covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. "Alright, just think of it as dieting." But Wang Qiqi was genuinely swamped. She hadn't rested properly for days since returning. One place was busy, then another. Just when she thought everything was done and she could rest, something else came up. "It’s not easy being a good daughter-in-law." Luckily, she was far from her mother-in-law normally, so just calling to check in regularly was manageable.

What truly surprised Wang Qiqi was that the items her mother-in-law required her to purchase were all New Year's goods, and double the amount! Did that mean the formidable mother-in-law had finally agreed to something? Wang Qiqi wasn't entirely certain of this assumption, though.

The next day, Luo Hongjuan arrived from Beijing. After her own flurry of activity, she brought some personal luggage and Han Tao’s father’s photograph to the new house. "Qiqi, from now on, our family will live well together." After settling in, Luo Hongjuan sank onto the sofa, showing no objection whatsoever to Wang Qiqi having the heater on inside the house; she had grown accustomed to the warmth provided by Northern heating systems.

Wang Qiqi was genuinely baffled. She knew Luo Hongjuan had been very hesitant about the move before, wavering between agreeing and disagreeing. How could she have sorted everything out in just half a day back home? Her efficiency made Wang Qiqi wonder if she was dreaming.

"Oh, Qiqi, isn't your brother in real estate? After the New Year, ask him to help rent out that old apartment." Luo Hongjuan said after composing herself.

Rent it out? Wang Qiqi nearly dropped her jaw. What had gotten into her mother-in-law? Had she discovered something Wang Qiqi didn't know about while she was away? "Okay, I understand. I'll talk to my brother." Things were getting stranger and stranger. If Song Yao were here, she might know one or two things, but Yang Jing wasn't Song Yao; she wouldn't pry into such matters. And even if she did, how could Wang Qiqi, as a sister-in-law, shamelessly ask her brother’s wife about gossip concerning her future in-laws? "Mom, what are your requirements for the tenants, and how much rent are you asking?" These basic conditions needed to be confirmed with Luo Hongjuan.

"As soon as possible," Luo Hongjuan replied. She had only one thought: if the apartment wasn't rented out quickly, it would cause a whole new set of troubles.

As soon as possible? Wang Qiqi was startled by the demand. She could sense the clenched-jaw intensity in Luo Hongjuan’s voice when she said it. "Mom, what happened?"

"Han Tao's grandmother's house is being sold off, and they intend to move into our old apartment!" Luo Hongjuan exclaimed. Upon hearing this news, her anger flared. If someone hadn't informed her, things could have turned disastrous.

"Ah!" Wang Qiqi had heard Luo Hongjuan mention this before, but since so much time had passed without any movement from the Han side, she thought they had dropped the idea. She hadn't expected this. But the real issue for Wang Qiqi to consider was: "Will they come over and cause a scene at the house?" Although there weren't many valuables left, just some furniture, Wang Qiqi couldn't rule out what those people might do. They might camp out by the door, crying and making a fuss all day long. No one would want to live there under those circumstances. Moreover, this was her own brother’s business; she couldn't risk ruining his reputation, could she?

Luo Hongjuan paused, realizing the truth in Wang Qiqi’s words. She had been so focused on selling the property quickly to prevent them from forcibly moving in that she forgot they weren't ordinary people. What should they do? Allowing them to move in was absolutely out of the question. There was no reason why they should live in the house bought with their own money just because the Han family squandered their ancestral property on that boy, Han Jun.

Luo Hongjuan thought for a moment, then gritted her teeth. "Then sell the house. Just inform the new owner, and that will be that. I refuse to believe they can do anything once the house belongs to someone else." If the house was sold, the Han family’s complaints would be meaningless, as the new owner would have no connection to them. They would be making trouble for nothing. As for Qiqi's house, Luo Hongjuan wasn't worried; Qiqi, when necessary, could be more ruthless than anyone.

"Sell it?" Wang Qiqi stammered. Han Tao had told her that the old apartment was where his father passed away; he had never considered selling it. Now, it was being sold? "Have you… have you discussed this with Han Tao?" This was a major decision; surely her mother-in-law hadn't decided this unilaterally?

"I talked to Han Tao. While he wasn't entirely pleased, he didn't strongly object either." To be honest, Luo Hongjuan didn't want to sell either, as the apartment held too many memories of their family of three. "But I refuse to let them live there just because. Qiqi, if we let them live there, they’ll cling on like scabby dogs and never leave. I will not let those people occupy the house." Luo Hongjuan understood that her husband would understand her reasoning. Her initial concession was because the old woman claimed it was her property, and Luo Hongjuan, being tough, countered that she could earn money to buy her own house. But that prior retreat was interpreted as weakness, which was too much to bear.

That was true. Those people moving in would be worse than robbers. If they claimed homelessness, how could Luo Hongjuan, as a daughter-in-law, heartlessly kick out the elderly woman? Outsiders would gossip, saying since they were allowed in once, there was no reason to kick them out now. "Then let's leave it empty. I’ll ask my brother to check on it occasionally. I think they won't be able to cause trouble if they can't find an owner to complain to."

Wang Qiqi suspected that the Han family was stirring up trouble now because they expected Luo Hongjuan to be home for the New Year. If the old woman came crying, and the nosy neighbors chimed in with their opinions, it would be unbearably awkward. Often, for the sake of face and filial piety, one was forced to let them stay. Wang Qiqi felt incredibly fortunate that she had moved, and that Luo Hongjuan had been quick to pack up and leave, giving the Han family no time to react.

Luo Hongjuan's suggestion to sell the house was partly fueled by anger. "That would be a big favor to ask of your brother." Having someone keep an eye on things would be wonderful, as she was usually in Beijing and only came back once a year. By the time she noticed something, it would be too late.

"It's no trouble." Wang Qiqi thought that while Song Ziwen was busy, he could certainly spare the time to check on the situation occasionally. "Oh, Mom, this year we’re spending New Year's Eve with my brother and his family." Wang Damei, perhaps having come to terms with things these past couple of years or finding something more interesting to occupy her, readily agreed when Song Ziwen suggested celebrating New Year's Eve at his new house, with the whole family coming over for dinner. Wang Qiqi was surprised by her aunt's lack of opposition, but it was actually quite nice—the whole family together, saving trips, and ensuring Yang Jing's parents wouldn't have to eat their reunion dinner alone.

"Ding-dong, ding-dong." While Wang Qiqi was still nestled under her covers, she heard someone knocking insistently. She found it very strange—who would be calling so early in the morning? Shivering, Wang Qiqi pulled on a dressing gown and peered through the peephole. To her surprise, Song Yao’s family of three stood outside, laden with bags and looking sleepy.

Though bewildered, Wang Qiqi quickly opened the main door. "Sister, Brother-in-law, Taotao!"

Song Yao had been wondering why Qiqi wasn't opening up. She couldn't possibly have moved in already. Just as she was about to knock on the neighbor’s door, the door swung open, revealing a woman who looked slightly disheveled. "Sis, you're back!"

Wang Qiqi had intended a quick greeting, assuming Song Yao’s family would say hello first before heading over to Song Ziwen’s place. But the next action shattered that thought. Little Taotao zipped past Wang Qiqi's legs into the apartment, immediately kicking off his shoes like the master of the house and running inside. "Auntie, why isn't the air conditioning on?" Taotao shivered visibly, indicating he was cold.

Wang Qiqi yawned, ignoring the couple behind him. She walked over to the A/C unit, turned it on, and closed the window that had been left open for ventilation. "Auntie, Taotao is hungry." Taotao then rubbed his little belly, staring at her pitifully.

Song Yao and Gong Peixing took off their shoes. Gong Peixing set his suitcase aside and started moving things into the kitchen. Wang Qiqi stared, momentarily stunned by the efficiency. "Sis, what are you...?" Goodness, despite their close relationship, their demeanor made Wang Qiqi deeply uneasy. It didn't feel like they were just stopping by to say hello or visit; they were acting more like the hosts.

Gong Peixing poked his head out from the kitchen. "Yao Yao, Aunt Luo made some preserved egg and lean meat congee. Go wash up with Taotao, and then we’ll eat."

Hearing about the congee, Taotao became so excited that he almost dashed into the kitchen before Song Yao could stop him. "Qiqi, where is the bathroom? Oh, is Aunt Luo here?"

Wang Qiqi pointed towards the bathroom and watched the mother and son go to wash up. She still felt groggy, her mind a complete fog. "She went out for major shopping today. The house is empty; lots of things aren't set up yet." If Luo Hongjuan had been home, Wang Qiqi thought, she definitely wouldn't have opened the door to them—sleeping in on a cold winter morning was the best feeling.

As Wang Qiqi rubbed her eyes and yawned, she missed the brief, knowing glances exchanged between Song Yao’s family. If she hadn't, she would have regretted her actions to death within the next hour.

"Qiqi, go quickly wash your face and get ready for breakfast, then we can discuss where the three of us will stay," Song Yao instructed, frowning slightly as she emerged from the bathroom after cleaning herself up following helping her son. She found Wang Qiqi still sitting dazed on the sofa.

What? Where the three of them would stay? Wang Qiqi was furious. She pointed at Song Yao and demanded, "You’re staying at my place? I didn't know about that!" Oh dear, with Taotao here, the New Year would certainly be lively, but that little terror was guaranteed to cause chaos. Wang Qiqi suddenly felt immense pressure regarding the upcoming holiday. Furthermore, with Song Yao here and Song Ziwen across the hall, it meant Wang Damei and her husband would also be visiting frequently. She could only listen patiently to those older than her, and she could only listen patiently to those younger than her. Wang Qiqi felt this New Year was going to be utterly stifling.

"Aunt Luo," Song Yao said casually. "Besides, isn't the heating on your new A/C unit great? You two run the A/C anyway, so what’s one more of me? Don't worry, I’ll pay for the electricity." Song Yao said this deliberately.

Yikes, this isn't about the electricity bill, Wang Qiqi thought. She wasn't so poor that she couldn't afford the power. But the problem was, her mother-in-law had explicitly agreed to let them stay. Wang Qiqi couldn't very well say, "Sorry, you’re not welcome here." "Well… Auntie [Wang Damei] might miss you," Wang Qiqi finally managed to come up with a reason to deter them after a long pause.

Song Yao added another fact. "My mom said it's cold over there, and since Qiqi is running the A/C anyway, Taotao won't have to keep running back and forth every day." Song Yao had gotten used to the heated indoor comfort while staying in Beijing and had even grumbled to Gong Peixing about whether their hometown would have heating upon their return. When Aunt Luo found out, she immediately invited them over.

Aunt Luo agreed, and Great Aunt agreed. Wang Qiqi knew the battle was lost. "You three can sleep in my room. Han Tao's mom and I will share a bed." She had been looking forward to having a whole large bed to herself, but with Song Yao’s sudden arrival, she’d be back to sharing a bed with someone—even if it was her mother-in-law, Wang Qiqi felt very uncomfortable. It wasn't like she could spoon her husband.

Song Yao didn't hesitate at Wang Qiqi’s reply. "Where is your room?"

"The room next to the living room is mine," Wang Qiqi replied listlessly. Sigh, her own territory had just been occupied! "Sis, I’ll go pack my things in a bit." Wang Qiqi wondered if she should just sleep in the study. There was a sofa bed there, originally meant for occasional guests, which now the hostess herself would have to use before any actual guest. But she probably wouldn't give it to them; first, the sofa bed wasn't comfortable, and second, would she have to run a separate A/C unit? Her mother-in-law would definitely forbid that. "Oh, Brother-in-law, you’ll be in charge of the heavy lifting around the house then." Since they weren't treating themselves as guests, Wang Qiqi naturally intended to put them to work.

Don't let Song Yao and her husband’s relaxed demeanor fool you; they were quite nervous inside. If Wang Qiqi suddenly got angry, they really wouldn't know how to handle it. "Qiqi, you actually agree to let us stay?"

Wang Qiqi looked at the cautiously observing Song Yao and found it very strange. If two elders had agreed, why was she acting like this? Opposing them now would be inviting trouble. She said testily, "I agree." Honestly, Wang Qiqi thought, was her character that bad? Would she really turn them away? Everyone seemed to think so—it was too much, completely over the top.

As soon as Wang Qiqi agreed, Song Yao instantly cheered up. "I told you my idea was good! Qiqi would definitely let us stay..."

Gong Peixing looked resigned. Did his wife want to heap more pressure on Qiqi? Why was she provoking her further? Taotao, meanwhile, jumped up and down excitedly. "Mommy is amazing, Mommy is amazing!"

Watching the family’s reaction, Wang Qiqi wondered if Luo Hongjuan had actually agreed to let them stay. "Wait, you guys..." Wang Qiqi hesitated before voicing her central doubt. "Did my mom actually not agree to let you stay?" Heavens, this was too much! It made sense why Song Yao had asked so cautiously if she agreed. They had deliberately dug a pit for her to fall into. It also explained why they asked if Luo Hongjuan was home. "You guys have some nerve. What if she had been home? What would you have told her—that I agreed to let you stay?" She couldn't shamelessly claim Han Tao had agreed.

"Auntie, Uncle will definitely agree to let me stay here!" Little Taotao rushed up to Wang Qiqi, gloating. "I have a great, great relationship with Uncle!"

Wang Qiqi was speechless. This whole family, the older ones and the young one, were shameless. "Sis, what is this... Can I take back my agreement?" Wang Qiqi knew it was impossible, but if she didn't vent, she felt she would implode from the suppressed frustration.

Before Song Yao could respond, Taotao interjected, "Auntie, you’re an adult; you have to keep your word. You agreed to let Taotao stay just now. Taotao can lend you Dad, and Auntie can make my Dad do more work..."

Wang Qiqi stared at the little one who so brazenly sold out his own father. What a 'pit-digging' son! And her brother-in-law stood behind him, smiling foolishly and nodding along. "Brother-in-law, just go along with this kid, okay? Fine, I’ll tell Han Tao’s mom that I agreed to let you stay here. By the way, does Great Aunt know you’re staying here?" Since Luo Hongjuan was being used as leverage, Wang Qiqi guessed Wang Damei was waiting for them to return. As for why Wang Qiqi was being so kind as to help persuade Luo Hongjuan, she knew her mother-in-law would likely agree anyway, and with two major hurdles, Song Yao's temperament meant she would force Wang Qiqi to take down at least one. So, she might as well tackle the least challenging one first. "You guys go tell Great Aunt yourselves. Just don't say I agreed to let you stay." Hmph, they tried to trap her; they could go appease Wang Damei on their own. Wang Qiqi had no intention of putting in a good word for them to her aunt.

"Qiqi, you’re not going to abandon me, are you?" Shi Man's real plan was to have Wang Qiqi and Taotao persuade her own mother. She knew her mother eagerly anticipated Taotao’s return to be near her. If her mother found out Shi Man was back and still staying at Qiqi’s, she might throw a fit. And the only people who could handle her mother were Taotao and Wang Qiqi. Shi Man was shocked that Qiqi would so bluntly state she wouldn't mediate. This made Shi Man feel farther away from the warm new house. "Qiqi, you already agreed to let us move in. What does this mean?"

"I agreed, I didn't object, so I'll tell Mom you guys can stay here." Wang Qiqi shrugged, indicating she truly had no desire to bar them from the house. "I'm going to wash up first; hurry up and eat something." She wondered if the porridge her mother-in-law had made was enough; there probably wouldn't be enough portions. Wang Qiqi guessed that Song Yao wouldn't save any for her, wanting to vent her frustration about Qiqi not helping out.

Sure enough, by the time Wang Qiqi finished washing up and reached the dining table, Song Yao pointed at the empty pot and declared, "Sorry, Qiqi, we finished all the porridge." Hmph, if you don't help me, I'll just eat all the porridge. That’ll teach you to bully me and refuse to pitch in.

Wang Qiqi felt absolutely no pressure from Song Yao’s childish display. Since the other person wanted to be that immature, she’d let her. Wang Qiqi walked into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and pulled out some frozen foods. When she returned, she had stocked the fridge with plenty of frozen items, just in case she got hungry and found nothing to eat.

Song Yao watched Wang Qiqi’s completely unconcerned expression. Even if she was furious inside, what did it matter? But she secretly plotted, Hmph, trying to use my own mother to stop me from staying here? Impossible. Even without Wang Qiqi’s approval, I can still convince my mother. Song Yao was secretly delighted. She knew just how many contingency plans she had devised just to be able to stay here in the first place. Although the mission was completed a bit circuitously, it was still within an acceptable range.