After Wang Qiqi saw off Wang Damei, she returned to Wang Qiqi's house with Song Yao and her family of three. "Qiqi, how could we forget to turn on the air conditioning beforehand?" Having just moved from a warm house to one that felt like an ice cellar, Wang Qiqi could barely stand it. The adults were fine, but what about her son?

Wang Qiqi replied dryly, "Sister, you have the energy to nag about that, you might as well go turn on the AC." All she did was nag, never even thinking to close the windows.

Song Yao saw the windows were closed and turned on the living room air conditioner. "Qiqi, get me a few cups of yogurt from the fridge. Ugh, I feel terrible after drinking. Honey, turn on the TV."

"Oh, right, son, go to the cabinet and get the snacks your mother bought the other day." Song Yao plopped onto the sofa, sighing. She felt a little dizzy.

Wang Qiqi originally wanted to comment on how lazy Song Yao was—with five people in the house, only she and Luo Hongjuan hadn't been ordered around—but seeing her state, Wang Qiqi said nothing. She had clearly drunk too much at dinner. "Sister, you really lost your composure today."

"I'm happy," Song Yao said cheerfully. "Finally, there are no detestable people present for the New Year celebration." With one less person sighing and complaining at the dinner table, Song Yao felt genuinely happy.

If Song Yao hadn't spoken, Wang Qiqi wouldn't have remembered to ask, "Why didn't Auntie call her family over for the New Year today?" That was really strange. If they felt awkward inviting Wang Dagui over because they were celebrating at Song Ziwen's place, why didn't Wang Damei even mention Wang Dagui at the dinner table? Something was definitely off.

"I heard they went to Hong Kong for the New Year." Song Yao couldn't hide the smug grin on her face. She took the yogurt Wang Qiqi handed her and downed the entire bottle in one go. "You know, my mom called him a few days ago and invited him over for dinner, and now he's acting all high and mighty, telling my mom he’s going to spend the New Year with his son-in-law. The tone of voice nearly infuriated my mother." Wang Damei had complained to Song Yao for quite a while about how odious Wang Dagui was, saying that if she hadn't called him, he wouldn't have even mentioned going to Hong Kong for the New Year, acting as if she were worried Wang Damei would try to leech off them for gifts.

Going to Hong Kong for the New Year? Spending it at the son-in-law's place? Wang Qiqi was nearly stunned by the two pieces of news. "Did that old man get a divorce?"

Song Yao countered, "He’s only in his forties." She didn't know about the divorce for certain. "They are reportedly staying in a hotel this time. I figure if it’s a hotel, it means either the Hong Kong guy doesn't have a big enough place to host them, or they haven't divorced yet. There’s no way he’d let the main wife know that the mistress was bringing her cheap father-in-law along." She wondered what the situation would be like when they got there, but she had to admit that Wang Rui girl had some skills to coax that man into taking her to Hong Kong. Song Yao was envious. Her impression of Hong Kong was still entirely from television, and now Wang Rui had gotten there first.

Gong Peixing set the food and drinks on the coffee table. Hearing Song Yao, he also had a question. "Didn't Little Uncle get furious when he found out last year? What happened now?" That change was too drastic. He remembered his father-in-law was so angry after returning that he hadn't eaten or drunk for days, saying this daughter had no conscience. The mother-in-law had been worried sick. How could he forget about it so quickly and patch things up with Wang Rui? This man truly... Gong Peixing didn't know how to describe his uncle; he had absolutely no moral bottom line.

Wang Qiqi and Song Yao, the niece and nephew who knew Wang Dagui best, both chuckled. "Him? If you have money, he’s your parent," Wang Qiqi commented. Luo Hongjuan shot Wang Qiqi a look, not because she disagreed with the assessment, but because the children were present and prone to mimicry. If this got out, who knew what outsiders would say, perhaps attributing the thought to adult guidance.

"My uncle, if Wang Rui gives him the slightest bit of sweetness, he’ll probably run faster than anyone," Song Yao had hoped her uncle could stand firm for once, but people, she realized, couldn't change their fundamental nature. "But if Wang Rui lives well, our burden will be lighter in the future." Song Yao finally understood that a certain person had grand ambitions to step on all of them. Though Song Yao wanted to declare that this was pure daydreaming, if Wang Rui lived well, Wang Dagui became her responsibility; otherwise, Song Yao wouldn't hesitate to blast her.

"Oh, Qiqi, you mentioned to Ziwen today that you plan to sell the houses here later. Are you a bit short on cash?" Luo Hongjuan suddenly asked while watching TV. She hadn't felt comfortable asking over there, but now that they were back, she brought it up. She had some money set aside that was useless to her; if her daughter-in-law needed it, she could use it.

Wang Qiqi shook her head. "I just don't want to keep too many houses in my hometown. If my brother gets the idea to develop in Beijing later, the houses here will really be a hassle." Of course, she also relayed what Song Ziwen had pointed out to her—that Song Yao also owned quite a few properties in their hometown, and she needed to make plans for those as well.

"You're not planning to sell off the houses here gradually, are you?" Song Yao, though dizzy, had a sharp mind and quickly caught the hidden meaning in Wang Qiqi's words. "But you're right, looking at the way property prices are soaring in Beijing..." Even with her modest fortune, she often felt a chill of fear. Housing prices were rising far faster than wages. They kept hoping prices would fall, but Song Yao felt that was unlikely. Since Wang Qiqi had this plan, she nudged Gong Peixing, who was happily eating pistachios, "Do you think we should consider selling the houses here?" That way, certain people wouldn't keep eyeing them.

Song Yao’s words cornered Gong Peixing. He didn't know how to answer. Honestly, this place was his roots. If he sold all the houses, he felt he would completely sever ties with this city, becoming a true wanderer.

"We won't sell the wedding house, and we won't sell the house allocated to you in your hometown this time; we can renovate it and rent it out later." Song Yao figured that if they were going to keep any, it should be these two meaningful houses. As for whether her husband was reluctant to part with the land or certain people, that depended on his own thoughts.

Gong Peixing was genuinely worried his wife would sell all their houses here. After all, they were his parents. If the houses were gone, would they have to sleep on the streets? Hearing Song Yao’s assurance, he had no objection. "You handle it, but if we sell now, won't the price be suppressed?" Selling a whole flock of houses at once might prevent them from getting a good price, leading to a loss.

Song Yao truly didn't care about such minor funds. "You only think about small money. Don't you see how much the housing prices have risen in Beijing? We should have invested earlier. Oh, Qiqi, when the time comes, let’s pool our resources and buy a whole building together! That would make management easier." The more Song Yao thought about it, the more exciting the prospect became—an entire building! What presence that would have.

Song Yao’s tone made the three people present gasp. They exchanged bewildered glances. Wang Qiqi had only one thought: Sister, even if we buy a six-story building, we can’t afford it! "Sister, Beijing housing prices are nothing like the ones here." Wang Qiqi thought Song Yao needed to take some medicine; otherwise, she sounded completely unreliable, making everyone anxious.

Wang Qiqi’s words dashed the beautiful dream Song Yao had just started having, making her angry. "Qiqi, of course, I know that! Can't I just indulge in a daydream for a bit?" She was getting less and less endearing as she got older; how cute Qiqi was as a child! "Never mind, I’ve decided to talk to Song Ziwen about this in a couple of days, and when I get back to Beijing, I’ll start looking at properties everywhere. Qiqi, you should join me." Her husband was too busy, but Wang Qiqi wasn't. Besides writing her thesis, she was always wandering around, either here or there. Compared to her own frantic schedule, Song Yao was jealous of Wang Qiqi, who managed to have fun while traveling without delaying her work, eating well, sleeping well, playing well, and earning a tidy sum. How infuriatingly enviable!

"Okay." Seeing Song Yao was already worked up, Wang Qiqi wisely kept quiet and offered no resistance. Besides, if she resisted, they would still drag her out anyway. Given that, it was better to be compliant. "Sister, this time, let's look at the newly developed large complexes in the near suburbs, preferably close to the planned subway routes." Those properties would be highly sought after; tenants would never be a problem, and rent increases every year would be guaranteed.

"Are we taking out a loan this time?" Gong Peixing felt stressed just thinking about the monthly mortgage payments. If they bought outright, it would be fine, but if they bought pre-sale properties with a loan, the pressure... he really couldn't handle it.

"We won't take a loan for pre-sale properties," Song Yao stated firmly. "Qiqi, is your friend Nana's family developing any new properties?" Since they were buying, it made sense to support a friend's business. Moreover, the discount that Zhu Lina offered would surely be attractive.

"Her family has developed several because the previous ones did very well." Wang Qiqi figured the Zhu family, seeing how lucrative real estate was, had shifted their main focus to it. "Sister, I’ll ask Nana when I get back." Since her friend was in the business and they had the need, there was no reason to be polite.

"Qiqi, I also plan to sell my houses in the hometown and buy property in Beijing," Luo Hongjuan interjected from the side after watching the sisters deliberate for a long time. She finally found a break between their discussions to slip this in. "I’ll bring money to buy a house in Beijing too." Keeping one house in the hometown was enough. Even if they didn't have a place to stay here, would her son and daughter-in-law kick her out?

"Mom, didn't you say..." Wang Qiqi was surprised. Didn't her husband inherit his sentimentality for his hometown from his mother? Yet, now even her mother-in-law had this idea. Wang Qiqi didn't think her mother-in-law was motivated by profiting from Beijing real estate; she must have another plan.

"I'm worried that if the others find out about my other properties, I won't be able to trouble your brother indefinitely. If it weren't for the fact that that house was Han Tao’s father’s, I would have..." Luo Hongjuan had been thinking that since the Han family was constantly entangled with them, she might as well sell all the properties here and see how they would bother her then. "I'll have to trouble your brother then." She only trusted Song Ziwen; she worried others might have connections with the Han family.

"Well, this is the trend toward developing in Beijing!" Song Yao hadn't expected that a casual conversation between Wang Qiqi and Song Ziwen would cause such a stir at home. "Congratulations on our new beginnings in Beijing!" Song Yao had intended to celebrate with red wine, but in her current state, she feared if she drank more, she’d be passed out before midnight. Helplessly, Song Yao picked up the yogurt Wang Qiqi had given her and toasted with it instead of wine.

"A wonderful beginning." The four raised their glasses in celebration. For them, this place held too many unpleasant memories, whereas Beijing currently offered pleasant ones—no bothersome, utterly repulsive relatives, no one calculating how much money they had; the only thing on their minds was working hard to earn money.

"Me, me, me too!" Taotao watched his grandmother and parents drinking yogurt without including him. He grew anxious, standing on the sofa holding his yogurt cup and stomping his feet to show his displeasure.

Song Yao looked at her anxious son, pulled him into a hug, and kissed the top of his little head repeatedly. "My good son, how could Mommy forget you?" Song Yao tapped her yogurt cup against the one Taotao held as a toast. Taotao smiled happily when his mother did this.

Luo Hongjuan looked at Taotao’s innocent smile and thought about when she might finally become a grandmother.

For the rest of the time, the family snacked and drank beverages while watching the Spring Festival Gala. Naturally, they also watched and cursed simultaneously. Wang Qiqi wasn't interested in the Gala; the only reason she stayed in the living room with everyone was to enjoy the feeling of being gathered together. Meanwhile, she was busy texting Song Yao and Han Tao. Han Tao was extremely envious of the menu Wang Qiqi described.

Luo Hongjuan found it strange seeing Wang Qiqi smile so brightly. "Qiqi, why are you laughing so hard?"

"Chatting with Han Tao. He said he only ate one packet of frozen dumplings and bought some beef." Wang Qiqi said with a smile. "He was drooling that day." Although this year's New Year's Eve dinner was eaten at home, it was incredibly lavish. Wang Qiqi felt she would gain a few pounds just from that meal.

Luo Hongjuan was shocked that her son had eaten so little. How could that be? "Ah, this is New Year's Eve! You shouldn't be frugal; tell him to find a nice restaurant and have a good meal!" New Year's Eve dinner shouldn't be too frugal, but she felt heartbroken that her son was eating such simple fare; he was working too hard.

"It's fine. He said he’s having dinner with some Chinese students studying abroad, and Daizi is with him too," Wang Qiqi replied. She had expected Daizi to return home, especially since Lu Qiaowei had been emotionally unstable recently, making Daizi nearly fly back in anxiety. If Feng Xuanxiang hadn't stopped him at the airport, that might have happened. She didn't expect him to still be stuck in the US.

"Mmm, I know. Weiwei said Daizi needs to build a solid foundation in the US before she can join him. I heard they are planning to buy a house too," Song Yao murmured, relaying information from Lu Qiaowei. "Kids these days are incredible; they’re all buying houses in the US! First, Manman’s man, then Qiqi’s man, then Weiwei’s man. When will my man buy me a house in the US?" Song Yao shouted the last part loudly.

"In the near future, don't worry, wife. I’ll work hard to earn money," Gong Peixing promised, squeezing Song Yao’s hand. "I will definitely let you live in a villa."

"Oh, living in a villa, a villa!" Although Taotao was young, the private school he attended was considered elite, and some classmates lived in villas. Taotao had heard several classmates mention villas. Song Yao had once worried that her son might feel inferior at school, but thankfully, he only brought it up casually. His behavior remained the same, perhaps because he was so young and didn't quite grasp the significance.

"Right, living in a villa—that belongs to Mom and Dad, not Taotao. What will Taotao do in the future?" Wang Qiqi usually instilled in Song Yao and her husband the idea not to say things in front of the child like "everything Mom and Dad have is for you." Although they would certainly give it to him eventually, he was still young. If he constantly heard such things, would he lose his drive, thinking his parents were working hard to earn everything for him, and all he needed to do was be happy? Song Yao and her husband initially thought Wang Qiqi's advice was a bit harsh, but later, after Han Tao explained how foreigners educated their children, and seeing how spoiled the children of some wealthy friends were by their elders, they were shocked. They became very careful about what they said. Now, hearing Wang Qiqi gently schooling her son again, they let her continue.

"Taotao will buy his own villa," Taotao patted his chest and promised. "Auntie, I want to talk to Uncle!"

"Okay, what do you want to say?" Wang Qiqi immediately scooped up Taotao and had him sit next to her.

Song Yao watched the harmonious interaction between Wang Qiqi and Taotao and felt a pang of jealousy. "Look, their relationship has surpassed mine." She was the child's mother! This ungrateful little thing hadn't even spent the New Year with Wang Qiqi and the others in the US. If he spent a few more years with them, Song Yao felt her traitorous son might even start calling Wang Qiqi 'Mom.' "I'm thinking about whether I should send Taotao to study in the US?"

Gong Peixing gave no response to Song Yao's comment; his wife was provoking him. If he responded by saying they shouldn't go abroad, she would immediately accuse him of not caring about their son's future, and so on. Therefore, Gong Peixing decided he wouldn't fall for the trap.

Taotao stared at the computer screen for a long time, decided watching TV was more interesting, rubbed his eyes, and toddled over to Song Yao. "Mommy, I'm sleepy." He was so tired.

Song Yao looked at her son rubbing his eyes. She had just been feeling disdainful, thinking him a traitor, but seeing him like this, all her anger vanished. "I told you to sleep this afternoon, but you insisted on playing with your little sister." Song Yao pulled a thin blanket over him. "Do you want to go back to your room to sleep?"

Taotao shook his head. "No, I want to stay with Grandma, Mom, and Dad while they watch the Gala."

Luo Hongjuan watched the Gala for a while, then checked the time. "I'll go make some sweet fruit soup." She had prepared everything that afternoon, and items for Song Ziwen's group had already been sent over.

"Don't make it too sweet," Song Yao murmured, touching her slightly full belly. Although few relatives visited this Spring Festival, Song Yao planned to stay home and rest. Being busy all year long couldn't be summarized by the single word 'tired.' She also anticipated gaining weight after the holiday, so she was starting precautionary measures. She didn't want to greet guests after the New Year looking significantly heavier.

"Got it."

Song Yao’s gaze drifted to Wang Qiqi, noticing the girl was furiously typing away. "Is Han Tao not busy today?" Was this girl typing back replies so fast? She only saw her hands moving rapidly across the keyboard. But what intrigued Song Yao was how they could have so much to talk about through constant online chatting—one a homebody man, the other a homebody woman. Song Yao admitted she couldn't understand it.

"No, I got a new assignment. Since I have time now, I might as well finish it." Feng Xuanxiang was already chatting with Shi Man. Han Tao had gone to work too; he had things to do later that evening, so she didn't want to disturb him. She happened to see an email, and Wang Qiqi felt the urge to work.

Song Yao rolled her eyes, deeply feeling, "Qiqi, actually, you are the workhorse of the family. You're busy all the time. Even when you go out to play, you’re working; even when you're home watching the Gala, you’re working." At least Song Yao had set hours for work and rest. But looking at Qiqi, she seemed to start working anytime she had an internet connection—a classic workaholic.

"Can't help it, it's my fate," Wang Qiqi put on a pitiful expression. "Actually, I’m used to it. Although these manuscripts are a bit challenging, they are improving my skills. Plus, I don't like watching the Gala. Being able to spend time with you all while also earning money—of course, I’m happy." Perhaps in the past, Wang Qiqi would have lamented her hard life, but the current Qiqi found it quite interesting. "When I was in the US, I was often home alone, and going out was difficult. It was these manuscripts that kept me company." Wang Qiqi thought that without these assignments to pass the time, she might have gone crazy in the US.

Song Yao saw that her younger sister wasn't complaining at all and seemed quite content, so she decided not to pry. If Qiqi liked it, why bother saying anything more?

"Happy New Year." As the midnight bell tolled, Wang Qiqi opened her door just as Song Ziwen opposite did the same. The two families exchanged New Year greetings, and after the children received their yasuiqian, they scattered to get ready for bed.

"Qiqi, sleep in tomorrow. My mother won't be stopping by. She insisted that on the first day of the New Year, you absolutely cannot leave the house, or you'll scare the fortune away," Song Yao yawned as she prepared to head back to her room, suddenly remembering the instruction Wang Damei had given her. Ugh, what a hassle. There was never this rule before; she truly didn't know where her mother heard about it. But staying home was fine; she could finally enjoy a long lie-in. The neighbors had already finished their greetings. "Oh, right, Taotao, go immediately and wish your maternal grandparents a Happy New Year, so we don't have to wake up early tomorrow." How could she forget something this significant? Thank goodness for her quick mind.