Luo Hongjuan watched Song Yao spend the entire New Year holed up at home, venturing out only for a New Year’s greeting at her grandmother’s house and brief visits to a few Song family relatives. She seemed to have no interest in even visiting Gong Peixing’s family. “Yao Yao, aren’t you going over to Little Gong’s place?” she asked one day while Gong Peixing was out.

“I already went, right after I got back last time. He told his family he’s busy over the New Year and wouldn’t be visiting,” Song Yao replied, lounging on the sofa watching television. “Don’t worry, Auntie Luo. If he hadn’t said that to his family, I would absolutely have paid a New Year's call. I understand appearances; even if I don’t give face to the others, I’d give it to Gong Peixing. But now they are digging their own graves; why should I go running to them?”

Wang Qiqi emerged from a room holding a teacup. Hearing Song Yao’s words, she immediately sensed gossip brewing. She scurried over to the sofa and plopped down right on it. “Oh, Qiqi, how can you sit on the floor?” Song Yao exclaimed, seeing her younger sister casually sitting on the ground as if it were still June. The girl had no sense of propriety; even with the air conditioning on, the floor still held a chill.

Wang Qiqi had actually sat on the floor because the sofa was occupied, and it seemed more convenient and comfortable. She hadn't expected to be discovered the moment she sat down. “Sis, is things over there unsettled?”

“More than unsettled. Do you know, that hopeless brother of his actually wants to start a business? He asked us for a starting capital of one hundred thousand right off the bat.” Song Yao thought about how her own family was considering selling a house just to start a business, yet he casually requested a hundred thousand for a venture. As if they owed it to him; the nerve of some people.

“One hundred thousand?” Wang Qiqi sucked in a sharp breath. Heavens, that was a lot of money, considering how several families were currently pooling funds for their own necessary endeavors. “Does he have any rough direction?” Since he wanted to start a business, he should at least understand the basics, like what kind of business. After all, this was borrowed money, and the pressure wouldn't be light. Unless they were using this as an excuse to borrow money?

“No.” Song Yao thought the Gong family had gone completely mad for money, daring to ask for funds based on nothing concrete. Song Yao decided to let them cause trouble; it wouldn't be her who suffered. Their behavior would only make Gong Peixing less inclined to see them. “He said, very casually, that starting a business now requires large scale, so he needs ten thousand first to investigate the market.” Song Yao thought their own business didn’t have that much budget just for market research, yet he demanded it so easily. “He even hinted that we would fund him further later on, implying that if the business succeeded, it was just a loan, but if it failed, his elderly parents would figure out how to pay it back.” Song Yao found it quite amusing. How much pension did his parents actually receive? Paying back one hundred thousand—by what year? Even if they had it, they would only cry instead of repaying it.

Luo Hongjuan calculated internally. “Is he planning to take out a loan to buy property and then rent it out?” That wasn't entirely out of the question.

“About that…” Song Yao hadn't considered that possibility. “If that’s the case, I need to discuss it with Gong Peixing. If it’s truly about buying property, we should support it.” Of course, Song Yao would certainly inform the numerous Gong relatives exactly how those ten thousand were being handled. Since money was being spent, she insisted it should be done with maximum fanfare; one couldn't spend money without everyone knowing who spent it, right?

Gong Peixing returned from Song Ziwen's place and immediately spoke in a cold voice upon hearing Song Yao’s words. “Even if it were for buying property, I wouldn't give it. That boy has already squandered two houses. Why should I buy him another? What if his gambling habit flares up again and he mortgages the property? I found out; that boy is still gambling.” Although it was small-stakes gambling, if he got his hands on cash, he would surely aim higher. Gong Peixing knew how hard it was to earn money; he looked at Wang Qiqi earning money right during the New Year, and Han Tao spending the holiday alone in the US just to earn money. “Whether he wants to start a business or work a regular job, he can buy his own house. Lending them a place to live as an older brother is generous enough.” Giving more money was out of the question.

“That, that…” Song Yao silently gave herself a thumbs-up internally. One should live to this standard. But in Gong Peixing’s eyes, she was just a sensible wife—having both face and substance. “We do have many houses, and all the relatives know. It will sound bad if his elderly parents don’t have a place of their own.”

Hearing Song Yao say this, Wang Qiqi felt something strange. Song Yao being so generous was odd, but the more virtuous she appeared, the better her brother-in-law thought of her, and the more the greedy parents disliked her. Wang Qiqi truly admired her older sister; this skill of hers was constantly improving.

“If rumors spread, they will only blame his darling youngest son,” Gong Peixing mused. He was thankful he had the presence of mind back then to call his paternal uncles and maternal aunts over to discuss matters. Now, even if his parents tried to claim he was cold-hearted, few people would agree. Gong Peixing understood that they didn't heed his parents' slander because they knew he was more accomplished than his brother. Those people would always support whoever was more successful and offered them greater assistance. “Right, I’ve been thinking—I should treat my uncles and aunts to a meal now that I’m back. It wouldn't feel right not to host them when I’m home.”

Song Yao considered it. “Then let’s invite my parents and Ziwen too. It’s just one extra table.” Since they were hosting a meal, they should invite more people to make it livelier. Of course, Song Yao had another idea: if Gong Peixing’s parents tried to cause trouble, they wouldn't need to step in; Mother would handle it directly.

“I’ve calculated—let’s invite Yang Jing’s parents too,” Gong Peixing said, estimating about four tables needed. “I’ll ask Ziwen to help me book it.” He hadn't been home for long and wasn't sure which restaurant was good now. Booking for the New Year period would also be difficult.

This required asking Song Ziwen. “The place where Qiqi used to treat us to New Year’s Eve dinners was quite good.” The cooking there was excellent, the portions generous, and the price reasonable—definitely a good spot for a family gathering. Moreover, Song Yao felt there was no need to take them somewhere too fancy; if they ate expensive food, they would only gossip about how wealthy Song Yao was and expect more.

“I don’t think that place has a private room big enough,” Wang Qiqi replied. She also thought that place was suitable for hosting, given they were regulars, but their largest private room only seated two tables. “Brother-in-law, how many tables are you inviting?”

“Four tables,” Gong Peixing held up four fingers. “Should we call and ask?”

“Do you have a phone number?” Song Yao turned to ask.

Wang Qiqi nodded, grabbed the phone by the sofa, and dialed. “Hello, do you have a private room for four tables?”

“Yes, I need to book four tables, preferably adjoining.”

“Adding an extra table—won’t that be a bit cramped?” Wang Qiqi knew that private rooms in such restaurants weren't usually huge. Suddenly adding a table might make it impossible to walk around.

“That works then. When is this for?” Wang Qiqi turned to look at Gong Peixing; he hadn't specified a date earlier. “How about the sixth day of the first lunar month?”

“Alright, noon then. Thank you.” After giving her contact details, Wang Qiqi put the receiver down. “It’s booked. He said they have three adjoining rooms, and they can knock them together and add one table. It will be a bit tight, but not a major problem.”

“It’s fine.” Gong Peixing thought they might end up having more people attend than expected that day. “What about the menu?”

“Brother-in-law, you can go order today. Also, could you confirm the headcount while you’re there? Just pay a small deposit when you finalize the menu later.” Wang Qiqi thought Gong Peixing should be the one to confirm the menu.

“Okay. Yao Yao, are you coming too?” Gong Peixing turned to ask Song Yao. His wife hadn't gone out much since New Year's Eve, mostly staying home, maybe just popping over to the neighboring Song Ziwen’s place for a quick bite. She was truly lazy.

“No,” Song Yao shook her head. “I need to watch TV. And don't order the cheap stuff when you choose the dishes.”

“Then I’ll go find Ziwen,” Gong Peixing, having just returned, headed back across the street.

The moment Gong Peixing’s figure disappeared inside, Wang Qiqi immediately gave Song Yao a big thumbs-up. “Sis, you are amazing.” That skill was deeply ingrained.

“I genuinely feel sorry for his elderly parents not having a house that belongs to them,” Song Yao thought. Even if she intended to reveal her true colors, it shouldn't be in front of Luo Hongjuan. She was Han Tao’s in-laws; what if they saw her behavior and developed ideas about Qiqi? Besides, Song Yao truly felt pity for in-laws without a home. Of course, she had no intention of buying them a house. Simply put, whoever squandered a house should be responsible for buying it back; she wouldn't play the martyr. Her previous sigh was just an expression of feeling.

“That’s true,” Luo Hongjuan recalled Han Tao’s elderly grandmother, who was living comfortably at home but was now facing homelessness. She couldn't imagine how the woman had been faring these past few days or how she would face the ancestors of the Han family after death. “So, you’re letting them live in your house?” She couldn't fathom how five people across three generations could possibly fit into that one house.

“I’m not letting them live there; their small salaries wouldn't cover expenses,” Song Yao said. She recalled that when she visited that day, the elderly couple politely offered to prepare a meal, but upon realizing there was no intention from their side to contribute financially, they simply reheated and served the leftovers from lunch. Song Yao was still angry thinking about it—it was too much! But then she calmed down; after all, a hundred thousand was enough for her to eat and drink for a year. “And my sister-in-law seems to be causing some trouble too.” Song Yao murmured the last part softly.

Trouble? Although Song Yao didn't elaborate, Wang Qiqi understood her implication. It seemed that woman, seeing her husband amounted to nothing and realizing her accomplished sister and brother-in-law had no intention of helping, was planning to secure her own future while she was still young. Wang Qiqi found such a thought quite normal. “By the way, Sis, when are we heading back?”

“After the fifteenth day of the first month,” Song Yao decided. Returning home once a year meant she should spend a longer Spring Festival there. “It will be easier to buy train tickets then, and besides, I’ve almost sold off the stock in the shop. New inventory won't arrive until after the fifteenth.”

Wang Qiqi was surprised business was this good for Song Yao. “Looks like you need to increase your procurement volume, Sis.” No wonder she seemed less anxious about money recently; it turned out she had been earning quite a bit.

“Yes, Qiqi. In the future, when you and Manman go to the US, don’t bother with other things; just focus on helping me source inventory. Alas, having only two men over there isn’t working.” Although the brand-name personal shopping business was doing well, the profit margins weren't as good as the jewelry and clothing Manman had coincidentally bought back last summer. The two men couldn't handle that part, which led to customer complaints. Song Yao could only placate them while her heart bled; that was real money she was losing out on.

“Don’t worry, Manman is even more anxious. By the way, how did the items Shi Man shipped back from Yunnan sell?” Wang Qiqi felt that while the Yunnan goods had character, their prices might not be hitting the mark. People traveling to Yunnan who would browse Song Yao’s shop weren't under much financial pressure for a trip and didn't need passports or visas, so the sales figures should be predictable.

“So-so,” Song Yao shook her head. “But although sales weren't booming, some people did inquire, and there was daily shipping. Qiqi, I’ve figured it out: our niche is imported goods. Those domestic items hold no appeal for them. So, Qiqi, you know what to do, right?” Song Yao stared pointedly into Wang Qiqi’s eyes.

Wang Qiqi certainly knew, but she teased back, “Sis, you are so lucky. We’ll be running around the world buying things for you, and you just sit at home waiting to get rich. We’ll be spending a lot of money on transportation, lodging, and food—that’s a considerable expense.” Wang Qiqi wondered how much profit they could actually make just through this so-called personal shopping.

Song Yao paid no mind to Wang Qiqi’s complaints; she knew her sister wasn't really naive about Wang Qiqi’s aspirations. “If you don’t do this, are you not going to travel anymore?”

“Of course, I’m going to travel,” Wang Qiqi saw that Song Yao wasn't falling for it and realized it was time to stop trying to squeeze her sister into treating her to dinner. Alas.

“What’s wrong?” Song Yao heard Wang Qiqi sigh and wondered what was up. “You’re not asking me to do something for you, are you?”

Wang Qiqi shook her head. “It’s nothing, Sis. I’m going out for a walk with Shi Man this afternoon. Want to come along?” This was actually the real reason Wang Qiqi had made those comments earlier.

Go for a walk? Song Yao shook the remote in her hand. “The weather outside isn’t good; I don’t want to go out.” Mainly because she didn't have a car; borrowing Yang Jing’s or Song Ziwen’s was inconvenient, and she wasn't keen on it, plus she wanted to watch TV. “Have fun outside, and come back early.”

Wang Qiqi waited for a long time only to receive such a reply. She knew her hope of getting Song Yao to foot the bill for an outing was dashed. Alas. “Got it. Oh, right, we’re out of fruit at home. Remember to ask Brother-in-law to buy some—I want watermelon, I want strawberries, I want…”

“I know, I know. Basically, buy whatever is expensive,” Song Yao teased. Her little sister was truly too cute. “But didn't you say watermelons aren’t as good as in the summer, so you wouldn't eat much?” Even though watermelon was a bit pricey now, she shouldn't be so wasteful. Song Ziwen cut open a watermelon on New Year’s Eve, and she hadn’t seen the little monster eat much of it.

“I like it.” Wang Qiqi checked the time; it was getting late, so she picked up her small bag. “By the way, Sis, I’m going to ask Manman today if she’s leaving, to see if we can all go together.”

“Okay, but there might not be many sleeper berths,” Song Yao calculated. How many sleeper tickets could a small station offer? “Maybe we should just fly?” Song Yao thought that although her younger brother could find old colleagues to buy train tickets, with six people now, that was problematic. Flying would save time and be more comfortable than waiting around stations with crowds coming and going.

“Fly back?” Shi Man readily agreed after hearing Wang Qiqi’s suggestion, though it meant she couldn't bring too many things to Beijing. “By the way, did you talk to Han Tiangao online about selling all the old houses?” Shi Man suddenly remembered something when Wang Qiqi mentioned flying. She had been too busy chatting with Feng Xuanxiang last time and forgot to ask. During their earlier New Year exchanges, due to the large number of family members present, Shi Man hadn't inquired. Were Wang Qiqi and the others planning to pay off the US mortgage? Or were they planning to speculate on property in the US?

“Yes, we’re planning to sell them. I don’t want to tie up too much capital. After investing in my sister’s factory, I plan to buy a few apartments in Beijing and won't take out any loans.” Wang Qiqi had discussed with Han Tao the amount needed for a loan to buy several Beijing properties, but Han Tao’s words brought her clarity. He simply asked, Are you worried you won’t make money in the future? Are we trying to become world-class billionaires? Those two questions stumped Wang Qiqi. Han Tao’s intention was clear: having enough money to spend comfortably was sufficient; there was no need to stress oneself out. Wang Qiqi realized she had indeed been overly stressed lately.

Shi Man was surprised that Wang Qiqi could reach that realization on her own. She had mentioned to Feng Xuanxiang several times that Wang Qiqi was pushing herself too hard. “My family might sell our old house too, and then buy a place in Shencheng.” She had casually mentioned to her parents that Qiqi was selling her old house, and their reaction had been slightly odd. That morning, they were researching whether to buy property in Shencheng. Although the development prospects were good, her parents weren't planning to live there.

Buying property in Shencheng? “That’s good; much better than staying in the old town.” Wang Qiqi had walked around the shopping district for half the day and realized that not only Shi Man but even she found the local shops unimpressive. “Let’s find somewhere to sit. By the way, where did you arrange to meet Nana?” That girl was getting busier and busier. She hadn't attended any of the few gatherings in Beijing. Since everyone started their internships in their senior year of college, she was running across the country. This time, she happened to be home for the New Year, so Shi Man called her out, but it would just be for a quick sit-down; she had dinner plans later that evening.

“A teahouse,” Shi Man named a teahouse and waited to see Wang Qiqi’s reaction.

“Let’s go there first then,” Wang Qiqi still had energy, but she didn’t want to wander aimlessly anymore; it was a waste of time.

Shi Man had expected Wang Qiqi to recall something significant, but she only took it as a place for tea. Wang Qiqi was indeed pondering the teahouse name, thinking it sounded vaguely familiar. A moment later, she let out an ‘Oh.’ Just as Shi Man thought she remembered, Wang Qiqi said, “My brother mentioned it; isn’t that place all-you-can-eat, with tea and snacks? We don’t need to find dinner later; let’s just eat here tonight.” Spending a whole afternoon and evening for just a few dozen yuan—it was definitely worth it.

Shi Man conceded to Wang Qiqi. She hadn't expected her to immediately think of the value proposition. “It used to be co-owned by Gao Kai’s family and others. Later, the Gao family pulled out, but I heard they went back to take over again.” Shi Man had felt a bit nervous when she named the place, wondering if that boy Gao Kai would be hanging around the shop and see Wang Qiqi.

Gao Kai? Wang Qiqi paused slightly at the name, then forced a bitter smile. “I thought I wouldn’t see that boy Gao Kai this year since Wang Rui isn’t home for the New Year. I didn’t expect to run into him. He should have graduated from vocational college by now, right?” In her past life, the three of them were entangled in a destructive mess. In this life, their karmic entanglement seemed to have been severed when Wang Rui found an old man in Hong Kong. Yet, they still managed to meet once a year. “There were so many classmates in high school, and after graduation, many people never met again. But I see him once a year. I don't know what to say. Still, he’s probably not going to be at the shop.” Even if he were, at this time of year, such a teahouse would be packed with people; they might not notice us. “If he recognizes me, I’ll ask if they have a classmate discount, since we all went to school together.” Wang Qiqi said this quite casually. It wasn't like she had wronged him in the past; there was no need to hide, which only aroused suspicion. It was better to be open.

“I hope you can bring yourself to ask for such a small amount,” Shi Man doubted Wang Qiqi would actually speak up over such minor savings.

“Come on. But didn’t the Gao family lose everything in the past? How could they afford to take over the teahouse?” Wang Qiqi thought that in her previous life, the Gao family had very little foundation. Even if they had some savings, it shouldn't have been enough to buy out the teahouse. Moreover, if Gao Kai’s parents had the financial capacity, why wouldn't they open a restaurant? They had been in that industry for a long time; if they were starting fresh, they should stick to what they knew best.

Shi Man shrugged, indicating she didn't know, "I don't know the specifics, but there are rumors circulating that Gao Kai's father took people over there to gamble." Shi Man gestured vaguely, "He takes a commission from that place." It was a casino, after all; only a select few ever won. Given the number of wealthy people she used to know, being a middleman for such an operation was quite lucrative.

Wang Qiqi was speechless. If it were her, she certainly wouldn't bother getting involved in that kind of wealth generation, "Isn't he afraid of bringing misfortune upon his descendants?" She didn't consider that he wasn't thinking about the future generations of the Gao family either.

Shi Man gave Wang Qiqi an exasperated look. "As long as he has money, that's all that matters. But Qiqi, for a young girl like you, you sound just like an old woman." Sighing, she wondered why Wang Qiqi was so superstitious. Although Wang Qiqi didn't seem like a devout Buddhist, her words and actions often mirrored those of someone much older.