Shi Man sighed deeply after getting into the taxi. "Qiqi, we'll always be okay, right?" Hearing about what some of her classmates were going through left Shi Man feeling heavy-hearted. In her memory, everyone was in the prime of their vibrant youth; she hadn't expected that some people were already gone. "Life is truly ephemeral."

Wang Qiqi also let out a long sigh. Concerned about accidentally revealing her rebirth, she had kept her relationships with her classmates quite superficial during their final high school year. However, she remembered him clearly—a boy who was always eager to help, with a perpetually shy smile. His science scores were actually quite good, but he chose the liberal arts track because he loved literature and dreamed of working as an editor. The Chinese Department he attended was nationally renowned, yet he had passed away during his third year of university. "Live in the moment."

Upon returning home, Wang Qiqi greeted her boisterous family lounging on the sofa before heading into the bathroom to shower. Song Yao, clutching a bag of chips, glanced curiously at the bathroom door. "What's wrong with Qiqi today?" Wasn't she supposed to be out with friends? And why was she home early without any after-party? She seemed upset. Did something happen?

Gong Peixing felt the same way. "Even her greeting was listless." Qiqi usually greeted people with full energy. Either she lacked spirit or she was in a bad mood, but neither of those scenarios seemed plausible. "She must have run into something."

Being stood up? Impossible; at the very least, that girl Shi Man would have shown up. Song Yao systematically went through every possible reason for Qiqi’s unhappiness but couldn't land on one that fit.

Luo Hongjuan also looked worried. This girl usually bloomed with the slightest bit of encouragement; it was so strange for her mood to be so low today.

When Wang Qiqi emerged from the shower, everyone immediately turned and averted their eyes from her.

"Why aren't you watching TV anymore?" Wang Qiqi asked, drying her hair with a towel. "Oh, right, I brought back some phoenix claws. They taste really good."

Wang Qiqi placed the phoenix claws, which she had set on the shoe cabinet, onto the coffee table for Song Yao and the others to try. "These are genuinely tasty. Go grab some wine, Pei Xing." Song Yao sampled one and instantly tasked Gong Peixing with the errand. "Qiqi, where did you buy these phoenix claws? I’ll have your brother-in-law pick up some tomorrow." They were refreshingly seasoned, the flavor deeply infused. They were perfect as a snack or with drinks.

"I brought them from the teahouse." Wang Qiqi had quite a fondness for phoenix claws and duck necks; she’d eaten quite a few that afternoon. Gao Kai must have noticed her liking them and packed a generous portion for her, even saying she could come back for more if she enjoyed them. Wang Qiqi certainly wouldn't be taking him up on that offer for more phoenix claws.

The teahouse? Shi Man was surprised that in the mere six months since she’d left her hometown, a teahouse serving such delicious phoenix claws had popped up. "Which teahouse is that? Do they deliver?"

Wang Qiqi named the teahouse. "I just found out that Wang Rui’s ex-boyfriend, Gao Kai, has taken it over. I ran into him by chance and we chatted for a bit. Though, I suspect he’s trying to leverage a connection with Zhu Lina." Wang Qiqi knew the encounter with Gao Kai today would eventually get back to people. It was better to just state it plainly now; if someone embellished the story when relaying it to Luo Hongjuan, who knew how much exaggeration would be added.

Song Yao’s first thought was that the guy was setting his sights on the wealthy Zhu Lina. "No way. Is he dreaming?" How could he lack ambition to that degree, thinking only of snagging a rich wife?

"No, he seems interested in real estate development." Gao Kai’s gaze toward Zhu Lina didn't carry much malice; perhaps he was considering riding a favorable wind. "I think he plans to buy land and build houses." It could certainly be lucrative if done right, but did he have that kind of capital?

Song Yao gasped audibly. "Seriously? Does he have that kind of nerve?" She considered herself relatively affluent, but she lacked the sheer audacity to acquire land for construction. "But would the Zhu family even consider him?" If the Zhu family couldn't generate their own wealth, why would they partner with a penniless boy?

"That's not our business," Wang Qiqi thought; Gao Kai's success or failure was irrelevant to them. "If brother-in-law is interested, he can ask the teahouse if they're selling." Wang Qiqi figured if the Gao family really was selling phoenix claws, they might actually be making a tidy profit, though it seemed a pity for Gao Kai’s elderly father, who had enjoyed a comfortable life for so many years, to now have to take on such demanding kitchen work.

Luo Hongjuan initially paid little mind when she heard the name Gao Kai; after all, he was Wang Rui’s ex-boyfriend. However, the name felt vaguely significant, yet she couldn't quite place it.

Noticing Luo Hongjuan’s troubled expression, Song Yao knew the elder woman found the name familiar. "Gao Kai was your high school classmate, wasn't he? How is he already graduated?" Song Yao asked casually.

"He attended a vocational college and graduated last year." However, the Gao Kai today had changed quite a bit—less flamboyant than in her past life. Compared to the brief glimpse she had last year, he seemed transformed. Had he been through something significant? Wang Qiqi felt Gao Kai definitely had stories to tell. "Actually, I think it would be quite suitable if Wang Rui got back together with him now."

Wang Qiqi knew Wang Rui still harbored affection for Gao Kai, but his circumstances fell far short of her requirements for a husband. Moreover, seeing how much better her own life and those of Song Yao and the others had become, Wang Rui had completely surrendered to pragmatism. Wang Qiqi was genuinely curious if Wang Rui would regret her decision upon returning and finding out Gao Kai was doing well. She probably would, but Gao Kai wouldn't marry Wang Rui now. He would likely marry a woman beneficial to his career, whether for connections or finances—areas where Wang Rui was lacking. Their paths were destined to diverge.

"Who knows how well Wang Rui is doing now? Didn't she even take our little uncle abroad for the New Year?" Song Yao couldn't help but muse, anticipating how smug Wang Dagui would be upon his return. "No way, we’re going overseas for the New Year next year!" Hmph, no matter how much he bragged, it was still just within the country. But they would instantly level up to celebrating overseas. "Let's go to Thailand, to the beach. Tao Tao has never seen the sea, and the temperature there is pleasant."

Wang Qiqi was indifferent to the suggestion. "If I can't make it back in time, take my mom with you." Wang Qiqi wasn't sure if she would have time to return to China for the Lunar New Year next year; probably not, as the overseas Christmas holidays would have long passed by the time Chinese New Year arrived.

"Then let's celebrate the New Year in the US!" Since Wang Qiqi couldn't return, going to the US would be fine. Song Yao's mind raced, and she quickly offered a resolution. "We'll go a little early and spend New Year's Eve at Qiqi's new place." It would be a perfect chance to see the house Qiqi raved about. "Then we can go to New York to see Manman and do some serious shopping along the way." The more Song Yao thought about it, the more she loved her idea—definitely an outing pleasing to the elders and the younger generation alike.

Luo Hongjuan had no objection to this proposal. She wasn't particularly keen on going to the supposed Thailand. Seeing other families reunited while her son and daughter-in-law were apart brought a pang of sadness. But things were different now. If they went to the US, she could stay close to her son and daughter-in-law. Her poor son was spending his second New Year alone in the US; while he had friends, the feeling was different. "Yes, yes! I'll plan to go early. As long as Qiqi is there to keep me company, I can even help cook or whatever—just have Qiqi buy the ingredients." Luo Hongjuan decided she would be excellent support staff.

"Aunt Luo, you need to start preparing to learn a foreign language soon. Also, let's plan a trip abroad this summer so our passports aren't blank when we apply for US visas." Song Yao rapidly made arrangements. "Actually, I think it would be even better if we could visit Europe if possible." Didn't Qiqi go to Europe first, which made getting to the US easier? It was because she visited Europe before heading to the States.

"Mmm-hmm." Luo Hongjuan had always told herself she needed to study English diligently for her son and future grandchildren, but being older, learning felt tiring. She kept assuring herself there was plenty of time, but now she realized time was running short. "Oh, I need to rope your mom in too." Comparison is the best motivation for learning; otherwise, it’s just too monotonous studying alone.

Wang Qiqi didn't expect her mother-in-law to pull in Wang Damei. She desperately wanted to say, Mother-in-law, my aunt doesn't plan on living abroad! Of course, she isn't in a hurry. But you plan to live in the US! Your motivation is completely different! "That might be okay. Auntie doesn't have much to do at home anyway." In her previous life, she often went dancing. In this one, she occasionally watched the agency for Song Ziwen, took care of her granddaughter Niuniu, or looked at property, adding bricks and mortar to the Song family's land business. She was actually quite busy. Wang Qiqi suspected if she told Wang Damei to learn English, her aunt might cry.

Song Yao and Gong Peixing watched Wang Qiqi spin such a seamless fabrication, and both shuddered internally. This girl was dangerously good at lying. If Wang Damei knew her niece was speaking of her like this, would she spit blood from anger? Song Yao knew exactly how busy her own mother was, otherwise, she would have fought Yang Jing’s mother for custody of Niuniu.

When Wang Damei heard Luo Hongjuan’s suggestion, her expression changed instantly. The piece of food she was holding slipped onto the dining table. "What did you say? Learn English?" Good heavens, at her age, she had to learn a foreign language! When she was in school, she studied Russian, which she had long since returned to her teachers. She never expected that a planned trip to the US would turn her into a student again. Wang Damei’s first reaction was to shake her head.

"Forget it. I'm too old for that." She wasn't going to stay in the US permanently; why bother learning? Wang Damei thought, besides, there was no one around her who could teach English. Most importantly, she had no motivation to learn. Hmph, she wasn't falling for the trick to learn English! Wang Damei worried that if she couldn't learn as well as Luo Hongjuan, she would seem inferior to her. "Hongjuan, you and I are different. You plan to live abroad long-term and help raise Qiqi and the others' future children. I'll only visit Qiqi and the others occasionally. I won't be living there permanently, so..."

Song Wenbo nodded along rapidly beside her. He was genuinely concerned that if his wife started learning English, his difficult days might also begin. If she learned English, wouldn't she drag him along? If it were Russian, he at least had some foundation from his school days, and his mentor at the factory had occasionally taught him Russian—though he’d forgotten most of it over the years, it was still better than knowing no English at all. When he heard his wife object, he nodded his head even faster.

Song Yao covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. She understood now: compared to Wang Damei's anxiety, Song Wenbo was probably the most nervous. When Song Ziwen first heard his mother's suggestion, his initial reaction was that it was absurd—asking people his parents' age to start learning English from scratch. Even he wasn't sure he could manage it. But upon reflection, the idea wasn't entirely ridiculous. "Mom, I think my brother’s suggestion has merit."

Song Ziwen’s comment earned him several sharp glares from Mrs. Wang Damei. Wang Damei was furious! How could she have raised a son who sided against his own mother? Look at Wang Qiqi, who remembered to consider her future mother-in-law! But her own son was undermining her. "You think everything suggested is good, don't you?" Wang Damei really wanted to say her son had found a wife and forgotten his mother, but she knew this had nothing to do with his wife, so she swallowed the words.

"Mom, I think my brother is right." Seeing her mother starting to be unreasonable again, Song Yao interjected, "Tao Tao and Niuniu will be going to school in the US too. As their grandmother and maternal grandmother, aren't you planning to go out there?" Song Yao pointed out the facts to her mother, who was clearly feigning confusion. "Auntie, I think you and Uncle should also start learning English. We few will work hard to earn money here, and then we’ll have to trouble you to look after the children."

Wang Damei was so provoked by her children's words that she almost choked. "Got it, got it!" Honestly, while going to the US sounded nice, Wang Damei knew she’d just be a babysitter over there. "Song Wenbo, you need to start learning English starting tomorrow too. Stop going fishing all the time."

This was a clear case of Wang Damei displacing her anger. Song Wenbo felt helpless. He really wanted to point out how someone had once praised the small fish he brought back from fishing, calling them wild and nutritious. At that time, she acted like he was quite capable. "Got it, got it. Old Yang, shall we start together?"

In fact, Yang Jing's parents had already dug out the English books they had set aside as soon as they understood their daughter and son-in-law’s plans, slowly beginning their studies. They weren't sure if their in-laws would learn, perhaps assuming they could rely on Wang Qiqi and her husband. But they felt that since the children would be spending a lot of money in the US, they might as well attend better schools, and there was no need to live right next door. Learning English was key to that.

Wang Qiqi knew what she was about to say wasn't very kind, but she felt she couldn't let her aunt rely on others. She had noticed the look Wang Damei had just given her, wondering if Wang Damei saw her as a safety net. "Auntie, I think since everyone has decided, learning English is essential. What if you and Uncle want to go out or buy groceries and can't always drag me along? Besides, aren't you bored staying home all the time?" Wang Qiqi described life abroad extensively. "So, Auntie, you need to work hard."

Wang Damei’s eyes widened as she listened to Wang Qiqi. "But I heard there’s a Chinatown? Don't they all speak Chinese there?" That was her assumption that allowed the two young rascals to trick her! But what if the place where they lived was far from Chinatown? Wouldn't that make her an idiot? She wouldn't be able to watch TV, couldn't even join the square dancing crowd, and going to a supermarket would be like a country woman entering the city.

"To be honest, many people who live in Chinatown are immigrants struggling to get by. Of course, there are successful ones too, but there are very few Chinese people where Han Tao lives; those who are there are basically integrated with Americans." Wang Qiqi reasoned that this wasn't New York or San Francisco; they wouldn't have a massive Chinatown, and even a small one would be limited. "Besides, if we take Niuniu and the others out, isn't the goal to integrate into American society? If we just wanted to stay in Chinatown, we might as well remain in China." Wang Qiqi admitted her words were harsh, but she wondered how many people in Chinatown truly prospered—many families, spanning three generations, were crammed together in pigeon-cage apartments. She imagined Wang Damei would despise that environment.

"Exactly, Mom. We plan to move into a high-end community where the schools are basically top-tier." With Wang Qiqi leading the charge, Song Ziwen also dared to speak up. He hadn't dared to say anything after his mother shot him a glare earlier.

"Right, Mom, get that idea out of your head sooner rather than later." Song Yao was both annoyed and amused. Did her mother think they were spending all that money just to send the children to live in Chinatown? What an absurd notion. "Mom, for the sake of the two children, you have to learn a little."

Song Wenbo looked at his two children, then at his quiet grandson eating beside them, and thought of his little granddaughter. What had seemed like an arduous task, now felt pressured. If the children turned out successful, it would be his credit; if they didn't, it would be his fault. To be honest, considering the in-laws would be returning and Qiqi would be there to offer support, he really didn't want to go to the US. But now, he had to learn English too. "At our age, having to learn English—it's really chasing the trend," Song Wenbo joked self-deprecatingly. Everything was for the sake of the children.

"Dad, aren't you learning how to use the internet?" Song Ziwen scoffed. His own father acted as if he never tried to learn new things; it was too much.

What? Song Wenbo was learning to use the internet? Wang Qiqi and Song Yao were stunned, staring blankly at Song Wenbo. Just last year, when Han Tao returned and they discussed computers, he had claimed he was too old to chase that fad. They never expected he’d started learning online. "Dad, you're so trendy!" Song Yao thought her father was really dependable; even before the children had left the country, he was preparing. "Dad, I support you. Once you learn to use the internet, I'll buy you a laptop."

"Don't treat your dad like he's poor and can't afford one." Song Wenbo was actually quite worried that they might mock him, especially since he had been so firm last year. He feared they’d ridicule him if they found out he was learning online. "I just thought that in the future, it would be easier to see you all if I could just go on that… thing." Song Wenbo didn't know how to finish the sentence and turned to Song Ziwen.

Song Ziwen found it both exasperating and amusing that his elderly father faltered at the crucial moment. "Dad says you can see us online and chat with us; it's much cheaper than calling, and you can see the person's face." However, Song Ziwen suspected his father was just itching to play games online after watching him, and he certainly didn't dare voice that suspicion in front of everyone, as that would only make things worse for him. If his mother found out, she would definitely force him to teach his father, making his life difficult.

"That’s true. It will save a lot of money later, especially after going abroad." Luo Hongjuan felt this strongly, as she often used the internet to contact her son now. "Things are great these days; just open the computer, fiddle with it a bit, and you can see Tao Tao, crystal clear..." Luo Hongjuan spoke about video calls online, then suddenly realized that if Song Wenbo, who was older than her, was learning to use the internet, she should learn too, so she wouldn't have to bother Wang Qiqi or Song Yao just to see Han Tao online in the future. Next time Qiqi was online, Luo Hongjuan decided she would start learning slowly, aiming to master it soon.

And so, the conversation spiraled. What began as a discussion about getting Wang Damei's generation to learn English unexpectedly branched out to computers. Of course, they wouldn't be expected to learn anything too complex; the simplest aspect—getting online—was a necessity so that when the children went abroad, Song Ziwen and the others staying in China could still see them regularly.

Wang Damei watched the animated conversation unfolding beside her, sighing internally. Things were progressing too quickly. English lessons, computer classes—and not a single soul was objecting. It truly baffled her. She thought to herself, just because this crowd of seniors was enthusiastic now, eager to learn this and that, it didn't mean they would actually master anything. If they ended up learning nothing, it would be a real embarrassment.

“Yaoyao, did you know? I actually connected with Ziwen the other day! I started a video call from home, and once your brother accepted, we could video chat,” Song Wenbo had been dying to boast about this for ages, but previous reservations had kept him quiet. He hadn't expected the topic to come up organically. Naturally, his announcement was met with a round of hearty applause. Even Taotao thought his maternal grandfather was incredibly cool for knowing how to use a computer—far more impressive than Granny Luo.