Shi Man rushed into the house only to be stunned by the sight in the living room. Tao Tao, the little fellow, was sitting on the floor tinkering with his model. Ever since he got his hands on the model Han Tao brought back from the States, he had become completely obsessed with this new hobby. Usually a rambunctious boy, he became remarkably quiet as long as he had a model to assemble. But he had already built several warships in the capital; why was he still at it? And how in the world would they transport such a massive aircraft carrier model back to Beijing?

Of course, that wasn't what shocked Shi Man the most. She was astonished to see Luo Hongjuan perched on the dining table, fiddling with a laptop, "Wow, Han Tao's mother is getting savvy with computers. Is this your laptop?" That was truly impressive. Though she couldn't gauge how proficient Luo Hongjuan was yet, it at least meant she had taken a crucial step forward.

"It's not just her; my aunt and the others all need to learn too." Things were relatively calm here; only Luo Hongjuan was a student, guaranteeing one-on-one, small-class instruction. Across the way at Song Ziwen's place, it was a lively scene. Besides Song Wenbo, only Yang Jing’s father had a slight grasp of computers, and the two women present were touching a computer for the very first time. They were constantly worried about damaging such a delicate piece of equipment, certain they would be severely scolded if they did. The more cautious and anxious they became, the worse their learning outcomes were. Luo Hongjuan, however, had no such worries because Qiqi had mentioned she was planning to buy a new computer, so this notebook would be passed down to her. Moreover, she had witnessed Wang Qiqi handling her computer without any so-called gentle treatment, which gave her confidence. Consequently, her learning progress was quite good.

"She's picking it up quite well; she's almost ready to graduate," Wang Qiqi continued. It had to be said that the pressure of video-chatting with her son had accelerated Luo Hongjuan's learning speed dramatically. Yesterday, Luo Hongjuan had already applied for a QQ account, added contacts, and, without any guidance, managed a video call with Han Tao—a feat that thoroughly jolted Wang Damei. Wang Qiqi could predict that today, the computer would likely be monopolized by Wang Damei again. "Oh right, what did you come to see me about?" Wang Qiqi finally remembered that Shi Man had been standing at the doorway for some time and quickly ushered her in.

Never mind how animated the conversation between the two women had become, the other two people in the room hadn't paid them any mind. It wasn't until Shi Man called out that they realized others were present. After a brief exchange of words, they retreated back into their own world.

"Did you know Gao Kai seems to be thinking about starting a real estate company? He's been asking Zhu Lina about it several times these past few days." Shi Man had been quite bored staying home alone today, so she decided to wander over for some conversation and gossip. More importantly, however, she found Gao Kai's motives slightly strange. Gao Kai was handsome, now a capable man; what if he used a little cunning to pursue Zhu Lina? Shi Man just couldn't shake the feeling that the boy hadn't truly reformed.

Wang Qiqi didn't find Gao Kai's intense focus surprising, but she noticed Shi Man's tense expression. "Relax. Do you really think Nana would fall for him? Forget it. Nana won't; and if Gao Kai manages to rise up and get rich, he might not be so eager to remain subservient to Zhu Lina." If he had no money, perhaps he’d be happy playing the kept man, but once he had some capital, why would he settle for that role?

"A normal person wouldn't, but you know the Zhu family's situation." If it were Wang Qiqi's net worth, Shi Man thought Gao Kai might not be impressed, but the Zhu family was definitely affluent.

"Actually, Nana has probably seen plenty of this sort of thing; she can just treat it as practice," Wang Qiqi mused. Since Zhu Lina had proven her capabilities, her standing in the company had become increasingly secure; she was essentially an ultimate, highly desirable bachelorette. "But I'm truly curious what her requirements are for a future husband."

"Exactly. She always says it's up to fate, which is too vague." The scope was too broad; it was impossible to offer any introductions.

"Maybe her family has arrangements," Song Yao suddenly interjected. "Don't they often show on TV that wealthy families prefer strategic marriages? Perhaps the Nana's family is in a similar situation." Song Yao used to think such arrangements were a bit much, but now she wholeheartedly supported the idea; marrying someone even moderately wealthy was far better than marrying someone with a poor background.

Wang Qiqi and Shi Man exchanged glances. Could it be that Zhu Lina’s family was orchestrating things? They were both curious about which man Zhu Lina would end up marrying. "Don't tell me her family plans to have the man marry into the family?" Luo Hongjuan wondered. Given the scale of their business, it seemed unlikely they would let an outsider take over, and if Zhu Lina's husband married in, the children would take the Zhu surname, even if it was a daughter instead of a son.

"I don't think Nana would agree," Shi Man said, not entirely convinced. However, this situation was truly unpredictable; the family enterprise had grown large, but many matters weren't solely up to her to decide. "Oh, I have some serious news. My mom told me yesterday that if going to the US doesn't work out, then Canada is the alternative; it’s close to the States." The family had originally suggested Australia, as the tuition in the UK was a bit high, but Shi Man considered it and felt Canada was preferable—it was close to the US, making it easier for Feng Xuanxiang to visit her.

Go to Canada? Wang Qiqi's immediate reaction was, "How are the schools there? And Toronto?" Wang Qiqi knew Shi Man's primary consideration was proximity to the US.

"Who cares, we just need to get out of the country," Shi Man thought. How the place actually was wasn't the priority; the key was being close to her man. "I think it might be easier to pop over to the US for a visit once I'm there. Besides, do you really expect that little diploma will matter?" It wasn't about finding a job later; it was about attending a good university to make future job prospects easier. "But just in case, US universities are the first choice; if we can get in, we'll go to the States."

Wang Qiqi honestly didn't have strong feelings about the US neighbors; otherwise, she wouldn't have considered Europe if the US didn't work out initially. "I think I still prefer..."

Luo Hongjuan knew her daughter-in-law had plans for her future and wasn't someone who would blindly follow a man's lead. "Qiqi, I actually think it’s best if you discuss this with Han Tao." Luo Hongjuan knew that as the mother-in-law, she couldn't directly advise her daughter-in-law, saying, 'Just go to Canada; it's close to the US, making it convenient for you to look after Han Tao, and so on.' Although Han Tao usually went along with Wang Qiqi’s wishes, he was her son after all, and Luo Hongjuan knew he probably wouldn't want Qiqi going so far away. Even if they could meet often, plane tickets weren't free, and if a couple spent too long apart, trouble was bound to brew. The temptations abroad were significant, and she heard foreigners held a certain mystique toward East Asian women—just in case... Luo Hongjuan truly didn't dare consider the outcome.

Wang Qiqi was unaware of her mother-in-law's underlying intentions; if she knew, she would likely be furious. Qiqi interpreted Luo Hongjuan's suggestion to ask Han Tao as a desire to prevent unhappiness between them over this issue. "Okay, Mom, I'll discuss it with Han Tao." Wang Qiqi remembered when she had mentioned going to Europe if the US was impossible for her studies; though Han Tao had outwardly agreed, his smile had dimmed considerably. If he found out that Man Man was going to study in the US's neighbor, he might demand that she study in the same place as Man Man.

Wang Qiqi leaned toward studying in Europe; the cultural atmosphere there was incomparable to Canada. Plus, she could travel extensively during holidays. However, the advantage of Canada was being able to see Han Tao often, the transportation costs wouldn't be high, and she would have Qiqi nearby for support. In short, it was a difficult choice.

"Why not go to Europe?" Song Yao exclaimed anxiously. "Didn't you say Europe had so many interesting things? I was counting on you two to help me stock up on goods." Good heavens, if they went to Canada, she wondered how the clothing and jewelry would be. "Weren't the schools in Europe supposed to be good? Why Canada now? Are there any famous schools there?" In Song Yao's mind, she knew a few famous schools in the US and Europe, but she genuinely knew none in Canada. If that was the case, why not go to Europe? That would truly be a place offering multiple benefits. Although her business could continue if they went to Canada, Song Yao felt they wouldn't make as much money as they would if they went to Europe.

Luo Hongjuan hadn't expected Song Yao, who wasn't directly involved, to jump into the conversation. She really wanted to stand up and ask Song Yao what her intentions were. Although her business was important, wasn't the young couple's relationship equally vital? But she knew if she did that, Qiqi would second-guess her earlier suggestion, leaving her trapped between advancing and retreating.

"Besides, Qiqi, didn't you say a Master's degree in the UK only takes a year? If you complete your Master's there in one year, transferring to the US for a PhD might be easier then," Song Yao said, though she cared about money, she certainly cared about her friend's romantic situation. Such a great catch couldn't be snatched away by someone else, could he?

"Isn't it three years?" Luo Hongjuan wondered. Didn't Master's programs always take three years? If the UK only took one, she wouldn't know how to decide. One option kept her close to her son, but even so, it was abroad, requiring three years of separation before reunion. The other meant a year apart, followed by immediate reunion.

"Especially for you, Qiqi. Han Tao is busy with work and studies. Do you think you’ll be running to the US often, or will he be trekking to Canada to see you?" Song Yao argued, becoming more convinced that studying in Canada might not be the best advice. It was close, yes, but they were both extremely busy people.

"Mmm, yeah." After Song Yao's analysis, Shi Man had to admit it made sense. Even if she were in Canada, Feng Xuanxiang was also busy, often traveling with his advisor. She might not see him frequently either. Averaging it out, she might not even meet him twenty times a year. Whereas in the UK, it would be done in one year. "I'll go back and discuss it again."

"Discuss it with Xiao Feng," Luo Hongjuan urged. "Qiqi, you do the same; explain both scenarios to Han Tao." Luo Hongjuan genuinely didn't know how to make the decision anymore; it was best to let them decide for themselves. Ugh, what a headache.

Wang Qiqi presented Han Tao with the pros and cons of studying in Canada versus the UK, leaving the final decision to him. Of course, she had already prepared her own preference; if he chose the option she didn't want, she was determined to persuade him.

Looking at Wang Qiqi’s analysis, Han Tao understood exactly what she was thinking. "You promise you'll come to the US to be with me after one year?" Han Tao didn't believe Wang Qiqi would honestly return to his side after finishing her year of study. She might very well embark on a grand European tour first—a long-held ambition since her first trip to France. And his sister-in-law, Song Yao, would surely support this decision, as they could help her source unique items to sell while touring Europe. Han Tao just didn't know what Shi Man would choose. If she opted for Canada instead of Europe, he would be relieved. But if they both went to Europe, he decided the two men would have to coordinate. "Can you guarantee you won't linger in Europe for a year or more before coming to join me?"

Wang Qiqi felt a pang of guilt, unsure how to answer. Honestly, she hadn't forgotten Europe, and part of her hope was to explore it thoroughly. She hadn't expected her man to ask such a pointed question. "If I don't go to the US, where else would I go?"

"Come back immediately after graduation?" Han Tao quickly spotted the loophole in Wang Qiqi's words and pressed on.

Wang Qiqi just offered a silly grin. She knew she could verbally guarantee it with no issue, but the problem was, if she guaranteed it, the man on the other end would definitely remember it. "Well, you know how plans can change, right?" Wang Qiqi could only play dumb.

Han Tao was utterly speechless watching the woman unable to provide a satisfactory answer. If there hadn't been the Pacific Ocean separating them, he would have loved to throttle her to avoid being driven to death by her antics. "Got it." Fine, he would just go talk to Feng Xuanxiang directly; relying on this heartless woman was pointless.

Wang Qiqi was stunned by his simple reply after her clearly insincere answer. She stared at Han Tao on the computer screen for a long time. The more she looked, the more she suspected the young man had something up his sleeve. "You're not planning to team up with Feng Xuanxiang, are you?" If that were the case, it was simply despicable. She could remain firm against the handsome face of the man she was with, but there was the unstable factor of Shi Man. Shi Man might easily be sweet-talked by Feng Xuanxiang, and Wang Qiqi wouldn't want to go to Canada alone, which would surely lead to Shi Man clinging to her. Ugh, Wang Qiqi wondered if she would spend the next six months being chased around by someone.

Wang Qiqi pondered, then spoke very seriously, "You wouldn't do that, that's too petty." What kind of man was so small-minded? Moreover, "It’s not like I’m never coming back." Hmph, how infuriatingly despicable.

Han Tao was both amused and annoyed that his little scheme had elicited such a reaction from Wang Qiqi. "I'm petty? Comrade Wang Qiqi, don't blow things out of proportion, okay? Besides, I'm just discussing the future prospects of our future wives with Feng Xuanxiang." As for what Feng Xuanxiang would do next, Han Tao claimed ignorance. "Do you lack faith in Shi Man, or perhaps in yourself?" Han Tao knew that if Feng Xuanxiang truly stood on his side, Shi Man might indeed betray Wang Qiqi.

Han Tao's honest reply left Wang Qiqi momentarily speechless. If she criticized him, he hadn't actually played any underhanded tricks; yet, his words held a clear threat. "Fine," she conceded. What did it matter if she went to Canada? At worst, she’d find an opportunity to tour Canada. The scenery was quite nice there anyway. Perhaps she could even find a chance to see the future little King Bieber and snap some pictures of the little boy.

Wang Qiqi’s listless answer made Han Tao secretly chuckle. He wasn't actually opposed to Wang Qiqi pursuing her Master's in the UK; there were more options for schools there, and what truly swayed him was the one-year duration. Even if Qiqi traveled a bit, it would be six months to a year at most, and she would certainly fly back to the US to spend holidays with him. He just couldn't stand seeing her smug expression, so Han Tao had played a little trick on Wang Qiqi. He wasn't sure what Feng Xuanxiang's mindset was, though. Han Tao was a technical homebody who rarely went out, unlike Feng Xuanxiang, whose major required constant interaction and frequent business trips. "Qiqi, honestly, I don't care where you study. After all these years of our relationship, but have you considered Man Man and Feng Xuanxiang?"

Them? Wang Qiqi thought things had been going well between them recently. Man Man's smiles had been genuine. "Nothing is going wrong with him, is it?" If even Han Tao knew about something, Wang Qiqi dreaded to think how long Feng Xuanxiang had been hiding it, and how Man Man would react.

Han Tao saw Wang Qiqi's sudden tension. "Don't worry, don't worry, no problems right now," Han Tao quickly interjected with reassurance. "I'm just worried. Feng Xuanxiang has been here for over a year now. If you two go to the UK, that means three years of separation. Think about it if you linger longer. Plus, he’s starting to make a name for himself with his advisor. He's good-looking too. Even though everyone knows he has a girlfriend, Man Man not being around always creates an opening for others to try their luck."

Han Tao thought that even he, a homebody, had attracted some female attention; let alone Feng Xuanxiang. Once, when he visited Feng Xuanxiang in Boston, he saw him in a suit, discussing business—he looked incredibly dashing. Even if he were a foreigner without a Green Card, as long as he was earning money, handsome, and considerate, he was bound to be popular. "And he graduates next year."

Hearing Han Tao’s words, Wang Qiqi didn't know what to say. His reasoning was sound. She trusted Han Tao, but Man Man and Feng Xuanxiang might not be as steadfast. "I understand. Let them discuss it amongst themselves."

Wang Qiqi didn't ask Shi Man about the discussion she had with Han Tao. Whatever decision Shi Man made, Wang Qiqi would support it.

"Be careful on the road. Call me when you arrive in Beijing. And make sure Tao Tao sleeps on the plane. Honestly, why not take the train..." Wang Damei watched her grandson Tao Tao bouncing with excitement upon hearing about the plane ride, and a wave of anxiety washed over her. Everyone said flying was safe and time-saving, but to Wang Damei, flying was dangerous. She truly couldn't understand why these children, now having a bit of money, were starting to squander it. A one-night train ride would have sufficed; they insisted on flying.

Song Yao sighed internally watching her mother muttering beside her. "Mom, don't worry, we’ll take care of your grandson. When you have time, go get your passport, I'll wait for you..." Song Yao had intended to say, 'Once your son-in-law's factory is established and running smoothly, I'll come back and take you abroad to travel,' but then she realized that wasn't right; she shouldn't say that. "When I sort out things in Beijing, I’ll try to take a trip around the May Day holiday."

Song Yao's words didn't cheer Wang Damei up; instead, she earned a lecture. "What? May Day is such a prime business opportunity, and you're not planning to make money?" Wang Damei thought business was always best during holidays; what kind of boss didn't work then? She truly didn't understand her thinking. "Making money isn't easy." These kids were all learning from Wang Qiqi as soon as they had money, never considering what worried her: her family had a good foundation, she found a good husband, and most importantly, she could make money as long as she had a computer anywhere.

Song Yao rolled her eyes. "Mom, I have people watching the shop for me. Besides, I'm going to Thailand to see if I can source some items to sell." Her own mother was something else. Although she harbored a desire to have fun in Thailand, she was actually looking to expand her business channels. Qiqi and the others were focusing on Europe and America, but Southeast Asia had some excellent products. Song Yao realized she couldn't ignore this market segment. Of course, taking her parents out to travel was also a priority. "Mom, the family isn't short of a little money; you don't always have to think about saving, saving, saving."

"Exactly, Mom. We'll split the costs fifty-fifty when we go," Song Ziwen shot Song Yao a look. His older sister was leaving immediately, meaning he wouldn't have to endure his mother's nagging anymore, but he still had to stay here. He was expecting a lot of lectures later.

"Mom, it's getting late, we need to go. Remember to apply for your passport; I'll have my little brother supervise," Song Yao said, checking the time. She had said what she needed to say; if she didn't leave now, she’d be stuck listening to her mother's nagging.

Song Ziwen watched his older sister roll up the car window with a snap after saying that. He saw his mother's face change in the rearview mirror and groaned internally. He could already foresee what awaited him when he drove Wang Qiqi back home. "Sister, that was too much! You're pushing your little brother into a fiery pit! What did I ever do to offend you?"

"Song Yao shot Song Ziwen a look that bordered on censure. 'Do you even know what you did wrong? If I hadn't intercepted you yesterday, you nearly blabbed about your brother-in-law's business.' Song Yao mused that while her younger brother was generally discreet, his tendency to let things slip when overly excited or self-satisfied was a constant risk.

Song Ziwen had initially intended to grumble a bit at his sister, but upon hearing her point, all complaints vanished. 'Sister, I get it, I really do. Don't worry, I won't make that mistake again. Sigh. Oh, and brother-in-law, I’ll wire the money back once I get to the capital.' Song Ziwen and Yang Jing had discussed things over the Lunar New Year. He had assumed Yang Jing, being cautious about Gong Peixing, wouldn't commit much capital. To his surprise, his wife showed more boldness than he possessed; she reasoned that since all three parties were investing and the prospects looked promising, they might as well put in a bit more. 'Brother-in-law,' he added earnestly, 'either we don't start this factory at all, or we need to launch it at a higher baseline. We shouldn't be constantly adding equipment piecemeal. If we plan properly now, we won't panic when the orders pile up.'"