Song Ziwen called home once he was a bit clearer, explaining the situation with the house and the factory, then shared his intention to stay in the capital for a few days to help with client follow-ups. Yang Jing was initially unhappy when she heard he planned to linger, her tone laced with interrogation. After all, they had agreed he would only stay a few days to finalize the house purchase and then return. Now, he was requesting an extended stay. Yang Jing’s first thought was what exactly her husband planned to do by remaining in the capital, but after hearing his explanation, she agreed without a second thought.

Song Ziwen knew his wife agreed so readily for two reasons: one, having invested so much money, she feared any mishap could wipe out years of hard work; the other was her concern that his elder sister might try to interfere in the dealings. Song Ziwen found this worry rather absurd. He truly wanted to point out that he was only getting rich thanks to Song Yao; otherwise, considering how Wang Qiqi and Song Yao handled the property sale, they were perfectly capable of managing the business themselves without needing to involve him. But since Yang Jing thought that way, what could he do? Fortunately, Song Yao and the others were not present during the call; otherwise, Song Ziwen couldn't guess how his elder sister might react.

When his son hung up the phone, Song Wenbo’s expression wasn't entirely pleasant—it held a strange mix of relief and something unsettling. "Did Yang Jing instruct you on anything over the phone?"

Song Ziwen knew he couldn't hide things from his father. He nodded. "Yes, but she’s just worried about so much money being invested..." He trailed off, unsure how to finish the sentence.

Song Wenbo was quite satisfied with his daughter-in-law, Yang Jing, with just one minor reservation: she could be a bit petty at times. "Yang Jing is a good person, but she's a bit small-minded. You should know your sister and the others' character; don't let your wife’s nagging create distance between you and them. After all, you have years of shared affection..." Song Wenbo couldn't exactly criticize his daughter-in-law; in the years they’d spent together, aside from her penchant for small schemes, she was fine. As long as his son wasn't easily swayed, everything else was alright.

Song Ziwen nodded, indicating he understood. "Dad, don't worry. I know who treats me well. If I truly didn't trust my sister, I wouldn't have invested." Since childhood, Song Yao had taken many hits for Song Ziwen. This time, his sister had even opposed the plan, but he couldn't let go of this chance to strike it rich, worried about implicating his sister, brother-in-law, and Qiqi with reprimands. "Besides, my sister's enterprise is huge; how could she stoop to embezzling my little bit of money?"

Wang Damei was busy stewing nourishing supplements in the kitchen. Hearing the father and son talking in the living room made her anxious. With her son on one side and her daughter on the other, she didn't want them to fall out over such a small sum. "Come, drink this soft-shelled turtle soup. Your brother-in-law specifically bought a wild one yesterday. Your illness really exhausted your sister and the others." She didn't say much more. Nagging about certain things often only served to annoy her son and backfire.

"Hmph, wasting money. Where are there so many wild ones?" Song Wenbo snorted. "They must have too much money burning a hole in their pockets." His son-in-law truly treated his younger brother-in-law well. Despite being busy at his unit, he still remembered to buy wild turtle, and he sent a free-range chicken home every two days to ensure they always had fresh poultry. "In the future, before you jump at so-called good opportunities, remember to use your brain more and discuss it with us and your sister. Don't always try to play the hero. Also, when you go back, don't mention this to your friends. Just say you ran out of funds."

Song Ziwen didn't expect his father to say this; in his agitation, he sprayed out the turtle soup he had just sipped. "Dad, you know it’s a scam..." Wasn't this just watching his friend walk into a trap? Was this appropriate?

"What's inappropriate about it?" Song Wenbo scoffed. "Can you guarantee your friend isn't an accomplice?" After making sure Song Ziwen wasn't seriously hurt, Song Wenbo questioned him repeatedly about the entire incident and where he got the information. The more he asked, the more convinced he was that his son’s friend was a plant.

Listening to Song Wenbo's analysis, although Song Ziwen wanted to defend his friend a bit, he had to admit his old man’s reasoning held weight. "Then I won't say anything, but this will lead more people into the pit." Although Song Ziwen hadn't spent much time in that terrible place, the guards who watched him had let slip some details. While Song Ziwen didn't know everything, he understood the scope of the operation they had set up.

Song Wenbo looked at his foolish son, still trying to be a good person, and unceremoniously patted his head. "You believed it just because it involved your friend. And you ran away; don't forget your ID and everything else are still in their hands. You haven't gotten them back. You'll need to reapply for those documents when you return. Those people might be waiting for you." Song Wenbo figured that if his son had been honest and upright, it would be one thing. But if he dared to expose the matter, who knew how those people might retaliate? Furthermore, since the conspirators knew Song Ziwen had escaped, they would have contingency plans. Given this, it was better to pretend he knew nothing.

Wang Damei didn't care how many people were swindled; she only cared about her son's safety. She immediately pulled Song Ziwen into a hug. "Son, we'll pretend we never heard about this, just as if you never went anywhere. Even if you don't think of yourself, you must think of Yang Jing and Niuniu. Oh, wait, we shouldn't tell Yang Jing and the others about this. What if they..." They only had the elderly, the weak, women, and children here. What if the others... "Maybe we should warn them." No matter what, they needed to be prepared in case something happened.

Seeing Wang Damei growing tense, Song Wenbo snapped, "If they were going to have trouble, they would have had it already. If you notify them, their panic might actually cause trouble. Besides, since Ziwen hasn't returned, those waiting to invest are still investing. As long as they know Ziwen hasn't betrayed them, why would they act rashly? Doing so would only expose them. They only want the money."

Just as Wang Damei was about to say something, they heard a knock on the door. She immediately jumped up from the sofa, frantically patting her chest. Having just heard such a dangerous account, she was now extremely unnerved by any knock. "Who is it?" Wang Damei didn't realize her voice was trembling when she spoke.

Wang Qiqi, burdened with bags, couldn't manage to fumble for her keys. "Auntie, it's me." Wang Qiqi found it strange; why was Auntie Wang’s voice shaking today? What was she doing?

Hearing it was Wang Qiqi, Wang Damei let out a long sigh of relief and turned to Song Wenbo. "It's Qiqi." Thank heavens.

After opening the door, Wang Damei let Wang Qiqi in and then peeked out, looking around the doorway. The whole posture struck Wang Qiqi as bizarre. "Auntie, what's wrong?" Why did it feel like she was acting like someone involved in clandestine operations?

Wang Damei knew she was overthinking things, but Song Wenbo’s words had genuinely frightened her. She quietly closed the door and pulled Wang Qiqi aside, whispering what Song Wenbo had just speculated. "Qiqi, isn't that terrifying? Alas, we didn't get rich, but we’re scared to death." Wang Damei desperately hoped this whole affair would conclude swiftly; otherwise, she couldn't bear the strain.

Wang Qiqi was surprised that her uncle-in-law would guess something so dark. "Auntie, you are really worrying too much. This is the capital. They don't know where my sister lives. Besides, they just want to swindle money; they don't want to cause murder. Otherwise, they would have already dealt with Song Ziwen." Wang Qiqi tried to soothe Wang Damei. Though she privately thought Song Wenbo’s speculation was quite accurate, she couldn't admit it now, seeing how speechless Auntie Wang was from the fright.

"Exactly, Mom, you're overthinking it." Although Song Ziwen felt a knot of fear in his own stomach, he could only follow Wang Qiqi’s lead. Even though he was deeply uneasy about his family back home, his father was right: he had been away for several days, and nothing had happened at home. Either the culprits were wrapping up their scheme and didn't have time to bother with them, or they were waiting for his next move before reacting. "Qiqi, what did you buy for me?"

Wang Qiqi held up the bags in her hands. "I bought you a few pigeons. Let's stew pigeon and hen soup tonight; this is good stuff. Nana is also coming for dinner, so we can have a lively meal."

Pigeons again? Song Ziwen’s face fell immediately upon hearing the word. These past few days, the sight of such things made him want to vomit. He finally understood the helplessness Yang Jing must have felt during her confinement period. "Qiqi, I really don't need any more nourishment. Look, my cheeks are rosy." If he kept being supplemented this way, Song Ziwen feared he wouldn't want to eat these things for at least a year.

"Brother, no way. When you go back in a few days, if you look thinner, Sister-in-law will blame us for not taking good care of you." Wang Qiqi glared at Song Ziwen several times. Hmph, if he hadn't been so greedy, things wouldn't have turned out like this. He got to enjoy the pampered treatment of a patient, eating and drinking well. Although he got scolded by his uncle and aunt, he brought it upon himself. They were the unluckiest ones, having to spend money and effort, only to be reprimanded too. So, the three of them conspired to buy lots of rich, nourishing food to ensure Song Ziwen recovered thoroughly. Now, the poor guy’s face turns white at the sight of turtle and similar delicacies—he deserves it. "Oh, and Auntie, even though my brother looks plump and fair, he's internally weak inside; he needs more bolstering."

Wang Damei prioritized her son’s well-being above all else. Hearing Wang Qiqi say that, she kept nodding. "Yes, yes, that's exactly what I think."

Song Wenbo knew Wang Qiqi and the others went to such lengths with their shopping as a form of payback for Song Ziwen causing them to be scolded. However, Song Wenbo applauded their actions. Song Ziwen was clearly in the wrong, and if Qiqi and the others didn't get to vent some steam, he wasn't sure how they might seek revenge later.

Zhu Lina stared at the pile of chicken in her bowl, stunned, especially when a few pieces were offered to her by Song Ziwen, the supposed patient (using serving chopsticks). She genuinely couldn't understand why Song Ziwen was being so polite. Although she was a guest, Shi Man was also a guest. Even if he was trying to thank her for introducing clients, she hadn't helped that much; she only provided some initial information. The business deal was ultimately secured by Wang Qiqi’s brother-in-law’s ability. Was such excessive politeness necessary?

Zhu Lina looked utterly perplexed, while Wang Qiqi thought her older brother was resorting to offering food—a behavior he always opposed—just to avoid eating more heavy supplements, fearing he might scare Zhu Lina. "Brother, if you want some, don't rush to give it to Nana. Look how startled you've made her."

Song Yao saw her younger brother breaking his own habit just to push food away, especially startling Zhu Lina, who they considered their lucky charm. "Nana, if you can't eat it, just leave it." Song Yao couldn't bring herself to transfer food either, so she could only say that. This brat was unbelievable; if he was going to offer food to someone, he should at least gauge how much he was giving. Several girls couldn't possibly eat that much.

Song Ziwen realized the situation was turning awkward. He forced a smile. "I’m so sorry. I’ve been eating chicken and similar things every day lately; I feel like throwing up at the sight of it." He turned helplessly to his brother-in-law, Gong Peixing. "Brother-in-law, I’ve truly been supplemented enough. I've been eating well, drinking well, and living well during this time; I’ve actually gotten heavier than when I was back in our hometown."

Hearing Song Ziwen mention weight gain, Gong Peixing was about to say he wouldn't buy more heavy tonics for him, but Wang Qiqi felt Song Ziwen shouldn't get off so easily. "Brother, even though you’ve gained weight, I think it’s just superficial fat. You need to start exercising on top of supplementing. Also, you’ve rested at home for several days; shouldn't you go take a look at Brother-in-law’s factory?" Otherwise, when Song Ziwen returned home, Yang Jing would naturally become suspicious if he knew nothing about the situation.

"Yes, yes, you need to go take a look. That way, when Yang Jing asks questions, you can answer smoothly." Wang Damei initially wanted to say that her son had just gotten out of the hospital and gone through so much hardship; there was no need for him to rush into work. Her father-in-law, Song Wenbo, had visited Gong Peixing's factory several times. While the system wasn't fully established, the future looked promising. But Wang Qiqi was right: while they knew Gong Peixing and Song Yao were trustworthy, Yang Jing might not be reassured. "It's good to get out and walk around; why stay cooped up at home? Oh, Ziwen, since you're staying in the capital, are the decoration company and the real estate agency alright?" In the past, when her son was unwell, Wang Damei paid little attention to material concerns, but now that he was better, she worried about his businesses.

Song Ziwen diligently finished chewing the soft-shelled turtle in his mouth. "Don't worry, I call back every day to check on things, and Yang Jing stops by frequently to look around." Even though he wasn't physically there, he could manage things remotely. Based on reports from various sources, operations were running smoothly. "But Mom, we need to finalize the house purchase sooner rather than later, and I need to go back to reapply for my ID and related documents." Although Song Ziwen had already called the banks to freeze his cards, having a new ID created many headaches before they were processed—like needing identification to pay for the house.

Since everyone present was a close acquaintance, Song Ziwen wasn't worried about losing face. He sighed. "Alas, nothing good comes without a cost. I'll have a pile of things to handle when I get back. Speaking of which, Qiqi, I might need you to lend me some money then, okay?" After selling her house, his elder sister didn't have much cash on hand, so he'd have to rely on his wealthy cousin, Qiqi. Song Ziwen realized he had suffered a huge loss this time; no matter how unwilling he felt, he couldn't retaliate effectively.

Wang Qiqi hummed in affirmation, signaling it was no issue. Wang Damei looked at the regretful Song Ziwen. "What if Qiqi needs the money to buy a house too? Your father and I have some funds; we can pay the initial deposit first. We’ll have to pay the remainder and sign the formal contract in a few days anyway." Even if they had to borrow from Wang Qiqi, they should discuss it away from Luo Hongjuan, not right in front of Cousin Qiqi.

"It's fine, I have some money. I can lend it to my brother for short-term use. Brother, remember to treat us to a good meal next time you come to the capital." Wang Qiqi thought that her good relationship with Song Yao and Song Ziwen was something Luo Hongjuan was happy to see; the ties between the families had long since become harmonious due to economic relations. "Oh, Nana, where are you planning to study abroad?" Wang Qiqi changed the subject, asking Zhu Lina about her plans. She knew Zhu Lina had intended to study in the US, and she should have an easier time getting a US visa given her prominent family background—no one sensible would suspect her of being a terrorist. "Nana and I discussed it, and we plan to study in the UK." As graduation approached and they applied for visas with their university acceptance letters, they were rejected several times. This made Shi Man and the others completely abandon the idea of postgraduate studies in the US, opting instead for the UK. As for the applications they later sent to Canada, they hadn't received any acceptance letters yet; they understood it wasn't that the other candidates were better, but rather that they had applied earlier. Some schools had already finalized their intake, and they had missed the window.

Study abroad? Zhu Lina paused her movement of picking up food, then said in a very casual tone, "I plan to stay in China and won't be going abroad." Though Zhu Lina sounded relaxed, she felt a pang of sadness inside. That was her last chance for a carefree time, or perhaps her last opportunity to be a full-time student. During university, nearly half her time was spent managing her family's business. If she went to the US, she would absolutely dedicate herself to studying hard. But she also knew that if she postponed her overseas studies again, the next three years she missed might be something she would regret forever.

Not studying abroad? Wang Qiqi and Shi Man were hearing this for the first time too. They had been looking forward to the three of them studying together in major US cities, knowing that after Zhu Lina graduated from her Master’s program, she would either face marriage or an avalanche of official paperwork. But now, even this last hope was dashed. "Not studying abroad? You plan to study domestically?" Shi Man asked foolishly, though she knew the reason Zhu Lina gave up the idea of going abroad was likely related to her inability to leave her family's company unattended. Many people had their eyes on her family's assets. Although she had performed well in recent years, proving the Zhu family successor wasn't just window dressing, ambitious individuals wouldn't give up so easily. If she didn't go abroad this time, the chance to study abroad later and truly be a student for three years was highly uncertain.

Wang Qiqi looked anxiously at Zhu Lina. Since their senior year, she had been constantly running around inspecting the family's industries, deeply involved in corporate planning. Now, upon meeting again, Zhu Lina suddenly announced she wasn't planning to study abroad. During the New Year gathering, Zhu Lina had eagerly anticipated her time overseas, even hoping they could all study in the same country. Now she was saying she wasn't going. Had there been trouble with her family's industries, or were her cousins acting up again? "Is everything okay at home?"

Zhu Lina didn't want to air the frustrating matters concerning her family, especially since those ridiculous clowns were making trouble now, precisely because they assumed she would be leaving to study abroad. The more they thought that, the more determined Zhu Lina was not to leave. Otherwise, when she returned after her studies, the foundation she built through hard work might be credited to them or, worse, squandered through their treachery.

Initially, Zhu Lina viewed the conflicts with her so-called relatives as mere internal squabbles, but she had underestimated the lure of fame and fortune for them. To achieve their goals, they were even bringing in external allies—and those allies were far from good people; they were like hungry wolves and tigers. Even if they managed to drive her out, would they truly benefit? No matter how much Zhu Lina despised them, she had to take the necessary actions and preparations. "This is just my thought; I haven't discussed it with the family yet. Also, please don't mention that I'm not studying abroad." Zhu Lina knew Wang Qiqi and the others weren't gossips, but Song Ziwen and his group were returning to their hometown. Zhu Lina worried that if a few of them let the news slip, it might undermine the effect she was trying to achieve.

Since Zhu Lina hadn't even shared this idea with her family and asked for secrecy, none of the people present were fools. Even if they hadn't experienced the unavoidable dramas of wealthy families, they had certainly watched enough melodramatic plots in Hong Kong dramas. Everyone nodded, signaling they understood. They all had vested interests tied to Zhu Lina; the more secure her position, the more beneficial it would be for their future prospects.

Wang Qiqi and Shi Man exchanged a glance. Since Juliana didn't want to speak in front of everyone, they would wait until they got back. This girl had certainly gone through a lot recently. However, regarding her claim that she even kept it from her family, Wang Qiqi wondered if her parents were aware of her intentions. If she was hiding it from them too, Wang Qiqi felt there must be quite a bit more to it. Yet, based on her understanding of Juliana’s parents, they probably weren't playing any games outside, and even if they were, there shouldn't be any lingering consequences. Still, this wasn't something an outsider like her could truly know, but she supposed it was likely under Juliana's control.