Song Yao, accompanied by Wang Qiqi, returned home to apologize to her parents. Regardless of the circumstances, it was her fault for running out so recklessly before.

Song Ziwen also apologized to Song Yao. "Sis, I’m sorry. I shouldn't have looked at you that way." His older sister still had his best interests at heart. "I've thought about the factory too, and I'm not going to open it after all." He felt his current abilities were insufficient, and he still needed to put effort into the decoration company. If he opened a factory as well, even with Old Man's help, he would have to handle all the client acquisition himself, and he had many shortcomings. He wasn't very knowledgeable about machinery, and having no experience going out to solicit business like that, how could he gain people's trust?

Song Yao, snapping out of her anger, didn't stay mad at Song Ziwen. Frankly, the better her brother did, the more prosperous the Song family would become. "Why not open a factory? I was only upset because you all didn't trust me. Actually, Ziwen, if you calm down and spend some time learning from Dad, opening a factory would be great once you have the capability, and by then the decoration company will also be on track. But didn't Qiqi mention opening a cabinet processing plant before? I think that would suit you better." On the way back, Wang Qiqi had also discussed alternative factory ideas for Song Ziwen with Song Yao. Wang Qiqi had mentioned this before, but Song Ziwen, having seen the profits made by processing plants, had completely forgotten about it.

Song Ziwen looked at Wang Qiqi in surprise upon hearing this. Following Song Yao's prompt, he also recalled what Qiqi had said last year. Wang Damei and Song Wenbo were completely unaware of this. They had initially thought that since Qiqi and Song Yao were such good friends, Qiqi should have helped Song Ziwen plan things out more thoroughly. Now, it seemed it wasn't a lack of planning, but that this foolish boy had completely forgotten and stirred up so much trouble.

"You little brat, Qiqi gave you an idea, did you think it wasn't good, or..." If it were anyone else, Wang Damei would have thoroughly scolded Song Ziwen. After all, someone had offered an idea, and Qiqi's ideas were always a guarantee of money. Her foolish son was currently involved in decoration, so setting up a cabinet factory—the business might not be bad. Of course, she didn't understand the specifics; those would need to be discussed with Song Ziwen.

Song Ziwen certainly knew the potential profit involved. "It sounds great. Maybe I should open a cabinet processing plant?" he asked Wang Qiqi tentatively. At this moment, he dared not ask Qiqi why she hadn't offered a single word of advice when he previously mentioned wanting to open a machinery processing plant, otherwise, things wouldn't have become so strained.

Wang Qiqi knew Song Ziwen was probably cursing her in his head for not reminding him earlier, which might have prevented the situation from becoming so awkward. But she thought that as soon as she arrived, she saw the Song father and son excitedly discussing opening a processing plant; how could she interject? Of course, Wang Qiqi admitted that at that moment, she truly had forgotten about it. "Brother, this is your decision. I just mentioned it in passing. Although I think it has potential, it’s not guaranteed wealth just because I say so. Opening a factory always involves many unexpected situations. Brother, didn't you say you wanted to study design?" Wang Qiqi thought, This big brother, this is your future industry, and you haven't even taken it to heart. Do you expect me to help you remember? Sorry, but I’m quite busy too.

Song Ziwen was completely stumped by Wang Qiqi’s questioning. He nervously glanced at his father, realizing he too was staring at him, awaiting an answer. He desperately wanted to say he was reading books on design, but then he considered that if he answered that way, Qiqi would inevitably ask, "If you're reading design books, why would you even think about a processing plant?"

Wang Qiqi already had an idea of Song Ziwen's answer. "You haven't been reading, have you, Brother? Start preparing seriously now." Wang Qiqi thought, Why should I clean up the mess this boy created? "But Brother, I think if you’re doing cabinets, you could also do wardrobes. Then they could be processed on the assembly line at the factory, and you just go over for installation."

Previously, Song Ziwen hadn't paid much attention to this, but things were different now. Since Wang Qiqi kept mentioning the cabinet processing plant, and he didn't have any better ideas for management, he decided to take it seriously. Although he would have to learn everything from scratch, couldn't he hire someone to handle the design? How many bosses were as versatile as his brother-in-law? Song Ziwen believed that for a factory to run well, management and operation were key, and Qiqi’s input on how to manage the factory well would also be quite important.

In the following time, Song Ziwen persistently questioned Wang Qiqi on how to best run this factory. Wang Qiqi could offer a few words, but for the overly complex aspects, neither in her past life nor this one had she experienced them, so she could only provide simple answers. Yet, Song Ziwen kept pressing her, giving the impression that she was deliberately holding back information.

As Song Ziwen relentlessly questioned Wang Qiqi, Song Yao watched Qiqi’s flustered state and covered her mouth, chuckling. "It’s been a long time since I saw Qiqi so flustered." The heating in the house had been turned off, and the temperature wasn't high, yet Qiqi was sweating on her face, showing just how distressed she was.

Noticing Wang Qiqi preoccupied with Song Ziwen, Wang Damei leaned over and whispered to Song Yao, "Do you think this idea Qiqi came up with is reliable? Is the investment large?" If her son-in-law's machinery processing plant was related to his old trade, her son starting a cabinet factory was different; her son had absolutely no experience in that field. Moreover, Wang Qiqi herself didn't seem very knowledgeable or adept. Wang Damei felt uneasy. Even the smallest factory required equipment, which couldn't cost less than two hundred thousand, could it? While making a profit would be wonderful, if they lost money, how would her daughter-in-law view the situation? Wang Damei was completely at a loss.

While Wang Damei was whispering to Song Yao, Song Wenbo was also straining his ears to listen. Honestly, he was quite happy at the prospect of his son opening a processing plant; he would have a place to go. At his son's factory, he wouldn't have to be on duty constantly and could visit old friends or handle family matters. However, he hadn't expected his son and daughter-in-law to have such grand plans, only for the situation back home to constrain their ideas. Although his son would still open a factory, it was too far removed from his original trade. Song Wenbo knew that even if he went, he would only be a manager, and how much management did a massive factory really require? Song Ziwen could handle it alone.

Song Yao smiled sweetly, watching Wang Qiqi being questioned by Song Ziwen until she ran out of words. Still, she had confidence in Wang Qiqi. "Qiqi doesn't know everything, but when have we ever suffered a loss by following her advice? Besides, it’s Ziwen’s factory; Qiqi is just giving an idea. If she knew everything, do you think Qiqi would burden us with so many matters? Qiqi also has ambitions for a career, and her craving for money is definitely the highest among everyone present. Moreover, Qiqi has offered many ideas. If Ziwen just follows Qiqi's suggestions to handle things, when will he ever truly become independent? Ziwen, he..." Song Yao stopped, realizing that her own mother was also Song Ziwen's mother, and she shouldn't speak ill of him.

Wang Damei waited for Song Yao to continue, but when she noticed her stop mid-sentence, she grunted a few times, signaling Song Yao to hurry up and finish her thought.

Song Yao cleared her throat and organized her words. After a moment, she slowly said, "It's only a matter of time before Qiqi goes abroad. It’s fine to occasionally ask for advice and discuss Ziwen's future path, but if Qiqi has to explain everything in detail, how much compensation do you think Ziwen would have to offer?" Ideas are valuable, especially money-making ones.

Song Wenbo nodded repeatedly from the side. Yes, it was good enough that Qiqi could offer ideas; she couldn't explain every detail. "Qiqi is a lucky star," he remarked meaningfully. He wasn't foolish; why had the family's life been getting better and better since she became close friends with Song Yao and her brother?

A lucky star? Song Yao looked at Wang Qiqi, sitting motionless on the sofa. "Is there such a flustered lucky star? But both Gong Peixing and I call Qiqi a God of Wealth."

A God of Wealth? Song Wenbo felt this title suited Qiqi’s image quite well. "Right, since Ziwen's health has recovered, we should head back too. We have a pile of things to attend to at home." If they didn't return soon, his daughter-in-law might get upset. Moreover, his son had two businesses running; if the boss was absent for too long, trouble could arise, especially if someone dishonest learned the secrets of the profit-making, and then decided to start their own operation with a crew. This was a risk since both of his son's current ventures had low barriers to entry, allowing anyone with some skill to go independent. They needed to be vigilant.

Song Yao hadn't expected her father to leave so soon. However, their departure might be beneficial. Aunt Luo had been sleeping in the shop these past few days. Still, on the surface, she couldn't show that she was eager for them to leave. "Ah, why not stay a couple more days? Dad, you should stay. Let Ziwen go back instead. You can take Mom for a spin around the vicinity of the capital, and besides, Grandpa's guidance will still be needed for Gong Peixing's factory." Gong Peixing had mentioned several times that Old Man was indeed impressive; after working on the front lines for so many years plus managing a workshop for years, he solved many problems that Gong Peixing found difficult with ease. Song Yao understood Gong Peixing's perspective, but she didn't know if the Old Man, who constantly complained about the roar of workshop machinery that he had been immersed in his whole life, had any interest in pursuing a second career. Since she now knew the Old Man hadn't given up on his original trade, Song Yao certainly wouldn't let him leave so easily; she absolutely had to make good use of him.

The daughter's suggestion was tempting to Song Wenbo, but whether he returned was not his decision to make. Song Wenbo’s eyes shifted between his wife and son. Although he didn't voice his thoughts, his gaze completely betrayed him.

Wang Damei had no strong feelings about staying or leaving. If they stayed, they could enjoy a good tour of the capital; their last trip was for business, and she hadn't properly explored the city. This time, while in the capital to buy a house, she had hoped to wander around with her husband. She hadn't expected her son to run into such major trouble. "If we’re not going back, we’re not going back. Why look at me?" Niu Niu had her maternal grandparents, and she usually just helped out when she visited. "Ziwen, what do you think?"

Song Ziwen knew he wouldn't get much useful information from Wang Qiqi. He went to the fridge, grabbed a Coke, and sighed. He suddenly felt he deserved a fantastic meal today to compensate for the hurt feelings he sustained. Although Qiqi had pointed him toward a path to riches, the useful information was scarce. He would have to write the plan himself when he returned and learn many things he hadn't encountered before; the pressure was immense. "Dad, if we’re not going back, then we’re not going back. Grandpa should give more pointers to my brother-in-law’s factory. The better my brother-in-law does, the more money your son will get later." Song Ziwen gave Song Yao a look, signaling that she needed to put in more effort on this matter, hoping Song Yao knew how to reward her accordingly.

Song Yao completely ignored Song Ziwen's petty schemes. Hmph, even if the factory did well, wouldn't the income be shared? Although she was the major shareholder and got the most profit, didn't Qiqi get a share? Didn't Song Ziwen get a share? "Ziwen, don't forget what happened before..." She hadn't even made the person apologize yet, and now he was demanding a reward based on a minor accomplishment—dream on. "Oh, and don't mention to Gong Peixing that Ziwen wants to open a processing plant." Since that idea had long been extinguished, there was no need to tell him and cause him more unnecessary worry.

Song Yao's blunt dismissal hit Song Ziwen hard. He pinched his nose, and under Wang Qiqi's mocking gaze, he sat to the side. "Sis, I was just joking. Did you have to..." As for Song Yao's concerns, everyone present wasn't foolish and wouldn't bring up that unpleasant matter. "As for your worries, you're thinking too much. You just need to remember not to leak secrets." His older sister was tight-lipped with outsiders, but when it came to family, her discretion was questionable.

Song Yao shot Song Ziwen a glare back. One couldn't be too polite, or some people would definitely take an inch and demand a mile. Look, she’d shown him a bit of goodwill, and now he was getting cocky. "In a few days, when Taotao has a day off, Dad, we'll go see some scenic spots nearby. They're quite nice."

Song Ziwen waved his hand; he wasn't unaware of how busy his daughter and son-in-law were. "Your mother and I will go. We're seniors, and we get discounts on tickets. You don't need to waste the money." He felt they should use the time to rest well at home. "Little Gong has been quite busy lately. Give him some support when you have time. He looks thinner than last year." When a man struggles to build a career outside, the woman should be the perfect logistician.

Gong Peixing hadn't even finished taking off his shoes when he returned home with Taotao and heard his wife excitedly saying that Ziwen planned to open a cabinet factory. His first reaction was positive (another potential asset for the family). This line of business should also be highly profitable. Of course, workmanship, materials, and design were paramount. As long as these aspects were covered, the factory wouldn't lack customers. Although Song Ziwen wasn't deeply familiar with this industry, if he put his mind to it, he could certainly achieve great things—wasn't his decoration company thriving thanks to him? But Gong Peixing suddenly remembered a very crucial point. He gently pulled Song Yao aside. "How much money do we have left? We agreed to invest when Ziwen opened his factory." If they had the funds, buying shares would be a good idea. But how much money could they have on hand now? The family's expenses were largely supported by the income from Song Yao's shop; where would they find enough spare cash for investment? Should they sell another house? Honestly, current property prices hadn't even peaked yet.

Song Yao watched her husband, who had been relaxed moments ago, suddenly become tense. She smiled and whispered, "At least until the second half of the year. Ziwen has never been involved in this line of work before; you have to let him learn first." Her husband had once boasted about becoming instantly rich after receiving the proceeds from the house sale, but how long had it been since then? There wasn't much money left in the savings passbook. "By then, our funds should start flowing back in." Maybe they would have enough to invest, though Song Yao wasn't entirely sure if they would.

Gong Peixing wasn't as confident as Song Yao. It wasn't a lack of faith in the factory, but rather, "I received a call today. If things go well, we might have another client." Gong Peixing found his luck had been exceptionally good lately. He had become quite convinced of the so-called Master, who said that his original destiny was not so good—a life ending in loneliness—but because he met a benefactor, his fortune would rise continuously. How far he would advance depended on whether that benefactor continued to look out for him. Gong Peixing had initially considered Qiqi as his benefactor, but would she really take such good care of him? Things were indeed unfolding exactly as the Master had predicted. "Right, we must put in a small investment then. Qiqi has a good eye for it, hasn't she?"

Song Yao couldn't focus on her younger brother’s industry at the moment. Never mind that it hadn't started yet; even if it did, Song Ziwen would hold the majority stake. "Really? Didn't you say handling three units recently was enough? How did you get another order? Is there enough money?" Three units were good business, but the payment wouldn't come until three months later. If they took on more, wouldn't the upfront capital they needed to cover keep increasing? Song Yao didn't know whether to be happy or unhappy, but there was no reason to turn away business that came knocking.

"This client is different." Gong Peixing had intended to reveal the mystery later, but seeing his wife’s anxious expression, he couldn't bear to keep Song Yao in suspense any longer. "Don't worry, they pay monthly, deliver with the invoice, and payment is made immediately upon acceptance upon inspection." Otherwise, even if Gong Peixing knew he couldn't refuse a customer, he would have to find an excuse to politely decline the business that came his way.

"Immediate payment, no capital hold-up?" Song Yao looked genuinely delighted. Good heavens, was such a good deal possible? Song Yao found it hard to believe, but then she felt a pang of suspicion. "Aren't there many people willing to do business without credit terms? Why would they seek us out? What if they claim our goods are subpar later?" That wasn't impossible.

Song Yao and her husband stood at the doorway talking for a long time. Wang Damei, curled up on the sofa playing with Taotao, hadn't seen Song Yao come in for a while. "What are you two doing standing at the door? And Yao Yao, didn't you forget you were supposed to cook?" Really, she was welcoming her husband home but forgot that Qiqi was still struggling alone in the kitchen.

"Mom, do you know? A client approached us today offering monthly payment for goods." Such good news had to be shared immediately. Song Yao completely forgot about cooking. She waved her hand grandly, "To celebrate such good news, I'm treating everyone to a meal out of my own pocket!" Good things should be celebrated properly, and going out to buy groceries now was unrealistic.

"Monthly payment?" Song Ziwen exclaimed in surprise. He knew how rare such clients were these days.

Song Wenbo was less surprised. "Monthly payment? Have you investigated the client's credibility? And why aren't they working with their previous suppliers?" Song Wenbo asked steadily. While the monthly payment was tempting, such an entity couldn't possibly have no existing suppliers; there must be some hidden catch, he didn't believe it otherwise.

"I went to investigate today. Actually, this client didn't exactly come knocking on our door automatically..." Gong Peixing walked to the sofa, sat down, and reported the information he had gathered earlier that day.

Wang Qiqi had already walked to the kitchen doorway to listen when Song Yao excitedly shouted about the client offering monthly payments. She wasn't as optimistic as Song Yao. She knew that no matter how large a business grew, you had to collect the money to count it as profit; otherwise, it was a massive loss.

After everyone listened to Gong Peixing's explanation, those who were happy continued to be so. Those with doubts, though they felt the situation might not be exactly as the client described, figured that since there was an intermediary introduction, it probably wasn't a major issue. "Regardless, since they said payment follows inspection upon delivery, we cannot concede on this point; we must insist on timely repayment." After all, it was a private entity, Song Wenbo felt it was best to be cautious. "If we sense things are going wrong, we must pull out immediately, even if it means a small loss. We cannot get deeper and deeper involved..."

Gong Peixing showed no impatience on the side, nodding repeatedly in agreement with his father-in-law's advice.

Song Ziwen watched his brother-in-law looking down as if Taotao had done something wrong being scolded. He quietly remarked to Wang Qiqi, "My brother-in-law is quite the actor." He didn't believe his brother-in-law could be so docile; he was a man in his thirties; surely, he couldn't have zero thoughts of resistance.

"That's why he endears himself more to my Uncle and Aunt." Wang Qiqi held Gong Peixing in high regard. She knew that when he first married Song Yao, Wang Damei's attitude toward him wasn't exactly warm, purely out of consideration for Song Yao. Yet, he managed to behave impeccably. "You should learn from him."

Learn from him? Song Ziwen thought he would never learn to be such a brown-noser. "Sis, didn't you say we were going out for better food? Let's go out. That restaurant we passed while walking last time was packed. The food must be really good."

"Deal," Song Yao agreed, feeling quite pleased. As for the old man's worries, as long as the payments were punctual, those concerns were absolutely non-issues. "I was just stressing about the funding, but if this client can truly do monthly settlements, and the profit margin is decent, then salaries for the staff won't be a worry at all." The actual costs weren't that high; it was the processing fees, encompassing labor and machine depreciation, that were exorbitant.

"Exactly, that's precisely what I was thinking too." Gong Peixing felt that his wife always understood his perspective best.