"Hope our collaboration is fruitful," Song Yao said, embracing Bai Ge and Shi Man at the doorway before preparing to leave with Bai Ge. "The moment the name is approved, my funds will be transferred immediately."

Shi Man, standing inside, echoed Song Yao's sentiment. Her own investment was modest, causing her no pressure at all; it was Bai Ge, who held the largest stake, who seemed to have some issues.

"My money will be in as soon as the name comes through." Bai Ge had been busy securing funds these past few days. Although her parents didn't strongly endorse her new venture—believing her current work was satisfactory and seeing no need to enter an unfamiliar industry, especially one requiring such a large initial outlay—they were worried. Even though Bai Ge had spent several years in the capital and gained considerable experience, her parents could only offer support after voicing their opposition.

Bai Ge's declaration surprised Song Yao and Shi Man, and even Wang Qiqi seemed taken aback. Earlier, when Song Yao borrowed the calculator, she had briefly spoken with Wang Qiqi, suggesting that if Bai Ge couldn't raise the necessary capital later, Wang Qiqi should perhaps chip in a bit. To hear that Bai Ge was already prepared was unexpected. "Wow, Bai Ge, you had the money all along? You could have done this all by yourself." Wang Qiqi said frankly, reasoning that if one did it alone, all the profit would be hers. Why bother with partners?

Bai Ge smiled. "It's better to cooperate. Later, Sister Yao Yao can help look after things, and Man Man can quickly relay study abroad updates from various countries..." Bai Ge hadn't expected her parents to be so supportive; she had anticipated only minimal assistance. While debating whether to proceed alone or continue seeking partners, Wang Qiqi called to say Song Yao and the others were willing to invest. This solidified Bai Ge's resolve to collaborate. On the way over, she had pondered deeply and concluded that having partners—even Shi Man, who seemed the least helpful—brought significant advantages. She, being a novice, didn't know much about the specifics of many institutions, and Shi Man's involvement would genuinely ease her burden.

Wang Qiqi noticed a flicker of unease cross Bai Ge’s expression for a moment. She realized that with sufficient funds, Bai Ge might have briefly considered going solo but later abandoned the idea for some unknown reason. However, since she was speaking of partners now, Wang Qiqi sensed that Bai Ge had come to terms with the arrangement. "Man Man, Man Man, you initially said this shareholder would just sit in the UK collecting money; turns out you won't have an easy time either."

Shi Man didn't have strong feelings about the task; after all, the success and growth of the training institution benefited her as a shareholder. "CEO Bai, rest assured, I will work hard. If not for the tuition fees, I certainly need to earn the accommodation fees!" Shi Man felt a pang of regret deep down. Although she had some money, the cost of this postgraduate diploma was astronomical. "Qiqi, why don't we rent a room together?" That would significantly reduce expenses.

One room for two people? Song Yao immediately objected. "Is it necessary to be so frugal? What if your men come to visit?" Besides, it wasn't an entire apartment, just one room. Song Yao calculated that after accounting for the wardrobe, desk, and bed, there would barely be space for one person, let alone two.

"It's absolutely necessary." Shi Man showed a long face and relayed the news Wang Qiqi had just received from chatting online with a netizen in the UK.

Song Yao was stunned, one thought crystalizing in her mind: Heavens, what's the point of being a landlord domestically? That’s too small-time. If I'm going to be a landlord, I should be one abroad, of course, near a prestigious university to maximize rental income.

Wang Qiqi saw the stunned expression on Song Yao’s face and knew her elder sister must be thinking about making money. "Sis, weren't you supposed to leave? You're probably dreaming of buying property near a famous university in the UK or the US after earning money." Sighing, she mused that her father was truly too fond of money, but it was actually a decent idea. Wang Qiqi suddenly considered looking into buying an entire building herself later; she refused to believe she wouldn't have a chance to strike it rich.

"Right, right, I must go." Song Yao snapped back to reality and quickly made her excuses to leave. She noticed Wang Qiqi's expression wasn't entirely pleasant, so it was best to make a swift exit.

After Shi Man closed the door, she remarked, "Qiqi, your sister must be dreaming of being a landlord abroad." Shi Man lamented why her own rent had to be so high while the wicked boss was plotting how to profit even more—they simply couldn't compare.

Wang Qiqi hummed in agreement and walked over to the sofa, picking up some discarded papers left behind by the others. "But Sis's idea is quite normal. Aren't you tempted at all?"

Not tempted? How could Shi Man not be? But the problem was, "I already find renting tiring enough; you want me to buy a house? Forget it." Wang Qiqi and the others bought their place thanks to Han Tao having proof of income from the US. Here in the UK, she was just a student. Could she even get a loan while working part-time? They might require full payment. Even a house costing a little over a hundred thousand pounds translates to well over a million RMB. This figure scared Shi Man so much she dared not think further. "Qiqi, you can do it. You have the capability."

Buying a house in the UK? Wang Qiqi was startled too. "Let's not. I don't have that kind of capital." She couldn't possibly sell all her domestic properties to buy one in the UK. Moreover, Wang Qiqi firmly believed the properties she currently held had excellent appreciation potential; whether selling or renting later, the return would be very high. There was no need to constantly trade assets. "By the way, are you still looking to rent a place?" Wang Qiqi asked with a strained smile. The three of them had initially thought that since their family backgrounds were decent, there was no need to compromise, so they planned to rent one place together. Shi Man had even hoped for one with a garden, but now that seemed difficult. Even apartments wouldn't be cheap, and more importantly, Wang Qiqi felt uneasy about sharing sanitary facilities and kitchens with strangers. Especially in winter, Wang Qiqi enjoyed soaking in the bathtub to warm up thoroughly, but co-renting meant hygiene couldn't be guaranteed.

"Let's see if there are any three-bedroom apartments," Shi Man conceded, taking another step back. If necessary, a two-bedroom would suffice, as long as the landlord allowed two people to occupy one room. "Qiqi, how do you know netizens in the UK?" Although Shi Man's English was good, she rarely chatted online with strangers, let alone foreigners.

"I met her while searching for information online. We just chatted; she's quite interested in Eastern culture, and that's how we connected," Wang Qiqi explained the reason for their acquaintance, just in case Shi Man mentioned anything to Feng Xuanxiang, which Han Tao might then hear and misunderstand. "Sigh, we miscalculated. But I heard that because slightly more people are studying in the UK this year, and our chosen schools are already popular..."

"There’s nothing to be done about that. We’ll see when we get there. By the way, when is Zhang Yan returning to Beijing?" Shi Man had wanted to ask Zhang Yan to come discuss matters today but remembered she had traveled out of town for some reason.

Wang Qiqi shook her head, unsure. "I'll look into the situation further. She gave me a website to check out when I have time; she often uses it to find rental properties, but the listings there are quite competitive. We might not snag one." Cheap places are hard to get precisely because they are affordable, and by the time they fly over, those places will already be taken.

There's a website? "There shouldn't be too many listings there, right?" Shi Man knew that not many people used the internet extensively; most channels were newspapers and agencies.

"Not many, but the prices are cheaper than through non-internet channels." Wang Qiqi knew most people still preferred conventional channels for information and weren't as familiar with the internet. "Oh, right, you get one-tenth, and my sister gets three-tenths?"

Shi Man confirmed, "That's right. Sigh, thank goodness I didn't ask for two-tenths earlier, or I'd be crying now. By the way, when is your man coming back to collect his graduation certificate?" It was already May, and there was no sign of him returning.

"He probably isn't coming back; I'll get it for him." Wang Qiqi wasn't entirely certain. "His workload has increased recently; they seem to be developing some kind of software. I don't fully grasp it, but from what he said, the system is quite interesting, and he's even thinking of making a trip to the UK." Han Tao intended to visit the school where his wife would be studying for the next year, taking a couple of days off for leisure as well. Since sophomore year, he had essentially been either at school or buried in programming. He planned to relax a bit during the senior year graduation season, but with this new plan, he had to choose between attending the graduation ceremony or going to the UK. He ultimately chose the latter.

"Going to the UK to see you off to school?" Shi Man sounded envious. Despite having boyfriends too, her man hadn't mentioned anything similar. Of course, Shi Man understood her own man was busy; he was graduating next year, swamped with his thesis, earning a salary from his supervisor, and searching for internships—he was genuinely busy. Shi Man understood all these reasons, but seeing Han Tao willing to forgo his graduation ceremony for Qiqi still left her feeling bitter.

Wang Qiqi knew Shi Man was feeling down. Perhaps there might be a big surprise waiting for her in the UK too. Her own man also wanted to surprise her, but due to his unique circumstances, some things couldn't be kept secret.

Within two days, Bai Ge managed to secure the approved name: "Focus Training?" No matter how many times Shi Man looked at the name, she had a bad feeling about it, finding it cheap. This was the public face of their business! But Qiqi insisted that Bai Ge approve it, and Song Yao supported it. Bai Ge initially had reservations, but after some conversation with Wang Qiqi, even Bai Ge raised no objections. As the smallest shareholder, Shi Man's disagreement was overruled by the two major shareholders.

Wang Qiqi watched Shi Man pace back and forth, muttering about the business registration certificate and clearly showing her dissatisfaction. "Man Man, if you have the energy, go get us some drinks." Hmph, Wang Qiqi thought, they had relied on her good relationship with the Master to calculate the name. Even if the name sounded mediocre, the Master promised the business would thrive, and crucially, the partners would cooperate well, with no chance of dissolution for at least ten years—and even if they did part ways later, it would be amicable. Because of this assurance, Wang Qiqi was determined to settle on the name. She wouldn't tell Bai Ge the latter part of the Master's prediction, only explaining the rationale behind choosing 'Focus.' Even if Bai Ge had initial thoughts about the name, hearing it benefited the business, and with a witness vouching for it, how could she not believe it?

Shi Man pointed to herself, signaling to fetch the drinks. "Me? I'm a shareholder! We're discussing major matters; how can I leave?"

"Because we need to discuss why you hate the name 'Focus' so much," Wang Qiqi said with a smile. You don't want to hear this name? We're going to talk about it.

Shi Man gave Wang Qiqi a sidelong glance and reluctantly went to fetch cups and beverages.

"Actually, the name isn't that bad. Why is Man Man reacting so strongly?" Song Yao admitted the name 'Focus' might not sound elegant, but upon careful listening, it wasn't exactly unpleasant. Moreover, 'Focus' foreshadowed them becoming the focal point for overseas training institutions. "Right, next we need to obtain some qualifications..." Without these permits, having the name approved was meaningless. Song Yao really wanted to help but realized she didn't know anyone in her network connected to these specific bureaucratic procedures.

"Most of it is handled. I spoke with the other party, and it seems Manager Ye also helped smooth things over a bit." This was what surprised Bai Ge the most. Although the other party didn't specify who intervened, the implication was that someone influential had helped negotiate. Bai Ge thought it over and concluded that apart from Ye Ruizhi, no one else would assist her. And why would Ye Ruizhi help? Probably because of Wang Qiqi.

Old Ye helped negotiate? Wang Qiqi, who had been leaning back on the sofa with her eyes closed thinking, had no idea how to handle the business license application. Bai Ge had scouted the process earlier, so she was familiar with all the necessary steps. She hadn't expected Old Ye to step in. But Wang Qiqi was curious: "Our name was only finalized these past few days." How could Old Ye intercede for a name he didn't even know? "Are you sure you aren't mistaken?"

Song Yao felt that made sense too. Regardless, someone influential had helped mediate, and they needed to thank them properly. If they thanked the wrong person, it would be quite rude to the one who actually helped.

"Besides Manager Ye, who else do you think I know among the powerful figures? Juliana?" Bai Ge asked. Her connections in Beijing weren't that extensive; if they were, she would have expanded her printing and design studio long ago. "Oh, right, for the documents and materials needed by the training institution in the future, we can do them at my printing studio. I will definitely offer a group discount rate." Bai Ge suddenly added this thought. Even though she was the major shareholder and primarily managed the business, mentioning this upfront, even if unsolicited, would be better for future cooperation, lest Song Yao and the others feel uneasy, even knowing the price wouldn't be high. Laying everything out was beneficial for long-term partnership.

"That’s a given," Song Yao agreed readily. Since Bai Ge was in that line of business, why would they outsource printing needs to another studio? "Bai Ge, you've really found another way to grow your printing studio." Song Yao watched the once very honest girl mature through years in the commercial world and felt a wave of emotion, hoping the young woman wouldn't have her judgment clouded by shiny money.

Bai Ge stuck out her tongue. "Actually, I didn't think of it at first, but if you factor in the cost of buying a copier, paper, ink cartridges, etc., it might not be cheaper." She could also make a small profit. Since a training institution required a significant volume of materials, they could have students pay for review materials, benefiting both the school and herself—a win-win situation.

Song Yao understood this perfectly. It didn't matter if Bai Ge made a profit; they couldn't possibly invest in buying so many photocopies themselves. "Qiqi, it's your turn to call Old Ye and ask if he was the one who helped. If so..." Song Yao felt awkward about how to proceed; Old Ye wasn't short of money, and giving him a gift felt like an insult.

"Don't worry, if it was Manager Ye, no thanks are necessary," Wang Qiqi thought, realizing that if it were Old Ye, the matter would indeed be easily resolved. "Later, when he marries Sister Qian, we'll give them a huge red envelope." Although Li Qian had said she didn't want to remarry, feeling their current arrangement was quite good, Wang Qiqi could sense from Old Ye’s words that he strongly desired remarriage. He felt he owed the woman he loved a proper commitment, regardless of the fact that Li Qian herself was wealthy.

Wang Qiqi understood that one reason Li Qian hesitated to remarry was her consideration for Li Zhe's feelings, and the other was Old Ye's considerable fortune and his own children, which might complicate things for Li Qian. But from Old Ye's perspective, being with the girl he loved since college, someone he hoped to spend the rest of his life with, meant he wanted to offer her some form of security, even if Li Qian was financially independent.

Shi Man happened to walk in with the drinks and asked in surprise when she heard Wang Qiqi's words, "Didn't Sister Qian say she didn't want to get married?" However, she found it strange. Didn't Li Zhe approve of his mother finding a partner? Why was Mother Li hesitating? "Did Old Ye convince Sister Qian? But Old Ye is a genuinely good person; I think he's much better than Li Xiangdong, at least." Shi Man brought up Li Xiangdong when recalling the tone he used during a previous phone call to Wang Qiqi. It annoyed her just thinking about it—Qiqi no longer worked for him, yet he spoke as if her livelihood still depended on him. How detestable.

"How can you compare Old Ye with Li Xiangdong?" Wang Qiqi was speechless. "Of all the men, why bring up that scumbag? Aside from his personal failings, he isn't doing very well now either." Wang Qiqi recalled the occasional news she received about Li Xiangdong. She only thought: The saying that one should marry a virtuous woman is true. Look at the mistress he chose—incompetent and constantly meddling in company affairs, while simultaneously tracking his every move. Businessmen naturally have socializing to do, but she used to call Li Xiangdong incessantly until ten at night. Over time, some clients sought other partners. After his messy divorce battle, many capable people left Li Xiangdong's translation agency, and its standing in Beijing's translation circle had dropped considerably. Combined with poor client communication, the business naturally wasn't doing well. The reason he contacted Qiqi last time was to ask her to translate some documents, offering a tempting price. But Wang Qiqi didn't want any further contact with him; not only did she look down on Li Xiangdong, but she also didn't want to receive warning calls from his mistress, who had supposedly 'successfully ascended.' She had plenty of other ways to earn money; why endure such humiliation?

As a woman, Shi Man naturally looked down on mistresses, especially Song Yao, who was currently extremely vigilant about Gong Peixing. After managing Gong Peixing's factory for a few days, she noticed a certain young woman from a client unit seemed particularly interested in him, and her alarm bells immediately sounded. "Girls these days just don't want to rely on their own efforts; they just want to latch onto a successful man and jump the queue. Don't they realize such happiness won't last?"

"Exactly," Shi Man agreed, then turned back to her own concern. "Li Xiangdong isn't doing well? I thought he sounded more bossy on the phone." He used to have a touch of scholarly air, but now Shi Man felt he was just a nouveau riche, or perhaps even more ill-mannered than that.

Wang Qiqi covered her mouth, stifling a laugh at Shi Man’s look of utter disdain. “He’s just putting on an act. If his translation agency were truly that great, given Li Xiangdong’s personality, he’d never dream of coming back to me. You know that in their eyes, I’m aligned with Li Qian’s side.” Even if Li Xiangdong were willing, that mistress certainly wouldn't be. “But none of that concerns me. Li Xiangdong might just head back to his hometown in Hubei.” This news surprised Wang Qiqi somewhat; leaving the capital for one’s hometown, even a provincial capital, signaled failure to most people. Who would willingly leave this place, especially when it was where Li Xiangdong had struggled and strived for so many years?

Returning home to work? The only thought everyone had upon hearing the news was, ‘Good riddance.’ “Hmph, let him go chase after his mistress. I bet his previous success was entirely due to Li Qian’s connections. Li Qian is a genuinely lucky charm for her husband,” Song Yao summarized sagely. “Your Mr. Ye will also prosper in his future business endeavors because he will marry a woman bringing great fortune.”