Wang Qiqi looked at the route Song Yao was taking, which seemed to be getting increasingly off track. She rubbed her eyes and scanned her surroundings, hoping to spot a familiar building, but after searching for a long time, she gave up. "Sister, where on earth are you taking me to burn incense?" Wang Qiqi was certain Song Yao was heading to a new location, but the question was, did she know of another exceptionally efficacious temple besides the one they had visited before?

"To a very potent place." This was only Song Yao's second visit to that location. "A client of mine—the one whose husband got a big promotion at his unit—took me there once. Even though the temple itself isn't much, the scenery is truly splendid, and everyone who goes there is either an official or a major businessperson."

Listening to Song Yao’s mysterious words made Wang Qiqi truly want to laugh. "Sister, aren't the main patrons of incense burning those in government and business?" Ordinary folks might burn incense for peace and well-being for their families, but how much did they donate in offerings? The main supporters were officials and business owners; for instance, the offerings her own sister made each time were never small.

"This one is different." Song Yao shook her head in disagreement. "The place we used to go was quite noisy, packed with people. The place I’m taking you today has few people, a wonderful spot for an outing, and you can even listen to a master discuss Buddhist scriptures if you wish."

Wang Qiqi chuckled, pointing at herself. "Sister, I know how to burn incense, but asking me to discuss Buddhist scriptures—forget it. The most I know is 'Namo Amitabha.' Do you think someone with my aptitude debating dharma with a master would be anything but a joke? Don't tell me I have to sit on a cushion and listen to a master lecture on scriptures; sorry, I’d fall asleep." It sounded like a lullaby, and Wang Qiqi didn't believe any master would lecture for free; it would surely require some payment. Everything now, no matter where, was tied to economics. However, if a temple in a remote area was thriving with incense offerings without being widely known, it suggested there was a genuine master there, one who at least knew how to promote themselves—specifically, how to attract those 'big fat sheep.' "Sister, how much incense money did you pledge there?" Wang Qiqi was genuinely curious about this figure.

"Ten thousand." Song Yao carefully steered the car onto a narrow path. "Don't tell your brother-in-law, or he’ll have a heartache." Although her husband didn't object to her burning incense and donating, hearing she donated such a large sum would truly distress him.

Ten thousand? Wang Qiqi’s mouth dropped wide open. Heavens, that was a fortune! "Oh my god, Sister, you’re being so wasteful." That was such a burn on the wallet! Although Wang Qiqi often donated, in all her years of burning incense, she had never spent that much in one go. Her sister was ruthless, committing to such a sum immediately. "Couldn't you have given a little less at the start? How much do you plan to donate in the future?" This wasn't a one-time deal. Once the monastics saw how generous her sister was, who knew how they might persuade her to donate more later? Wang Qiqi felt the task for the day was quite heavy; besides enjoying the scenery, she felt she needed to help Song Yao clear her head a bit.

Wang Qiqi looked at the path, which was clearly a rural track, bumpy all the way. She pouted. Given the amount of incense money received, those monastics should at least repair this road. Driving on such a rough road frequently damaged the car. Wang Qiqi had reason to believe the donated money was being pocketed by the monks; otherwise, why wouldn't they fix the road? Moreover, from what Song Yao said, even the temple was quite ordinary. If the temple didn't maintain the roads, where else could the money have gone? Wang Qiqi secretly cursed those insatiably greedy monks for being utterly excessive.

Wasteful? Song Yao carefully drove on. "They really should fix this road; alas, what is the Abbot Master thinking?" Even though she had been here several times, Song Yao always harbored resentment about this road. Although the Master said this was a test of one's sincerity in offering incense, Song Yao never quite got used to it. She truly admired how the pampered wives of officials and the wealthy could endure this.

"It's because they embezzled it, of course," Wang Qiqi murmured. "Sister, based on what you just said and the condition of this road, I can conclude that this temple is a scam, super black-hearted."

Listening to Wang Qiqi’s analysis, Song Yao shook her head. "Do you know why I donated so generously? It's because a significant portion of our incense offerings is donated elsewhere. They support schools in several places in the West." Song Yao thought, Am I an idiot? Why would I be so generous? "Don't disbelieve me. Some faithful followers pass by these places when traveling and go to see them. Actually, Qiqi, incense burning and bowing to Buddha is more about the feeling in one's heart, and if the temple can use the money we donate for those children, it counts as accumulating good karma."

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected this backstory and froze for a moment. "Ah, there’s such a good thing? But why hasn't it been reported?" This story had so much positive publicity value.

"Why report it? If it’s reported, that place won't be peaceful anymore." Song Yao looked at the still-skeptical Wang Qiqi. "You'll know when you go."

"Back already?" Shi Man came out of the kitchen carrying a freshly squeezed glass of juice. Seeing Wang Qiqi just walking in, she thought this girl had impeccable timing; she had just managed to find a moment to make herself something nice after a long day, and Qiqi was back. "Want some juice?"

Wang Qiqi shook her head. "No thanks. Oh, I brought back some mountain spring water today." Wang Qiqi carried the large bags and bundles of things she had brought back into the kitchen.

Mountain spring water? Shi Man was very curious. Wasn't Qiqi supposed to be burning incense today? Shi Man knew all the places she usually went, and she didn't recall any temple having mountain spring water. "Were you out having fun?"

"Burning incense," Wang Qiqi poured some of the spring water into the pot, preparing to heat it to steep tea. The ordinary tea she had at the temple earlier tasted quite good; she expected the flavor to be even better using their own tea leaves. "My sister took me to a new place today..." While the water was heating, Wang Qiqi recounted her day’s itinerary to Shi Man.

"Ah, in the mountains, and the scenery is nice? With mountain springs..." Shi Man instantly regretted staying home. The weather was great today; it really was a prime spot for an outing, and Qiqi even got to eat vegetables grown without pesticides—that made her jealous. "Next time you go, take me with you." Even if it's just for the scenery instead of burning incense.

"It costs money to go, and it's not a small amount," Wang Qiqi pointed out. "Of course, you’ll feel that money is worth it." Compared to certain so-called 'XYZ Project' or 'XYZ Association,' Wang Qiqi felt what that temple was doing was worthwhile.

Shi Man knew burning incense cost money, but why wasn't it a small sum? "Is there a set amount for incense donations?" Shi Man looked at Wang Qiqi with disdain. In her mind, Qiqi was always a very rational person, yet today she did something so irrational. "So that means the vegetables and mountain spring water you brought back are high-priced items." If that were true, Shi Man thought, even the best mountain spring water wouldn't be affordable; it might even cost more than Evian, and she'd still lose face.

Seeing the water boiling, Wang Qiqi couldn't spare any more time talking to Shi Man; steeping the tea was more urgent. Wang Qiqi busied herself with the tea preparations while Shi Man sipped her juice, humming, Hmph, can any mountain spring water be better than my juice? This is pure fruit juice! Who knows how much they sell it for outside? Although, she admitted, it probably wouldn't be more expensive than the tea Wang Qiqi was about to drink. Shi Man was certain of that point.

After the first sip of tea, Wang Qiqi let out a satisfied hum. Compared to tap water that had gone through multiple treatment stages, Wang Qiqi felt the mountain spring water was far superior, and certainly better than purified water. "I need to bring back more whenever I have the chance." Wang Qiqi envied the people living there, drinking mineral water. Even if the location was remote and required a long drive, the environment was truly excellent.

Bring back more? Shi Man's heart skipped a beat. "It costs money, Qiqi. Do you have a lot of money lately?" If she had plenty of money, why would they be scrimping on the expenses for the trip to the UK? "This water is very expensive." Sigh, Shi Man felt Wang Qiqi must have been brainwashed during her temple visit; otherwise, why would she say something so foolish?

"Actually, donating more or less is your own business. I just benefited from my sister's generosity." Wang Qiqi hadn't actually donated much today. "The environment there is great; it would be a nice place to retire." Of course, it wasn't suitable for young people to live there permanently, but visiting occasionally to adjust one's mood would be excellent.

A good place to retire? Shi Man’s mind conjured images of ancient houses and roads filled with elderly people. "It’s not suitable for me, never mind. Is there internet there?"

Wang Qiqi shook her head. "No. You could say it’s a life of working from sunrise to sunset." However, Wang Qiqi was quite curious during the drive: with so many people visiting to burn incense, why hadn't the village at the foot of the mountain developed? Had all the financial luck been sucked away by that temple?

Working from sunrise to sunset? Shi Man’s eyes widened upon hearing this. "Heavens, is that still in Beijing?" In her memory, was this near the capital? Even the suburban resorts Old Feng took her to weren't this... this desolate. Shi Man thought for a moment and concluded that this was the only word that fit.

Wang Qiqi considered it. "I feel like we were already on the outskirts of Beijing." But if that area were developed, it might not maintain such a fine environment. "You’ll know when you go—the air is excellent, the water is good, and the vegetables are great too."

"Canada has good air too," Shi Man retorted without holding back, then patted Wang Qiqi’s shoulder. "Girl, that environment isn't for us. We are people who need the internet."

Wang Qiqi didn't say much more. Whether that place was good or if Shi Man would like it, she would only know if she went herself. "Did my sister tell Bai Ge what she said?"

Shi Man gave an OK sign. "Bai Ge said as long as the quality is up to par and the cooling effect is good, she doesn't object, but the price absolutely must be very favorable." Shi Man then recounted Bai Ge’s excited tone when she took the call. "Qiqi, I think this is going really smoothly for us. We've met so many benefactors."

Shi Man had previously thought her side-hustle in running an import agency was lucky enough, but now she felt this cooperation was far luckier. Of course, whether this cooperation would be pleasant and long-lasting was something only time would tell. "Let’s hope it goes smoothly."

"It will," Wang Qiqi said confidently. "Zhang Yan emailed me; she said she’s coming back in a week."

Shi Man hummed in acknowledgment. "I plan to go back in July to reunite with my parents, and then head to the UK at the end of July. We should go early to book the house, or I worry the good listings will be snatched up fast."

"And take a tour along the way?" Wang Qiqi had already been thinking about going early. Since Shi Man felt the same way, it suited her perfectly. "If that’s the case, I think Zhang Yan will agree too." Wang Qiqi had initially thought Zhang Yan was going abroad to study something specific this time, but it turned out she was going to learn independence and travel around extensively, with the air of someone planning to tour the entire country. Wang Qiqi thought she considered herself quite the travel expert, but compared to Zhang Yan, she felt miles behind. Still, Wang Qiqi was genuinely curious where Comrade Zhang Yan got her travel funds. Based on her hints, it didn't sound like her family was funding it. Although Wang Qiqi and Zhang Yan had a decent relationship—as good as roommates or classmates could have—Wang Qiqi still felt Zhang Yan remained quite mysterious.

Shi Man knew Zhang Yan’s family background wasn't poor, but traveling, especially abroad, wasn't cheap. "Will she accept our style of travel?" Shi Man was prepared to stay in youth hostels. She had seen many backpackers complete their trips that way in the US and had read posts from other travelers online. It must be admitted that although the facilities in youth hostels weren't luxurious and often sparse, at least security and hygiene were acceptable, and more importantly, the price was low. Shi Man thought this style of travel would likely be their main accommodation choice when traveling together in the future.

"Probably," Wang Qiqi wasn't entirely sure, but as someone who often read international travel blogs, Wang Qiqi figured she would accept such lodging. Besides, it wasn't a place of study requiring luxury; travel meant slightly lowering standards, especially when funds weren't abundant. "Besides, we only have so much money. Do you prioritize good accommodation or good food while traveling?"

"Good accommodation, of course," Shi Man answered without hesitation. Are you kidding? Most of the time when traveling, you're out and about; how long would you spend in the hotel? We aren't going for recuperation. If it were for rest or, say, 'making babies,' would we need to hang around restaurants frequently? Then we’d look for a better hotel. But we just need a place to sleep, preferably something good value for money. "Qiqi, we agree: if Zhang Yan wants a fancy hotel, she can stay there by herself; we’ll only hang out together." Comparatively, Shi Man would rather spend that money on food.

Shi Man's suggestion resonated deeply with Wang Qiqi. "Fine, just don't let someone fool you and swindle her into paying for a luxury stay." Wang Qiqi decided that when the time came, the three of them could just book a four-person room, splitting the cost three ways; security would be guaranteed.

Upon receiving Bai Ge's agreement to purchase second-hand air conditioners, Song Yao quickly contacted the person handling the transfer of used units from her work unit. Initially, that person thought Song Yao was starting a second-hand goods business and congratulated her on expanding her scope of work. Later, upon learning Song Yao was co-founding an English training school, the other person’s expression shifted to utter surprise. Nevertheless, they helped contact the logistics department at their unit to collect the remaining air conditioners. Although the number of units was slightly less than what the school required, it was still better than buying all new ones.

What made Song Yao and Bai Ge even happier was: "Qiqi, I think this school's business is going to be great. We might even recoup all our investment and start making a profit next year." Today was certainly cause for celebration; the necessary procedures and qualification certificates for setting up the school had just been issued. "Bai Ge, can we apply for the business license tomorrow?"

Bai Ge hummed and carefully touched the few hard-won certificates. "Oh, Sister Yaoyao, didn't you say you had more good news to announce?" Although today was a day to celebrate, Song Yao mentioned another piece of good news, making this double happiness!

Shi Man looked at Wang Qiqi, seeing the same look of shock on her face. What good news was it that even Qiqi didn't know about? Wang Qiqi wondered if her sister was planning on having a second child. They had mentioned this idea a few times; they always felt Taotao was a bit lonely, but they planned to consider it in a few years, perhaps after planning their immigration.

Bai Ge secretly rejoiced seeing the surprised expressions on everyone present. Once she announced her good news, everyone present would likely be overjoyed. "The person who helped us buy the air conditioners, after knowing we are setting up a language training school, said she is preparing to send her son abroad for studies, and she is currently looking for a training institution." The rest didn't need to be said; everyone understood.

When this news came out, Bai Ge beamed with joy. "Really? Really?" How could she not be happy? They hadn't even officially opened, and they already had a potential client coming. "If they come, we can consider offering a discount." It would also serve as thanks for their help.

Seeing Bai Ge’s generosity, Song Yao simply shook her head in reaction. "She won't care about a small amount of money. What she cares about is the quality of education. As long as our school's teachers are good, whether we give a discount really isn't important."

Focusing on the child’s results—that was easy to handle. "We’ll assign her the best teacher then." Arranging a good teacher and ensuring a high score in one sitting would actually be the most cost-effective approach.

"Just remember that. If we coach that child to achieve good results, our school will attract a lot of future enrollments," Song Yao mused. She felt that for the training centers they opened later, besides having excellent hardware and software, they would rely heavily on word-of-mouth. Of course, advertising couldn't be neglected. With these factors combined, could the school possibly fail? "Don't you think this is good news?"

The three people present all applauded and cheered, "It is good news, good news! So, shouldn't we have a meal to celebrate?"

"A big feast, a big feast!"

The ones suggesting a big feast were only Wang Qiqi, who didn't hold shares, and Shi Man, a minor shareholder. For them, eating well was the main event; everything else wasn't the priority.

A celebratory feast sounded great, but the issue was, "Who is paying?" Bai Ge asked with a smile. "Don't even think about using company funds. We need to purchase quite a few things for the school. Although our current investment is slightly below the planned expenditure, you never know what unexpected situations might arise once we officially enroll students. We can't spend all the money."

Song Yao supported this point. "Feasting and drinking excessively isn't suitable for a small-scale enterprise like ours. Right now, we need to save every penny; the practice of using company funds for lavish dining must stop." Song Yao thought, without any income yet, indulging in large meals was just draining their own money, drinking their blood, so they must save, save, and save again. "We’ll go to the market to buy groceries, and I’ll cover that cost. Bai Ge will handle the drinks, Wang Qiqi is the head chef, and Shi Man will handle washing the dishes." Bai Ge quickly laid out the plan.

"Agreed." Bai Ge had no objection to this arrangement; she was only buying drinks and beverages, which wouldn't cost much.

However, Wang Qiqi and Shi Man's expressions were less than pleased. "Me, cooking?" Wang Qiqi pointed at herself. She felt truly tragic; after working hard for so long, she wouldn't get a single benefit, and now for the celebration, she had to exert herself as the chef? Didn't they know how much damage cooking fumes did to a woman's skin?

Shi Man thought, why should I wash the dishes? Compared to cleanup, Shi Man preferred cooking. Once cooked, they could eat; once eaten, they could rest. But she would be stuck miserably washing dishes after eating. Four people eating, especially a meal meant for celebration, wouldn't result in just a few dirty dishes, would it? Shi Man could already picture her hands turning white and soft from the water. She anticipated having to eat things like spicy pickled chicken feet. "Can we switch?" Shi Man noticed Wang Qiqi wasn't too keen on cooking either and thought perhaps she should swap tasks with Qiqi.

Before Wang Qiqi could agree, Bai Ge and Song Yao objected simultaneously. "No way, Manman, your cooking isn't as good as Qiqi's."

"Yeah, unless Manman, you guarantee that what you cook will be better than Qiqi's."

Song Yao and the others reasoned that since it was a celebratory dinner, they naturally wanted a good meal. Shi Man's dishes were acceptable, but compared to Qiqi's, they fell short.

Shi Man shot the two of them a look, scoffing. Granted, the food she cooked might not measure up to Qi Qi’s standards, but it was certainly edible, right? “Qi Qi, do you agree?” That was a question only the person involved could answer.

Although Wang Qi Qi wasn't fond of cooking, she still preferred it to washing dishes. That was because washing dishes required cleaning up the entire kitchen afterward, which was no easy task, and besides, she could always rope someone else into helping with the vegetable washing. “I choose to cook,” she declared.

Song Yao had known Wang Qi Qi would make that choice, and she high-fived Bai Ge in celebration. Only Shi Man covered her ears, shouting and groaning. Though she was unhappy, the decision had passed with a three-to-one vote.