Although Song Ziwen lent his car to Wang Qiqi, he wasn't overly worried. Qiqi had borrowed his car before, and he’d ridden with her, finding her driving quite steady. However, when Song Wenbo found out Wang Qiqi was driving long distance alone to pick up Han Tao, he thoroughly berated Song Ziwen. Initially, Song Ziwen thought his father was nagging; after all, while Wang Qiqi was a novice driver, her feel for the car was excellent. But after Song Wenbo’s fussing, Song Ziwen started to worry too. She was a beginner, and the trip to the airport and back would take at least five hours. He recalled his first time driving his brother-in-law and the others to the airport—his braking foot felt weak on the way back, let alone Wang Qiqi.

Seeing his son finally feel a sense of dread, Song Wenbo snorted, “So now you’re worried? What were you doing before? Don’t tell your mother and the others when they get back.” He was only concerned; if those two female relatives got frightened, it would be a major problem.

Song Ziwen glanced at his father, who was turning to amuse Niuniu, and grumbled inwardly. If he didn't want his mother to know, why bring it up to me, Dad? Isn't that just making things difficult for me? “Don’t think I can’t see you badmouthing me just because I’m not looking.” Although Song Wenbo had his back to Song Ziwen, his words betrayed that he knew exactly what his son was thinking. “By the way, has the accommodation been sorted for your sister and her family when they return?” Even though his daughter and son-in-law would only be staying for two or three days, they still needed a room. During the Spring Festival, they stayed at Wang Qiqi’s place because Han Tao wasn’t back, so Qiqi could share a room with Luo Hongjuan.

“My sister said she and Han Tao can just sleep on the floor at her place.” Song Ziwen felt that instead of worrying about his sister having nowhere to stay, his old man should suggest that he and his wife go back to their own place. Then Qiqi could take their master bedroom, but how could a son say such a thing?

Han Tao and Qiqi sleeping on the floor? Song Ziwen remembered—it must be that room without a bed. “That won’t do. Why don’t your mother and I go back to our place? It will just need a little cleaning up.” Since Qiqi wasn't staying here, Wang Damei and her husband basically stayed here to look after Niuniu more conveniently. It was indeed a hassle that the house hadn't been occupied for a while.

When Song Ziwen heard his father suggest moving back, a surge of delight hit him. Hahaha! Once they left, after coaxing Niuniu to sleep, they could have Qiqi and Taotao sleep together, and the rest of the younger generation could have a night talk. After all, his brother-in-law was returning from abroad, so they naturally needed to understand the international situation. But then he reconsidered: his parents’ house hadn't been lived in for ages; it must be overrun by mice. Although his parents often went over to open windows and air the place out, they hadn't properly cleaned it. If his parents moved back, wouldn't it mean...? Song Ziwen looked out at the scorching sun. Cleaning in this heat meant he would be the prime labor. Song Ziwen thought it over. “Dad, I’ll discuss it with Yang Jing. You two can stay in Yang Jing’s parents’ room for the next few days.” Song Ziwen reasoned that since it was summer, just wiping down the mats should suffice.

Song Wenbo neither agreed nor disagreed. Song Ziwen understood that this meant his dad had consented. Ah, his old man had been a leader for so many years; his communication skills were top-notch. He knew exactly what Song Ziwen wanted—for them to move back—yet he managed to get Song Ziwen to explicitly ask them to stay. “Dad, should we eat out tonight?” His sister’s family of three, his own family of three, Wang Qiqi’s family of three, plus his parents—that made eleven people. Cooking was honestly a big problem. His sister’s train arrived in the afternoon, and they certainly wouldn't be helping; they’d be too tired to rest. Qiqi had been driving for several hours; weren't her arms sore and her legs numb? The final labor force would be him and his wife. Song Ziwen really didn't want to work in the kitchen in this heat. Although the living room had air conditioning, the kitchen didn't. Song Ziwen once again felt that when they bought a new place, they absolutely needed central air, and most importantly, air conditioning in the kitchen too, so cooking would feel comfortable in both summer and winter.

“Ask your mother.” Song Wenbo had no say in this matter, but he was certain that whether they ate out or stayed in, he would be eating what was ready; he absolutely would not be cooking.

Ask Mom? Song Ziwen knew his mother’s answer without asking. “Let’s eat at home; it’s livelier. Dad, I’ll go buy some groceries.” In this scorching weather, he shouldn't cook too many dishes; he could just buy some ready-made food. Didn't his sister and Qiqi both love the deli at that old establishment? He'd go buy from there. And some fish and shrimp—his sister always complained about how expensive shrimp was in Beijing whenever she called back home. He might as well buy two pounds of shrimp; so many people loved shrimp.

After drafting a mental plan, Song Ziwen realized that even if he and his wife, Yang Jing, cooked everything, it wouldn't be much—a few vegetables, plus some cold appetizers, and maybe a soup. Thinking of this, Song Ziwen’s expression brightened considerably. “Dad, give me your car keys.”

Song Wenbo looked at Song Ziwen, who was suddenly eager to leave. “Your mother will definitely go grocery shopping when they get here. It’s nearly noon. Aren’t you going to check on the factory, or the renovation company?” The cabinet factory was still mostly an investment at this point. According to the plan Song Ziwen and Wang Qiqi had, which Song Wenbo found a bit risky—it wasn't about refraining from setting up a storefront to sell things, but he felt they could rent a shop first and decide whether to buy commercial property or continue renting once things stabilized. That area was genuinely a bit remote, and there were followers copying their venture. But since all three shareholders agreed, what could Song Wenbo do? He could only keep a close eye on Song Ziwen.

Mom will buy groceries? Song Ziwen desperately wanted to say that his mother usually bought things that needed to be boiled or stewed; she was definitely not as generous with buying ready-made food as he was. Ever since all the family money went into the factory, Song Ziwen noticed that while the family’s diet hadn't drastically declined, the deli items they used to buy for convenience were now rarely seen. “Got it. I’ll go out for a reconnaissance mission.” Song Ziwen thought that if his mom bought groceries, he could also buy groceries, and they’d see whose food was more convenient to use.

Song Ziwen left without any argument, which confused Song Wenbo. Why wasn't his son protesting at all? This didn't fit his personality. Song Wenbo wondered what scheme his son was plotting when his granddaughter Niuniu got dissatisfied, tugged at Song Wenbo’s clothes, and slowly got to her feet. She pulled and tugged at his face, repeatedly shouting, “Grandpa, Grandpa, Niuniu, play.”

Song Wenbo was so distracted by his granddaughter’s fussing, coupled with her baby talk, that he had no time left to ponder why his son was so compliant today. In any case, he had reminded him of what needed to be said. If the kid still didn't behave, he had done his part.

Wang Qiqi was unaware that someone at home was worrying about her. After picking up her man, Wang Qiqi drove back home at a speed only slightly slower than her journey there. At first, Han Tao still felt uneasy, but as Wang Qiqi’s driving remained steady, Han Tao’s anxiety eased. Although this was Qiqi’s first long-distance drive, she was quite composed, not passing vehicles recklessly. “That’s good. Maintain this speed and don't overtake casually.” There were quite a few trucks on the national highway; Han Tao felt caution was best.

Wang Qiqi knew her man would never approve of her overtaking. She chuckled inwardly. If her man knew the speed she drove on the way there, complete with occasional passing, would he strip her of driving privileges immediately and drive back himself? “Do you want to sleep for a bit?” Wang Qiqi noticed her man’s dark circles were quite heavy, and he kept yawning and stretching, indicating he was very tired—not just from the long flight.

Han Tao’s eyelids felt heavier and heavier. Hearing Qiqi suggest he sleep, he yawned and shook his head. “No need. If you see me sleeping while you’re driving, you’ll feel sleepy too.” It was necessary to have someone to chat with the driver on a long haul, otherwise, if the driver saw the person next to him sleeping soundly, he might doze off too. “After this matter is settled, I’ll head back to the US. I’ll probably only be staying for about three days...”

Wang Qiqi was surprised that her man was rushing back and forth for just three days. “What? Your boss is too stingy! Only giving you three days off?” Never mind annual leave, considering how few days off her man had taken since going to the US last year. “Aren’t you going to fly back? Your mother was planning to treat you well, hoping to get you to gain two or three kilograms while you’re back.” Luo Hongjuan had been constantly complaining that the man beside her was getting thinner and insisted on helping Han Tao regain his old weight. But with only a few days here, Wang Qiqi was genuinely worried if the weight-gain plan could possibly work—back and forth between the US and China, no matter how much he ate, all that travel would undo the effort.

Then Wang Qiqi suddenly remembered something: “If this matter weren't so significant, your boss wouldn't have planned to give you only three days—or at most five days, including travel time—for your originally scheduled trip to the UK in August, would he?” Good heavens, this didn't even account for jet lag! However, Wang Qiqi seriously doubted whether the man beside her needed to adjust to jet lag; he often just slept when he was exhausted. Alas, Wang Qiqi was truly worried that the person next to her might work himself to death.

Han Tao knew his mother hoped he could stay longer this time. “There’s nothing I can do; everyone canceled their leave as we enter the final stages.” Han Tao could only apologize inwardly to his mother. “Maybe I’ll have half a month off around the middle of next month.”

Wang Qiqi was surprised to hear her man might have half a month off. “Are you planning to rush through the work, or should you spend more time with Mom this time?” Although Luo Hongjuan lived with Song Yao and that boy Taotao called her ‘Grandma’ constantly, she wasn't her biological grandchild. Wang Qiqi could sense the loneliness Luo Hongjuan felt when she didn't have her children around. While Wang Qiqi was delighted that the man could accompany her to the UK, Luo Hongjuan eagerly anticipated her son staying with her for a longer period. Wang Qiqi felt she couldn't be that selfish.

Han Tao had initially thought Wang Qiqi would be happy to hear the plan remained unchanged; he even sensed she was pleased for a moment. But he didn't expect her to say something about spending more time with his mother so soon.

Some people might think a girlfriend or wife asking a man to spend more time with his mother is just polite talk or a way to test her standing in the man's heart compared to his mom, but Han Tao never thought Wang Qiqi would do such a thing. “I really want to spend time with my mom, but this mission is really crucial. If it were August...” Han Tao mused that if he returned in August, he could indeed spend some time with his mother.

After listening to Han Tao’s explanation, Wang Qiqi understood. So, his certainty before was based on the fact that the mission would wrap up by early August, giving him some downtime. July, however, was the conclusion phase, which meant a lot of demanding work. They had to test the programs; the task was certainly not easy. “I see...” Wang Qiqi suddenly remembered the plan to travel to Thailand they had discussed with Luo Hongjuan and the others during the New Year. It seemed their passports were all ready, but due to Song Ziwen’s incident and setting up the factory, the group hadn't managed to go.

Han Tao waited for Wang Qiqi’s follow-up for a long time. He turned to look at her; she looked very serious. “What’s wrong?” What was the major issue? Han Tao felt his wife was about to suggest he do something but was still considering it.

After some thought, Wang Qiqi brought up what they had discussed during the Spring Festival. Han Tao was also quick to understand. “You mean, I should accompany my mom and the others to Thailand?”

Wang Qiqi nodded. “If you go, you can take them around and skip the tour groups.” Wang Qiqi felt that guided tours weren't that bad, although traveling independently might be more expensive (like airfare), the advantage was avoiding mandatory shopping stops. In the same six or seven days, they could see more places or have a purely relaxing vacation, rather than rushing through like a military campaign.

Skip the tour groups? Most people traveling abroad opt for self-guided trips, but for domestic outbound travel, wasn't getting visas difficult? “Would they be willing? What about the visa issues?” Han Tao raised a few questions. “Didn't big brother just start a factory? Won’t Uncle-in-law need him to supervise?” Even from abroad, Han Tao knew quite a bit about domestic affairs. He knew that Song Ziwen’s factory involved investing almost everyone’s savings. Song Wenbo was keeping a close eye on the factory; did he really have the energy to go traveling at this time? Han Tao didn’t think so, yet Wang Qiqi wasn't worried at all about his concern for Han Tao. “I'll talk to my brother.” Getting the elders out to travel required a certain tact—the key was not to tell Song Wenbo, because with his dedication, he wouldn't agree. Song Ziwen, on the other hand, would likely support the elders wanting to travel.

“Visas?” Han Tao knew getting a Thai visa was easy, but obtaining a visa for independent travel from China wasn't straightforward at the moment, was it?

Regarding visas, Wang Qiqi never considered it a major problem. “When we went to France, the visa was much harder than Thailand’s, right? Didn't we still go?” Even now, whenever Song Yao mentioned it, she thought Wang Qiqi was amazing, saying if Qiqi hadn't managed to get the visa, everyone’s destiny would have been vastly different—at least Han Tao wouldn't have gone to work in the US so easily. “Besides, Mom and the others have such a foundation here in the country; do you think they’d resort to illegal entry? If they were going to sneak in, it would be to Europe or the US. What would a group of old folks be sneaking into Thailand for?”

Mentioning France brought a slight smile to Han Tao’s face; that treasure hunt, as Qiqi called it, truly became one. “It’s best to ask if anyone knows someone in a travel agency; it should be easier for them to handle the visas.”

That was a good idea. “I’ll ask Uncle-in-law or my brother.” In their hometown area, people they knew handled certain matters better.

When Wang Qiqi returned home, she noticed Song Ziwen, who should have been there, was gone. She found that strange; Song Ziwen had said yesterday that he had sorted out most of his affairs and would stay home today waiting for his brother-in-law’s return. Why was the host absent when Han Tao was back? “Uncle-in-law, where is my brother?” Wang Qiqi asked once she saw Han Tao and Song Wenbo had finished their pleasantries.

“He went to take care of some things,” Song Wenbo said, visibly relieved to see Wang Qiqi and Han Tao back safely. “Xiao Tao, you should go back and rest first. We’ll all eat at home tonight. Your brother suggested a restaurant, but we older folks think eating at home is more lively.” For instance, they could stay out as late as they wanted; while they couldn’t get drunk, the important thing was that everyone could chat for as long as they liked without worrying about the restaurant staff rushing them out.

Eating at home, Han Tao naturally had no objection. “Agreed, I’ll go take a nap first.” He hadn’t held his wife while sleeping in a long time, so Han Tao naturally wanted to cuddle with her, even though it was broad daylight. He didn’t imagine the elders would interrupt them.

Song Wenbo waved his hand, signaling Han Tao to rest early. His man was tired and needed to recuperate. Wang Qiqi, as his wife, certainly needed to prepare. “I’ll run a bath for you, a hot one.”

Taking a bath in this heat, even in an air-conditioned room, suddenly made Han Tao feel hot all over. “A bath in this weather?” Bathing in winter was a pleasure; bathing in this heat was suffering.

“To relieve fatigue.” Wang Qiqi secretly smiled at Han Tao’s pained expression. Bathing in this weather wasn't ideal, but Han Tao had been sitting in that cramped space for over ten hours, then another two hours in the co-pilot seat; his body must be incredibly stiff. Without a bath, Wang Qiqi didn't think he would recover quickly. “Rest up well; you have to go back in a couple of days.”

“Xiao Tao, you’re leaving in a few days?” Song Wenbo knew Han Tao wouldn’t be staying long, but he hadn’t expected it to be only a few days. So much money spent on airfare just for a grave relocation? The money was spent, and the person was exhausted. Song Wenbo felt that if Han Tao was truly busy, he could have just stayed; Qiqi, as his future wife, could fully represent him.

“Son, how many days are you staying?” Luo Hongjuan’s mood had significantly improved upon hearing the news of her son’s return. Although moving her husband’s grave was a sad event—she always felt her man had left too early, without enjoying the good life—Luo Hongjuan had previously told Wang Damei how she would help her son regain weight. Unexpectedly, her son gave her such a shock. “Two days?”

Han Tao looked at his mother, whose eyes held anticipation for a negative answer. He really wanted to tell her he would stay longer, but he couldn't. If this were the beginning, he could stay home and handle his part, but for the final integration phase, he would learn much more by being present, and it would greatly improve his capabilities. “Including today, it’s three days. I booked my flight for the night after next, around 11 PM.”

Luo Hongjuan knew very well that when her son said this, it meant he genuinely wouldn’t stay longer. She understood that her son was busy; she truly sympathized with him. But she always felt a hollowness in her heart. People often said she had an accomplished son, that his fiancée came from a good family and treated her well. Whenever people praised her, her heart felt as sweet as honey. But whenever she saw families with three generations gathered together, her heart ached. She sometimes felt that no matter how successful her son was, if he wasn't close by, or couldn't come back to see her weekly—like Song Ziwen, who was quite good about visiting two or three times a week when his wife was studying in Beijing—it felt different. Soon his wife would also be studying abroad, then joining him in the US. Although she had Song Yao’s family nearby, that feeling was different.

Han Tao saw the sadness on his mother's face and felt a pang of guilt. Forget it; if he missed this chance, there would be others. In the future, there would be plenty of opportunities. “How about I stay?” Han Tao blurted out. At this moment, nothing was more important than staying with his mother. Since starting university, Han Tao felt the person he owed the most was his mother, followed by Qiqi.

Wang Qiqi had listened to Han Tao explain on the way why he was so busy and why his leave was only a few days. When she heard him say he would stay, Wang Qiqi was quite surprised. She looked at Han Tao in astonishment but said nothing. Whether he stayed or left was up to Han Tao. If it was a choice between work and family affection, Wang Qiqi would support Han Tao choosing family. Some things, once missed, are missed forever.

Luo Hongjuan was genuinely pleased with her son's choice, yet as a mother, she still harbored hopes for his greater success. "You should go back. Your job is important." Luo Hongjuan dabbed at her eyes. "You’ve been on the plane for so long; hurry up and get some rest. Mom will cook something delicious for you." Even though her son was only staying for a few days, seeing his lean frame filled Luo Hongjuan with a heavy sense of responsibility; she resolved to use this limited time to fatten him up a few pounds. "Son, don't worry about me. I'm not alone. Focus on your work in the States, and when you and Qiqi finally get married, I'll come over to help you raise the children." Luo Hongjuan reassured herself, thinking, It's just a temporary separation, nothing I haven't handled before. I’m really being overly sentimental. RS