Wang Qiqi frantically gulped down water. Thank goodness she'd tossed a few extra bottles in the car before leaving; otherwise, they'd surely die of thirst out here. "Brother, how are you feeling?" If they could wrap things up quickly, they could pull out. Wang Qiqi felt that ever since Song Ziwen got into the intermediary and decoration business, his eye for properties had become increasingly discerning. She just wondered if his standards for a future wife and children would rise just as much.

After chugging an entire bottle of water, Song Ziwen felt as if he had truly come back to life. "Qiqi, you mean buying a larger shop space?" Larger shops were certainly better, but the total price was higher, which meant a greater commitment of capital. Even if the bank offered a loan, the interest…

"Brother, you're in the cabinet business. The more you display in the future, the larger people will perceive your factory to be, especially if the shop is actually purchased by the manufacturer..." In an era where the internet wasn't so prevalent, a major selling point that made clients feel your operation was substantial was having a large, exquisitely decorated business location with abundant displays. "Brother, why do those companies try so hard to get into malls? It’s to let buyers know their strength is good, their brand is excellent." Even if it meant paying exorbitant entry and management fees, manufacturers would still scramble to get in, naturally because the returns were good.

Song Ziwen considered it, then hardened his resolve and gritted his teeth. "Fine, I’ll listen to you, Qiqi." Once they had the shop, it was bound to make money. He refused to believe that with such a large investment, the business wouldn't flourish—that would be the real problem.

"And buy a few smaller ones too. I looked around, and sales here don't seem very good." While Song Ziwen was exchanging pleasantries with the saleswoman at the sales office, Wang Qiqi had wandered outside for a few laps and chatted with the crew wrapping things up inside. She gathered some intelligence: the sales situation here was nowhere near as booming as the developer claimed. This struck Wang Qiqi as odd, because when she first became aware of this home decoration mall, it was already thriving. She was unaware of its earlier sales struggles. However, since her rebirth, Wang Qiqi felt the world's development followed a track similar to her memories of the past life, though some people’s destinies had changed. While altering some destinies might cause significant qualitative shifts, Wang Qiqi pondered and decided to take this gamble.

"It's more than just 'not good'." Song Ziwen wasn't foolish; he'd played the developer's games before as an intermediary. "But the prospect for this market is truly quite promising." The current home decoration market was quite fragmented. Even though it looked deserted now, once more manufacturers moved in, more locals would learn about it. When they needed renovations later, they would surely come to look. It would definitely become a central hub.

Song Ziwen was optimistic about this place too—and he was evaluating it from a professional standpoint. "You see it that way too?" Wang Qiqi was pleasantly surprised.

"Don't I have you?" Song Ziwen inwardly wondered why Wang Qiqi was so delighted upon hearing his confident assessment of the area's prospects, given she was the one who suggested buying shop space here. "Alright, let's not waste any more time. I'll go negotiate the price."

Song Ziwen glanced at the time; it was getting late. He needed to finalize things quickly to rush back and discuss loan matters with the bank. He was thankful his previous relationship with the bank was decent; otherwise, he truly wouldn't have the courage to buy commercial property.

After the siblings discussed the general layout of the shops they intended to purchase, Song Ziwen straightened his clothes. "Qiqi, want to come in with me?" For such a major acquisition of commercial space, Song Ziwen felt it necessary to have a partner present.

Wang Qiqi shook her head. "I'm not going." Wang Qiqi thought, what could she possibly contribute when those old foxes were haggling over prices? Listening would only make her sleepy. She'd rather stroll around nearby.

Seeing Wang Qiqi was insistent, Song Ziwen didn't press the issue. Qiqi had her pager, so staying in touch would be easy enough. "Then be careful and don't wander too far." This area still felt somewhat deserted. If Wang Qiqi hadn't been accustomed to roaming around frequently, Song Ziwen wouldn't have dared to let her wander off alone.

Wang Qiqi expected Song Ziwen to be negotiating for a long time. She found a beverage shop, ordered a few things, and settled in, chatting casually with the bored owner, hoping to glean some useful gossip. To her surprise, before she’d exchanged more than a few sentences, she received a message from Song Ziwen saying he was heading back. Wang Qiqi stared at her pager for a long time. How could he have settled the price so quickly? It seemed unlikely. Price negotiation was such a serious, arduous matter; it should take ages. How long had Song Ziwen been gone before he wrapped everything up? Wang Qiqi speculated that perhaps the sellers felt their property was highly desirable and were unwilling to negotiate with Han Tao, so Song Ziwen, seeing their attitude, simply got up and walked away.

On her way back, Wang Qiqi was already mentally preparing how to comfort Song Ziwen when he complained about the difficult negotiations. But when she reached Song Ziwen’s car, she found him sitting inside, leisurely listening to music. Wang Qiqi was stunned. Why wasn't he displaying the defeated expression she anticipated? "Brother, you didn't actually wrap everything up, did you?" Wang Qiqi thought, Song Ziwen wouldn't dare use his poker face on her, would he? If he did, she certainly wouldn't let him off easy.

Song Ziwen grinned and nodded. "Who am I? Once I step in, it’s as good as done." Song Ziwen himself hadn't fully processed it yet. He had fully expected to make several trips before finalizing the deal, or at the very least, it would take a long time this time. But he hadn't anticipated negotiations going this smoothly. Having gone through countless property transactions, Song Ziwen exclaimed it was too easy, so easy he felt like he was still dreaming.

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected Song Ziwen to actually secure the deal. The look of astonishment hadn't even left her face. "Brother, you're amazing! But maybe they had already decided to lower the price?" Wang Qiqi couldn't believe Song Ziwen’s negotiation skills were truly as phenomenal as he claimed. She suspected the sellers, seeing the poor sales figures, had already been considering a price reduction, and since Song Ziwen was genuinely interested in buying, they agreed quickly.

Song Ziwen knew he couldn't hide it from Wang Qiqi, but the problem was he hadn't had enough time to gloat yet. He thought he should at least get to savor the victory at home and report his success to the two 'supreme elders' there before admitting anything. But now Wang Qiqi wouldn't even grant him this tiny moment of self-satisfaction.

"Get in. We're going home." Song Ziwen couldn't openly admit these petty thoughts to Wang Qiqi; how could he maintain his authority as an older brother if he did?

Wang Qiqi watched as Song Ziwen’s momentarily arrogant expression swiftly morphed into one of genuine annoyance and bad temper. She secretly chuckled. Fine, she shouldn't push someone too far. "But if my brother hadn't been so eloquent, I doubt they would have agreed to a price cut so readily." After all, Song Ziwen's demeanor clearly indicated a strong desire to purchase. If the sellers had correctly gauged his eagerness and refused to lower the price, it wouldn't have been impossible. "Brother, I'll make you soup when we get back." Her older brother had done a good deed, so he deserved a reward; this would motivate him for future endeavors.

Wang Qiqi's agreeable nature pleased Song Ziwen greatly. "My little sister is showing excellent understanding. By the way, Qiqi, are you busy these next few days?" Song Ziwen suddenly remembered something. Thank goodness Wang Qiqi had reminded him, or he would have forgotten. Otherwise, his wife would accuse him again of not taking her matters seriously. So, while the thought was fresh, he asked Qiqi.

"What could I possibly be doing?" Wang Qiqi thought. Wang Damei was still angry with her because she suggested Han Tao take his vacation in August to travel with Luo Hongjuan. As a result, her mother was still giving her the cold shoulder. Wang Qiqi felt deeply helpless. Although Han Tao promised to accompany her to England after his trip to Thailand, they would have to pray that no unexpected events occurred, or Han Tao’s promise would be an empty check. Therefore, she dared not bring up the topic with Wang Damei, lest if Han Tao really encountered trouble and couldn't go to England with her, it would look like Han Tao was at fault in Wang Damei's eyes.

Song Ziwen was certainly aware that his mother was still upset with Wang Qiqi, but this time, he was firmly on his mother's side. Qiqi’s actions in this matter were a bit excessive. She’d deliberately passed up such a good opportunity. "I want you to teach your sister-in-law's aunt something." Ah, Song Ziwen really wanted to say that Qiqi, the lazy girl, had little interest in cooking. He knew that from the few times she had cooked since returning home. Thus, he worried whether Qiqi would be willing to do this favor.

"Making soup?" Wang Qiqi hadn't expected Wang Damei to relent so quickly. She was surprised that Yang Jing had managed to sort things out so fast. Wang Qiqi thought one shouldn't underestimate Yang Jing’s ability to charm people. "Sister-in-law is inviting her aunt over?" Wang Qiqi had met that person; she was quite meticulous. Sometimes, when there was no one to watch Niuniu at home, she often helped out. Qiqi understood one of the reasons why Yang Jing would ask for her help.

Song Ziwen hummed in confirmation. "Originally, my mother wanted her to do it, but you know my mother; how could she manage being busy?" After being leisurely for so long, would she be willing to be burdened with work? Of course, Yang Jing, as the daughter-in-law, wouldn't dare order her around, worried the task would ultimately fall back on her. "It was only after effort from my sister and me that we finally settled the matter."

"It was probably Sister Yao’s capability." Wang Qiqi thought that if Song Ziwen had asked, Wang Damei would certainly have refused, thinking her daughter-in-law married into the Song family and was still thinking about her maternal family. Song Yao, however, would put Wang Damei in a more impartial position to view the issue.

Song Ziwen didn't want to dwell on this topic with Wang Qiqi. If they kept talking, she would definitely bring up old grievances about how little standing he had at home. Song Ziwen knew that Song Yao stepping in to say something would always be more effective than him, especially concerning matters related to Yang Jing. "Sister, are you willing to help?" He tried to steer the conversation back to the main point, fearing that if he let her lead, they might never finalize this. It would also allow him to avoid a potentially awkward subject.

Wang Qiqi wasn't unwilling to help, but she was concerned. "Actually, my theoretical knowledge is better, but I really don't have much practical experience. Mom developed her current superb skills entirely through her own experimentation." Wang Qiqi might have shared some of her soup-making insights with Luo Hongjuan initially, but subsequent improvements were definitely due to Luo Hongjuan’s own abilities.

Hearing Wang Qiqi say this, Song Ziwen worried the girl might try to decline. "If Sister-in-law isn't worried that I might teach her aunt the wrong things, I have no objection." Yang Jing rarely asked for help, and Wang Qiqi felt she had to assist, or else her sister-in-law might start thinking: if Song Yao had asked for help, would I have immediately agreed?

"Don't worry. Just explain the theory. Her aunt has been cooking for so many years; she should be fine with the execution. Besides, it's just a matter of using up some raw ingredients." Song Ziwen reasoned that transforming theory into skill required practice using ingredients. As long as the aunt cooked a few more meals, he didn't believe the skill wouldn't improve.

Wang Qiqi wasn't reassured by Song Ziwen’s words. "Tell Sister-in-law first. If she has no objection, I'll get started." If it were Song Yao asking, Wang Qiqi wouldn't have spoken this way, but this was an important matter for her sister-in-law, so she needed to be cautious. "Actually, my sister-in-law should learn too. Then she can boil these nourishing liquids for you at home. When I returned this time, I noticed her complexion wasn't very good."

The few times Wang Qiqi had seen Yang Jing previously, she was usually wearing light makeup, so Wang Qiqi hadn't directly inspected her skin. But this time, catching an unguarded glimpse of her bare face, Wang Qiqi had only one thought: had the woman been wearing too much makeup? Why wasn't her skin as delicate as before? Although makeup made one look more spirited and attractive, it also allowed customers to gain a deeper, more direct understanding of the cosmetics sold in the shop, Wang Qiqi worried that if Yang Jing stopped wearing makeup in the future, her face might become unsalvageable. Comparing Yang Jing and Song Yao’s bare faces, Wang Qiqi felt Song Yao's looked significantly better than Yang Jing's, even though they were several years apart in age.

Song Ziwen also held opinions about his wife’s skin not being as good as it once was, but who let him have always agreed with her wearing makeup every day, claiming it greatly changed her whole temperament? Naturally, he couldn't suddenly change his tune and say, "Wife, while your makeup looks good, it really stresses your skin." "Don't worry. Your sister-in-law’s primary motivation, besides improving the shop's business, is her skin." The impression Song Yao made on Yang Jing during her recent visit was substantial enough to make Yang Jing so ruthless this time.

"Then Sister-in-law needs to learn even more; she should listen in too," Wang Qiqi suggested sincerely. Once Yang Jing experienced the benefits these nourishing liquids offered her body, she would surely make them frequently at home. Then Wang Qiqi's aunts could also benefit from eating them, helping to nourish themselves. Furthermore, Wang Qiqi had another idea: if Yang Jing learned alongside her aunt, there would be an additional witness for any future matters.

Song Ziwen readily agreed to Wang Qiqi’s proposal. Even if the aunt cooked, it was for entertaining guests. What if those guests offered to pay for the food? Would Song Ziwen still get any? It was better if his wife learned it herself. Even better, "Qiqi, what do you think about letting my mom learn as well?" She wouldn't be cooking in large pots, just meals for the family. Song Ziwen thought his mother might show some interest. "This way, you and Mom might ease your relationship too." Song Ziwen adopted an expression suggesting he was looking out for her.

Wang Qiqi didn't mind having more students; teaching one person was the same as teaching three. But she certainly didn't want Song Ziwen to feel like he had done her a huge favor. "One more person makes it tiring for me. Having my sister-in-law is enough. Besides, there are no major issues between me and Aunt; she'll be over it in a few days." Wang Qiqi was clear on this point: as the departure date approached, would Wang Damei still be sulking when she realized Qiqi was going far away? Wang Qiqi thought that was unlikely.

Song Ziwen felt deeply frustrated by Qiqi's lack of cooperation. He glanced in the rearview mirror and saw Wang Qiqi sprawled across the back seat, her leg twitching rhythmically. He had only one thought: his little sister called others old foxes, but he felt like Qiqi was the real sly one. Trying to take advantage of her slippery nature was difficult. Fine, since the girl wasn't cooperating, they would just drop the matter.

Song Wenbo paced back and forth in the house, glancing toward the door every so often. Wang Damei felt dizzy from watching his constant movement. "Can you just stand still for a moment? You pacing back and forth is making me dizzy." With Song Wenbo not yet firmly established at the factory, Wang Damei disliked his eagerness to go out and look for shop spaces to promote the factory's products. The idea was good for sales, but she felt they shouldn't have bought commercial property yet. That area was newly opened; though the name sounded professional, it couldn't hide the fact that it was new and lacked foot traffic—crucial factors. If that home decoration mall failed to attract customers, wouldn't all that money be thrown into the water without even a ripple? "Look at them, always one idea after another, never thinking about the foundation..."

Initially, Song Wenbo paid little mind to Wang Damei's complaints. It would be strange if she didn't complain about such a momentous decision. But when his wife’s complaints became incessant, Song Wenbo finally spoke. "Alright, while there's great risk, if it succeeds, the benefits are substantial. Your perspective is also valid—that stability is necessary. But think about Ziwen’s factory; does it need stability right now? He's been running a successful factory for seven or eight years; what he needs now is an opportunity to break new ground..."

Hearing Song Wenbo speak, Wang Damei could only obediently shrink back and listen to his lecture. When it came to household matters, Wang Damei was the undisputed leader, but in business strategy, she lacked the skill. She absolutely trusted Song Wenbo's views on operations. If even her husband said so, what could she do but mutter a few times?

"Relax. Based on their current foundation, even if this venture doesn't succeed, there's no need to worry." Song Wenbo thought his son wasn't even thirty and already possessed such assets, enjoying smooth sailing apart from that little incident at the start of the year. He felt that if the factory’s growth were slow or fraught with difficulties this time, it might actually be a great benefit for his son's future path. Song Wenbo believed that the reason his daughter and son-in-law’s business had flourished so well in the last two years was not only because Qiqi was guiding them but also because they had experienced more hardships, which had strengthened their resolve.

Wang Damei felt a pang of anger at Song Wenbo's casual remark—what did he mean, not to worry even if the factory failed? "That involves hundreds of thousands of yuan!" It wasn't just a blank sheet of paper that could be easily disregarded.

When Song Ziwen and Wang Qiqi returned home, they found Song Wenbo and Wang Damei each occupying one end of the sofa, deliberately avoiding looking at each other. This sight struck them as very strange. Although the couple argued sometimes, they always reconciled quickly; a scene like this was rare.

"You're back," Song Wenbo immediately beckoned them over to report on the progress of their day out.

Wang Damei also strained her ears to listen to Song Ziwen's report, while Wang Qiqi recounted the news she had overheard. "What? Not many shops have even sold? And you two went in like fools? Hmph, just because the house prices are a bit cheaper, but if there's no business, can you buy property even if it's cheap?" Wang Damei worried that Song Wenbo's prediction might actually be right; she had said that Old Song had a bird of ill omen's mouth.

"Mom, although it looks that way currently, you must also realize that several major sanitary ware, flooring, and tile companies have rented storefronts there." This was information Song Ziwen had gathered. Although those manufacturers hadn't bought the shops, which indicated uncertainty about the prospects, Song Ziwen believed that once they moved in, foot traffic would improve, and with more people, how could business be bad?

"But they only rented the shops!" Wang Damei felt exasperated by her seemingly dense son. Look how shrewd those companies were—they didn't buy the property at all, just rented it. If business was poor, they would only lose the rent money.

"Mom." Song Ziwen wondered what was wrong. Why was his mother suddenly so invested in these details? Had she argued with the old man and was now nitpicking everything?

"Wang Damei," Song Wenbo said with extreme seriousness. "Go see if Niuniu has woken up yet." His own wife truly lacked any vision; even after he had made himself so clear, she still hadn't taken a single word of his advice to heart.

Although Wang Damei deeply wanted to resist, Song Wenbo's gaze compelled her to yield the space so he and the others could proceed. She thought to herself that if this venture succeeded, fine, but if it failed, Wang Damei resolved that she would have a serious discussion with Song Wenbo about precisely who held the authority in their household.