Wang Qiqi and Song Yao exchanged glances upon hearing Song Ziwen’s question. “Oh, we forgot to ask about that.” On the road, Wang Qiqi had felt they had overlooked something, but Song Yao had been so agitated that she hadn't had time to dwell on it. Only now, after analyzing this and that with Song Yao, did she realize what they had forgotten.

Song Yao’s mouth dropped open. “Damn it, Mom totally played me.” Recalling it now, her mother had repeatedly mentioned Niu Niu, signaling them to hurry home, perhaps precisely to prevent them from remembering the issue. Song Yao thought her mother was ruthless, bringing up the old man’s past just to keep them from finding out what the matter was. However, Wang Damei hadn't intentionally brought it up; if one calculated carefully, it was probably Song Yao who initiated the topic first. Of course, perhaps her mother genuinely mentioned it at first, and then simply went along with it.

Wang Qiqi thought that Wang Damei was indeed Wang Damei; no matter the situation, she wouldn't let herself be completely embarrassed. She firmly believed that if Song Wenbo truly harbored ill intentions, the words she had spoken earlier would absolutely be followed through, perhaps even with some calculated moves. But observing Wang Damei’s character was not for her to critique.

“What good does saying all this do now?” Song Ziwen’s tone lost its refinement. He couldn't even handle a simple task.

Song Yao had just lectured her younger brother, only to be immediately countered by him. She felt utterly betrayed. “Even though Mom didn’t say it, we can guess: Mom’s private stash has been used to subsidize that good-for-nothing again.” Humph, she had been present just before they had that argument.

“That’s what caused such a huge fight?” Song Ziwen pondered if his mother was supporting Wang Dagui again, and if so, why now. “She’s been supporting him for over a decade. If the old man intended to make trouble, would he wait until now?” And cause such a big scene? It seemed impossible. “There must be something else, but Dad won't say it. Mom won't say it.” Song Ziwen believed his mother couldn't be giving Wang Dagui that much money. If it was just small amounts, Song Wenbo wouldn't be this stingy. Something major must have happened that they didn't know about.

Regarding why Wang Damei and Song Wenbo were fighting, Wang Qiqi genuinely didn't have many thoughts. In her view, it was a marital issue between the two of them. Taking a step back, she insisted, “That’s not the main point. The key is to find out about Uncle’s situation first.” Those are internal conflicts; the most pressing issue right now is the external one—perhaps a major enemy is approaching. Why discuss this? If they were fighting over Wang Dagui, Wang Qiqi felt Song Wenbo had no reason to make such a fuss. “Sis, let’s go pick up Niu Niu.”

Since Niu Niu had been like a wild monkey under her grandfather’s care yesterday, Yang Jing certainly wouldn't let her father-in-law watch the child today. Now that the two women had finished their business, they should go to the shop and bring Niu Niu home.

Song Yao actually wanted to say she didn't want to take care of the child today because she had learned a bit too much information. She felt her brain was overloaded and only wanted to sleep well. But since Qiqi brought it up, could she refuse to pick up the child? She nodded. After telling Song Ziwen, she prepared to leave, letting her brother worry about the situation. Qiqi was right; if the old man insisted on his course of action, the most they could do was minimize financial loss; they couldn't do much else.

“Sis,” Song Ziwen called out to Song Yao and Wang Qiqi, who were already at the door. “If Yang Jing asks about picking up Niu Niu today, don’t mention that Dad might have someone else outside.”

Song Yao pouted. “Don’t worry, I can’t be bothered to bring up such ugly business. But she’s your wife; are you going to hide it from her?” If nobody knew, fine, but under the current circumstances, hiding it from Yang Jing felt excessive.

Song Ziwen paused. “I want to tell her myself.” This family shame, Song Ziwen preferred to deliver the news himself to his wife. “Alas, family shame, family shame.” Song Ziwen had always thought his family upheld a good reputation, never imagining he had been living under a lie since childhood.

Yang Jing saw Song Yao and Wang Qiqi getting out of the car, their expressions somewhat strained. She understood they must have had an unpleasant encounter while picking up her mother-in-law. Although Yang Jing hadn't voiced any complaints about her mother-in-law’s behavior, she harbored significant resentment. “Sis, Qiqi, have you eaten lunch?” It was right around lunchtime; she wondered if they had eaten.

Wang Qiqi touched her slightly empty stomach. “Not yet. Will Sister-in-law treat us to something delicious?” After being busy all morning, Wang Qiqi was both exhausted and starving; she felt she was about to perish.

Auntie Yang Jing, hearing this from inside, called out, “I made some phoenix claws and chicken wings today. Qiqi, those are just your favorites!” After spending some time with Wang Qiqi, Auntie Yang Jing had grown quite fond of her and knew some of her favorite dishes. She had made extra today, intending for her niece to take some back for Wang Qiqi, never expecting her to visit. “I’ll quickly make some seaweed and dried shrimp soup too.”

“I’m truly blessed with good fortune today,” Wang Qiqi said, genuinely enjoying the light and fresh taste of the dishes Auntie Yang Jing made.

Song Yao entered the shop, looking around, unable to spot Niu Niu. “Is Niu Niu sleeping?” If she wasn't outside, she must be asleep, as her bell-like laughter wasn't audible. But since Yang Jing and her aunt were both in the shop, it meant the little girl hadn't gone out. Yang Jing was always cautious and wouldn't let the child go out with strangers.

Yang Jing hummed affirmatively. “Niu Niu didn’t sleep well yesterday.” She wondered if the child sensed the tense atmosphere at home; Niu Niu had tossed and turned all night. Song Ziwen was the same, leaving Yang Jing without much sleep either.

After finishing the soup Auntie Yang Jing had cooked, they quickly ate lunch. “Yang Jing, I’m going out to buy a few things and will be back later.” Auntie Yang Jing knew the three of them likely had things to discuss and preferred to give them space.

Once the aunt left, Yang Jing asked, “Is Mom still angry? Maybe Ziwen and I can take Niu Niu tonight to try and persuade her.” Her father-in-law had made such harsh threats this time, which made her very uneasy. She knew how good he used to be to his wife; why would a small matter concerning private savings cause such an uproar?

Song Yao’s lips moved. She desperately wanted to tell her sister-in-law that unless Song Wenbo went back with the other woman, there was no question of reconciliation—everything was off the table. But now there was another complication: the alleged affair. Song Yao genuinely worried if the old man had truly erred, whether her mother’s heart would ever balance itself out, and if she would dredge up old grievances.

“Sister-in-law, you should ask my brother.” Since Song Yao didn’t answer, Wang Qiqi could only offer a vague response. Didn't Song Ziwen just say he would explain it to Yang Jing himself? Was anyone willing to step forward? Why should we worry about these things?

Ask Song Ziwen? Did her mother-in-law’s absence from home hide another secret? Yang Jing cleverly changed the subject, beginning to discuss business matters with Song Yao. In passing, she also inquired when Qiqi planned to leave.

“Oh, aren’t Dad and Mom still planning to go to Thailand?” Song Yao realized belatedly. Traveling abroad was supposed to be a happy event, but was their parents’ current situation suitable for traveling? What if they started fighting in Thailand and took the embarrassment overseas?

Wang Qiqi was momentarily stunned, then said after a moment, “I don’t think Auntie Wang would do something like that, would she?” Wang Damei was such a person concerned with dignity; how could she cause such an embarrassment in front of her in-laws?

Song Yao hesitated. “That’s hard to say.” Although her mother was image-conscious, if she was truly infuriated, she might explode unpredictably, especially if the old man wasn't catering to her current mood.

Wang Qiqi and Song Yao exchanged a look and sighed in unison. “Thank goodness I’m not going.”

“Let’s just hope Han Tao can avoid them then,” Wang Qiqi could only think. “But before that, I hope there will be some resolution.”

“If it’s a resolution we don’t want to know,” Song Yao thought. If there was a resolution, it needed to be a good one. If not, this trip might turn into their parents’ final journey together.

Wang Qiqi could only pray that fate wouldn't be so cruel to them. “If it really comes to that, then the Thailand trip should be canceled.” What else could they do? They couldn't exactly fight in a foreign country. Moreover, Song Yao and Song Ziwen weren't going, leaving Han Tao to lead the expedition alone. Wang Qiqi felt Han Tao was under immense pressure; could he manage everything by himself? “I really shouldn’t have encouraged Han Tao to go to Thailand.” What was meant to be a joyful trip might turn into a dreadful one.

Seeing Song Yao and Wang Qiqi silently exchanging meaningful looks, Yang Jing’s heart seized. She wondered if Song Ziwen was planning to tell her some bad news tonight. Yesterday’s situation was rough, but Song Yao and the others hadn't seemed completely thrown off balance; today’s unusual demeanor alarmed her. Could the argument between her in-laws be over something significant, something morally questionable? Had one of them committed infidelity? But both her in-laws seemed to blame the other. Could they both be cheating? The probability seemed high, but both parents were busy people who interacted with many people outside the family; it wasn't impossible.

Wang Qiqi stopped exchanging intense looks with Song Yao, fearing her eyes would wear out from blinking. As she reached for her teacup, she noticed the lingering, searching gaze Yang Jing hadn't fully retracted. “Sister-in-law, that, that, my brother will tell you. My brother said so.” Sighing, Wang Qiqi knew Yang Jing had caught wind of something.

Song Yao gave a strained laugh. “Yang Jing, we should be going now. Oh, Niu Niu will come with us, right?” She wasn’t sure if the old man was back yet.

Yang Jing’s certainty grew that the issue between her in-laws was serious based on their expressions. “I’ll go wake Niu Niu up.” Whatever she found out tonight, worrying about it now was pointless. However, Yang Jing worried that if one of her in-laws was indeed having an affair, their future assets might not belong to their immediate family anymore. If the assets went to Song Yao or even Wang Qiqi, Yang Jing wouldn't mind; they were close, and the money would stay within the family. But it absolutely couldn't go to an outsider. Yang Jing made up her mind: if Song Ziwen brought up this matter tonight, she would need to discuss the future direction with everyone.

Song Ziwen’s contacts proved quite efficient; they provided a reply to him within a few days, leaving Wang Qiqi and Song Yao staring blankly at each other. Such a swift response suggested not only the contact’s high efficiency but also the possibility that Song Wenbo genuinely had a secret life.

Yang Jing looked at Niu Niu, who was happily batting and tossing toys on the floor, completely oblivious to the worry etched on her face—a look of sorrow mixed with indignation that mirrored Song Yao’s own anger. “So, our family’s fortune is just to help him relive his youthful dreams?”

“Hmph. If he truly harbors ill intentions, I will, I absolutely will…” Song Yao spoke with fierce determination.

Wang Qiqi lay sprawled on the sofa, leisurely munching on an apple while looking at the computer. Among the four adults in the house, she was arguably the calmest person, second only to Niu Niu.

Song Yao looked at Wang Qiqi, who was so relaxed she was eating an apple. “Qiqi, you should at least state your position.” Yang Jing hadn't spoken, but her expression clearly conveyed her thoughts. Song Yao felt that even if her parents’ potential divorce didn't greatly affect her, Qiqi’s composure seemed a little cold-blooded.

Wang Qiqi tossed the apple core into the trash can. “Sis, if he really has other interests, do you think you can truly make him leave with nothing? Even if he agreed, would that woman agree? Besides, if he has no money, won’t he still turn to you?” Wang Qiqi reasoned that while Wang Damei could sever ties with Song Wenbo after a divorce, could Song Yao and her brother, Song Wenbo’s children, truly abandon him?

Wang Qiqi felt that making empty threats here was useless. “Furthermore, won’t my aunt look for another man later? Or won’t she make a mistake herself?” If her aunt divorced, given the circle of friends she knew, wouldn't she attract admirers? Previously, being a married woman, she wouldn't dare cross a line even if she felt drawn to someone. But now it was different: she would be a wealthy, independent woman. Wouldn't the suitors chasing her be after her money? “If that happens, all those pursuing my aunt will be after her wealth. Don't let all that effort turn into fetching water with a broken basket.”

Song Yao was momentarily silenced by Wang Qiqi’s words, unsure how to respond. It wasn't impossible that Qiqi was right. “Qiqi, my mother she…” If she acted that way, wouldn't she become no different from the old man?

Wang Qiqi shrugged. “If it were me, seeing a man cheat, I’d also have thoughts of cheating.” It was impossible not to have that notion, and once the thought existed, it would slowly lead to action.

Yang Jing nodded vigorously from the side. Although she didn't know if her mother-in-law would really do that, hearing her own niece say it, and seeing that even her daughter wasn't entirely certain, suggested her mother might indeed do it. “I think it’s better not to divorce. If Dad really has someone else, we can…”

“Negotiate with that woman?” Wang Qiqi mused. If it were the same mistress from before, perhaps one who only cared about money, whether young or now, wanting Song Wenbo’s money, “If she’s greedy for money, we can certainly name a price to make her leave. What I hate most is people who use the guise of love to demand more money.” Someone like that might not even leave Song Wenbo after getting the money, becoming like persistent dog-skin plaster that couldn't be removed.

Song Yao was speechless; she kept pulling at her hair. “I really don’t know what to do. I’ll wait for Ziwen to get back.” This was infuriating. Song Yao felt that once she returned, she needed to keep a close watch on Gong Peixing. Her own father, already old, only had some money and a few properties, yet he was being targeted by others. Her husband, on the other hand, owned a factory and was considered a boss when he went out; wouldn't the risk for him be even higher? “I think being a woman is tragic; we have to constantly fight other women.”

Yang Jing agreed with that logic and nodded in agreement. Wang Qiqi thought that perhaps in a few more years, they would realize they wouldn't just be fighting women for men, but also men for men. Homosexuality was still a relatively hidden topic now, but soon it would become public and quite mainstream—there would be countless books on the subject. But for now, she shouldn't say anything to provoke the two women in front of her.

Song Ziwen walked in, sweating profusely, carrying his briefcase. His first words were, “Is Dad home?”

“Is there any water? I’m dying of thirst.”

“He’s not here.” Yang Jing rose and went to the kitchen to get the watermelon juice she had already squeezed. “Here.”

“How was it? How was it?” Song Yao rushed to ask Song Ziwen. “Wait, tell me first—is it good news or bad news?” The process was secondary; the result was what mattered now. Song Yao was afraid of hearing what she didn't want to know.

Song Ziwen felt his throat was about to catch fire. After taking the juice Yang Jing handed him, he gulped it down in one go. “I need more.”

Song Yao watched Song Ziwen drink like a camel and wondered where they met to discuss business that he was this thirsty upon return. “Why didn't you find a place to have tea?” Discussing matters required sincerity. Surely her younger brother hadn't chosen some remote corner just to prevent the information from leaking?

After downing three glasses of juice, Song Ziwen finally recovered. “My friend got another assignment. Here, you can look at the documents.” Humph, wanting the result without looking at the report? “I’m exhausted, let me rest a bit.” Song Ziwen now understood why that friend looked so haggard; the work was truly grueling. Although the pay was high, Song Ziwen would never take up that line of work. “You have no idea how many places I ran to just to get this report.”

Ran to many places? The three women were engrossed in reading the report, while Song Ziwen complained wearily about the many places he had to visit today to retrieve the documents, and how he had helped his friend with this and that—he sounded utterly wronged. Yet, he noticed the three heartless women completely ignored him, scrambling to read the report instead. “Hey, aren’t you all concerned about me? I’m a person too.” Song Ziwen felt truly aggrieved. Previously, his wife had given him juice, but now, looking at their attitude…

“Daddy, hug,” Niu Niu, hearing her father’s pitiable voice, rushed to his leg and looked up sweetly. “Niu Niu will listen to Daddy talk.” Niu Niu knew Daddy worked hard; she must be good to Daddy.

“Niu Niu is the best one,” Song Ziwen exclaimed, excitedly lifting his daughter and kissing her repeatedly. He realized that what people said about daughters being sweet, caring little pieces of cotton was true. Humph, compared to the naughty Tao Tao, his Niu Niu was much better. “Daddy loves my Niu Niu the most. My Niu Niu gives Daddy massages, gets things for Daddy, and lets Daddy kiss her…”

Wang Qiqi finished reading the report at lightning speed and saw Song Ziwen playing with Niu Niu on the floor. His demeanor made Wang Qiqi internally tease that he was less like a father and more like 'Song Three Years Old.' “The report is all here. Has your friend completed the task?” In Wang Qiqi’s opinion, this was only half the job done.

“It is,” Song Yao said. She saw in the report that Dad had been meeting a woman frequently recently, but there were other people present too, so there were no overtly improper actions. However, if this continued, cheating would be inevitable. Song Yao decided they needed to keep tracking him.

Yang Jing was also quite dissatisfied with the report; it lacked substantial content. But it confirmed that a woman was indeed appearing around her father-in-law. “Mom met that mistress before, right? Can we have her identify the person?”

Let Wang Damei see this report or this photo? “Absolutely not.”

“My mom will go crazy.”

“It will cause World War III,” Wang Qiqi thought. What happened when that woman only hypothesized last time was already enough to make Wang Damei frantic. If she saw a photo, even if it wasn't the former mistress, there would be no peace. She might start staking out the place and escalate things even further. “What if Uncle is just being friendly with her, and then Auntie causes a scene…” Even if they weren’t lovers, they could become one.

Yang Jing naturally knew that letting her mother-in-law see this wasn't ideal. “Otherwise, how would I know if it’s her? Have you all met her before?” Based on the interaction between her father-in-law and the woman in the photo, they were clearly friends for a long time—perhaps old colleagues, old friends, or classmates. Song Ziwen and Song Yao would surely know something about their father's acquaintances. If they knew nothing, perhaps she was an old flame.

Song Yao stared at the photo for a long time, occasionally closing her eyes as if trying to recall something. After a while, she opened her eyes and shook her head. “I don’t recognize her. Ziwen, do you?” There were certain functions Dad didn't take her to, but Song Ziwen did. Moreover, now that Song Ziwen was in business, the old man had introduced him to many people. In a small city like this, some official might turn out to be some relative of an acquaintance.

Song Ziwen shook his head. “If I knew, I would have said so already. All the way here, I kept thinking it must be that mistress. But she’s quite well-maintained. I heard her husband died in a car accident, and her only daughter is studying in Australia…”

Studying abroad in Australia? Song Yao pondered for a moment. "Without a man, it's a massive financial gap for a daughter to study overseas." Song Yao thought few people could match the capability of Wang Qiqi and Han Tao. "Do you have his address? Perhaps, Ziwen, we should go talk to him."

"Let Qiqi go with you," Song Ziwen thought, wondering what business he, as a man, would have negotiating with the other party.

Song Yao shot Ziwen a look. "It's your father, not Qiqi's father." After all, he was her uncle by marriage; what authority did Wang Qiqi have in this matter?