"Alright, let's go eat. By the way, Kiki, what do you think about the supplies I procured earlier? It's a shame they aren't exclusive; that Shiroiwa family member also procured some." If they were exclusive, she could have marked up the price considerably, but with a competitor, the pricing became a worry. Shi Man felt that having another person helping with procurement was good for discussion, but conversely, the items were no longer exclusive.

Why worry about that? "You're anxious, but isn't she anxious too?" Compared to us, Shi Hongrui is even more eager to make more money; she plans to work hard to earn back her living expenses. "You could talk to her and agree on a similar price point."

Shi Man had considered talking to her, but she always felt too proud to initiate it. Moreover, if she approached Shiroiwa first, wouldn't that signal she was a step below? "I'd rather wait. Besides, we're selling in the capital, which doesn't compete with her at all." Since they weren't selling in the same city, Shi Man breathed a sigh of relief. Of course, her worry stemmed from the possibility of a tourist passing by the shop opened by Shi Hongrui's partner, seeing the price, realizing the significant difference, and wondering what the customer would think. Shi Man didn't want to lose customers over such a small amount of money.

Wang Qiqi understood Shi Man's concern. "Forget it, we'll discuss it when we get back. Besides, her operation won't be fully set up that quickly." Of course, if she didn't open a physical shop and only marketed to acquaintances—like how their businesses started without stores, and business was good back then, just not in massive volume—if Shi Hongrui wanted to scale up now, opening a shop would be essential, and that all took time. Wang Qiqi mused that even if Zhao Rongrong was interested in joining, they would still need to coordinate with the domestic side and discuss profit sharing and commissions. If rules weren't established from the start, any cooperation would be questionable.

"Aren't you two getting along well lately? Didn't you ask about it?" Wang Qiqi was quite surprised, knowing they had been spending so much time chatting, shopping, and procuring things together recently; it seemed unlikely she wouldn't have heard anything about these matters. Surely Shi Hongrui would have mentioned something.

Shi Man shrugged. "She didn't bring it up, and I didn't ask. But she probably hasn't finalized anything. If she had, she wouldn't have failed to mention it." Besides, Shi Man considered herself experienced. "She even mentioned before that if she really opened a business, she'd seek my advice on a thing or two." That implied she hadn't sought advice yet, meaning she hadn't started operations.

Wang Qiqi sighed. "Let's go eat, and then we’ll book our tickets." Ugh, the thought of parting with Han Tao so soon made Wang Qiqi genuinely unhappy.

Han Tao felt equally bad about separating from Kiki. If not for that major event, would they have to part? Sigh. "If we had graduated from university two years later, this wouldn't be happening." The hurdles for studying abroad wouldn't be so strict, and while there were signs of easing up now, it was just a flicker. "Actually, if you had insisted on staying in the US, you might have made it through." After all, they did have prior experience living in the States.

Wang Qiqi knew that perhaps if she had persevered, she might have managed to go to the US and be with Han Tao, but the issue was, "What if I hadn't passed? I couldn't pour all my energy into that visa application, running to the embassy repeatedly." Visas cost a fortune. Wang Qiqi hadn't even gotten her UK study visa on the first try. "I heard some people ran to the embassy dozens of times only to be rejected." Putting aside the sheer cost, the mental effort and time alone made Wang Qiqi admire them. If it were her, she figured she’d consider studying elsewhere after five or six rejections.

Han Tao was startled too. "Persistence is good, but that person just doesn't know how to pivot. It would have been smoother to study in Australia or somewhere else for a few years and then transfer to the US. Besides, the US isn't paradise." It might be easier for capable people to rise there, but the pressure was immense. At his current workplace, why did everyone work overtime? Besides a genuine passion for programming, another reason was the pressure. Jobs were easy to find, but finding one with such good benefits and a positive atmosphere wasn't simple, so everyone worked hard. Han Tao felt fortunate to have found this job; although the company wasn't famous, once you were inside, you understood it was one of the more reputable names in the industry despite its anonymity.

"Is it that hard to manage overseas? We can return home." Wang Qiqi noticed Han Tao's face darken and knew his stress was considerable. Back home, he was somewhat of a local celebrity; everyone knew he was doing well. If he truly returned to make it big, unless he started his own business, people would gossip that he couldn't hack it overseas and had returned. A small town has its advantages, but also its drawbacks.

Returning home wasn't even a consideration for Han Tao right now. It wasn't about shame; it was that the current work environment and future prospects suggested better development overseas. Especially considering his mother's view: overseas, one didn't need to stop at one child; they could have two or three, so the children wouldn't feel lonely, and there was the issue of future education. It wasn't that domestic education was poor, but he felt that children in China faced immense pressure early on, learning so many things, only for many to slack off when it was time for serious learning. Overseas, university was the true focus. "We'll see about that later. We also have to be the vanguards; your sister has major plans to emigrate within three or four years."

Wang Qiqi had known about Song Yao’s plan to immigrate, but she hadn't expected the plan to be so concrete. It was true that the income tax for foreign-funded enterprises was being reduced now. "Then my brother must be emigrating too, likely to the US?" The siblings' steps would surely be similar, but immigrating to the US wasn't easy now. Wang Qiqi thought immigrating to Canada wouldn't be bad either; though a different country, travel would be convenient, and their main business bases were domestic. Even if they moved to the US, Wang Qiqi suspected they'd essentially return to reside primarily in China once they secured their Green Cards.

Han Tao nodded. "Yes. Although Canada is an option, your sister said since you're in the US, she wants to stay there too, so it's easier for you to look after Tao Tao and Niuniu." He trailed off, unsure how to finish the sentence.

Wang Qiqi had already anticipated this, but she hadn't realized this was the reason they were insisting on immigrating to the US. "Will my aunt also stay primarily in the US?" The thought of being constantly around Wang Damei made Wang Qiqi shudder. It wasn't that Wang Damei was a bad person, just that she was obsessively clean. A few days together was manageable, but living with her long-term, Wang Qiqi suspected she would explode. "I hope my sister and the others buy a house." Even in the same neighborhood would allow for some separation.

"Don't worry, if your sister really immigrates to the US, a house is a certainty." Han Tao was very sure of this. "Besides, your sister can fly over to see the children during holidays or when she misses them. Our place is big, but it can't house that many people." Even if they earned money domestically, they would fly back to see the children, and accommodation would be an issue then. "For investment immigration, do you just stash the money in the bank?"

Shi Man, overhearing the conversation about immigration, suddenly had an idea. "Have you made up your minds about immigrating?"

"We'll apply in a couple of years," Han Tao considered. "I originally planned to apply in the next two years; I have a job now, which would make the application easier, but I'm still studying, which might cause some trouble, plus everything that has happened, so I wanted to delay. Your Old Feng, however, is preparing to immigrate." Feng Xuanxiang, having finished his master's degree, had a higher chance of approval than Han Tao.

Shi Man knew Old Feng was planning to immigrate. Although before graduation, Feng Xuanxiang's former workplace welcomed him back, certain events before his resignation left him unhappy, so he dropped the idea of returning. While his former leader now held a high position, the original unit's growth potential had slowed after some internal strife, and Old Feng was tired of all that. Moving to the US for work was almost certain. But hearing Han Tao say that, "He's applied?" No way! How could such a big thing happen without her hearing any whispers? This made Shi Man slightly unhappy.

Even Han Tao, slow as he was, sensed something was wrong from Shi Man’s expression. "Maybe Old Feng wanted to surprise you. You know so many people are applying now, but few get approved. Who knows when it will pass? And once approved, if you marry Old Feng, the immigration process becomes much easier." As he spoke, Han Tao suddenly felt that his own immigration plan should also move up the agenda. Otherwise, it would be truly inconvenient when Kiki went to the US next time. Once he was approved, it would be easier for Kiki to go over. Thinking this, he understood why Old Feng was so eager to immigrate and thought he was such a blockhead. "I’ll submit my application when I get back too." So what if it's rejected? He could just reapply.

Although Han Tao's explanation was logical—perhaps Old Feng wanted to give her a surprise—this surprise made Shi Man feel quite irritable. She let out a cold huff. "Hmph, I hope it’s a surprise and not a shock." Humph, not telling me could be for other reasons too.

Seeing Shi Man's displeased face, Wang Qiqi and Han Tao exchanged a glance. They could only bite their tongues and follow Shi Man silently toward the small eatery. While Shi Man wasn't looking, they glanced at each other, conveying mutual exasperation, especially Han Tao, regretting his loose tongue, which resulted in the current awkward situation.

"Kiki, hurry up, the plane takes off soon." Shi Man addressed Wang Qiqi, who was still reluctantly reluctant to part from Han Tao.

Wang Qiqi knew the plane was about to take off, but she hated separating from Han Tao. "So annoying, we have to part again." Wang Qiqi felt she was getting old; she hated partings more and more.

Han Tao held Kiki tightly, so close there wasn't an inch of space between them. "I'll come see you during my vacation," Han Tao promised. "Christmas and New Year's. Where should we go? You pick a place, just the two of us." Although this trip was fun, having four chaperones made it feel incomplete. Especially if one of them woke up late, the looks from the others... Sigh. So, vacations were best shared by two people.

"Okay." Wang Qiqi knew how resentful Han Tao had been during this period. "We'll find a place where we can sleep until we wake naturally. If we feel like going out, we go; if not, we stay tucked in the hotel. Of course, we need to find a nice one," perhaps one with a pool, not too far from a market so they could easily dash out for good food.

"No rush on that; I'll inquire when I get back." Han Tao knew many of his colleagues took their families on vacation when they had time off, and their version of a vacation was just finding a place to unwind for a few days. "I will definitely find a hotel you're happy with." Even if it costs more, as long as Kiki is happy, that's all that matters. "When the time comes, leave with me simultaneously. Don't look back."

Wang Qiqi had no doubt about this; Han Tao only promised what he intended to deliver. Wang Qiqi gave Han Tao a final tight hug, kissed him, and then left him quite resolutely, without looking back. It wasn't that Wang Qiqi didn't want to turn around; it was that she feared if she did, she wouldn't want to leave.

Han Tao couldn't possibly just turn and walk away. He watched Wang Qiqi enter the gate, only turning to leave the airport after her figure vanished, calculating in his mind how long it would take for Kiki to reach home so he could video call her.

Shi Man had expected a drawn-out farewell scene, but she was surprised by how quickly they parted. "Wow, you have guts." Shi Man looked at Wang Qiqi, who walked straight through the gate without a single backward glance toward the boarding area. She admired her greatly. She recalled how she and Old Feng would always say they needed to leave but would keep turning back until the very last moment. But the moment the words left her mouth, Shi Man saw Wang Qiqi's entire posture deflate, her back no longer as straight as before.

Wang Qiqi turned and walked back in the direction they came from. She knew Han Tao probably hadn't left yet; he was likely watching her retreating figure. After walking a few steps, she spotted a familiar silhouette in the crowd.

Shi Man hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to run back after getting this far, only to stand there staring at the crowd outside the gate. She looked around but couldn't find Han Tao at all. "Kiki, come on, let's go. Han Tao already left." She suspected he might have turned and left immediately upon seeing she didn't look back either. Sigh, she had seemed so strong earlier, turns out she was just pretending.

"He just left." Once Wang Qiqi couldn't see his figure anymore, she hooked her arm through Shi Man's and headed toward the gate. "If nothing unexpected happens, I won't celebrate Christmas with you all." Wang Qiqi told Shi Man. They had both been eagerly anticipating the Christmas break and had been planning where to travel, so Wang Qiqi brought it up first.

Shi Man was somewhat aware of Wang Qiqi's vacation plans. "It might turn out that we'll all be celebrating separately then." Everyone was so enthusiastic now, talking about where they wanted to go, but by then, if they had partners, who knew how they'd spend the holidays. "If we really end up celebrating separately, I'm spending it with you all." Hmph, even if it annoyed Han Tao, it was better than spending the holiday alone.

Wang Qiqi was surprised. "Old Feng isn't celebrating with you?" Oh, it made sense when she was studying and trying to save money; even if she couldn't return home, that was understandable. But now that he was working, why wouldn't he spend the holiday with her? Westerners value holidays like this; they usually spend them with family, so Old Feng shouldn't be working overtime. Did something happen between them? Thinking this, Wang Qiqi asked in a low voice, "Is it about the immigration?" Wang Qiqi thought it over and concluded that if they had an argument, it must be about that. If that was the case, Wang Qiqi wasn't sure what to think.

Shi Man knew what Wang Qiqi was worried about. "Don't worry, it's not about that. It's because he hasn't seen his parents in a few years. Now that he's graduated, and his grandfather's birthday is on New Year's Day, he has to go back as the successful grandson." Shi Man was unhappy that Old Feng wouldn't be with her for the holiday, but she understood the sentiment of parents who hadn't seen their son for years, especially when she could video call him regularly. But those elderly people only had letters and phone calls; they saw their son only in photos.

"So, you're not going with him?" Wang Qiqi asked, confused. A grandfather's birthday was a major event. Although Shi Man and Old Feng weren't married, she had met both sets of parents. It seemed strange not to invite Shi Man.

"He did invite me." Shi Man was indeed hesitating. Not to mention the cost of a round trip, with such a short vacation, visiting Old Feng's family meant she couldn't skip visiting her own. "If I go back, it'll be a constant cycle of visiting relatives." The sheer effort exhausted her just thinking about it. She still remembered the excessive enthusiasm of her relatives when they learned she was going abroad to study. If Old Feng came along this time, the reception might be even grander than when they congratulated her on studying abroad, which was something Shi Man wanted to avoid. "I just want to enjoy a peaceful time with Old Feng, not rush from one gathering to the next."

Wang Qiqi could only roll her eyes at Shi Man's concern. "If you and Old Feng go back without notifying those relatives, what can they do? You aren't developing your careers domestically. Even if they find out later, they can only suck up to you." To ordinary people, Shi Man’s relatives might warrant flattering, but to Old Feng, they were just Shi Man's family. "If you go back this time, you'll only stay a few days before heading to Old Feng's family. If you feel too awkward, just treat them to a meal. That way, everyone who needs to be met is met, propriety is observed, and you’ll be relaxed."

This arrangement was good; Shi Man knew it was comprehensive, but the issue was, "My relatives are quite thick-skinned too, just slightly more reasonable than your good-for-nothing uncle."

"I'll discuss it with my parents." Shi Man knew it was best if she accompanied Old Feng back, presenting herself as his future wife to his relatives. Old Feng was already approaching thirty, and hearing his mother's side, it wasn't as if some relatives hadn't been eyeing him up, especially concerning a potential daughter-in-law. She had accompanied him back to see his relatives once before he went abroad, and after that, she never returned. The Feng family relatives could understand that she and Old Feng had split up. "Actually, I know we have to go back. Ugh, it’s so annoying."

Wang Qiqi, though she hadn't experienced Shi Man's troubles, understood that once people married, troublesome things multiplied: in-laws' relatives, the husband's relatives. If there were a few problematic ones, the worries increased. "I'm lucky to have cut ties with the toxic ones in my family, and Han Tao doesn't interact much with the toxic ones on his side either." Although she heard sporadic news about Han Tao's cousin, since Luo Hongjuan was now in the capital, they had no way to find her. Furthermore, Han Tao’s father, as the eldest son, hadn't received any family inheritance, so even if Old Mrs. Han tried to claim Han Tao was unfilial, she would have to speak up and lament a bit. As for the Luo family relatives, they didn't interact much, thankfully.

Shi Man looked at Wang Qiqi’s clearly relieved expression and shot her an aggrieved glance. "Alright, I get it, you're happy. You only have one mother-in-law to honor, haven't you?" A simple family background, even without much support, meant significantly fewer troubles. Moreover, Qiqi and the others were clearly planning to develop overseas, so domestic influence didn't matter much to them. Whereas she had to tread carefully—how miserable and hard life was.

Wang Qiqi could tell from the tight grip Shi Man had on her arm that her friend was irritated. To protect her arm, Wang Qiqi decided not to provoke her further. "Okay, we're about to board. Watch your image."

Watch her image? Shi Man retorted unhappily, "You've already ruined my image! By the way, Kiki, think about what we're having for dinner when we get back." Hahaha, she had just managed to score a point back. How could Shi Man stay upset?

What's for dinner? Wang Qiqi was stumped. That retaliation came a bit too quickly. "It’ll be past three when we get home." Even with ample time, the apartment hadn't been lived in for a while; it was probably full of dust and needed cleaning. And there was no food. Wang Qiqi calculated before saying, "If you're willing to wait until seven for dinner, I have no objection." Wang Qiqi replied testily.

Mmm, what? Dinner at seven? "You're not planning to make a full Manchu-Han Imperial Feast, are you? That’s a bit too grand. Keep it simple." Shi Man was displeased. "Of course, if you really plan on the Imperial Feast, I have no objection either." No one would willingly turn away gourmet food.

The Manchu Han Imperial Feast, Wang Qiqi was left speechless. "Imperial Feast? Let me tell you, even the seven o'clock meal will be simple—just rice, a few stir-fried dishes, and that's it." Wang Qiqi suddenly recalled the curry rice she’d eaten a few days prior. Although she hadn't made curry since being reborn, she had cooked it in her previous life. This dish, she mused, was both simple and not so simple. "How about I make Curry Beef and Potato Rice?" Wang Qiqi was quite pleased with this choice. Curry could be made in a huge pot at once, and then all she’d need was rice each day. Naturally, packing it for lunch was also an excellent option.

When Shi Man heard that dinner at seven would be simple vegetable and rice stir-fry, although she still quite liked càifàn (vegetable and rice mix), the issue was that after drifting around for so long, despite sampling various local delicacies, as a Chinese person, going without rice for so long left her feeling like something essential was missing. "Then let's make curry rice." Though she had never tasted Qiqi's curry rice, just the fact that it contained beef made Shi Man feel she should look forward to the evening meal.

"Great, it's my first time making it too, so give me some feedback later." Wang Qiqi finished this statement proudly and walked toward the boarding gate, completely ignoring Shi Man's internal struggle behind her.