Shi Hongrui yawned her way slowly down the stairs. “It’s much better at home; I can sleep until the sun is high in the sky. Oh, wait, Shi Man is still here, right?” Could she still be upstairs sleeping?

Zhao Rongrong looked at Shi Hongrui, who was still yawning and clearly not fully awake, and shook her head speechlessly. “Did you forget Shi Man’s man is coming today, and she went to pick him up?” If Shi Man’s man hadn’t been visiting, they wouldn't have rushed back a day early. But thank goodness they returned early; otherwise, they wouldn't have had any time to rest.

Wang Qiqi was also curled up on the sofa, yawning, watching Shi Hongrui, who had slept in and was still yawning. She was intensely jealous. “It must have been tough for her to head out so early in the morning.” Honestly, rushing off to see your lover, your man—did you really have to come and bother me first thing? Wang Qiqi recalled dragging Shi Man out of bed that morning, making her breakfast, and even helping her choose what to wear to meet Feng Xuanxiang. If Shi Man hadn't seemed so nervous, and remembering they hadn't seen each other in a long time, Wang Qiqi really would have kicked her out. She was prioritizing romance over friendship way too much.

Shi Hongrui walked into the kitchen and noticed the items inside. “Whoa, Qiqi, why are you making pastries today?” These pastries clearly looked like they had been made a long time ago. Qiqi couldn't have made them last night, as she had gone to bed very early. Did she wake up early this morning to bake them? But that didn’t seem right either. Qiqi loved sleeping in; it was completely normal for her to wake up at ten if there was nothing pressing. Something was definitely off.

Wang Qiqi, already feeling quite aggrieved, watched Shi Hongrui devour the pastries she had made early that morning. “I’m going upstairs to rest for a bit.” Ugh, if she stayed any longer, she really might explode. “Oh, right, I’ve also made lunch. Just heat some up for yourselves. Someone probably won’t be back until tonight, and hopefully, he’ll treat us to a nice meal.” Wang Qiqi suddenly remembered that when Han Tao visited before, she hadn’t treated everyone to a meal out. What a misstep. That had been their first official meeting, too; she absolutely had to make up for it next time.

A nice meal? Shi Hongrui had been about to ask why they had to sort out lunch themselves, but upon hearing there would be good food tonight, she forgot that line of questioning. “Man Man’s man, that old man is treating us?” Good heavens, what a generous man! Eating out around here was seriously expensive. A decent restaurant meal would cost enough Renminbi to give her a heart attack. She never imagined such a great opportunity to eat out would come along. Rumor had it Shi Man’s man studied finance and was doing quite well. He must have earned a decent amount of money, which meant the place he took them wouldn’t be low-class, right?

Zhao Rongrong nearly choked on her saliva when she heard Shi Hongrui so bluntly call him an old man. Although Qiqi and the others often called him "Old Feng," the man was supposedly only just over thirty—still a good distance from being "old." He should be considered young and promising.

Wang Qiqi was momentarily stunned, old man? Then she remembered they always called him "Old Feng." Shi Hongrui probably couldn't recall Old Feng’s surname and just defaulted to "old man." “Yeah, I don’t know exactly where we’re eating, but it’s probably steak.” Steak could be cooked at home, but Wang Qiqi wasn't keen on fried food; she always felt like grease might splash onto her clothes. Besides, while steak looks easy to make, upon closer thought, it’s tricky, especially getting the levels of doneness just right. One small mistake and it turns out terribly tough.

Steak? Shi Hongrui certainly had no objection to eating steak. Although she had eaten plenty of beef these past few days, it was always stewed or stir-fried; she’d never had pan-seared steak. “Then I’ll eat less for lunch and save my appetite for dinner.” To enjoy good food, one must leave one’s stomach as empty as possible.

Zhao Rongrong was utterly speechless. That silly girl. Even though Shi Man wasn't around, how could she be so brash in front of Wang Qiqi? Going out to eat wasn't cheap. Even if he earned a lot, one shouldn't overtly treat him like a sugar daddy. What if he never offered to treat them again next time he visited? So, thinking ahead, they shouldn't be too excessive this time.

Shi Hongrui’s suggestion warmed Wang Qiqi’s heart. She walked over to Shi Hongrui and patted her shoulder. “I was thinking the same thing, so I’m not planning on eating lunch either.” Hmph, making her wake up early to do all that work needed to come at a price. She wasn't someone who could be bullied so easily.

Shi Hongrui had initially thought Qiqi was coming over to say something to her, but she hadn't expected her to agree with the idea. For a moment, she didn't know how to respond. Was Qiqi being sarcastic, or did she genuinely agree with her proposal? Given Qiqi’s friendship with Shi Man, sarcasm seemed more likely, but Qiqi’s demeanor was so sincere that Shi Hongrui couldn’t tell if it was a jab.

“Hmph, making me wake up so early just to welcome her man—that’s utterly too much. If I don’t make his wallet bleed, how am I supposed to swallow this anger?” Wang Qiqi didn't care what Shi Hongrui thought; what mattered was her own feelings.

Zhang Yan and the other two watched Wang Qiqi storm upstairs, all having the same thought: What on earth did Shi Man make Wang Qiqi do? For Wang Qiqi to talk like that...

“When I woke up, I noticed two different half-eaten cakes in the kitchen,” Zhang Yan said, swallowing hard. She had initially wanted to say that Qiqi and Shi Man’s friendship was so strong that Qiqi would wake up early to help make several different kinds of pastries. Now, it seemed their relationship was good—Qiqi was still angry about waking up early, but she was openly talking about getting revenge, something she wouldn't do if they weren't close.

Wang Qiqi snapped back, “I made three different cakes, and she took two of them!” It wasn't easy making pastries. If Qiqi hadn't insisted they save some for breakfast, there wouldn't have been so much as a crumb left. Wang Qiqi felt a pang of pain in her heart. All her hard work, and she almost didn't get to eat any.

Three cakes, and baked early that morning? Zhang Yan and the others exchanged glances. How early would one have to wake up for that? Still, having three different types meant they could switch things up for breakfast.

Meanwhile, Shi Man had already met Feng Xuanxiang. She was happily holding his arm, chatting about the recent trips she’d taken. Feng Xuanxiang listened, smiling, as his girlfriend recounted her wanderings. While he’d heard about them in emails and videos, hearing her tell the stories in person felt wonderful. “Reporting tomorrow?” Feng Xuanxiang asked once Shi Man paused for breath. He was already calculating where he could take her over the weekend and what they could do in the immediate vicinity for the next few days. Since he started studying abroad, they hadn't managed many outings, even when she visited the US, and his current job wasn't easy—he had to constantly monitor the stock market, which was why those plans he’d made with Man Man kept getting postponed.

Shi Man hummed in acknowledgement. Thinking about it made her annoyed. If only she had arrived a few days earlier, they could have gone out. But now she had to start school soon. Although she could wander around during breaks, it would only be within this immediate area. “It would have been great if you came sooner. Oh, right, when are you heading back to the country? If possible, would you like to come home with me?” Shi Man needed to map out the itinerary so she could inform her family, lest her old man gets booked for something else.

Feng Xuanxiang had come precisely to discuss their plans for returning home for the New Year. Man Man hadn't agreed before, as if she had other arrangements. He had planned to ask Qiqi to persuade her, but unexpectedly, she was the one asking about his travel plans first. “I get off on the twenty-third, and then I can head back. Should I come pick you up, or will you…?”

Being picked up would certainly be nice, but the issue was... “If you have the energy to travel, you should rest up instead,” Shi Man noted. She had already noticed the dark circles under his eyes. She knew he must have pulled a ton of overtime just to rush back in time for her enrollment. Shi Man, considering herself a virtuous partner, couldn't let him overwork himself. Besides, spending that money on airfare would be better spent on a gift for her.

Feng Xuanxiang hadn't intended to hide it from Shi Man, just from others. “In a few years, I plan to start my own business. Even if the scale is smaller, the advantage is that no one will be breathing down my neck, though the access to information might be slower.” While working independently had drawbacks, after working for this long, Feng Xuanxiang felt immense pressure—not just from business matters, but primarily from a few colleagues. Mentioning them made him irritated.

Starting his own business? Shi Man’s heart lurched. While being independent offered freedom, he was in finance, and he was starting without any established connections. “Fine. If you want to go solo, then go solo.” Shi Man flashed a huge smile at Feng Xuanxiang. “We’re just a small family; we don't have grand ambitions. Once Han Tao establishes himself in the IT world, we’ll push him to start a business, and we can invest and get rich waiting!” Shi Man figured as long as they were happy, it didn't matter how much money they made; if they weren't happy, it was all pointless. But it was okay; as long as Han Tao was around, she was sure he had plans to start something. Qiqi’s older siblings were already bosses; even though he was studying abroad, which sounded grand, he was under considerable pressure.

Did she even need to remind him? Feng Xuanxiang thought, I’ve already discussed this with Han Tao. It was just that he prioritized his studies right now and hadn’t found the right project. If he did, he’d probably go all out. And before that, he would need to save enough money for living expenses. He looked down at Shi Man, who was smiling brightly at him. He would also work hard over the next few years to earn more money. He knew Man Man could earn too, but this was a different concept. “Don’t worry. Your man will work hard.” Work hard to give you a good life, so you won't just walk past brand-name items saying you don't like them.

Shi Man suddenly lowered her head, which made Feng Xuanxiang very curious. Just as he was about to ask what was wrong, he heard several loud sneezes. Feng Xuanxiang thought Wang Qiqi had caught a cold, but looking at her complexion and the heat on her forehead, she seemed fine. Since Shi Man also said she was okay, Feng Xuanxiang grabbed Wang Qiqi’s hand and hailed a taxi to leave. On the way back, Shi Man sneezed several times in a row.

“Should we go to the hospital later?” Feng Xuanxiang asked worriedly. She looked fine, but why the continuous sneezing? She must be feeling unwell, perhaps enduring it because she wanted to stay with him and didn't want to see a doctor. “Be good, listen to me.”

When she first started sneezing, Shi Man did feel a little nervous, wondering if it was due to her recent busy schedule. But after sneezing so many times, she had a feeling. “It’s fine, it’s fine. Qiqi must have been talking about me.” The taxi had stopped right in front of the hotel Shi Man had booked. Shi Man pulled Feng Xuanxiang out of the cab. Are you kidding? I’m not sick; why would I go to the doctor and just give money to the physician? Seeing a doctor abroad might mean cheaper medicine, but the consultation fees were steep. If we can save money, we should.

Shi Man’s explanation left Feng Xuanxiang utterly confused about why Qiqi would be talking about her early that morning. When he entered the room and saw the food Shi Man had prepared for him, and then looked at the items on the table, he understood. “Did Qiqi make all of this?” It looked quite fresh, but Feng Xuanxiang figured Qiqi had only just returned yesterday and had been busy cleaning. Surely Man Man hadn't dragged Qiqi out of bed this morning to bake all this? “These cakes look as fresh as if they just came out of the oven today.”

“What ‘just out of the oven’?” Shi Man thought, How can my man eat leftovers when he just arrived? “I dragged Qiqi up early this morning to make these. Oh, and those chicken wings are ones I specifically roasted.”

Shi Man quickly pulled Feng Xuanxiang to sit down, urging him to eat quickly. This guy must have been busy right up until he got to the airport, then slept on the plane, and probably hadn't eaten much. “Eat well, then take a shower and rest a bit more,” Shi Man laid out her plans. Although she wanted to take him out sightseeing, Old Feng looked exhausted. It was better to let him rest. Going out wasn't that important to her; the crucial thing was being with Old Feng.

Feng Xuanxiang’s eyes lit up when Shi Man mentioned resting. He didn't have time to dwell on how Wang Qiqi might be scolding his woman back home. Their relationship was good, after all; if Qiqi really didn't want to get up, she wouldn't have made those cakes. “I’ll fill my stomach first, and then I’ll fill you up later.” Feng Xuanxiang wasn’t exactly thrilled with the pastries, but he hadn't eaten much on the plane, so how could he do anything without energy? Moreover, Qiqi’s pastries weren't overly sweet. “Qiqi’s pastries are much better; not sickeningly sweet. A lot of the desserts foreigners make are too sugary.” There were non-sweet options, of course, but they were much pricier, and for Feng Xuanxiang, things that weren't staple foods didn't warrant spending excessive amounts of money.

Shi Man blinked at her man’s comment. What did he mean by that? Did he think she was eager to…? Even if Shi Man missed her man, she wouldn't be that forward right after meeting. But unexpectedly, her suggestion for him to rest without any hint of her own desires had led Old Feng to jump to that conclusion. “Qiqi’s cakes are indeed good. Eat up quickly, then take a shower. I’ll take the clothes back to wash, and this afternoon we’ll all come to find you, and we’ll eat dinner together. You haven’t forgotten about treating us tonight, have you?” Shi Man noticed Old Feng’s expression darken slightly at the end. Oh no, did my man forget about that? This was bad. Qiqi must have spread the word about the dinner invitation. If he didn't treat them, he’d need a very solid excuse, or else... Shi Man knew Qiqi would bring it up constantly in the future.

“Treating you?” That was a promise he made; how could Feng Xuanxiang forget? What upset him was, “You won’t sleep with me?” No way! He finally got the chance to hold his wife, and now the temptation was right in front of him, yet he couldn't touch. Although his desire might be fulfilled tonight, some things were better done sooner. “Man Man…” Feng Xuanxiang gave Shi Man a pitiful look. He didn't believe Man Man could be that heartless.

The result, of course, was that Comrade Feng Xuanxiang won. Comrade Shi Man readily agreed. Washing clothes could wait. “Then eat quickly, and hurry up with your shower.” Everyone had reached an agreement on what needed to happen next, especially with the evening's 'task' looming. They all wanted to start early. So, while Shi Man helped unpack Feng Xuanxiang’s suitcase and pulled out his change of clothes, Feng Xuanxiang quickly finished about two-thirds of the food Shi Man had brought him. The rest was for his girlfriend’s lunch. While lunch was a bit meager, the grand feast tonight would compensate. Feng Xuanxiang glanced apologetically at his girlfriend, who had her back turned as she bent over.

By the time the two of them woke up, the sun had long set, which severely startled Shi Man, who woke up first. She immediately sat bolt upright. “Oh, Old Feng, hurry up and get up! It’s getting late!” Shi Man could already picture the anxious expressions on Wang Qiqi and the others back home.

Shi Man’s cry also startled Feng Xuanxiang. He shot up, looking around, realizing his wife was worried about the time. He grabbed his phone nearby and checked. Hmm, although it was late—around six in the evening—it wasn't that late. He kissed Man Man, then wandered into the bathroom still unclothed. “Can we be ready to head over there in twenty minutes?”

Shi Man hummed in response and swung her legs out of bed, picking up the clothes she had tossed casually on the floor and slowly putting them on. Although she wanted a quick shower, there wasn't time now. Besides, Shi Man sniffed herself; the smell wasn't too strong. A quick trip outside and she should be fine by the time they got home.

Wang Qiqi and the others were indeed huddled at home, constantly peering out the door, occasionally standing up to stick their heads out toward the road. “Ugh, Man Man is something else. How could she turn off her phone when she went out?” Isn't that just making it impossible for us to find her? If she didn't, we could text her and ask when she’s coming back. Now, her phone is off, and we don't know where she is. If she’s not coming back for dinner, shouldn’t she at least send a quick text message? Now look at this mess.

“Do you think they’ve decided not to treat us after all?” Wang Qiqi suddenly voiced a possibility. Don’t say it’s impossible. In Qiqi’s view, it was quite likely. She had made a big show of wanting to bleed his wallet dry earlier; to protect the poor guy's savings, that girl might actually pull a stunt like that.

Hearing Wang Qiqi’s guess, everyone’s mouths dropped open. “No way…” Although they said 'no way,' when they thought about it, they realized that to avoid Qiqi’s retribution, Shi Man might actually do something like that. The thought of a wonderful feast slipping through their fingers made everyone’s mood sour, but since Qiqi was present, they couldn't openly admit that Man Man might be avoiding them because of Qiqi.

Zhang Yan pondered for a moment. “Maybe they drove around and stopped at a scenic spot for a long time. Maybe they are on their way back now.” That wasn't entirely out of the question. If Shi Man found a nice little shop along the way, she would definitely go in for a look, and she paid close attention to things, so forgetting the time was completely normal.

Although this guess was a bit weak, it was better than the possibility of being stood up. However, that wasn’t the main point right now. The key issue was, “Qiqi, I’m getting hungry.” Shi Hongrui had eaten so little at lunch, knowing there would be a feast later. The small amount Qiqi made this morning was long digested by now. The worst part was there was nothing to eat at home except some snacks, and snacks aren't filling.

Shi Man isn’t coming back? Wang Qiqi thought that possibility was zero. If she stood her up today, Shi Man would know the consequences. She suspected the couple hadn't gone sightseeing at all; they were probably holed up somewhere. Why else would they be so late? Even if Shi Man lost track of time while shopping, Old Feng, who was with her, would remind her. “Don’t worry, they’ll show up within another hour.” It was already half-past five. “If no one shows by six-thirty, I’m cooking dinner, and tomorrow, I’ll make them treat us double.”

Shi Hongrui loved that suggestion. “Support, support!” Double the treat clearly meant either two meals or directly treating everyone to a star-rated restaurant. If Shi Hongrui had to choose, she genuinely didn't know which one she’d pick; both options were incredibly tempting.

Wang Qiqi looked at the visibly excited person and decided against disturbing the reverie. "I have to be up first thing tomorrow. Sigh, my vacation ends today." Wang Qiqi had no idea how she was supposed to compress three years of graduate study into one, sensing the heavy burden ahead. Especially since, starting from her senior year of undergrad, life had been rather leisurely—a mix of casual work, minor official duties, and classes. Suddenly having to snap back into the intense study mode of high school felt immensely stressful. It wasn't as if they'd just hand her the degree after a year of attendance.

Zhang Yan listened to Wang Qiqi’s mournful tone and sighed as well. The demanding year ahead was about to begin. All she hoped for was to complete her studies smoothly; honors like 'Outstanding Student' were never something Zhang Yan had even considered aiming for.

As they spoke of their fears and anticipations for the future life, Shi Man and Feng Xuanxiang finally made their delayed entrance. Those who were starving promptly forgot to ask why they were late, their entire focus fixed on where they were going to eat and whether they could finally eat their fill. This immediately eased the tension Shi Man had been carrying. Even though Wang Qiqi looked on with an air of knowing everything, it put no pressure on Shi Man; as someone who had been through it before, she was sure to be understood.

For more novels, visit storyread.net.