The days slipped by, marked only by the routine of school, home, and occasional trips to the supermarket for restocking. After enjoying over ten leisurely days, Feng Xuanxiang began packing to return to the US for work. Shi Man was reluctant to see him go, but knowing she would reunite with her man in just over three months softened the sting of farewell, so her tears weren't overly heartbreaking.

Wang Qiqi slumped over the steering wheel of her newly purchased car, stifling yawns. Though his departure wasn't at the crack of dawn this time, staying up late the night before had taken its toll. Qiqi found studying an increasingly arduous task. They had barely started the semester, yet the workload was piling up, and the instructors lectured at a dizzying pace. Understanding the material relied entirely on self-study, meaning trips to the library for supplementary books were essential just to keep up.

Shi Man walked Feng Xuanxiang out of the airport and then spotted Wang Qiqi motionless over the steering wheel. "What’s wrong with you?" she asked. Qiqi had been perfectly fine moments ago, chatting happily with everyone on the way over. How could her mood have soured so abruptly?

Shi Man opened the car door and sank into the back seat. "I told you to buy the BMW, but you wouldn't listen. It wasn't even that much more expensive. Why did you insist on that Toyota?" While both were imported cars in the eyes of most Chinese people, the BMW carried a much stronger reputation, and crucially, it was fifty percent pricier than the car Qiqi chose. The three of them had gone car shopping together, but Qiqi had stubbornly refused to spend that little extra, even when Shi Man offered to cover the difference. This had infuriated Shi Man for a long time until Old Feng managed to smooth things over.

"So what if it’s a Toyota? It’s perfectly fine," Wang Qiqi straightened up, starting the engine. "Once I'm back in the US, I'll buy a BMW." While the BMW was nice, Qiqi thought, was it really necessary for a student? She had initially considered a Santana; that car was quite decent too, a real bestseller. But Comrade Shi Man had firmly declared she wouldn't set foot in a Santana if Qiqi bought one. Qiqi had bitten back the retort, If you won't ride in it, then don't, but she didn't dare say it aloud.

"Besides, Shi Hongrui will be using this car to practice once she gets her license..." Qiqi offered her reasoning for choosing this particular car. Some things couldn't be said in front of Old Feng and the others, but with Shi Man, there was no need for such reserve. "It's not that I wasn't tempted by the BMW, but I can't just think about my own driving, can I?" The maintenance costs for a BMW were inevitably higher than for a Toyota.

"Shi Hongrui is getting her license?" Shi Man’s attention was successfully diverted by Qiqi's point. "It is faster to get licensed here, though." Seeing how Qiqi passed her test after only a few lessons made Shi Man regret not getting hers done back in China. Still, if Shi Hongrui would be driving, buying the BMW might have been unsuitable; the thought of her scratching it would have caused pain.

Shi Man wasn't entirely satisfied with the Toyota either, but it served as transportation. She leaned back against the seatrest. "Qiqi, you’re the first among us classmates to own a car." Even though cars weren't prohibitively expensive abroad, it was certainly something that carried weight when talking to peers.

"Have you forgotten Nana?" Wang Qiqi thought that among their university friends, there might be some who were keeping their true financial status hidden. It hadn't been hard to tell that Zhu Lina came from a better background at school; they had just assumed her family was moderately well-off. "And didn't Gao Kai say he was doing well lately?" Song Ziwen had mentioned seeing Gao Kai while out networking; he hadn't dared to approach him until Gao Kai initiated the greeting—the disparity in their standings was simply too large. Later, Song Ziwen looked into it and discovered the young man was indeed thriving. Song Ziwen only sighed over Comrade Wang Rui missing out on such a high-potential prospect and said no more.

"Right now, real estate just requires a decent capital base, knowing the right people, and securing land permits," Shi Man had some knowledge of Gao Kai because a relative worked at the Land Bureau. Gao Kai had approached Shi Man previously, hoping to meet that relative. Afterward, the relative mentioned how adept Gao Kai was at handling people. For the greedy relative to say that, Shi Man guessed Gao Kai must have shelled out a fortune. While she understood that Gao Kai’s actions were normal in that industry, Shi Man felt a strange pang of unease. She shifted the topic back to Nana. "I wonder how Nana is doing now."

Ever since Nana joined the family business, she had become increasingly busy. To celebrate Qiqi and the others going abroad to study, Nana had repeatedly suggested treating them to a farewell dinner gathering. That meal was postponed several times. Finally, unable to delay any longer, Zhu Lina managed to squeeze out time for a quick dinner with everyone before being pulled away by an urgent matter mid-meal. "She's probably drowning in work again. I wonder if she can even finish her Master's degree." Nana’s grades had always been borderline; she was simply too occupied, even writing her thesis in stolen moments.

The worries Shi Man harbored were things Wang Qiqi never fretted over. For others, juggling too many part-time jobs meant neglecting studies, but Zhu Lina was different. With such a massive company, the school naturally provided some leeway regarding her coursework. Furthermore, having handled so many real-world problems, her thesis wouldn't be based on abstract theory; it should possess real insight. "Didn't the professor give Nana's last paper high marks?" Part of it was her genuine ability, but the other part was inseparable from Nana's status—maintaining a close relationship with a company heir was beneficial for the university; they would likely prioritize graduates from their alma mater when Nana’s family business hired staff in the future.

Shi Man conceded the point; many in Zhu Lina’s position chose to study abroad, and the school would certainly value her highly. "Alright, let's head back. Oh, can you drive us to the station later?"

To the station? Wang Qiqi found that strange and looked at Shi Man quizzically. "Who is coming?" Hadn't everyone who needed to come already arrived? Who else could there be? A sudden thought struck her. "You aren't planning a shopping trip to London, are you?" Qiqi recalled saying that prices for brand-name goods here weren't that great and selection was limited. Were they planning to go to London? That would involve a significant expense.

Shi Man nodded. "We plan to take the night bus there, spend the night on the train, shop during the day, ship everything out, and then take the night bus back." Although the travel would be grueling, this arrangement would save considerable money, particularly on accommodation.

That itinerary sounded exhausting. "That's too much for you. Why not go on Saturdays and come back on Sundays?" Wang Qiqi worried about their stamina, especially with their coursework already demanding. "What about the items? Where will you handle the shipping?" Qiqi was thankful that some supplies were purchased directly by Han Tao or Feng Xuanxiang in the US and mailed back; otherwise, Shi Man would be even more burdened.

"We'll mail them directly from there." Shi Man was well aware of the fatigue involved. Han Tao and the others could handle some of the brand-name items. Shi Man only needed to go out shopping herself during major sales seasons. Otherwise, she focused on procuring unique specialty items that the men couldn't manage. "Actually, I’m taking Shi Hongrui along this time to familiarize her with the process. Her stall needs to start operating soon." Shi Man could already predict frequent trips to London—perhaps twice a month. She could manage it now, but as studies intensified, she feared this endeavor would become a genuine hardship.

Shi Hongrui setting up her stall surprised Wang Qiqi slightly, though she was somewhat prepared for it. "So you’re just training her this time? Will you still go later?" Qiqi was concerned about whether Shi Man would remain involved. She suspected Shi Man would continue to accompany her.

"Can I not go?" Although Shi Hongrui was only asking for this one favor, Shi Man didn't think she’d stop asking for company later. Shi Man agreed partly because of the request, but also because Old Feng and Han Tao were busy. She couldn't ask them for help when she was back in China, but now that she was abroad, handling things herself was preferable. "I can shop around in London too," she reasoned. There should be more specialty shops there. This trip was too rushed, but Shi Man thought about going on Friday next time, staying Saturday night, and having a proper look around.

Shi Man knew Qiqi had a strong interest in historical architecture, and Qiqi harbored some regret about not studying in London. Although Shi Man wouldn't live and study there, she could visit and sightsee. "Qiqi, are you tempted? We never properly toured London last time, how about it?"

Touring London? How could Wang Qiqi not be tempted? "Yes, yes!" This time was out of the question; Qiqi planned to hit the library first thing tomorrow for books. "What time is the train? I'll go back and prepare some things." Wang Qiqi spun the steering wheel and turned onto another road. The two of them were working hard to earn money outside; even if they weren't focused solely on Shi Hongrui, Shi Man still needed support. Qiqi had intended to buy groceries tomorrow, but now she was just moving that task forward by a day.

"Let's make some cold noodles," Shi Man said when Qiqi immediately offered to prepare provisions. She certainly wouldn't pass up the opportunity, though she secretly wanted Qiqi to make more. However, she worried that asking for too much might lead Qiqi to refuse to help at all, which would be the worst outcome. "That covers tomorrow's breakfast," she decided. Lunch and dinner could be something simple. "Oh, don't forget breakfast the day after tomorrow."

Wang Qiqi had expected Shi Man to list all her favorite rich foods, so she was surprised when Shi Man only requested cold noodles. "Is that enough?" Qiqi considered the weather—not truly hot, nor really cold. "Let's add some grilled chicken wings and a cake." If Shi Man had made an outrageous demand, Qiqi might have become petty and refused to cook much. But since Shi Man was being so reasonable, Qiqi certainly wouldn't let her eat plain fare. Grilling some wings would solve one dinner dish. Thinking about having only three people at home tomorrow, Wang Qiqi sighed in relief; the task load would be much lighter. Qiqi planned to lay out all the floor mats purchased previously. The weather was turning chilly, and walking barefoot on the floorboards was cold. With the mats down, neither walking barefoot nor lounging on the floor would feel cold.

Grilled chicken wings and cake? Shi Man had no objection, but could Qiqi manage all that cooking? "It’s almost three now, and the train leaves after eight tonight."

Five hours left. Wang Qiqi calculated quickly and wasn't rushed at all. "Don't worry, I can manage it alone. You still have your assignments, right?" Shi Man had mentioned having work due these days; Qiqi wondered if she had finished it.

"Due before Wednesday." Mentioning homework put Shi Man in a slightly worse mood. She’d done so little homework in four years of university, yet they’d already completed several reports in just this short period since enrolling. Shi Man had a feeling she was expected to complete four years' worth of assignments within this single year—it was exhausting. "I only have an afternoon class on Monday. I'll head straight to the library after I get home, Qiqi. Can you prepare my lunch for me then?" Dinner would depend on the situation; if she ran out of time, she’d just borrow the books and study at home. Home was more comfortable for reviewing, and although they didn't chat much, drinks, tea, and snacks were plentiful. When tired, she could lie down for a nap, and wake up to study. While the overall environment wasn't as good as the library, everyone was currently preoccupied, and even gathered in the living room to study, no one was in the mood for conversation; they mostly just shared interesting tidbits from their day at the dining table.

"No problem." Wang Qiqi could now manage lunch preparations smoothly. After parking the car, Wang Qiqi pulled Shi Man along to the supermarket for supplies, while Shi Man stood aside, continuously listing things she wanted to eat.

Wang Qiqi looked at the nearly half-cart of vegetables. She hadn't even started on the meat yet. "This many vegetables won't stay fresh," she noted. Even if refrigerated, Qiqi felt they wouldn't taste as fresh. "We’ll have to shop again on Wednesday." They weren't foreigners who bought vegetables designed for long-term storage. Qiqi chose Wednesday because she only had morning classes that day, making it convenient to quickly go shopping after class. That Wednesday, Zhang Yan would also be borrowing a stack of books that Qiqi would ferry back.

Is that a lot? Shi Man looked doubtfully at the vegetables filling the cart. The last time they shopped together, Qiqi hadn't seemed to complain despite buying even more. "Didn't we buy more last time?"

"That was when Old Feng was here." Honestly, Wang Qiqi breathed a sigh of relief now that Old Feng had departed. His presence meant larger purchasing volumes and more dishes cooked and rice steamed. Thankfully, Old Feng had treated them to a meal right before leaving, or Qiqi would have had no idea how to settle the expenses with them when the bills arrived.

Shi Man had a decent idea of how much her man could eat, but she responded, "Then buy a little less. Ah, it's a shame we're missing a garbage disposal." While her man ate heartily, he truly wasn't picky and finished everything left on his plate, eliminating waste. "By the way, how much did you and Old Feng make these past few days?"

Although Wang Qiqi maintained excellent control over her expression, Shi Man could glean from Old Feng’s occasional vague remarks that they had been busy with something lucrative recently. However, her man stubbornly refused to tell her exactly how much they earned, which left Shi Man extremely curious. It couldn't be a small amount if it made the money-minded Qiqi smile so brightly.

How much did they make? "Not very much," Wang Qiqi replied quickly without lifting her head. "We made a small margin trading this time, but we truly didn't earn much." In reality, Old Feng's visit was mostly for discussing future development. Old Feng remained skeptical about the internet sector, believing it was mostly inflated bubbles. Wang Qiqi knew the bubbles existed, but their requirements were modest—just picking a few companies for investment. As someone reborn, Qiqi could count on her fingers the companies that would develop well in the coming years based on future knowledge. She just wasn't sure of their current stage of development, but this task wasn't one she needed to complete perfectly; having such a good partner made things much easier.

"Really?" Shi Man said doubtfully. "If the money wasn't significant, would you two be that happy?" Her own man wasn't someone easily satisfied with meager earnings. "Your expressions looked like you’d struck a massive fortune. You were both ecstatic."

"We discussed our future wealth-building plans. Whether we can make a fortune depends on what comes next," Wang Qiqi murmured. "Besides, with the capital we currently have, how much major money can we possibly make? I'm just hoping for a steady income each month to cover expenses." Wang Qiqi truly wasn't asking for much; taking it slow would be fine. Becoming a massive tycoon would be best, but achieving a comfortable life would suffice.

Make a huge fortune? Shi Man’s eyes lit up suddenly. "I have some money set aside..." She had to jump on this bandwagon somehow. But her own man was truly going too far by not informing her of something this significant.

"You should keep that little bit of money," Wang Qiqi said, addressing the suddenly avaricious Shi Man. "Use your funds to support the cost of required inventory, strive not to use the men's money, and expand the business." While sourcing inventory rarely required everyone to contribute capital now, Shi Man was eager to grow and strengthen their business, which demanded funds. Qiqi’s intention was that Shi Man should try to expand the business without touching the men's money; ideally, Qiqi hoped to contribute a lump sum herself later on.

Shi Man, who had been happily planning how she would spend her wealth, felt her spirits sink upon hearing Qiqi's slightly dampening words. "Alright, I’ll try. At the very least, I'll stock up on some goods and accept more pre-orders." Shi Man’s previous idea for expansion was accumulating more inventory so customers could take goods immediately upon arrival, which she believed would attract many buyers.

Wang Qiqi understood Shi Man’s perspective, but she couldn't tie all their funds up in stock. If Song Yao and the others were doing well, they would transfer payment once goods were sent, but they weren't flush with cash either, so everyone needed to maintain reserves. "Take the business slowly. Stocking inventory is good, but those people also have considerable capital." Competing on financial strength with them? Wang Qiqi felt that was unnecessary; finding more interesting ventures was better.

After seeing Shi Man and the others off, Wang Qiqi returned home to find Zhang Yan and Zhao Rongrong both entrenched in serious reading in the living room. Two beds had already been set up nearby. "What's going on?" Burning the midnight oil? It seemed extreme; it wasn't thesis season or finals week. Why the rush?

Zhang Yan looked up from her book and beckoned toward Wang Qiqi. "Reading in the room makes me think of sleeping. Rongrong and I agreed to study in the living room. If we get tired, we just sleep right here, and wake up to read." People said that when a group huddled together, it was mostly for chatting, especially a group of women. But when the four of them were in the living room, although they spoke, it wasn't much, especially with Wang Qiqi and Zhang Yan heads down over their books; even those wanting to chat had to abandon the idea. Back in the rooms, without comparison, the sight of a bed made reading in bed seem more comfortable, leading inevitably to sleep.

"Qiqi, why don't you join us?" Zhao Rongrong looked up and suggested. Reading downstairs had the advantage of having others nearby for comparison. Plus, Qiqi had recently made some pastries, so if they got hungry at night, a few steps would lead to snacks, and they could enjoy tea or coffee. Zhao Rongrong briefly worried about gaining weight from all the snacking and drinking but immediately suppressed the thought. She knew she'd been working incredibly hard lately—walking after dinner every night and walking to and from classes daily. Her coursework was so heavy; Zhao Rongrong felt it was a minor miracle she wasn't losing weight, so worrying about a few pounds was unnecessary.

Wang Qiqi certainly didn't want to huddle in the living room. Upstairs was far too comfortable—a large desk perfect for working or reading. When tired, she could stretch with a few yoga poses or just roll around on the floor. Such movements were impossible in the living room. But seeing the pleading looks from the two present, Wang Qiqi found it impossible to refuse.

"I still have a manuscript that needs finishing," Wang Qiqi explained, and it wasn't an excuse; she genuinely had a draft waiting. Even the quietest keyboard clicks still made noise, and she didn't want to disturb their studying.

The problem Wang Qiqi worried about, Zhang Yan and the others had already devised a solution for. They pulled out headphones from beside them. "Once we put on headphones, we won't hear anything, right?"

"Exactly. Besides, some of our assignments need to be done on the computer, too. Oh, Qiqi, I think we should buy a printer," Zhang Yan suddenly remembered something important. Redoing work done on the computer by hand was tiresome. She had seen some assignments submitted that were printed—the handwriting was so neat. Zhang Yan had been thinking about buying a printer someday; it saved time and effort, and the professors could read it clearly.

A printer? Wang Qiqi had no objection to the suggestion; having such a device would certainly make submitting assignments much easier. But the issue was who would pay for it—it would require a group decision, and they'd have to consider whether to get an inkjet or a laser printer. "I have no objections," she stated.

When such a good opportunity arose, Zhao Rongrong certainly didn't object either; she was already thinking about how she wouldn't have to practice calligraphy herself anymore. "Rui Rui and the others will agree too." Nobody would oppose a chance to be this lazy.

The three of them then began to research exactly which type of printer they should buy, so that once everyone approved, they could immediately bring the machine home.