Han Tao caught the subtle shift in Wang Qiqi’s stance, a softening that let out a quiet breath of relief. He laid out their idea. “Honestly, Fatty and I aren’t sure if this can truly succeed.” In this world, so many notions and concepts existed, but not all of them materialized, or if they did, they didn't necessarily turn a profit.

“We talked with JOHN afterward, and he thought it was solid; he agreed to come on board. You know he’s always wanted to strike out on his own, but he never found the right opportunity or the right partners,” Han Tao stated plainly. “Fatty and I are strictly the technical types. Asking us to face clients is nearly impossible. But JOHN is quite the talker, and his technical skills are good too. Fatty and I feel the three of us partnering up is a great fit.”

Wang Qiqi had to concede this point. If it were just the two of them, she’d genuinely worry. The best product in the world amounts to nothing if you can't sell it. While Han Tao’s gift of gab was decent, his skill level wasn't quite enough to bamboozle investors. In today’s IT sector, having a good idea and a prototype isn't enough to lure in funding; even if you manage it, most of those investors just want to take advantage, especially when you’re just starting out and have only seen minor progress or initial success. Wang Qiqi knew Han Tao preferred sticking to the technical work. As for Fatty, he was even less suited for the business side than Han Tao. Two technically-focused partners running a business had a high probability of ending in dismal failure. Given that, it was better not to risk it.

However, Wang Qiqi hadn't anticipated JOHN partnering with them.

Wang Qiqi recalled JOHN mentioning his desire to start his own venture a while back. Why was he still hanging around now? He was pushing to start his own business ages ago, why is he still here? Wang Qiqi thought. JOHN didn't strike her as someone lacking initiative. Moreover, he possessed both ability and connections; there was no logical reason for him to stay put.

“JOHN was planning to leave, but something happened, so he didn't go. I’m not entirely sure of the specifics,” Han Tao murmured, lowering his voice slightly. “It seems the negotiations with the other party didn't go well. You know how assertive JOHN can be.”

Wang Qiqi understood immediately. It sounded like the potential partner JOHN sought was equally strong-willed, both vying for the leading position, which soured things from the outset. If it started badly, of course, the partnership wouldn't continue—otherwise, JOHN wouldn't have approached Han Tao to team up.

But Wang Qiqi quickly grasped another implication. “And you’re partnering with him?” Although she had met and dined with JOHN, he wasn’t a complete stranger. Still, that wasn't a work environment. JOHN might be fine socially, but when it came to the company and money, his character could shift drastically. What then? If a truly insurmountable problem arose, Wang Qiqi was certain that only Han Tao and Fatty would suffer the loss, never JOHN.

Han Tao noticed Wang Qiqi’s sudden tension, realizing she was worried about potential conflict with JOHN. Truthfully, he and Fatty had worried and discussed this too. But they had reached a conclusion: “If we don't partner with JOHN, who else do you think we could collaborate with? Maybe he is a bit dominant, but he doesn't place an excessive value on money; he won’t drastically change over that. JOHN, regardless, did not grow up in an environment lacking wealth. He enjoys money, but he has a limit.” He added, “Besides, at the beginning, everyone will be solely focused on building the company well; they won't be overthinking things. And JOHN’s leadership should guide us onto an entirely new path. We can gel over a few years, and once the company is bigger and stronger, even if JOHN wants to bring in new partners, he’ll weigh whether it's better to stick with us or bring in a wolf.” If they worked together for years, they’d know each other well. Furthermore, Han Tao and Fatty weren't the type to seize power; they’d stick to what was rightfully theirs. Against a partner like that, if JOHN still harbored intentions of pushing them out, Han Tao admitted he’d be helpless.

“If the company gets big and he tries to move against us, we aren't pushovers either. We’ll just sell him our shares, as long as the price is fair,” Han Tao thought. If it ever reached that point, there would be no niceties. “I refuse to believe that if my first entrepreneurial venture succeeds, my second one won’t!”

Seeing Han Tao so confident, Wang Qiqi said no more. Since he and Fatty had already considered all these angles, it meant they had deliberated on the partnership with JOHN many times. From the current perspective, working with JOHN seemed like a good move. “Then, can I join in?” Since Han Tao was seriously moving forward with JOHN, Wang Qiqi wondered if she could claim a piece of the pie. Although she wasn't proficient in computer programming, after listening to Han Tao’s simplest explanation, her mind screamed that she absolutely could not miss this—she would regret it to death if she did. Wang Qiqi increasingly felt that this software bore a striking resemblance to a certain hugely popular social media application from a later era, albeit in its rudimentary form. But with a framework in place, perfecting it wouldn't be an issue. At worst, with Wang Qiqi around, she could offer a few pointers. And if things truly went sour, Wang Qiqi wouldn't agree to Han Tao selling his shares. Hmph, even if we leave, our hard work must transform us into billionaires living lives of leisure without working. Selling stock prematurely would be the act of a fool.

“Qiqi, you’re planning to invest?” Han Tao hadn't expected Qiqi to show interest. His first thought was, “You aren’t just supporting this because it’s my venture, are you?” That would give Han Tao a sense of failure, feeling like she wasn't backing the idea because it was sound.

Wang Qiqi kept her head down while showering and missed Han Tao’s slightly crestfallen expression. “I almost want to say I’m supporting it because of you, but sadly, I won’t support your venture simply because of you. I genuinely feel this startup of yours is guaranteed to succeed. Are you welcoming it?” Hmph, I’m certainly not going to support this because you exist. I don't make money easily; I can’t just throw it into the water. Of course, I’m aiming for the maximum return.

When Han Tao heard that Qiqi was investing because she approved of his idea and declared his success inevitable, how could he not be overjoyed? In his mind, anything Qiqi deemed profitable would indeed make money. “Really? Then I’ve struck gold this time!” Although the decision to start the company was final, Han Tao was deeply uneasy. Sometimes he dreamt of entrepreneurial failure, his mother scolding him, and Qiqi looking at him with profound disappointment. But now that Qiqi was so certain, Han Tao felt genuinely reassured.

Wang Qiqi watched the man running excitedly around the room, utterly ignoring her previous questions. She sighed. This guy… it wasn't time to celebrate yet. Celebration should wait until the venture truly succeeded and she was a bona fide billionaire. “Why are you getting excited now? Did you win a multi-million dollar lottery?” Wang Qiqi called out irritably. “Hurry up and wash these vegetables.” Hmph. Since you have the energy to run around aimlessly, you can help with chores instead of wasting that energy.

“Yes, yes,” Han Tao happily went to Wang Qiqi’s side, taking the items she handed him and starting to clean them. “Qiqi, hearing you say that puts me much more at ease. You have no idea how often I dream of my startup failing…”

Wang Qiqi stood quietly beside him, listening as he confessed his inner anxieties, detailing his recent worries, JOHN running around making contacts, and their search for investors. “Qiqi, JOHN has some connections, he knows quite a few people, but hardly anyone was willing to invest. Those who showed even a slight interest either offered meager funds while demanding a huge stake, or they insisted we produce tangible results first. I watched JOHN get so exhausted, and it suddenly made me realize how incredibly hard it must be if I try to start a business.”

Wang Qiqi hadn't realized they were already seeking investments; it seemed their plans had progressed beyond her imagination. “So, have you resigned yet?” Wang Qiqi’s concern was specifically about this. Since JOHN was already approaching potential investors, she assumed he must have quit. No boss would willingly tolerate an employee working on a separate venture while collecting a salary. If JOHN had resigned, had Han Tao done so too?

“I haven’t resigned; I’m staying until March. JOHN has resigned,” Han Tao cautiously looked up at Wang Qiqi, relieved to see she wasn't angry. Han Tao felt keeping his job was good news; if Qiqi knew he had already quit, he anticipated her fury would be even greater—she’d feel completely out of the loop on everything. “I’ve figured it out: my current achievements qualify me for a scholarship, which covers my living and tuition expenses for the second semester. And I pre-paid a year’s rent.”

Wang Qiqi stared at Han Tao meticulously calculating his expenses, feeling a surge of anger. “Resigning? Is that what I’m worried about? I’m worried you won’t have enough money! I know you well enough; if you’re short on funds, you absolutely won't tell me. You’ll just scrimp on food.” Didn't Wang Qiqi know Han Tao? He was the type who valued face above all else; even if he were eating instant noodles, he’d tell her he was having a feast, as if discussing hardship was somehow degrading. “If you do resign, tell me immediately. The money I earn from translation will cover our living expenses. If that’s not enough, we’ll just sell the apartment in Beijing.” Wang Qiqi never considered selling the house in the US. Even if she were willing, her family would strongly oppose it; to them, buying that house signified settling down in the States. Selling it, even for a startup, would feel like a regression. In that case, it was better to liquidate the Beijing property. “Just the apartment we bought.” The commercial property held greater appreciation potential and high rental income, so that was off-limits.

Sell the Beijing house? Han Tao was startled by Wang Qiqi’s words. “No, no need for that. The initial costs aren’t that high, and my living expenses aren't much.” Over the past six months, the Beijing property had appreciated steadily, significantly more than when they first moved to the city. He projected prices would continue to rise. Was selling now premature? If his venture succeeded, buying ten more wouldn't be a big deal. But if the startup failed... that would be a massive loss.

“You want to rely on selling the house for your living expenses?” Wang Qiqi tapped Han Tao’s forehead lightly. “The money I earn is enough for both our living expenses. The money from selling the house is for buying shares.” Wang Qiqi had considered accepting a slightly disadvantageous position early on to secure a fixed percentage of equity. Even if it looked like a bad deal now, if the company developed into that massive internet giant of the future, she would certainly be laughing. Though she didn't know if she could persuade JOHN, Wang Qiqi was determined to try.

Selling the house to gain equity. Han Tao quickly did the math in his head. “Ah, Qiqi, you plan to invest over a hundred thousand?” That wasn't Renminbi; that was US Dollars! “You realize JOHN hasn't managed to secure that much investment yet.” Han Tao felt a surge of anxiety. Even though Qiqi promised great wealth, injecting such a large sum all at once felt unsettling. If the company grew, the money invested now would return manifold. This thought left Han Tao extremely conflicted. “I can also take some technical shares.”

“Technical shares are fine, but once we see results, plenty of people will show up waving checkbooks demanding to invest. Do you think your share percentage won't drop then?” Wang Qiqi shot him a look. “Besides, now is the best time to invest for maximum return. I don't know the future prospects, but I have faith in you guys—or perhaps, faith in your concept. I think if you keep following this line of thinking, you will definitely grow.”

Han Tao looked at Wang Qiqi’s almost prophetic expression and chuckled inwardly. “Fine, fine. Since JOHN is looking for investors anyway, your investment is as good as anyone’s. I’ll talk to him later. It will save him running around lately; he’s been quite stressed. If he secures a fourth investor, I bet he’ll be thrilled.” Especially if Qiqi was putting in money, it wouldn’t be a small sum. JOHN might not sleep well after hearing the news.

What? She was the fourth investor? Wasn't he just saying they hadn't secured any investment? Wait, Wang Qiqi suddenly remembered something. “Don’t tell me the first three investors are the three of you? Didn't JOHN’s father invest?” Didn't Han Tao mention that after retirement, JOHN’s father often invested in small IT companies, waiting to see which ones might grow? Even if only one out of twenty turned out well, that single success could offset the losses from the other nineteen. Moreover, his judgment was reportedly good, investing in solid companies with huge returns. Why hadn’t JOHN’s old man offered support for his son’s venture, especially since, in Qiqi’s view, this plan was genuinely excellent?

Han Tao shook his head and let out a long breath. “He thinks our idea is a bit too whimsical and doubts we’ll succeed.” If even he thought that, he naturally wouldn't invest. Foreigners aren't obligated to fund their children’s businesses just because they are their children; they draw a clear line on that.

Wang Qiqi thought about JOHN’s father considering the plan without promise and wondered about his judgment. Then she realized: if she hadn't been reborn, she might hold the same view as many others. “Looks like this is truly our chance to get rich,” Wang Qiqi thought, overjoyed. The fact that these magnates looked down on this opportunity was precisely her chance to profit. Otherwise, how could a poor person like her compete with those titans who had both capital and connections?

Han Tao looked at Wang Qiqi’s greedy expression. “Don't worry, I’ll ask JOHN tonight. We will definitely get rich.” His wife getting rich was a good thing; she wouldn't have to run around constantly trying to earn money. Han Tao knew Qiqi preferred staying home if she had enough money to live on, rather than traipsing around everywhere—it was too tiring for her. As for people calling him a useless man dependent on his wife later on, Han Tao wouldn't care; he’d heard those words before.

The thought of future wealth made Wang Qiqi ecstatic. “Tao, you know what? I am genuinely happy. I originally planned to retire around forty, but thanks to you, I might retire by thirty.” She could earn enough money to live comfortably for the rest of her life, perhaps even start doing what she wanted now, but she couldn’t just indulge her happiness while ignoring everything else.

When Wang Qiqi was happy, she stopped worrying about what the man was doing, hugged him, jumping and bouncing, occasionally peppering him with kisses.

Seeing Wang Qiqi looking so incredibly happy, Han Tao thought he had finally managed to soothe her. “Are you happy now? Are you no longer angry with me?”

Wang Qiqi currently had no reason to be angry. “You’ve already sorted everything out. What would I be angry about? Besides, I might just get incredibly rich off you.” Hahaha, although Song Ziwen and the others were doing well now, Wang Qiqi was certain she would surpass them eventually. “Tao, I truly love you to death. If it weren’t for you, I never would have reached my goal so quickly.” Wang Qiqi never imagined she would actually become a billionaire, measured in US dollars—it was a huge surprise.

Han Tao saw Wang Qiqi so genuinely delighted and seized his opportunity. “You’re happy now? You scared me to death.” Han Tao’s smile vanished, and his face stretched into a long, stern look as he stared at Wang Qiqi.

Wang Qiqi was shocked at how quickly Han Tao’s mood shifted. “Hey, what’s with the sudden outburst? Why the strange anger? Are you still upset about me giving you the cold shoulder before?” Wang Qiqi had forgotten some things after waking up; she only remembered being annoyed with him after picking her up from the airport, treating him with all sorts of icy disdain.

“Am I such a petty person?” Han Tao retorted, annoyed.

Wang Qiqi muttered, “You are.” Hmph. If you weren’t, why bring up old grievances now?

He was still arguing back with her. “Have you forgotten the speed you were driving on the way back?” Han Tao kindly reminded her. He doubted she wouldn’t remember after that comment.

Wang Qiqi’s mouth gaped wide. “Ah, ah, well, I was a little angry, wasn’t I?” In any case, time to admit fault. Wang Qiqi felt intense regret. Why had she let him off so easily before? No wonder the man kept asking if she was still angry—he was waiting for this exact moment. “If it weren't for you…”

Seeing Wang Qiqi trying to shift the blame, Han Tao cleared his throat. “Don’t forget you said you weren’t angry anymore. That issue is settled. Now we’re discussing your driving.”

Aargh, Wang Qiqi was furious, but what could she do? She had to admit she’d been maneuvered by him. “I apologize, but I was still within the legal limit.” Wang Qiqi would admit fault, but only up to a point. She still had to explain. “Alright, dinner’s ready. I’ll go prepare the hot pot.”

Wang Qiqi saw that the man had already arranged all the ingredients necessary for hot pot and immediately darted to the cupboard to get the utensils. “Today, I’ll let you taste authentic aged hot pot. Too bad Yanyan isn't here, or you could try her dipping sauce; the flavor is absolutely perfect.”

Han Tao watched Wang Qiqi bustling about, not calling her to stop. If she wanted to show off, let her. But he’d make sure she knew this issue wasn't over later, especially since she hadn't truly acknowledged her mistake. Her apology lacked sincerity. Han Tao wasn't necessarily demanding an apology; he worried that Wang Qiqi might drive recklessly like that again in the future. Even though she was an experienced driver, speeding could easily lead to accidents, particularly since she sometimes returned late at night. He absolutely needed to teach her a lesson.

Wang Qiqi kept an eye on Han Tao, wondering what to do if he didn’t accept her insincere apology. To her surprise, Han Tao didn't bring it up again. They chatted happily over dinner, and afterward, he even helped her clear the table. This made Wang Qiqi feel strange, but seeing Han Tao’s unchanging expression, she relaxed the tension in her heart.

As Han Tao washed the dishes, he noticed Wang Qiqi’s expression softening considerably, realizing she must think he had let her off the hook. Alas, a mere girl is still just a girl; was he truly the sort of person who let someone off so easily?

While washing the dishes, Wang Qiqi suddenly felt a chill wind sweep over her, causing her to shiver violently. "Oh dear, could Manman be thinking of me?" Qiqi had absolutely no idea that the source of her sudden chill was Han Tao. She assumed Comrade Shi Man, back home in the country, was thinking about needing to place an order. Hmph, she was a wicked person, a truly terrible person.

Shi Man, waiting to be picked up at the airport, couldn't stop sneezing. She felt a strange sensation, wondering who could possibly be speaking ill of her. Could it be Qiqi? That wasn't out of the question, considering she had returned to China for the New Year while that certain someone was still slaving away in England, grinding to make money. Qiqi must surely be feeling resentful. Shi Man decided that for the sake of that poor soul, she would absolutely go back and tell her all about the delicious food and fun times she was having during this trip home, just to make the other person green with envy over her good fortune.