After completing a series of yoga poses, Wang Qiqi walked to the window and glanced outside. "It’s still snowing." It must have been snowing for almost twenty-four hours now; it hadn't stopped at all. Of course, the snowfall wasn't as dense as before, but she couldn't help but wonder if a major blizzard was still coming. In this era without television or the internet, having a radio to gather outside information was truly necessary. Unfortunately, the radio—something that felt so archaic the moment it was mentioned—was something Wang Qiqi certainly didn't possess. She hadn't felt its absence much before, but now, during a power outage, the importance of a radio became painfully clear.

When Fatty heard the snow hadn't stopped, he cried out, "Why is this happening? Water and gas are fine, but why is the power out?" Alas, if he could choose one of the three utilities to lose, Fatty would have preferred no gas. But fate wouldn't let him choose. "If this keeps up, I'm worried the snow will be head-high." On days like this, even snowplows couldn't operate. He was grateful they had stocked up enough food beforehand, otherwise Fatty truly feared they would starve to death here.

Wang Qiqi also looked worried. "Is there still enough charge in the battery?" To conserve power, Han Tao and the others had only used one computer that day. Although the computer had its own battery backup, it only lasted about six hours before completely dying after dinner. Afterward, they connected a laptop to the power bank. As for Wang Qiqi, she had finished all her necessary tasks before four o'clock, even rescheduling her daily shower to the afternoon, all just to save a bit of candle wax.

"Enough for three days, maybe," Han Tao sighed. He held out no hope that they would get twenty hours of electricity over these next few days. "I'd be satisfied if we could get three hours of electricity each day," Han Tao prayed, though the odds were slim. Even in their own country, heavy snow like this wouldn't stop the power company workers from rushing to repair lines, let alone overseas where labor is extremely expensive and human life highly valued, making it unlikely the power companies would dispatch crews.

"You can sleep now." Fatty entered the final line of commands into the computer and, after a moment, beamed happily. "Tao, although we worked for a short time today, the results are excellent. It can run completely." If the program could run, it meant today hadn't been wasted effort, which greatly relieved Fatty; at least today's progress wasn't too slow.

Fatty's relief was shared by Han Tao. "Since it's working, turn the computer off to save power, and let's continue discussing tomorrow's tasks." While they couldn't tinker with things non-stop like before, the efficiency was good, suggesting that discussing first and then inputting data into the computer was indeed a solid approach. Still, Han Tao wasn't particularly fond of this working style. "Oh, Qiqi, did you need the computer?" Han Tao suddenly remembered that Qiqi had mentioned wanting to use it earlier, but then he noticed she was just huddled by the fireplace reading, never even touching the machine.

"I've connected with Manman; she's taking care of that part." Wang Qiqi realized later that even if she finished translating the manuscript, she wouldn't have a way to email it to Uncle Ye and the others—it would still be pointless work. Fortunately, Shi Man was currently staying at her maternal home; otherwise, Wang Qiqi wouldn't have known where to find her.

When Fatty heard Qiqi didn't need the computer, he saved his work and quickly shut the machine down. Electricity was a precious resource that absolutely had to be conserved.

The moment Fatty closed the computer, he pulled Han Tao over to squat beside the fireplace. He wasn't looking for food; it was just that the fireplace provided light, brighter than two lit candles. They each poured a cup of tea and sat there, chatting about how to finalize the program and plan tomorrow's assignments. Initially, they discussed things quite amicably; Wang Qiqi thought it was genuinely cooperative, but slowly, things went awry, and the two started arguing.

"Your approach is definitely wrong..." Fatty stood up excitedly, one hand on his hip, the other waving incessantly, looking ready to hammer his point home to Han Tao.

Han Tao was usually a mild-mannered young man, but when it came to his area of expertise, he wouldn't yield. He stood up too, waving both hands as he explained his own line of thinking. "Yours is the one that's wrong! You forgot that yesterday you insisted your idea was right, but the facts proved mine was correct." This statement clearly indicated Fatty's logic from the previous day had been flawed, making Han Tao more agitated today. In his view, if one mistake was made, a second was inevitable.

Fatty was choked by Han Tao’s words. He hadn't expected this guy to bluntly point out that his idea from yesterday was wrong. While it was true, that was history, wasn't it? "Fine, my thinking yesterday was wrong; I admit it. But that doesn't mean my thinking today is wrong! Hmph, why don't we both try running our methods on the computer?" Fatty refused to back down easily, wanting Han Tao to see whose logic failed.

"Do you think this is normal times?" Han Tao shot Fatty a look. "If we had power, would I be wasting time arguing with you here?" With this energy, it would be better to just run the simulation and let facts decide who was right. The power outage made Han Tao deeply frustrated.

Fatty also sighed. "Forget it, let's keep discussing." Since they couldn't use the computer to prove themselves right or wrong, they returned to discussion, hoping they could reach a consensus eventually.

Wang Qiqi, having witnessed their intense argument that afternoon, was already accustomed to it. She groped in the dark to the bathroom to brush her teeth and rinse her mouth. "I'm going to bed." In this state without electricity or the ability to go out, Wang Qiqi finally understood the meaning of 'work from sunrise to sunset and rest at sunset.' She also understood why ancient people were so productive—they went to bed too early because there was simply nothing else to do. But perhaps this was good; sleeping so little every day previously had been damaging to her health. If the power had remained on, Wang Qiqi swore she wouldn't have gone to sleep before midnight. This could be a good chance to recuperate: doing yoga, housework, taking an afternoon nap, and sleeping early. Wang Qiqi found this lifestyle quite leisurely and perfectly suited to her. "Keep your voices down when you talk," she cautioned them one last time.

Han Tao hummed an acknowledgment, signaling they would be careful. Wang Qiqi turned over, facing away from the fireplace, preparing to sleep. Han Tao, however, continued discussing seriously with Fatty. At first, they were mindful of their tone, but as people get emotional, they often forget things. They focused only on describing their ideas, trying to force the other to concede. Naturally, their voices grew louder. Wang Qiqi, already tucked into bed, was highly displeased. It was incredibly hard to drift off; just as sleepiness began to set in, the loud arguing would start again. Wang Qiqi coughed slightly to signal them to be quiet, and the noise would subside briefly, but it wouldn't be long before they resumed. At this point, Wang Qiqi was genuinely annoyed.

"What are you still discussing? It’s almost ten-thirty; just go to sleep and discuss it early tomorrow morning." Since it was bedtime, they should just sleep. "Don't disturb the neighbors next door; getting the police involved would be a hassle," Wang Qiqi threatened.

Fatty felt completely unfazed by this threat. "Go ahead and call the police. I doubt they'd even respond." In this terrible weather, not just the police but even criminals would be reluctant to venture out. There were no streetlights, and with heavy snow, one wrong step could land you in a snowdrift, and congratulations—when the snow finally melted, they'd find a perfectly preserved modern iceman.

"Let's sleep; I'm tired too," Han Tao yawned, swaying slightly as he headed to the bathroom. He didn't need a candle, relying only on the faint glow from the fireplace to navigate. Since the area where they were sitting in the living room was positioned such that the bathroom wouldn't be visible, everyone felt secure about their movements.

With both people he was debating with saying they were going to bed, what else could Fatty do? "I wonder what my Weiwei is doing. Probably busy preparing her thesis and hustling for money." Looking at Han Tao and Wang Qiqi, Fatty missed his girlfriend increasingly. "I haven't seen Weiwei in almost two years. Even video calls aren't enough." If he didn't video call, he wouldn't miss her as much, but seeing Lu Qiaowei across the ocean on the computer only made Fatty feel worse. "Qiqi, if I calculate correctly, you and Han Tao will have been apart for almost two years too, right? But you two are luckier; Han Tao got to go back for his diploma, see you off to school, and now he’s reunited with you here. Since I went to the States, I haven't seen Weiwei in person even once."

"We'll see each other soon. Oh, by the way, I heard from my sister that you plan to register your marriage once Weiwei gets to the States?" Wang Qiqi was startled when she first heard this news. If Song Yao hadn't repeatedly assured her she wasn't mistaken, claiming Lu Qiaowei had said it herself, Wang Qiqi would have thought she misheard. Qiqi just felt the pace was too fast. She hadn't asked Fatty these past two years because he was busy with work, and the subject hadn't come up until Fatty mentioned Lu Qiaowei. Wang Qiqi seized the opportunity to ask. Although Fatty and Lu Qiaowei's relationship seemed stable these past two years, Wang Qiqi felt that after such a long separation, with different environments shaping them—even with the internet connecting their feelings—online communication was different from face-to-face interaction. Wang Qiqi herself felt a slight gap had formed with Han Tao. While marriage was a guarantee for Weiwei, she felt it was better to spend some time together first, to see if they were still the same after being apart for so long.

"Ah, you're going to register your marriage with Weiwei?" Han Tao emerged from the bathroom after finishing his hygiene routine, hearing such explosive news. A rush of emotions flooded him. Even Fatty was thinking of marriage, and he hadn't even brought it up with Qiqi yet. Han Tao cautiously glanced toward Wang Qiqi. Although he knew Qiqi might not notice his expression, he could feel his own face flushing red.

"Is my getting married strange?" Fatty asked, puzzled. Why did everyone think this news was so odd? "I'm not exactly a player, am I?" He wasn't a man who played games; he was a good man! "Weiwei and I have been dating for so many years, and I’m not the type to constantly court women. Weiwei fits my requirements for a wife, so I just want to settle down."

So, Fatty’s reason for wanting to marry was simply that he thought someone suited him, and he didn't want the hassle of pursuing and adapting to a new woman. In Wang Qiqi's eyes, this seemed a bit irresponsible. Maybe Fatty didn't want change now, but what if he met a girl who deeply captivated him later, and his relationship with Weiwei wasn't going well then? In that case, Lu Qiaowei would be the one to suffer.

Han Tao also sensed something off in Fatty's words. He paused, carefully organizing his language, hoping Fatty wouldn't think he was trying to dissuade him just because he hadn't proposed to Qiqi yet, leading him to want to dismantle Fatty's marriage plans. While Han Tao admitted he had a slight impulse in that direction, his primary motive was concern for them. "Fatty, I don't think you should rush into marriage right now. Listen to me."

The moment Han Tao said this, Fatty became agitated, a displeased smile spreading across his face. He truly thought Han Tao was worried that Qiqi might be unhappy about his decision to marry Weiwei, and Han Tao was rushing to smooth things over. But this had nothing to do with him, Fatty felt deeply wronged.

"You and Weiwei have been in contact online, and Sister Yaoyao confirms she's been fine and hasn't done anything to betray you. But think about it: how has your past year plus in the US been, and how has she been managing back home? Can your perspectives and ways of thinking still align?" Han Tao asked. Don't be fooled by the fact that Lu Qiaowei was in China; compared to the US, it was a less developed country, but Lu Qiaowei was helping Song Yao manage her business, interacting with wealthy people and absorbing various news. Even though she was still a student, her mindset was changing. Meanwhile, Fatty, despite going to the US, was still an honest IT homebody, not much different from his life back home—except for a few girls hitting on him, which he hadn't pursued anyway. What if Lu Qiaowei reached the US, which she had longed for, only to find Fatty hadn't changed much since college? How would she feel then?

"Besides, you're about to start your venture. To be honest, even though we think it has potential, and Qiqi sees promise, success isn't guaranteed..." Han Tao knew that even if he failed, Qiqi wouldn't leave him. But could Lu Qiaowei offer the same guarantee? Frankly, Han Tao couldn't be sure, and neither could Fatty, probably.

Fatty truly couldn't guarantee it. If the venture succeeded and he became wealthy, it would be a win-win, and Weiwei would be seen as having climbed to the top alongside him—no shame. But if the startup failed, he'd have to find a new job and start over from the bottom. What would Lu Qiaowei think? Fatty genuinely couldn't guarantee it. In a place like the US, there was no concept of "she has a boyfriend or husband, so I won't pursue her." If someone was interested, they would actively make a move. In that scenario, wouldn't he lose both his career and his love life?

"But I promised Weiwei's father that we would register our marriage after she went to the US." Fatty admitted that what Han Tao said made sense. If he truly failed and Weiwei found someone else, there would be no need for her to carry the stigma of divorce. But the problem was, this was a promise he had made personally to her father when he visited, and as a man, he couldn't just go back on his word.

Han Tao and Wang Qiqi understood. So, the reason Fatty was so quick to agree to marriage was because of a promise to his future father-in-law. Han Tao thought, That makes more sense. Otherwise, why would Fatty agree so readily? He probably didn't want to give Weiwei's father any excuses. Realizing this, Han Tao felt slightly better. At least Fatty's motive wasn't solely romantic; there was an element of obligation involved. However, at this moment, he wouldn't taunt Fatty in front of him and Qiqi, lest Fatty turn his ire on him, leading to a disaster. "Agreeing to Weiwei's father was unavoidable."

Wang Qiqi secretly chuckled inwardly. So, Han Tao's earnest persuasion was just to find out why Fatty wanted to marry so young. To be honest, Wang Qiqi didn't place as much importance on marriage as Fatty seemed to. For her, marriage was just a piece of paper; it was sturdy if the other person loved you, but fragile enough to shatter with the slightest disturbance if love faded. However, Han Tao's anxiety made her quite happy; it meant this man still valued her.

Fatty looked at the two speechless people. "Sigh, forget it. If we're getting married, we're getting married. I've already decided on Weiwei." Could the women outside be as virtuous as Weiwei? Even if she changed her mind, there was nothing that could be done. Fatty decided to take the gamble. "My mom always says a man should establish his family before achieving success. Once the rear base is secure, a man has more drive fighting outside." Although Fatty suspected his mother just wanted him to marry early and have a baby for her to look after.

Wang Qiqi agreed with Fatty's mother's sentiment. "Mmm, marrying early and having kids early forces a man to grow up fast. If he doesn't grow fast, he has to, because he has a wife and child to support. The pressure is immense; how can he not strive?"

Fatty suddenly realized that he had just inadvertently revealed his true thoughts to Han Tao. Hmph, he could imagine how smug Han Tao must be feeling right now. This couldn't continue; he couldn't let Han Tao hold this over him. Fatty could foresee that even when he had sons or grandsons, this guy might still tell them why his parents/grandparents married so early—not just because of love, but because he promised her father. The thought was unbearable. "I've put marriage on the agenda. Han Tao, when are you planning to marry Qiqi? You two have been a couple for five years now, right?" Although Han Tao insisted their relationship solidified after the college entrance exams, according to a certain well-informed source, they had been flirting since their junior year of high school, their affection already too deep to hide.

Han Tao knew Fatty wouldn't let him off easily. But he wouldn't dodge this topic. While he and Qiqi hadn't explicitly discussed marriage, hadn't they discussed having children? In Han Tao's mind, having children was something done only after marriage. As for so-called out-of-wedlock births, sorry, those were outside his scope of acceptance. Moreover, Han Tao always sensed that Qiqi lacked much confidence in marriage, which he found strange, given how good her parents' marriage was. If Fatty’s antics could inspire Qiqi to consider marriage, Han Tao vowed to treat Fatty to a huge meal upon returning to the US as thanks.

But before Han Tao could state his position, Wang Qiqi spoke up. "I think Han Tao and I are in a very good place right now. I don't care about having that marriage certificate." While housing in China might require a marriage certificate, it wasn't the case abroad. Besides, domestic requirements wouldn't look at it much in the future either, perhaps only needing it for spot checks. "It's so much freer without a marriage certificate. Otherwise, people will immediately label you as a married woman who has to do what married women are supposed to do." In Wang Qiqi's view, there wasn't much increase in rights, but there were many more obligations—definitely exhausting.

Han Tao knew Qiqi felt this way. He sighed internally but dared not show it on his face. "Qiqi and I are like an old married couple; you can't apply the same standards you have with Weiwei to us."

"Fatty, I think you should talk to Weiwei and see what her decision is. Whatever the outcome, let her communicate with her father," Wang Qiqi advised. After all, divorce was never a pleasant prospect in her eyes; it was best avoided if possible.

Fatty was stunned. What was going on? Wasn't it said that there were men unwilling to marry, but never women unwilling to marry? Sigh, whatever. It wasn't his problem to manage. Besides, with Han Tao’s mother around, and Qiqi’s aunts and cousins, they wouldn't just stand by and let Qiqi stay with Han Tao without any formal status, would they? "Let's sleep. I plan to talk to Weiwei. If she’s willing, then we’ll get married." Fatty conceded that Qiqi's suggestion had merit. If Weiwei wasn't ready to marry and wanted to wait a few years, she could communicate that to her father. In any case, it wouldn't be his problem.

Han Tao glared at the fatty, who wouldn't even bother washing his face, with utter disdain. "Seriously, you're being too much of a slob," he said. Yet, Han Tao felt he really needed to find a moment to talk to Qiqi about marriage. He desperately wanted to know why she was so afraid of matrimony, or rather, why she seemed so fixated on divorce. Otherwise, why would she keep urging Fatty to talk things over with Weiwei and then decide whether or not they should get married?

Lying under the covers, Han Tao kept turning Qiqi's thoughts over in his mind. Had he said something unusual recently? Or had something happened to someone close to Qiqi? He racked his brain, but besides Wang Rui’s parents divorcing, he couldn’t recall anyone else going through a split. Besides, given how strained Qiqi’s relationship with the Wang Rui family was, he was certain she would secretly rejoice over the divorce. In short, it was all a complete mystery. RS