Zhang Yan watched Shi Man select a few pig trotters and felt rather perplexed. “I didn’t think we were having pig trotter soup today.” It was because Qiqi had mentioned that the collagen in stewed pig trotters was excellent for the skin, so they usually bought some to stew, but they had just eaten it yesterday; why buy more? Even though it was good for the skin, eating it constantly became tiresome.

“Qiqi requested it.” Shi Man’s face was as sour as bitter melon. Seeing these pig trotters now made her nauseous. “She emailed me.” When the boss gave the order, what choice did she have but to comply?

Qiqi requested it? Zhang Yan was even more curious. “Hadn’t she grown sick of it? Why would she want more?” She distinctly remembered Qiqi pinching her nose to swallow the soup last time. How could she want it again after only a few days? “Forget it, buy them. Let’s braise them this time. While the soup is good, pig trotters themselves are really unappetizing.” Braised, at least the trotters would have flavor and be edible.

“Okay, no problem.” Since Qiqi was cooking today, Shi Man was only concerned with whether it tasted good or not.

The first thing Wang Qiqi did upon returning home was drink the cleaned and stewed pig trotter soup before moving on to other things.

The moment Zhang Yan opened the lid, her heart sank. “Manman, is it pig trotter soup again today?” Manman had promised that Qiqi would make braised pig trotters, making Zhang Yan look forward to it for a long time.

Shi Man also had a long face. “I didn’t even say anything; I just saw Qiqi swiftly put the pig trotters into the pot.” Shi Man couldn’t find an opportunity to speak up. “Besides, I think Qiqi isn't in a good mood today.” This was why Shi Man hadn't spoken up earlier. She thought there hadn't been any new additions to the studio; they were all old colleagues they had worked with before, and they were familiar with each other. Moreover, today was the first day of a new project launch; why would she be upset?

“Did her thesis get rejected?” Besides this possibility, Zhang Yan couldn't think of anything else that would make Qiqi unhappy. However, if that were the case, it would certainly explain why Qiqi was so angry. She didn't know when this current task would be completed, and if the thesis required major revisions, it would be a tragedy.

Zhang Yan’s mouth fell open. She wondered if Qiqi could be that unlucky. But if she had indeed encountered something upsetting, it aligned with her insistence on buying pig trotters. “Did she want to eat pig’s foot vermicelli soup to cleanse bad luck?”

Zhang Yan’s forehead was lined with black marks. “Isn't that popular in Hong Kong and Taiwan? Qiqi isn't from there.” Customs vary by region; Qiqi wouldn't do something like that, right?

“I want pig’s foot vermicelli soup.” Wang Qiqi changed her clothes and walked into the kitchen. She had overheard a bit of their discussion. “I ran into something unlucky first thing this morning; if I don’t get rid of some of that bad luck, I’m going to throw up.”

Wang Qiqi’s words left Zhang Yan completely bewildered, and Shi Man, who knew a little more, also expressed her confusion. Hadn’t Qiqi advised her against getting angry with someone earlier? Why was she the one getting angry now? “Did something happen to you again?”

Again? Zhang Yan thought that Wang Qiqi must have encountered at least two unlucky things that morning, and Shi Man knew about one of them, which must have happened at home. After a quick calculation, she realized it must be connected to Shi Hongrui, but what about the second incident?

Wang Qiqi had intended to tell them, but seeing Zhang Yan there, she hesitated. Could she say these things? After thinking it over, she decided to speak. “I lectured Mark first thing this morning.”

“Mark lectured you?” Shi Man was even more confused. Weren’t they getting along well before? Qiqi hadn't mentioned any arguments. How could Qiqi have lectured him in the blink of an eye? Had something happened in between?

Wang Qiqi nodded and then recounted the news about John returning to the US. “I feel so wronged. I genuinely didn't intend for John to invest. I have absolute faith in my man.” Wang Qiqi was furious that Mark was clearly dismissive of the research being done on her man; otherwise, he wouldn't have acted that way. “Just because he lost a lot of money investing in a few internet companies before, is that my fault? Sigh.”

Shi Man understood now; it was all about John’s investment issue. In front of Zhang Yan, she could only keep quiet. Zhang Yan didn't know what to say either. After a long pause, she said, “I’m sorry. Actually, John’s trip to the US is just for investigation. Although he wants to invest, it seems they are a bit reluctant over there, saying they have enough capital.” She had assumed Wang Qiqi and Shi Man would know, but seeing their expressions, they clearly didn’t, so she felt quite embarrassed. “John said if the project is really good, he’ll definitely press them until they agree.”

They actually refused John’s investment? Wang Qiqi and Shi Man were very surprised. Although they both felt it was unnecessary to bring in more shareholders at this stage—it would be better to wait until they achieved something before taking investment—John was the manager. They had agreed that as long as John didn't make major errors in operations, they wouldn't interfere much. They had expected him to agree to John’s investment, but they hadn't anticipated this... “So, he went over there hoping to persuade them?” Wang Qiqi truly admired someone's tenacity. However, she also decided to talk to Mark about this tomorrow; he shouldn't think just because he has some money, he can act superior; there are still people who don't give his little funds a second thought.

Zhang Yan nodded. “I’m not entirely clear on the specifics, but he said he has a feeling that if he misses this, he will definitely regret it, so he absolutely cannot miss out.” Zhang Yan was muttering to herself; it wasn't like she had a sixth sense that was super accurate or anything. How could a grown man have such a feeling? It sounded strange, but since she was his girlfriend, she wouldn't say much. “He also said he had this feeling before, and it made him earn a fortune.”

Shi Man shared Zhang Yan’s sentiment. “How reliable is that kind of feeling? What if he only has that feeling once or twice in his whole life? How would he live?” It didn't sound reliable at all. She felt awkward criticizing his judgment in front of his girlfriend. Fortunately, her Lao Feng wasn't like that; otherwise, she would be worried sick.

Wang Qiqi paused her movements. She wouldn't take John’s words as a joke. Sometimes, feelings could indeed be very accurate, and John having this feeling this time—wasn't he too lucky? Wang Qiqi had confidence in this project due to being reborn, but his strong confidence probably wasn't just a feeling. However, using ‘feeling’ seemed to smooth over quite a few obstacles. “What a lucky person. You see, not only do I think highly of it, even John does. Manman, just wait for the good times ahead.”

“Yes, yes.” Shi Man had seen a certain someone’s smugness quite often lately and was used to it. As long as it made money, that was fine. “By the way, you were unhappy with Mark today; is everything alright?” She was concerned about this issue now. Qiqi could be easygoing, but once her stubborn streak surfaced, no one could stop her unless she figured it out herself. But this time was different; everyone was counting on Mark.

Wang Qiqi felt heartbroken, completely unconcerned with the emotional trauma she had sustained, only focusing on the stock market situation. “He said John would pay attention. Besides, didn't you say you’d ask Yan Yan to check?”

“I forgot; I was rushing all the way here.” Zhang Yan looked down sheepishly.

Shi Man glared at Zhang Yan—she couldn’t even handle such a small matter properly. “Qiqi...” Fortunately, Wang Qiqi was there.

“Don’t look at me.” Wang Qiqi shrugged. “We are starting project operations now, and some things won't be communicated. If the project proceeds smoothly, there won't be any issues. If we run into problems, who knows what complications might arise. Since Mark said John will pay attention, let’s wait for him to sort it out. Failing that, you two can look into it yourselves. We can't rely on others for help forever; we must understand a bit ourselves.”

Shi Hongrui walked into the kitchen and saw the spread of dishes on the counter; her mouth began to water. “The food today looks amazing, a whole table of delicacies.” Hmph, the meal today was comparable to dining at a top restaurant back home. These people were truly biased and heartless.

“There’s no choice. If we want to suck up to them and help with the cleaning, we’ll be busy,” even though Shi Hongrui’s words were harsh, she pretended not to hear. “After this, Manman will be the main cook.”

“Nonsense. If you want us to work, we need good food in return. Let me tell you, even if you don't come home to eat much in the future, your food allowance can’t be less.” Shi Man glanced at Shi Hongrui, humming. She often said Qiqi made money but didn't do housework. Now, Shi Hongrui would see that even if Qiqi wasn't eating at home, she still contributed financially, which was much better than a certain someone.

“Don't worry; I have enough for that.” Wang Qiqi finished rinsing the vegetables and prepared to start cooking. “At least you three will have steak to eat later; I’ll be dealing with burgers, sandwiches, and pizza.” Even if she could alternate or try different places, the taste of all these things would be similar. Wang Qiqi felt like throwing up just thinking about her upcoming meals.

“Do you want us to deliver food? It’ll just cost more for delivery, though?” Shi Man said with a miserly look. “The three of us can take turns delivering food to you. As long as the price is right, I can cook a few Chinese dishes every day.”

Wang Qiqi immediately shoved the money-grubbing Shi Man away. “Dream on. I’ll just eat this stuff. Do you think I’m some nouveau riche?”

Shi Hongrui watched the three of them bickering and felt envious and jealous; it was undeniable. She used to pester Wang Qiqi with Shi Man for this and that, but now she was no longer by their side. Previously, she had tried to spread malicious gossip and constantly show them a sour face in front of Wang Qiqi and Shi Man, hoping they would argue with her. But now, they mostly ignored her, which was a thousand times more painful than Shi Man scolding her.