Song Yao turned and hugged Wang Qiqi tightly. “Take good care of yourself. Don't just bury yourself in work; remember to eat on time. Since you’re living alone, be mindful of security; always look around carefully before entering.” Because Shi Man and the others had decided to go explore elsewhere, Wang Qiqi was the only one remaining at the house, and Song Yao couldn't help but worry. It was a relief that Qiqi usually stayed at the studio.

Wang Qiqi nodded. In truth, she was just waiting for the final closing tasks to be done. After all, having persisted this long, if she were to quit now, she wouldn't get paid, which was an unforgivable prospect for her. “Sis, don't worry. Once the beauty salon opens, I promise I’ll fly back for the opening ceremony.” Truthfully, they weren't planning any grand opening for the salon; it was just meant to be a casual gathering to celebrate.

“Fine. Once things are mostly settled, we’ll hold an online meeting to discuss how to get the beauty salon up and running.” Traveling abroad had certainly broadened Song Yao’s horizons. Her initial thought that the money they’d earned was decent enough to finally relax was instantly crushed. Hearing Wang Qiqi mention they had also invested in some internet company brought back a surge of urgency.

“Okay. As for the property, just discuss it with Nana and go ahead with whatever you decide.” She had no intention of spending all her time online listening to Song Yao constantly report on which location’s property was best.

“But Sis, you should look for a place with nearby parking. More people will be driving when we get more customers; if there’s no place to park, it’ll be a real headache.” Wang Qiqi brought up a critical point. It would be terrible to secure a great location only to find the nearest parking lot was a ten-minute walk away. Considering Beijing’s brutal winters and scorching summers, would those wealthy clients tolerate such inconvenience? It should ideally be something resolved in just a few steps. “If we can find a larger shop space, that’s fine. We can rent out areas we don’t immediately need and renovate them later when business booms.” After all, buying extra property wasn't an issue; even if the salon didn't use it, collecting rent was a sound plan, and they could recoup their initial investment by selling the commercial space later if necessary.

“Don't worry, I know what I’m doing.” Song Yao had learned her lesson once already in this regard. Thankfully, it was early in their venture, and while there were losses, they weren't catastrophic; otherwise, she would have cried her eyes out. She wouldn't make the same mistake arranging things for the beauty salon this time. Getting a bank loan wasn't difficult now, so she might as well set up a bigger operation.

After chatting with Wang Qiqi for a while, Song Yao noticed Luo Hongjuan was still relentlessly giving Han Tao instructions. She lowered her voice, “See? No matter how much you like him, you still can’t compare to Han Tao.” Although she had also been cautioning Qiqi about being careful, Luo Hongjuan only spoke a few words to Qiqi before latching onto Han Tao and talking non-stop. It was blatant favoritism.

Wang Qiqi wasn't as agitated by Luo Hongjuan’s non-stop talking to Han Tao as Song Yao was; after all, they were mother and son. “I don’t have high expectations for my mother-in-law. Just don't be as biased as your mother-in-law, and certainly don't be as annoying as your auntie.” She wasn't her biological mother; how high could her demands be?

Song Yao had intended only to offer Qiqi some well-meaning advice, not expecting the girl to turn the subject back onto her own in-laws. She felt as if she had just shot herself in the foot. “Do you even know how to speak, you brat? But your brother-in-law is busy making money, and he’s given up on trying to reason with his parents. Let them fuss if they want to; we’ve already sold all the houses back home except for that one. They can live there as long as they like. If they spread rumors outside about how unfilial we are, let them. We don't care.”

Song Yao had learned to be clever now. The money she sent for filial piety was always done through the post office, never via bank transfer. On festivals, she had Song Ziwen deliver the gifts around ten o’clock on a weekend morning, ensuring he greeted everyone and mentioned the gift-giving. Though it felt performative, it at least let people know they were providing support regularly, unlike before when they foolishly gave just a little bit of stuff, with the bulk being the holiday stipend. The elders would accept the money and then complain outside that their son was rich but only sent so little throughout the year.

In the past, Song Yao would express real anger when speaking of her in-laws, but now she discussed them as if they were irrelevant strangers. This showed she no longer cared, beyond perhaps finding the situation mildly amusing. That was for the best, saving her brother-in-law from being caught in the middle. “Sis, follow Manman’s lead, listen carefully, and try out the products yourself. Don't just accept what they say, especially since these things go onto people’s faces.” The worst thing in the beauty business is encountering bad products that cause adverse reactions in clients; that would create huge problems.

Song Yao looked at Wang Qiqi, who was still ceaselessly lecturing with a worried expression. A dark line appeared on Song Yao’s forehead. She tried to recall if she had ever done anything unreliable. Everything she’d done had been quite sound; why was Qiqi still so uneasy? “Relax. Your sister also uses cosmetics and knows how important this is.” I’m not some clueless village girl. Apart from not knowing foreign languages, I understand everything else. If my foreign language skills were up to par, Song Yao felt confident she could converse directly with foreigners.

Seeing Luo Hongjuan still clutching Han Tao and issuing endless instructions, Song Yao frowned. Although she hadn’t seen Han Tao in a while, Han Tao hadn't seen Qiqi in a long time either. Song Yao pitied this couple; they’d spent years apart. If they weren't both workaholics, their deep feelings would have faded long ago. It was better to let them communicate properly while they were together. “Auntie Luo, let’s go inside.”

Luo Hongjuan hummed in acknowledgment and, after giving Han Tao a few last-minute instructions, walked over to Wang Qiqi, who was waiting quietly to the side, and hugged her. “Remember to take good care of yourself, don't push yourself too hard; health is the capital for everything. And be safe. If you hear anything that sounds wrong, don’t play the hero; remember to call the police.”

Wang Qiqi nodded and kissed Luo Hongjuan on the cheek. “Auntie, once you’re in France, have a wonderful time. Go wherever you want to go, buy whatever you want to buy, and let my sister pay. You’re on a business trip, the boss should be generous for once.” Wang Qiqi and Song Yao had an agreement: whatever Luo Hongjuan liked, Song Yao would buy. Qiqi would settle the bill with Song Yao later. “If my sister refuses to pay, I will.”

“Forget it; you girls earn your money the hard way.” Luo Hongjuan understood perfectly that if Song Yao paid, it would ultimately be Qiqi footing the bill. If they were economically comfortable, it would be one thing, but Luo Hongjuan knew their funds must be tight after learning her son started an internet company. Regarding the money Qiqi brought back in February to handle the property, Luo Hongjuan finally understood. She had initially worried they’d picked up some bad habits to necessitate selling houses. Her son was starting a company; she couldn't help him, and she certainly couldn't spend their money. “Mom has money here. You two are doing well; I don't need to save much. Don’t worry.”

Luo Hongjuan patted Wang Qiqi’s hand reassuringly and then said goodbye to them before heading to customs to board her flight. “Let’s go find a place to sit for a while.” Han Tao walked up to Wang Qiqi’s side, threw an arm around her shoulder, and suggested finding a spot for coffee to relax. His flight wasn't for another four hours.

Wang Qiqi obediently followed Han Tao to find a place to sit. Standing for so long had been hard on her, especially wearing high heels. After only a few steps, she inwardly cursed her luck—why did she have to run into them? One was enough to ruin her mood, but to encounter both of them face-to-face was too much. Wang Qiqi couldn't even pretend not to see them and turn away; moreover, if she did, they would surely accuse her of being arrogant and disrespectful.

Wang Qiqi managed to force a smile. “Ruirui, Yingying, hello. What are you two…?” Indeed, Wang Qiqi had run into Shi Hongrui and Gong Yingying. They had their suitcases with them, clearly ready to catch a flight. What surprised Qiqi the most wasn't that they were traveling, but that these two were together, and not just as casual friends. They were conversing animatedly, their smiles dazzling. When they saw Wang Qiqi, they too looked surprised. Wang Qiqi found the sight of them together strangely off-putting.

“Hello, Qiqi. Hello, Han Tao.” Gong Yingying hadn't expected to run into Wang Qiqi at the airport. Didn't she have finishing work at the studio that required her to stay? Why was she at the airport? Hadn't the graduation ceremony just been yesterday? Why was Han Tao leaving today? What was the rush? It was summer vacation. Han Tao’s programming work only required a computer and internet access; there was no need to rush back so urgently. If Gong Yingying had known she’d see them at the airport, she definitely wouldn't have booked a flight for this time.

“Hello, Qiqi. Hello, Qiqi’s man.” Shi Hongrui greeted them curtly. “We’re rushing for our flight, gotta go. Bye.” Shi Hongrui thought this day was unlucky; why did they have to cross paths? But what was up with Wang Qiqi’s boyfriend? Hadn’t he just graduated? Why the hurry to leave? Could it be he found a lover in the States and was rushing back?

“Goodbye.” Wang Qiqi was only too happy to end the interaction; dealing with them required constant vigilance, as saying the wrong thing could be disastrous.

Wang Qiqi watched Shi Hongrui and Gong Yingying speed through customs with their luggage. A sudden thought struck her: were they also heading to France? If so, would they be on the same plane? Wang Qiqi wondered what kind of expression Shi Man would have if she saw them. With that thought, Wang Qiqi pulled out her phone and called Shi Man, praying her phone wasn't off. Luckily, she connected. She quickly explained the encounter with Shi Hongrui and Gong Yingying, urged them to be a little cautious, and immediately hung up.