Song Yao turned and hugged Wang Qiqi. “Take good care of yourself. Don’t get so caught up in work that you forget to eat on time. You’re living alone, so be careful about safety in the house; look around every time you enter.” Since Shi Man and the others had decided to wander around, Wang Qiqi was the only one left behind at the house, which made Song Yao uneasy. It was a relief that Qiqi usually stayed at the studio.

Wang Qiqi nodded. In truth, she was just waiting for the final tasks to wrap up. Having persevered this long, it would mean forfeiting her pay if she asked to leave now, an unacceptable prospect for her. “Sis, don’t worry. Once the beauty salon opens, I’ll definitely come back to China for the opening ceremony.” In reality, they weren’t planning a grand ceremony for the salon’s launch; it was just meant to be a small gathering for everyone to celebrate.

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

“Okay. As for the property, just discuss it with Nana and decide.” She had no intention of constantly being online to hear Song Yao’s reports on which district’s property was best.

“But Sis, you should find a place with nearby parking. As more people buy cars, the clients coming for beauty treatments will drive. No parking space would be a real headache.” Wang Qiqi recalled a crucial point. It wouldn't do to find a prime location only to have the nearest parking lot a ten-minute walk away. Considering how cold Beijing winters are and how hot the summers get, would those wealthy clients willingly endure that? Ideally, the parking should be just steps away. “If necessary, it’s fine if the commercial space is larger than needed. Places we aren’t using temporarily can be rented out. If business booms later, we can renovate them back. Anyway, we won’t worry about buying too many properties; even if they aren't used for the business, the rent is a good alternative, and selling them later could recoup the initial investment.”

“Don’t worry, your sister knows this,” Song Yao replied. She had already learned a painful lesson once before. Fortunately, it was early in their ventures, and though there were losses, they weren't catastrophic; otherwise, she would have cried her eyes out. She certainly wouldn’t make the same mistake managing the beauty salon; bank loans weren't exactly difficult now, so she might as well expand the scope a bit.

Song Yao chatted with Wang Qiqi for a while, then noticed Luo Hongjuan still holding onto Han Tao, earnestly giving him instructions. She murmured, “See? No matter how much she likes you, you still can’t compare to Han Tao.” While she had also cautioned Qiqi about being careful, Luo Hongjuan only spoke a few sentences 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 endless chatter with Han Tao as Song Yao was; after all, they were mother and son. “I don’t have high expectations for my future mother-in-law, as long as she isn’t biased like your mother-in-law, or annoying like your aunt,” she said. “She’s not my birth mother, how high can my demands be?”

Song Yao had intended to offer Qiqi some kind advice, never expecting the girl to turn the topic back onto her. She felt like she had just shot herself in the foot. “Can you even speak, you little thing? But your brother-in-law is busy making money and has given up trying to deal with his parents. Let them fuss if they want; we’ve already sold all the houses back home except for that one. They can stay as long as they like. If they complain outside that we’re unfilial, let them; we don't care.”

Song Yao had learned her lesson now. The money she sent for filial duties was always done via postal money order, never through bank transfer. During holidays, she had Song Ziwen deliver the gifts around ten in the morning on a weekend, making sure to greet anyone present and mention the gift-giving. While it had an element of showing off, at least it let people know they were supporting them regularly, unlike before when they were foolish enough to give only a small token amount, with the bulk being the holiday stipend. The elders would receive the money and then brag outside that their son was rich, yet only sent such small things throughout the year.

When Song Yao used to talk about her in-laws, anger would flare, but now she spoke about them as if they were strangers, indicating she didn't care beyond finding a bit of amusement. That was probably for the best, saving her brother-in-law from being caught in the middle. “Sis, follow Manman’s lead, listen carefully, and test the products thoroughly. Don’t just accept what they say, especially since this stuff goes directly on the face.” The worst thing in the beauty business was encountering subpar products that caused adverse reactions in clients; that would be a massive problem.

Song Yao looked at Wang Qiqi, who was still earnestly lecturing with a worried expression. Song Yao’s face darkened. She tried to recall if she had ever done anything unreliable. Everything she’d done was usually quite sound. Why was Qiqi still so unconvinced? “Relax. Your sister also uses cosmetics, I know how important this is.” I’m not some clueless village girl. Except for foreign languages, I understand everything else. If my language skills were up to par, Song Yao was confident she could chat directly with foreigners.

Seeing Luo Hongjuan still clutching Han Tao and giving him endless instructions, Song Yao frowned. Although she hadn't seen Han Tao in a long time, Han Tao hadn’t seen Qiqi in quite a while either. To Song Yao, this couple had a rather pitiable situation, having lived apart for most of these years. If they weren't both workaholics, they would have broken up long ago, regardless of how deep their feelings were. It was better to let them communicate properly while they had the chance. “Aunt Luo, let’s go inside.”

Luo Hongjuan made an “Oh,” then quickly gave Han Tao a few last words of advice before moving to Wang Qiqi, who was waiting quietly nearby, and hugging her. “Remember to take good care of yourself. Don't push yourself too hard; health is the capital for everything. And be careful. If you hear anything suspicious, don’t try to be a hero; remember to call the police.”

Wang Qiqi nodded and kissed the aunt’s cheek. “Auntie, once you arrive in France, have fun. Go wherever you want, buy whatever you like, and let my sister pay. You’re on a business trip; the boss should be generous this time.” Wang Qiqi and Song Yao had already arranged that whatever Luo Hongjuan fancied, Song Yao would buy, and Qiqi would settle the bill with Song Yao later. “If my sister is unwilling to pay, I will.”

“Forget it, earning money isn't easy for you girls.” Luo Hongjuan understood perfectly that if Song Yao paid, Qiqi would ultimately be the one footing the bill. If they were financially secure, it would be fine, but since learning her son had started an internet company, Luo Hongjuan knew they must be tight on funds. She understood when Qiqi returned to China in February to deal with the house sale. At first, she worried if they had picked up any bad habits, necessitating the sale of property. Her son was starting a company, and she couldn't help him; she certainly shouldn't be spending their money. “Mom has money here. You two are successful, and I don’t need to save much. Don’t worry.”

Luo Hongjuan patted Wang Qiqi’s hand and bid them farewell before heading towards the security checkpoint to board her flight. “Let’s go find a place to sit for a while.” Han Tao walked to Wang Qiqi’s side, threw an arm around her shoulder, and prepared to find a coffee spot to relax. His flight wasn’t for another four hours.

Wang Qiqi obediently followed Han Tao, intending to find a seat. Standing for so long had worn out her feet in high heels. She had only taken a few steps when she internally cursed her bad luck for running into them. One was bad enough to sour her mood, but running into both of them face-to-face was unexpected. Wang Qiqi couldn't even turn around and pretend not to see them, let alone consider the inevitable accusations of being rude and disdainful if she did.

Wang Qiqi forced a strained smile. “Ruirui, Yingying, hello. What are you two…?” Indeed, Wang Qiqi had run into Shi Hongrui and Gong Yingying. They were pulling luggage, clearly ready to board a flight, which was surprising enough. What shocked Qiqi even more was seeing them together, and not just as casual friends. They were chatting happily, their smiles radiant. When they saw Wang Qiqi, their expressions turned to one of surprise as well. Wang Qiqi felt there was something inherently odd about them being together.

“Hi, Qiqi. Hi, Han Tao,” Gong Yingying hadn’t expected to run into Wang Qiqi at the airport. Wasn't she supposed to be finishing up the wrap-up work at the studio? Why was she at the airport? Hadn't they just attended the graduation ceremony yesterday? Why was he leaving today? What was the rush? It was summer vacation now, and 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 they’d meet at the airport, she definitely wouldn’t have booked her flight for this time.

“Hi, Qiqi. Hi, Qiqi’s man,” Shi Hongrui greeted them unenthusiastically. “We’re catching a flight, gotta go. Bye.” Shi Hongrui thought this day was cursed. Why did she have to run into them? And why was Qiqi’s boyfriend leaving so abruptly right after the graduation ceremony? Was he rushing back because he found a lover in the US?

“Goodbye.” Wang Qiqi was secretly relieved to be done with the interaction. Talking with them required constant vigilance; saying the wrong thing could lead to disaster.

Wang Qiqi watched Shi Hongrui and Gong Yingying speed away toward security with their luggage. A thought struck her: Could they also be heading to France? If so, would they be on the same plane? Wang Qiqi wondered what kind of reaction Shi Man would have if she saw them. With that thought, Wang Qiqi pulled out her phone and called Shi Man, silently praying her phone wasn't turned off. Thankfully, she got through. She quickly relayed the encounter with Shi Hongrui and Gong Yingying, urging her friends to be cautious, and then hung up.