After touring a few places, Shi Man and the others deeply felt that the second one they visited was the best. Although it was a bit far from the subway station, it was still within an acceptable range. "How about that one?" Shi Man suggested.

Since Juliana had initially told Zhang Mao that she was helping a friend buy the property, she didn't object. Previously, the house viewings had been led by Wang Qiqi and Shi Man. Now that they were discussing purchasing that specific one, Juliana had already inquired about the prices for several properties. While they were slightly above her initial budget, they were significantly cheaper than the market rate. "Why don't we give an answer tomorrow? Shouldn't you ask Sister Yaoyao first? It's such a large expenditure after all."

That was a given. "We'll discuss it when we get back." Wang Qiqi paused. Although Song Yao had told her previously to make the final decision, she really couldn't just take charge like that.

Zhang Mao knew that for such a big transaction, these young women couldn't possibly make the final call. He wasn't in a hurry about it. He had overheard these two girls answering an inquisitive foreigner's questions fluently in English, which led him to suspect they might be going abroad. It also stood to reason that someone close to the 'Princess of the Zhu family' must come from a well-off background; otherwise, how would they have become associated?

"Fine, there's no rush. I've told them not to show these few properties to anyone else for the next few days. By the way, Nana, want to grab dinner tonight?" Zhang Mao was actually supposed to treat a friend that evening, but since Juliana was in Modu, he naturally wanted to build a good relationship. Old Zhu's business had been thriving these past few years, especially since his daughter took over. Everyone used to say Old Zhu's daughter wasn't capable, but she had changed remarkably after just one university term. Zhang Mao was incredibly curious how a university education could bring about such a transformation; he genuinely wanted to learn the secret to apply it when educating his own underachieving son.

Juliana glanced at Wang Qiqi. Uncle Zhang had been very helpful today; out of courtesy and principle, they should treat him to a meal, but she wasn't sure if Qiqi and the others would agree.

To be honest, Wang Qiqi was reluctant. However, though Juliana hadn't explicitly stated it, Zhang Mao was clearly no ordinary figure, and establishing a good rapport now was beneficial. They couldn't wait until they needed a major favor to seek him out. "Thank you for your help today, Uncle Zhang. Manman and I will treat you and Nana to this meal."

Zhang Mao didn't mind who paid for the meal; the result was what he desired. As soon as he named an address to the driver, he sensed something was amiss. The place was a bit pricey, and he was about to change his suggestion.

"The food there is excellent. I took my dad there once; the taste was top-tier. No wonder my dad insists on eating there every time he visits Modu." As soon as Juliana heard the restaurant's name, she knew Uncle Zhang was treating her like family; otherwise, he rarely frequented that place. There were certainly more expensive and delicious restaurants in Modu, but that was Zhang Mao's favorite.

"Uncle Zhu said it was good?" Shi Man knew how discerning Juliana's father was. Setting aside the price, the taste absolutely had to be first-rate. "Today, thanks to Uncle Zhang's generosity, we are in for a real treat."

"Sounds great." Wang Qiqi noticed Zhang Mao's flicker of regret the moment the words left his mouth. Although she didn't know why he hesitated, Juliana's quick interjection clearly showed she didn't want Zhang Mao to retract the invitation. That meant the restaurant must hold some special significance for him. Since that was the case, they should go there. After all, they could use a card now, so it posed no financial strain on Wang Qiqi.

While Zhang Mao was ordering, Wang Qiqi and Shi Man stepped out to use the restroom. Zhang Mao quickly asked, "Nana, about those two?" From their previous conversation, Zhang Mao suspected they were just reconnaissance—the real decision-maker was the older sister, and they were merely viewing properties to report back and await a final decision from above. He wondered if they would be shocked when they eventually saw the bill.

"Order what you like, Uncle Zhang." Juliana hadn't intended to say much, but considering that the beauty salon might open in Modu someday, having Uncle Zhang's assistance in handling issues would be far better than her stepping in herself. To ensure Uncle Zhang's willingness to help, she needed to subtly reveal their actual capabilities. "Don't worry, they are landowners; their families are well-off, but that's not the main point. The key is that they are earning their own money, partnering to run an internet company in the States with promising prospects, and several conglomerates want to buy shares." Juliana wasn't lying; there were investment firms or companies interested in taking a stake, although the terms were somewhat stringent. "The house purchase is also for the beauty salon—a joint venture among them."

Zhang Mao was stunned. He had assumed these two girls were relying on their families. He hadn't expected them to be self-made. Surely not? Still, he knew Juliana wouldn't lie. "Incredible." Regardless of their future success, the mere fact that they could start their own venture, especially overseas, was enough to astonish Zhang Mao—they were barely in their twenties! He then thought of his own son, proficient in every form of indulgence and amusement, but hopeless when it came to academics.

Zhang Mao asked with genuine concern, "Did going abroad make them this capable?" He had initially wanted to ask Juliana about the secret to her own transformation, but now that he saw even more impressive role models, he naturally shifted focus. Maintaining the current family status was one thing, but it would be truly surpassing expectations if his son could carve out a path for himself abroad. The cost of tuition and living expenses for studying abroad was hardly an issue for Zhang Mao.

"It depends on how one studies abroad." Juliana finally understood that Uncle Zhang's invitation to dinner was essentially seeking advice on this matter. She knew his son, though only fifteen or sixteen, had caused no shortage of trouble. If not for Uncle Zhang's extensive connections, his boy might have been arrested multiple times. Even his own father had said that if Uncle Zhang didn't discipline his son soon, he would end up as a wastrel. As for the family's fortune, Juliana wouldn't interfere, but since Uncle Zhang was now asking for advice, and she would likely need his help in the future, Juliana leaned toward offering assistance. "If you give them the same living allowance as they get domestically, then studying abroad won't bring much progress."

Zhang Mao fell silent. He knew deep down that his son's behavior stemmed from his own wealth; he would always be there to clean up any messes. He had tried withholding support, but seeing his son's pitiful look, accompanied by promises to never misbehave again, and with his own parents chastising him and his wife weeping, he invariably ended up helping. "Give him less money?" Would his son agree? Zhang Mao knew his son would readily agree to study abroad—so many great things were available overseas, and there would be less supervision. But would he agree if the funding was insufficient? What if he started crying to the family for help?

Less living expenses? Juliana pondered what constituted "less." How much less was considered "less"? "Qiqi and the other girl studied abroad the same way; they used their own money for everything. Back when they were studying in China, starting from their sophomore year, they earned their own tuition and living costs." Juliana stated calmly how Wang Qiqi and her friends managed their education. "Even so, they managed to buy a house in the capital, though it was a mortgage. Of course, the money was earned legally."

Zhang Mao was flabbergasted. Earning enough for living expenses and tuition as a university student was impressive enough. The idea that they earned enough to buy a house was an enormous leap. "If they are that capable, are they..."

"Translating and day-trading stocks," Juliana offered willingly. "They continue to earn their living expenses this way while studying abroad, Uncle Zhang. Sometimes, when people reach a point where they have no way to retreat, their only options are to advance or perish. Most choose the former. If it weren't for the meddling relatives back home, perhaps I wouldn't have worked this hard either." Uncle Zhang was a ruthless man. Furthermore, when he first started his business, his relatives had constantly nagged him. After he made his fortune, he never had any inclination to support or promote them. Consequently, the pressure on his son disappeared; since the inheritance would eventually be his, why strive for anything?

Zhang Mao hadn't expected Juliana's dramatic change to be due to this reason. Though he had suspected it, he thought there must be other factors contributing to her transformation. He took a deep breath. "Thank you, Nana." He understood the logic, but the thought of his own parents and wife made his head ache. Even if he could be ruthless, they certainly couldn't.

Juliana watched Zhang Mao's conflicted expression, sipping her drink. It wasn't her son; saying what she had was already going above and beyond.

When Wang Qiqi and Shi Man returned to their seats, they noticed Zhang Mao's attitude toward them had improved significantly. They felt uneasy. While his demeanor had been cordial before, it still carried the air of a superior. How could his posture have lowered so much in the blink of an eye?

Wang Qiqi and Shi Man exchanged anxious glances, signaling to Juliana, hoping to figure out if this was a good thing or a bad thing. Juliana smiled and nodded to assure them everything was fine before they finally breathed a sigh of relief. Otherwise, they would have felt too anxious to enjoy the meal.

"Nana, Qiqi, Manman, goodbye. Don't rush the house decision; take your time to consider it," Zhang Mao said to Juliana and the others as he settled into the car.

"We understand, thank you, Uncle Zhang," Juliana replied with professional politeness.

The three watched Zhang Mao's car drive away before Wang Qiqi and Shi Man finally relaxed. "Didn't we agree to treat him? Why did Uncle Zhang end up paying?" When Wang Qiqi went to settle the bill, she discovered Zhang Mao's driver had already taken care of it. This made Wang Qiqi feel quite embarrassed. They had received such a huge favor, yet ended up being treated—it completely negated the purpose of their intended gesture. Could they still ask for help on major matters in the future? What puzzled her even more was that before getting out of the car, he had given her a business card—it only listed a name and a mobile number. However, that kind of card was typically given only to those with a very close personal relationship, a number that wouldn't require going through a secretary. She couldn't fathom his attitude.

Juliana patted the tense Wang Qiqi's shoulder. "If you encounter any trouble in the future, just go to Uncle Zhang. He's thanking us for our help."

When did we help Zhang Mao? Wang Qiqi felt increasingly confused, but Juliana refused to elaborate. Knowing Nana wouldn't harm them, Wang Qiqi decided not to press the issue further.