After the popping and crackling of firecrackers ceased, a small opening ceremony commenced. As soon as Wang Qiqi followed Song Yao’s lead and snipped the ribbon, she swiftly hurried down. Back when she watched ribbon-cutting events, she always found them amusingly silly, never imagining she’d ever participate in such a ridiculous act herself in this life.

Seeing Wang Qiqi bolt down, Juliana asked, “It’s hardly the Dragon's Lair, why the rush?” Juliana had presided over many ribbon-cutting ceremonies in her time, though usually on a much grander scale.

Wang Qiqi let out a quiet breath. “It was mortifying, like being on stage in an opera.” She deeply felt that she was suited for staying backstage and quietly accumulating wealth; such high-profile antics simply didn't suit her nature.

Juliana couldn't help but smile at Qiqi’s desperate need to avoid a repeat performance. “You, a boss after all.” So many people would jump at the chance to cut a ribbon, yet Qiqi looked like she was fleeing a plague. “Wait until your man’s company takes off; let’s see how you hide then.”

“He’s not the boss,” Wang Qiqi thought, noting that Han Tao wasn't particularly keen on these displays, and fortunately, he wasn’t required to publicly articulate company plans. “We just need to make money quietly behind the scenes. These showy acts are truly not for us.”

Juliana looked at Wang Qiqi’s deliberately helpless expression and genuinely felt a pang of sympathy for Song Yao. She had found partners and established a significant enterprise, yet Song Yao never needed her to make the big decisions, earning money without the stress Juliana carried. This thought sparked intense jealousy in Juliana. “I envy you. When will I ever reach that point?”

This was a difficult opening for Wang Qiqi to address. She couldn't exactly say, “Once you decide to let go, you can be as relaxed as I am.” “The capable must work harder; your situation is different from mine.”

Juliana was only venting slightly; if she truly had nothing to manage, she would immediately feel bored. “When are you leaving? Oh right, the Christmas break. I’ve already cleared it with them. We’ll go together then.” Though it felt slightly improper for a boss to request leave so close to year-end, Juliana knew she worked tirelessly all year, and even the relaxed Spring Festival period required social obligations. Truly free time was scarce. So, she bit the bullet and badgered her father long enough to finally secure the time off.

Stunned, Juliana actually got the leave approved! After not hearing back from Juliana for so long, Wang Qiqi had assumed this planned trip was off. She hadn't expected Juliana to confirm her attendance. “Great, we’ll meet in Malé then.” Logically, Nana and the others had an easier journey to Malé than Qiqi’s group. Of course, Shi Man and her husband faced an even longer flight.

Song Yao, having just finished a reserved chat with an old client, was about to bring back Wang Qiqi, who was trying to sneak away, when she overheard this news. Her expression immediately soured. “Qiqi, where are you planning to travel?” Song Yao didn’t know exactly where Malé was, but the context suggested an overseas trip—and one involving a large group! It felt terribly inconsiderate that while she was busy earning money here, the others were planning a vacation.

Wang Qiqi was startled by Song Yao’s tone. Noticing her displeased look, Qiqi realized the situation had soured. “Sis, we’re just discussing where to spend the Christmas holiday. You know I was busy all summer, then running between places after getting to the States. Han Tao has also been swamped, working overtime non-stop. We finally found a time when even foreigners aren't working overtime, so we thought of taking a vacation. Then Fatty and Manman found out and wanted everyone to go together for fun. Sis, why don’t you join us? It’ll be livelier with more people.” Wang Qiqi wisely avoided denying the plan’s existence; admitting it was just starting would only anger Song Yao more. Stating the practical reasons seemed better.

“Where to?” Song Yao heard Wang Qiqi mention how hard Qiqi had worked, recalling Qiqi attending her graduation ceremony while still having to report to the studio. Even after arriving in the States, Qiqi returned to work without a break. They were all seemingly busy abroad, but Song Yao, having traveled once, understood the less-than-ideal status of overseas Chinese. Even if Qiqi and the others kept quiet, Song Yao knew their lives weren't as smooth as they portrayed.

“Maldives.” Wang Qiqi noticed Song Yao’s expression softening from its initial harshness and knew her persuasion was working. “Bring Brother-in-law and Tao Tao along. It’s purely a vacation.”

The Maldives? Song Yao truly didn't know the place. After waiting for Wang Qiqi to explain what one did there, she quickly shook her head. “Forget it, don’t count me in. I’ll just stay and mind the shop.” It was all sunbathing, swimming, or diving; nowhere to shop. Plus, the hotels were all newly built, and the island wasn't large—Song Yao wasn't interested. “Your brother-in-law and I will go to Japan for hot springs during the Spring Festival. Oh, and I’ve arranged with Aunt Luo; we’re going together. Don’t call back during that time.”

Hot springs! Wang Qiqi felt a surge of envy, but it was fleeting. Han Tao definitely wouldn't have time off then. Alas, he was a workaholic. While she could request leave, vacationing in front of her mother-in-law while leaving her own husband behind would certainly earn her frosty looks throughout the entire break. Forget it; she’d stay in the States and look after Han Tao.

“Want to come with us?” Song Yao deliberately teased, seeing the envious look ready to spill from Wang Qiqi’s mouth.

Wang Qiqi haughtily turned her head away. “I’ll go with my Han Tao later. But if you aren’t going back for the Spring Festival, won’t Auntie and the others object?” Every year, Song Yao and her group returned not really for Gong Peixing’s parents, but due to their aunt’s insistence. If they didn't go this year, surely their aunt would throw a fit.

“My mother is coming too,” Song Yao said, suddenly recalling something. This was a family matter, but since Juliana was present, and their hometown wasn't large—and Song Yao was somewhat locally famous—it wasn't strange for Juliana to know some details, so she didn't hide it. “My father isn't going. He says he has no affinity for Japan. Ziwen and his family are going to Bali after the New Year. My father is staying behind alone.”

Wang Qiqi was dumbfounded. She hadn't realized Song Wenbo and Wang Damei’s relationship had deteriorated this badly. If he disliked Japan so much, why wouldn't he join his son’s family in Bali? The reason was painfully obvious to everyone. And Wang Damei knowing Song Wenbo was staying behind while his children traveled abroad, yet still choosing to go to Japan—did this signal that Comrade Wang Damei had completely agreed to maintain appearances and would no longer grieve for Song Wenbo?

Song Yao pursed her lips slightly. Seeing her parents’ relationship reach this point was, frankly, dreadful. “As long as my mother is happy, that’s what matters. She’s moving to the capital right after New Year's Day; she’ll help me look after the house then.” Song Yao was also incredibly busy now; Luo Hongjuan needed to mind the shop too, and during peak times, she barely had time for Tao Tao. Therefore, Wang Qiqi wholeheartedly supported Wang Damei coming to Beijing to help stabilize things.

Wang Damei is moving to Beijing? Wang Qiqi wondered if this was a permanent relocation. She wanted to press further, but Song Yao was clearly the focus of the day and wouldn't have time for idle chatter with Wang Qiqi. “I’ll tell you later.” As soon as Song Yao finished speaking, she hurried to the entrance and embraced a woman in her mid-thirties.

Wang Qiqi felt her mood dip. Shi Man walked over with some snacks, noticed Qiqi’s poor expression, and shot a puzzled glance at Juliana, wondering what was wrong. It couldn't be lingering frustration over a ribbon-cutting ceremony, could it?

Juliana quietly relayed what Song Yao had just said to Shi Man. Shi Man could only sigh; she wasn't involved and couldn't offer Qiqi much comfort.

Juliana and the others assumed Wang Qiqi was upset on Wang Damei’s behalf. But Qiqi was thinking about Song Wenbo, who, like Han Tao, used to live only for work. Who would have known he had such a history from his youth? After finally thinking they were estranged, he was now entangled in another affair in his old age—and with the same crowd from back then! She worried if Han Tao might follow the same path later.

Wang Qiqi sat motionless, looking vacant. Juliana and Shi Man were anxious but could only stay by Qiqi’s side. They could only hope Qiqi would recover soon.

When Wang Qiqi finally snapped out of her reverie, she saw Juliana and Shi Man staring at her. She felt odd and touched her own face. “Is there something on my face?” She mentally checked; probably not. Song Yao had stared at her for a long time before she went on stage to cut the ribbon; surely Song Yao wouldn't let her have something on her face without mentioning it.

Hearing Wang Qiqi’s question, Juliana and Shi Man breathed a collective sigh of relief. “Nothing at all. We were just wondering when you’d notice us. Come on, let’s go out for a stroll. Let Sister Yao have this space.” The once bustling opening crowd had thinned out considerably. Some had come just to scope the place out, while others had already gone inside for a trial. The main hall was nearly empty, save for the three of them and one receptionist.

“Do you know where we’re eating dinner?” Wang Qiqi remembered Song Yao mentioning a celebratory dinner for the salon’s opening. She just didn't know where Song Yao planned to host.

None of the three present knew, but Shi Man had a way to find out. She went to the reception desk and inquired. “Let’s go. Sister Yao is being quite generous this time, booking a private kitchen!” Shi Man had expected a decent restaurant, so Song Yao’s extravagance surprised her.

A private kitchen? Wang Qiqi was startled by Shi Man’s words. She worried that Shi Man and the others might be unhappy. Thankfully, they all agreed that Song Yao was doing this to stabilize morale—showing the beauticians that they had a promising future if they worked hard. This realization allowed Wang Qiqi to finally relax.