Wang Qiqi strained to find information about the Maldives islands. Even with the internet available, it wasn't the all-knowing powerhouse it would become later; she searched and searched, discovering that very few hotels maintained a website, and those that did offered sparse content, clearly indicating a low regard for the medium. This left Wang Qiqi quite frustrated.

Daili Jun poured a cup of tea and returned to his seat, noticing Wang Qiqi staring at the computer, motionless for a long time. He found this odd. "No assignments for you these past few days?" In truth, Fatty had long sensed something was amiss with Wang Qiqi; even her previously prickly attitude toward Anna had softened considerably—or rather, it had become complete dismissal. Before, she’d occasionally manage a cold sniff, but sitting before the screen, unmoving, definitely signaled a problem.

Assignments? "What assignments?" Wang Qiqi looked blankly at Fatty, thinking she was merely an assistant with no real tasks. Had someone assigned her something while she was daydreaming?

Daili Jun turned to Han Tao with concern. "Is your Qiqi alright?" Why was she asking him back?

Han Tao understood Wang Qiqi's unusual state but didn't know how to explain it. He, too, had searched online and found very little. He had also sent Qiqi to the library, but the books yielded no useful material. "She's looking for some data, but she just can't find it."

Fatty grunted, about to drop the subject, but seeing Qiqi’s distress, he couldn't help but pry a little more. "Qiqi, what exactly are you looking up?" Perhaps the current assignment was difficult, requiring extensive research.

"Maldives data," Wang Qiqi replied listlessly. "I want to look into the hotels there." In this era, the Maldives likely meant one resort per island; she just needed to figure out how many hotels were operating.

Maldives data, specifically about hotels. Fatty wondered why Qiqi would suddenly research this, then recalled the upcoming year-end holiday when the company certainly wouldn't have overtime. "You're not thinking of vacationing in the Maldives, are you?" Fatty squinted at Wang Qiqi, occasionally flicking his gaze toward Han Tao, thinking this brother of his was selfish, only considering his own trip and not including him.

Han Tao caught Fatty's glance and immediately bent his head to type on his keyboard. He had previously said he would ask Fatty about going, but instead, he had simply informed Qiqi that Fatty and the others had plans for Christmas.

Wang Qiqi also sensed the atmosphere shifting and silently swallowed the words she was about to say, "Didn't we say we'd make a plan first? I haven't even discussed it with Manman."

Hearing that even Shi Man was unaware, Fatty let the previous issue slide. "Vivian and I are definitely going to the Maldives." Even if it wasn't guaranteed fun, it beat being stuck at home staring at a computer screen during overtime. "I originally promised to take her out when she came to the US, but since Vivian arrived, I haven't taken her anywhere—she even went to college by herself." Though Vivian said it was fine, the more she acted that way, the more guilty Fatty felt.

"I was already wondering how to spend Christmas, but since you guys are going to the Maldives, we should all go together; it’ll be livelier with more people." Fatty spoke while observing their reactions. He noticed Qiqi’s expression was one of complete agreement. As for his own brother, Han Tao, Fatty knew without a doubt that he was about to be cut out. Hmph, if that guy had discussed it properly with him earlier, Fatty would have happily chosen a different destination, but since the other insisted on using underhanded tactics, he shouldn't blame Fatty for retaliating.

"I'll ask Manman if she wants to go." To deflect the impending assault from Han Tao and further provoke him, Fatty decided to raise the stakes. "Oh, I heard Nana has a boyfriend now, right? Should I ask her too? I haven't met her man yet, and it would be a good chance for us all to gather."

Han Tao's face grew darker and darker. If Qiqi hadn't been present, he might have thrown a punch. What kind of brother acted like this? Fatty could have easily chosen another location, allowing them all their own space and preventing a group of women from crowding together. Han Tao could already foresee a scenario where the women might travel together, leaving just the few men hanging out during the day.

Call Juliana? Wang Qiqi hesitated. "She’s such a busy person; I don't know if she has time." Wang Qiqi felt a pang of guilt. Inviting Nana might prompt her older sister to insist on joining too. Ah well, whatever, she'd ask Nana first; maybe she wouldn't come anyway. Despite potentially slighting her sister, Wang Qiqi felt helpless. Even the densest person could sense something was off with "that guy."

Just as Wang Qiqi was exchanging anxious, pleading glances with Han Tao, clasped hands gesturing for forgiveness, Fatty had already connected with Shi Man. "Manman says her Old Feng is free this Christmas, and she’s considering where to go. If we all go to the Maldives, she will too." Hahaha, with Shi Man going, the opening was excellent. Fatty could already predict Han Tao’s face turning deep purple if Juliana joined as well.

"Manman is really going?" Wang Qiqi was quite surprised. "Isn't she going to shop the big sales?" Wang Qiqi suddenly felt her vision darken; she could already foresee Shi Man demanding an explanation from her. She glanced back at her computer, discovering that Manman was indeed already messaging her on QQ.

Wang Qiqi stopped trying to beg for forgiveness from "that guy." Hmph, if he hadn't mentioned earlier that Manman might go shopping, she wouldn't have forgotten her, and she wouldn't be in this mess now.

After a round of explanations, Shi Man generously forgave Wang Qiqi and, out of boredom, took over the task of selecting hotels. "Manman said she'd be very happy if Nana joins too. We used to say we’d travel together after graduation, but it never worked out." According to their original plan, they were supposed to go to Southeast Asia or Japan, but various company troubles required Juliana to rush over to handle things, and then Qiqi and the others were tied up with family matters and moving abroad, causing the plan to be perpetually postponed. To think this trip would finally happen a year after her master's graduation! "Manman said she will ask Nana and handle the hotel selection on the side. Yay, having travel companions is great; my task is much easier."

Watching the delighted Wang Qiqi, Han Tao decided he should stick to programming instead—earning money wasn't as taxing on the nerves. More importantly, Fatty’s expression made Han Tao feel utterly defeated.

Han Tao retreating from the conflict left Fatty feeling bored too. "By the way, Qiqi, don't pick anything too expensive. I don't have much cash; I still need to buy a house. The company is moving next year, so we can't keep renting." He needed to save that money, of course.

"Don't worry, none of us have much money," Wang Qiqi comforted him. "We'll choose a mid-range hotel with moderate overall conditions and book the flights early."

With Wang Qiqi’s assurance, Fatty bowed his head to tackle his work, while Wang Qiqi continuously exchanged information with Shi Man online.

"Nana said she's coming too, but she needs to ask her man later if he's free," Wang Qiqi said excitedly. "Even though this trip is a bit late, at least it counts as a delayed graduation trip."

Han Tao no longer felt excited hearing about who was confirming their attendance. Regardless of his enthusiasm, they were all going anyway, so it was better not to give Fatty more reasons to laugh at him. "Right, ask Sister Yaoyao if she’s going, and while you're at it, ask if my mom is coming. Oh, and are your brother and the others going?" Since there were already many people coming, a few more wouldn't matter.

Hearing Han Tao rattle off names, Fatty wondered if he realized the situation was irreversible and decided to go big or go home. At this moment, Daili Jun began to regret his actions, worrying if Han Tao would hold a grudge and make things difficult for him later. Alas, he shouldn't have teased Han Tao; if he hadn't, even if he had to beg Han Tao to go to the Maldives with him, Fatty was sure Han Tao, despite his displeasure, would have been in the wrong first. Now, Fatty was completely in the wrong. Daili Jun felt his future looked distinctly bleak.

Just as Fatty was deeply regretting his choices, Han Tao looked up and fixed a sinister gaze on him.

Daili Jun was about to lower his head and return to work when he felt a malevolent gaze directed his way. Fatty knew it had to be Han Tao's look. He didn't dare raise his head, focusing only on looking down, lower, lower. If he could, Daili Jun would have wished to turn invisible; Han Tao's stare was terrifyingly intense.

Seeing Daili Jun’s reaction, Han Tao felt quite satisfied. Hmph, he needed to apply some pressure; otherwise, that guy would think he could always act presumptuously. Hmph, he went too far, even spoiling a young couple's vacation plans! If he didn't scare him straight now, he might continue such behavior in the future.

Wang Qiqi noticed nothing of the exchange between Han Tao and Daili Jun. She was happily discussing the trip with [Note: The text repeats 'Qiqi' here, assuming it means Shi Man or continuing the conversation with herself/the idea of the trip], and if Fatty or Han Tao had glanced over, they would have seen their conversation had long devolved into debating how many outfits to pack—with a focus on swimsuits and styles. Shi Man insisted that bikinis were the way to go for a place like that, as they were all young with glowing skin. Shi Man was particularly enthusiastic about taking lots of swimsuit photos to look back on in their old age and marvel at their youthful figures. This suggestion immediately convinced Wang Qiqi, who had been slightly hesitant; this was essentially a youth time capsule.