Wang Qiqi felt increasingly useless the more she thought about it, though more so, she felt Han Tao keeping something like this from her was beyond excessive—it was truly egregious.

Wang Qiqi sat up, turning to press herself onto Han Tao, staring directly into his eyes. “Tell me your favorite thing is computers.”

Wang Qiqi looked at Han Tao, who smiled without speaking, and suddenly realized the phrasing of her sentence was awkward. She quickly corrected herself: “No, besides your mother and me, your favorite thing is computers.” Although Wang Qiqi desperately wanted Han Tao to say she was his most beloved person, she predicted that even if he said it out of insincerity, she wouldn't believe him.

“I don’t particularly like computers. It’s just that when I was applying for university, I needed to find a major that was suitable and could make money,” Han Tao recalled thinking through his choices back then. “Finance, perhaps. I’m not particularly fond of that field, and success there doesn’t just depend on data reliability; there are too many external factors.”

“Study law and become a top lawyer. Although the lawyers in TV shows have intense courtroom battles, that’s unlikely to happen here in China. And studying law abroad requires a significant investment, yet breaking through is difficult, so I gave up on that idea.”

Wang Qiqi was stunned. She hadn't realized that Han Tao, in both lifetimes, had chosen computer science after considering so many factors. He was capable of such extensive consideration. “So, you’re certain that computers will lead to your success? And are you sure you’ll actually like computers?”

“Whether you like something or not isn’t always up to you. Once you commit, you discover you’ve fallen in love with the field. Some people say they grow to resent a career, but for me, I haven’t grown tired of this one yet, let alone the hope it has given me. Do you know, when I met John on the plane and we had such an engaging conversation about computers, a thought flashed through my mind: if I missed the chance to connect with him, I would regret it for the rest of my life.” Han Tao still found that thought strange, wondering why it surfaced then, but thankfully, that feeling came true.

...Do men have a sixth sense? Wang Qiqi had always heard that women’s intuition was remarkably accurate, but she had never heard of men having one—though perhaps men just didn't talk about it as much. “If you missed John, it just means success would have taken a little longer. Gold will shine wherever it is, eventually.” In the previous life, this specific encounter hadn't happened, and Han Tao was still thriving—perhaps not to the extent of this life, but he was certainly successful.

“Success would have happened, but it would have been significantly delayed.” Han Tao flipped over and pressed down on Wang Qiqi. “The night is dark, and no one is out on the sea now. How about it?”

After entering the water villa, Han Tao had wanted to do something for a long time. It was just that Wang Qiqi was a bit shy; she always worried about night swimmers seeing them, so she never agreed. But the excitement of the moment had given Han Tao an unexpected opportunity. “You, you…” Even though it was dark and they wouldn't be seen unless someone swam very close, Wang Qiqi still felt a little anxious.

Han Tao sealed Wang Qiqi’s attempt to protest with a kiss. “As long as you are gentle and keep your voice down, no one will hear. Besides, maybe Old Feng and the others have the same idea too.” As a man, he understood the thoughts of other men; they likely harbored similar desires, though whether they acted on them depended on their respective partners.

Wang Qiqi struggled, twisting her body fruitlessly. She could only bite her lip, trying her best to suppress any sound. Otherwise, even if they couldn't see what she and Han Tao were doing, they could certainly hear it, and she would be mortified.

As Wang Qiqi lay exhausted in bed, sleeping soundly, she heard a knock on the door. She nudged the sleeping Han Tao beside her, signaling him to get up and answer. Wang Qiqi felt like she had barely slept and her head was throbbing fiercely.

Han Tao initially considered playing dead, but the persistent knocking outside finally compelled him to move. “You sleep,” he said.

Wang Qiqi turned over, pretending not to hear. Hmph, if it weren't for someone yesterday, she wouldn't be this exhausted this early in the morning. She hoped it wasn't Shi Man knocking, but given the relentless persistence, Xiao Rourou was the more likely candidate. For her to show up so early, Wang Qiqi suspected it was because Zhu Lina had told her yesterday about the investment plans. Thinking of this, Wang Qiqi deeply regretted agreeing so quickly; alas.

As Han Tao stepped out of the room to open the door, Wang Qiqi swiftly pulled on her underwear and bra, threw on her robe, and scrambled back into bed to feign sleep.

Just as Wang Qiqi predicted, it was indeed Shi Man. “Qiqi, you two weren't up late last night, were you?” It was already mid-morning, and they were still asleep.

Hearing that demonic voice, Wang Qiqi knew pretending not to hear was impossible. “What? Han Tao and I were just discussing how much money to invest in your venture.”

Wang Qiqi squinted at Shi Man, noticing a look of surprised delight on her face, and preemptively cut in: “But the money won’t be available until next year, and Song Ziwen doesn’t have much capital either. Even if he intended to buy up the shares, I don’t know when he’d have the funds for me.” Yesterday, Wang Qiqi and Han Tao had analyzed the appropriate investment amount, but they realized a crucial point: Song Ziwen might not actually have the cash, and Wang Qiqi couldn’t exactly strong-arm him into producing hard currency—that would be more than just overstepping; it would destroy any semblance of familial affection.

Shi Man’s initial delight faded upon hearing this, but she quickly rallied. What Qiqi said was reasonable. “It’s fine; I’m just happy you’re willing to help. I had considered asking Old Feng and Mark to get in touch to see if we could collaborate, but Yan Yan mentioned that Mark and John were interested in setting up an investment firm. You know John; he has considerable wealth. What standing do we have to negotiate a partnership with them?” Even if they did partner, they would be minor shareholders, even factoring in the investments from Nana and Qiqi.

Although Wang Qiqi felt like refuting Shi Man’s low estimation of her, she had to admit Shi Man had a point. John, though also of Chinese descent, came from a family that emigrated from TW, giving them a foundation, combined with good opportunities, allowing three generations of prosperity in the US. His net worth wasn't small. Even with many descendants, John’s interest in investing in internet companies, coupled with his usual stock market activities with Mark, suggested substantial wealth. “You’re right. They have the money and the connections. We don't have the leverage to sway them. So, is Old Feng planning to start small?” Growing from a small company aligns with most startup trajectories, but with limited funds, scaling up significantly would take time.

“It’s better than being pushed out in the end. Old Feng’s desire to start his own business stems from not wanting constant restrictions, and more importantly, not wanting the fruits of victory stolen,” Shi Man said indignantly. As soon as the words left her mouth, Shi Man cautiously glanced toward the living room area and motioned for silence. “Old Feng is very protective of his reputation; he asked me not to say anything. But since I’m telling you, Qiqi, you should know.” Qiqi had spent time in that circle and worked for a decent boss, but she could still pick up some information.

Wang Qiqi completely understood. “That’s precisely why I don’t want to work in that industry.” While such people might be a minority, encountering just a few is enough to sour one’s appetite. After all, every plan represents one’s own hard work; having it snatched away is infuriating for anyone. “A small boat turns around faster. Besides, didn’t all big companies start small? By the way, what does the other partner think about us, Old Feng’s friends, investing?” If the partner worried about losing control if they came in, they could just be shown the door; Old Feng could hire more people.

“He doesn’t care. Old Feng told him you only need to focus on performance to receive dividends.” Shi Man had met the partner. “He’s Black. You understand.”

Oh, he’s Black. Wang Qiqi understood. Although racial discrimination is illegal in the US, wouldn't these issues still persist ten years from now? “That settles it then. But the funds won't be ready until at least March. I plan to skip returning to the US after this vacation and go straight back to the mainland.” Besides discussing divesting with Song Ziwen, she wanted to check on the renovation progress of the wellness center that had opened but which she had never seen. “By the way, are you coming back with me?”

“Old Feng has been busy lately and has a lot on his mind, so I won’t be returning. Take lots of pictures for me then.” Even with Song Yao around, Shi Man trusted Qiqi more. “Stay in the mainland a bit longer then. I also know you’re trying to avoid John drafting you into labor, aren’t you?” Shi Man understood why Wang Qiqi wanted to return to the mainland to discuss this. The matter could be handled online, so there was no need for a trip home. Shi Man couldn't help but think that besides wanting to escape John’s recent tendency to overwork her, Wang Qiqi didn’t seem that passionate about the wellness center that was about to open. “Qiqi, you’re the type who just puts in money and waits for returns. Are you really going to pour so much effort into this?”

Even though Shi Man had successfully caught her, Wang Qiqi didn't feel embarrassed, adopting an attitude of, Since you understand, that’s what matters. “Actually, the reason I’m going back is to see Han Tao’s mother. We aren't going back for the New Year this time. Although my aunt will be with her, and my sister is taking her to Japan for the holiday, you know my sister, no matter how good she is, isn’t her son. As a dutiful daughter-in-law, I should at least go comfort her a bit.”

“Dutiful daughter-in-law,” Shi Man could only respond to the shameless Wang Qiqi. She clearly wanted to slip away and avoid business matters, but she kept producing one excuse after another, each stronger than the last. Shi Man couldn’t very well forbid Wang Qiqi from honoring her elders.