Wang Qiqi and Shi Man pushed open the private room door and found only Song Yao inside. "Sister Qian hasn't arrived yet."

Song Yao hugged Shi Man. "They'll be a bit late. Let's order first; we can add more when they get here." They were all close friends; there was no need to wait until everyone was present to order food.

"I don't mind; Manman, you order," Wang Qiqi rinsed a cup and poured tea for herself and Shi Man. "Why didn't you bring Taotao? Wasn't that boy always eager to go out? Why isn't he kicking up a fuss to come along for dinner tonight?" Wang Qiqi found it very strange.

"I was planning to bring him, but your brother-in-law mentioned a new leisure bathhouse opened near the community gate; it even has a buffet, supposedly quite nice. So, I thought we'd check it out. When that little rascal heard that, how could he possibly agree to come out with me? Although, it’s better he didn’t come; I wouldn't have to deal with him throwing a fit halfway through, demanding to go play somewhere else." Song Yao, hearing that Gong Peixing was willing to take the child, naturally agreed wholeheartedly. "After we eat well today, we’ll go shopping. I need to buy clothes for those two—the little brat isn't here, so I can shop more comfortably." Every time she takes Taotao shopping for clothes, that little menace always threatens a strike.

"Good." Shi Man didn't have many friends in New York and often went shopping alone, which was rather dull. "Let's have a good shop after dinner and look at some clothes."

"You two are planning to go shopping after dinner—do you mind if I tag along?" Li Qian pushed the door open and immediately spoke up when she heard their plans. "I need to see if there are any opening-day outfits that would work."

Wang Qiqi was momentarily stunned. She had initially planned to persuade Li Qian not to shop today, thinking anyone who just sat on a plane for so long couldn't possibly not be tired. But unexpectedly, before she could even suggest anything, Sister Qian mentioned she also wanted to shop. "Then, could I perhaps find a place to sit and wait for you all?" Shopping? How dull. She’d rather find a spot for a drink. Manman, really. Aren't things in New York generally better than back home? Why would she think of buying things domestically?

"You aren't seriously planning not to buy anything for your mother-in-law, are you? You aren't planning not to buy anything for your aunt, are you?" Shi Man was annoyed by Wang Qiqi's evasive manner regarding shopping. "You're just going to hand over cash, aren't you?"

Wang Qiqi shrugged, signaling that this was indeed her intention. "I don't know their preferred styles or sizes for clothes. If I buy something they don't like, wouldn't that be a waste? Giving cash is just easier." Wang Qiqi admitted this was more than just being lazy; she couldn't help it. She hadn't spent much genuine time with Luo Hongjuan, so she didn't know much about her sizes. More importantly, although Qiqi was a girl in her early twenties, her wardrobe mainly consisted of three basic colors—black, grey, and white—colors that older people generally disliked.

"Let me tell you, even if what you buy isn't perfect, your mother-in-law will still be quite happy that you bought her something," Song Yao corrected Wang Qiqi's flawed logic. "If all else fails, buy a scarf or a handbag; even a pair of shoes would do."

"Qiqi, some things can't just be solved by giving money. Of course, you calling Auntie Luo regularly and bringing back cosmetics and supplements every time you return is good, but honestly, those things don't require much thought from you, do they?" Song Yao interrupted the rebuttal Wang Qiqi was preparing to make. "Have you ever bought Auntie Luo any clothing, trousers, or shoes?"

Wang Qiqi shook her head. "But..."

"Then follow me today. I've shopped with Auntie Luo before and know a little about her tastes. I guarantee Auntie Luo will be delighted when she sees the clothes you pick out for her." Song Yao had actually wanted to discuss buying gifts for elders with Wang Qiqi for a while but hadn't found the right moment. She certainly hadn't expected to find such a perfect opportunity with Li Qian present as well.

Li Qian seemed to understand. "When you buy clothes for elders, even if the style isn't exactly to their liking, they will still be very happy because it shows you keep them in your heart. Qiqi, if you just hand over money, I guarantee your mother-in-law will just save it."

"Exactly. Although Auntie Luo's life is much better now, she’s always been frugal with money, buying clothes only when they are on sale. And you know, sometimes when items go on sale, they might not have her size, or if they have her size, Auntie Luo might not like them," Song Yao explained. She had tried to persuade Luo Hongjuan not to worry so much about clothes, but, "Auntie Luo says you all have a lot of pressure in the States, so she wants to save the money."

Wang Qiqi had considered that Luo Hongjuan might not spend the money she received, but Qiqi hadn't dwelled on it. Now that Song Yao had stated it so plainly, she couldn't just pretend she hadn't heard. "Got it, Sis. I'll definitely put effort into shopping later." Alright, since both Song Yao and Li Qian pointed out her laziness and desire for an easy way out, she might as well try harder.

"That's how it should be," Song Yao said, seeing Wang Qiqi was being receptive, and patted her shoulder. "You should have done this long ago."

"Being a good daughter-in-law isn't easy; you have to study hard," Li Qian advised. Although Old Ye's mother had passed away long ago, his first marriage involved a mother-in-law. "When I was with Li Zhe's father, didn't I also have to consider my in-laws in everything? Otherwise, even the smallest issue becomes a big one. You have it much easier than I did back then."

"Sorry, sorry!" Bai Ge burst in and quickly greeted everyone. Seeing how happily everyone was chatting, she asked, "What are you discussing? Are you talking about the wellness center?" Although Bai Ge wasn't an investor, she knew about the two businesses Song Yao was currently enthusiastic about.

"Hi, Bai Ge," Wang Qiqi looked up at Bai Ge, noticing how much she had changed. It had only been a year and a half since graduation, but Bai Ge already exuded the air of a powerful career woman. Of course, she was still a bit behind Zhu Lina, but compared to when she was just starting university, she had improved significantly. "If our university classmates saw you now, they’d all be stunned." Although Bai Ge had started her business in her junior year, she didn't have this commanding presence back then. Now, dressed in a business suit, she was absolutely a female titan.

"Stunned?" Bai Ge shrugged. "I haven't run into classmates much since graduation. Even when I do, it's just a quick word or two before we part." Bai Ge looked at some colleagues who still seemed relatively relaxed and felt they were too leisurely. She had adapted to a busy life herself. "By the way, what were you just talking about?"

"We were discussing how perfunctory I am toward my mother-in-law. I'm confessing and promising to actively improve," Wang Qiqi admitted honestly when Bai Ge continued to ask about the topic.

Bai Ge’s smiling expression turned a bit odd when she heard what Qiqi said. "I need to use the restroom."

Wang Qiqi watched Bai Ge rush off to the restroom right after entering. "Is it...?" If Bai Ge urgently needed the restroom, she should have gone before coming in. Her hasty departure suggested a change in her personal life.

Wang Qiqi shifted her questioning gaze to Song Yao. Their relationship had always been close; Song Yao must know something. Even if she didn't know the whole story, she surely knew some clues.

Song Yao gave a wry smile and gently shook her head at Wang Qiqi. "Private matters."

Well, even though Song Yao hadn't elaborated, Wang Qiqi confirmed one thing: Bai Ge was currently single. She wasn't sure if it was that ex-mother-in-law who looked down on her causing trouble, or if the man realized how successful Bai Ge was now and felt uneasy about it. Regardless, the blow must have been significant for Bai Ge, but if she got through it, it would also be a huge help to her life path. "Out with the old, in with the new; eventually, she'll find the most suitable man."

Although that logic was sound, matters of the heart weren't solved that easily. "Speaking of which, Sis, I have to head back in a few days." Wang Qiqi suddenly remembered something very important. She had planned to enjoy a long, leisurely vacation, but alas, "I already bought my ticket today—the ticket for the second day after the wellness center grand opening."

"Ah, you're leaving so soon?" Song Yao knew Qiqi wouldn't stay in China for very long, but her departure this time seemed quite rushed. "Didn't you say you could take as much time off as you needed?"

"Normally, yes, but everything has piled up this time. The company is relocating, and I need to go there to hold things down for a while." Wang Qiqi knew John would come looking for her, so she had already blocked his and Han Tao's emails. However, today, right after she arrived home with Shi Man, Han Tao called internationally to discuss some company matters. Although Han Tao never explicitly asked Qiqi to return, his underlying meaning was clear. "The company just moved, there’s a lot going on, and John is feeling a bit under the weather, so as a shareholder, I have to go help out." Han Tao is temporarily staying put, and Fatty is busy rushing progress or something, plus he's truly incompetent at management. Since the company hadn't grown large enough to hire professional managers, John hadn't done so, and now that he was unwell, he had no choice but to call Qiqi back.

When Shi Man heard Qiqi mention company issues, her heart tightened. She worried the IT company was in deep trouble, recalling Qiqi mentioning someone trying to sabotage the business. Only after hearing that John was unwell did Shi Man's heart settle again. "Then you won't be signing the contract with them?"

"That's not urgent; everything is settled. It can wait until John recovers before we sign. I’m just going there to act as their steward." This time, only technical staff would go over; many logistical positions needed to be filled by hiring locally. Because the relocation was rushed, the recruitment process hadn't kept up. "I might as well take the opportunity to hire staff there." The task was incredibly heavy. Wang Qiqi thought to herself that she had originally planned to take advantage of John, but in the end, she was the one who ended up with the short end of the stick.

(.)RU