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. "She'll be a little late. Let's order first, and we can add more when they get here." They were all familiar with each other; there was no need to wait until everyone was present to order.

"I don't mind. Manman, you order," Wang Qiqi said, having just washed a cup and poured tea for herself and Shi Man. "Why didn't you bring Taotao out?" That little guy usually loved going out; why wasn't he fussing to come along for dinner tonight? Wang Qiqi found it strange.

"I planned to bring him, but your brother-in-law mentioned that a new leisure bathhouse opened at the community entrance, and they have a buffet inside—heard it's quite good. The moment that little rascal heard that, how could he possibly agree to come out with me? Though it's better he didn't come; I wouldn't have to deal with him throwing a tantrum halfway through wanting to go play somewhere else." Hearing that Gong Peixing was willing to take the child, Song Yao naturally agreed wholeheartedly. "After we eat today, we'll go shopping. I need to buy clothes for those two father and son, and honestly, shopping is more comfortable when the little devil isn't around." Every time she took Taotao clothes shopping, the little brat would often stage a strike.

"Okay," Shi Man replied. She didn't have many friends in New York and often went out shopping alone, which felt quite dull. "Let's have a good shopping trip after eating."

"If you plan on shopping after dinner, do you mind if I join?" Li Qian pushed the door open and spoke up immediately upon hearing their plans. "I need to see if there's anything suitable to wear for the opening."

Wang Qiqi was stunned. She had originally intended to persuade Li Qian not to go shopping today, thinking anyone who had been on a plane for so long shouldn't feel tireless. But unexpectedly, before she could even speak, Sister Qian announced she wanted to shop too. "Then... maybe I can find somewhere to sit and wait for you all?" Shopping was dreadfully uninteresting; she’d rather find a place for a drink. Besides, Manman, weren't things in New York generally better than in the country? Why would she think about buying things domestically?

"You're not seriously planning on not buying anything for your mother-in-law, are you? You're not planning on just skipping your aunt, either?" Shi Man got annoyed seeing Wang Qiqi trying to evade the topic of shopping. "You're just planning on handing over cash, right?"

Wang Qiqi shrugged, indicating that was exactly her plan. "I don't know their preferred styles or even their sizes. If I buy something they don't like, wouldn't that be a waste? So giving money is just easier." Wang Qiqi admitted this was more than just laziness, but she felt she had no choice. She hadn't spent that much time genuinely interacting with Luo Hongjuan, so she didn't know her clothing size well. More importantly, although Qiqi was a girl in her early twenties, her own wardrobe mostly consisted of three basic colors—black, gray, and white—and elderly people generally didn't favor those colors.

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

"Qiqi, some things can't be settled just by giving money. Of course, it's right that you call Aunt Luo often and bring back cosmetics or tonics every time you visit, but honestly, those things don't require much thought from you, do they?" Song Yao interjected before Wang Qiqi could argue back. "Have you ever bought Aunt Luo any clothes, trousers, or shoes?"

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

"Then you'll come with me today. I've shopped with Aunt Luo before and know a little about what she likes. I guarantee she'll be thrilled to see the clothes you picked out for her." Song Yao had actually been looking for an opportunity to discuss buying gifts for elders with Wang Qiqi for a while, but she never found the right moment. She hadn't expected to stumble upon such a perfect teaching opportunity with Li Qian present, too.

Li Qian seemed to have grasped the situation. "When buying things for elders, even if the style isn't exactly to their taste, they'll still be very happy that you kept them in mind. If you just hand over the money, Qiqi, I guarantee your mother-in-law will just save it."

"Exactly. Even though Aunt Luo's life is much better now, she's never been one to spend lavishly. The clothes she buys are always on sale, and you know how it is with sales—they might not have her size, or if they have her size, Aunt Luo might not like it," Song Yao explained. She hadn't failed to advise Luo Hongjuan not to worry so much about clothes, but "Aunt Luo says you all have a lot of pressure in the States, and she needs 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 put it so plainly, she couldn't just pretend she hadn't heard. "Got it, Sister. I'll definitely put effort into shopping later." Fine, since both Song Yao and Li Qian accused her of being lazy and seeking the easy way out, she supposed she'd have to try hard.

"That's how it should be," Song Yao said, patting her shoulder when she saw Wang Qiqi was receptive. "You should have done this a long time ago."

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

"Sorry, sorry!" Bai Ge burst in and immediately started greeting everyone busily. Seeing that everyone seemed to be chatting happily, she asked, "What are you discussing? Are you talking about the wellness center?" Although Bai Ge wasn't a shareholder, she knew about the two current passion projects of Song Yao.

"Hi, Bai Ge," Wang Qiqi replied, glancing at Bai Ge. She noticed how much she had changed. It had only been a year and a half since graduation, but Bai Ge already exuded the aura of a powerhouse executive. Of course, she was a bit short of someone like Zhu Lina, but compared to when she was in college, she had improved immensely. "If our college classmates saw you now, they'd be stunned." Although Bai Ge had started her business in her junior year, her presence wasn't this formidable back then. Now, dressed in a business suit, she was the absolute picture of a career woman.

"Stunned?" Bai Ge shrugged. "I haven't run into many classmates since graduation. Even when I do, it's just a quick word or two before we part ways." Bai Ge looked at some of her still leisurely colleagues and felt they were moving too slowly. She had already adapted to a life of constant activity. "By the way, what were you just talking about?"

"We were discussing how perfunctory I am toward my mother-in-law. I'm currently confessing and promising to improve," Wang Qiqi stated frankly when Bai Ge asked about the topic again.

Bai Ge’s previously smiling expression turned a little strange when she heard Qiqi’s explanation. "I need to use the restroom."

Wang Qiqi watched Bai Ge rush out shortly after arriving to use the restroom. "Is she...?" If Bai Ge had needed the restroom urgently, she would have gone before coming in. Her hasty departure suggested that something had shifted in her personal life.

Wang Qiqi turned a questioning gaze to Song Yao. They had always been close, so Song Yao must know something. Even if she didn't know the whole story, she surely had some clues.

Song Yao gave a wry smile and gently shook her head at Wang Qiqi. "Personal relationship stuff."

Well, Song Yao hadn't said anything specific, but Wang Qiqi confirmed one thing: Bai Ge was currently single. She didn't know if it was the former mother-in-law who looked down on her causing trouble, or if the man realized how successful Bai Ge's career had become and felt deeply uncomfortable about it. Regardless, the blow must have been significant for Bai Ge, but if she got through it, it would be hugely beneficial for her life path. "Out with the old, in with the new. She'll eventually find the most suitable man."

Although the sentiment was logical, matters of the heart weren't resolved that easily. "By the way, Sister, I have to go back in a few days." Wang Qiqi suddenly remembered something very important. She had intended to enjoy a long, relaxed vacation, but alas. "I already bought my ticket for the day after the wellness center opens."

"Ah, you're leaving that quickly?" Song Yao knew Qiqi wouldn't stay in the country for too long, but this departure seemed awfully rushed. "Didn't you say you could take as much time off as you needed?"

"That was the plan, but everything piled up at once. The company is relocating, and I have to go over and take charge for a while." Wang Qiqi knew John would look for her, so she had already blocked emails from him and Han Tao. But unexpectedly, today, right after she returned home with Shi Man, Han Tao called internationally about company affairs. Although Han Tao never explicitly asked Qiqi to return, the implication was clear in his words. "The company just moved, and there are a lot of things to handle. Plus, John isn't feeling well, so as a shareholder, I have no choice but to go help out." Han Tao wasn't moving yet, and Fatty was busy rushing progress, plus he was truly incompetent at management. Since the company hadn't grown large enough for a professional manager, John hadn't hired one, and now that he was sick, calling for Qiqi was his only option.

Shi Man’s heart jumped when she heard Qiqi mention company business, wondering if the IT company was in serious trouble. She remembered Qiqi mentioning someone trying to sabotage the company. Only when she heard that John was unwell did Shi Man’s tension ease. "Then you won't be signing the contracts with them?"

"That's not urgent; it’s all settled. We can sign once John recovers. I'm just going over to act as their temporary housekeeper." This time, only the technical staff would go; all the logistical support personnel would need to be hired locally. Because the relocation was so rushed, the hiring process hadn't kept pace. "I'll also handle recruiting the staff while I'm there." The task was heavier than she thought. Wang Qiqi mused that she had intended to play a trick on John, but it turned out she was the one who ended up with the worst luck.