With the contract successfully signed, everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. The next issue was the transfer of funds, which frankly, wasn't an issue at all; everyone had arrived prepared with cold, hard cash, waiting only for the contract finalization to inject the capital.

Feng Xuanxiang looked at the signed document and let out a huge sigh of relief himself. Once the money arrived, he could truly get things rolling. "I'll treat everyone to a simple meal today. Once the business takes off, I'll take you all to a Michelin-starred restaurant."

"Deal!" Wang Qiqi and Shi Man shouted excitedly. "We definitely won't be polite about it then."

Juliana almost rolled her eyes watching the two women celebrating as if they'd snagged a bargain. Little did they know these two weren't worried about money in the slightest. "Is this really necessary for you two?"

"Absolutely necessary. We're not like you, sitting on a real estate empire back home. Business is booming in China right now," Shi Man remarked casually. "Among us, if you're not the wealthiest, who is? These investments must look like pocket change to you."

Hearing that last part snapped Juliana to attention. "Pocket change? My family makes money in real estate, sure, but every cent is tied up in property. We only have the cash once the houses sell."

Wang Qiqi took issue with that. "Exactly, but aren't houses hot commodities right now? Didn't you just boast last time about snapping up a few plots in Haicheng? You made money the moment you secured the deeds." In the current real estate climate, if you had the right connections, just acquiring land was enough to make you rich.

"Right! Your family's houses are in high demand. When are you going to set aside a unit for me in Haicheng? Give me the cost price," Shi Man said, genuinely wanting to buy a place for a base when inspecting the beauty salons later, not to mention how quickly those properties appreciated.

Song Ziwen and Yang Jing initially felt a pang of guilt when the real estate talk started, wondering if Qiqi knew something, prompting her to bring it up in front of everyone. But as they listened to the subsequent conversation, they understood: the others were angling for cheap property. Yang Jing herself wanted to ask Juliana for a Haicheng apartment but held back, knowing her relationship with Juliana wasn't close enough—even Song Yao hadn't dared to ask.

Simultaneously, Yang Jing found herself highly tempted by Wang Rui’s earlier suggestion that they all pool resources to start a new real estate company. However, she’d previously leaned toward investing in the IT venture. Moreover, Yang Jing and Song Ziwen harbored lingering doubts about Wang Rui and Gao Kai. But after this trip to the States, they learned from Wang Qiqi that Qiqi was unwilling to give up her shares—even though she eventually conceded, her palpable reluctance and refusal to offer a discount had greatly annoyed Song Ziwen and Yang Jing. Now that even Juliana affirmed the strength of the real estate sector, they were seriously reconsidering partnering with Wang Rui.

The pensive looks on the faces of Song Ziwen and his wife did not escape the notice of Juliana and the others. Juliana had only spoken a few times at Wang Qiqi's request, and seeing them deep in thought, she wisely fell silent. "Let's eat. By the way, Yao Yao Jie, are you planning to take Taotao to Disney?"

Song Yao hummed in assent, her enthusiasm dampened. She had noticed the calculating way her brother and sister-in-law were pondering things. Song Yao was quite angry at her brother and sister-in-law's slight betrayal. Wang Qiqi had actually told her yesterday about attempting to persuade Song Ziwen and Yang Jing to collaborate with Wang Rui on real estate. Truthfully, Song Yao had thought if they could resist temptation, they were still her good friends. But seeing events unfold exactly as Wang Qiqi predicted, she could only sigh in disappointment. She resolved that since Qiqi had no more ventures back home, she definitely wouldn't include Song Ziwen and his wife in any future projects. However, perhaps for them, the real estate venture would bring greater rewards.

Wang Qiqi sensed Song Yao's low spirits and patted her hand gently, signaling her to smile. "What will be will be, sister. Everyone walks their own path. Maybe they'll have a better tomorrow."

"What's so great about partnering with Wang Rui? She’s a jinx; misfortune follows her everywhere," Song Yao murmured. "By the way, I'm going to Disney in a few days. Are you coming?"

Disney! Wang Qiqi was definitely tempted. The last time she went, it was with Shi Man, and they had a wild time. "Manman, are you going?"

Disney! Shi Man’s eyes lit up, but the light quickly dimmed. "I won't go. You know how busy I am." Even though the money would arrive quickly, the company was just launching. She couldn't hire many people; initially, it was just Feng Xuanxiang and the partners, while Shi Man had to double as administration, front desk, and clerk, for just a token salary. How could she find time to go out?

If Shi Man wasn't going, Wang Qiqi honestly felt less inclined to go. "Come on, I was planning to go have some fun too." Juliana had secured her parents' permission to visit the States, so she planned to spend several days enjoying herself. Even if visiting Disney seemed a bit childish for her age, having grown up watching Mickey Mouse, she wanted the experience. But if Qiqi didn't go, Juliana would feel awkward going alone.

Yang Jing overheard the discussion about Disney and, frankly, had no fondness for the place. She'd rather spend the time touring Hollywood, hoping to spot a celebrity. But Niu Niu might not like it, and she felt embarrassed asking Song Yao to watch Niu Niu, especially since Taotao was such a handful. To her surprise, Juliana was trying to rally Qiqi to go to Disney. If Qiqi went, it would be perfect for Yang Jing to ask her to babysit Niu Niu. "Qiqi, you should come too! You can help me watch Niu Niu."

Song Yao’s face was about to darken. She seriously wanted to comment on Yang Jing’s audacity, but Wang Qiqi quickly intervened, squeezing her hand tightly to stop her from reacting. "I’ve already been once; I’m still deciding. Sister-in-law, aren't you going?"

"I plan to go sightseeing in Hollywood with your brother, check out the Walk of Fame," Yang Jing explained their itinerary. "It’s rare for us to come to the States; I want to go somewhere more meaningful."

Wang Qiqi nearly gagged. How thick-skinned could this sister-in-law be? Qiqi had spent three or four days in New York, and her outings consisted of specialty stores, big malls, or outlet centers—plus one trip to Times Square. She had seen one Broadway show, which Qiqi suspected was done merely to have something to boast about to her friends. While Qiqi visited landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and picnicked in Central Park, she was often alone or occasionally brought Niu Niu along just to snap a family photo—in fact, Wang Qiqi spent more time looking after Niu Niu. Qiqi had hoped Yang Jing wouldn't impose on her, but here she was, shamelessly asking for help.

Song Xiaoran had long wanted to go to Disney to take pictures with Mickey and Minnie. Brother Taotao had gone to Disney when he visited Japan, and when he went to France, his aunt had also taken him. So, before coming to the States, Song Xiaoran had secured a promise from her parents to visit Disney. To her dismay, her parents preferred Hollywood over the happiest place on earth, which truly saddened the little girl.

Wang Qiqi noticed the little girl, Niu Niu, on the verge of tears and felt genuine pity. She was such a bright and thoughtful child. Why was Yang Jing so self-absorbed, never thinking about taking her out? Qiqi steeled herself against complying with Yang Jing's request, but then she thought of the poor child; perhaps visiting Disney was the only thing she looked forward to in America. That was what she and Taotao had talked about.

Song Ziwen was quite surprised by Yang Jing's latest pronouncements. He understood his wife leaving the child with Qiqi recently because Yang Jing needed to shop. But now that she’d finished shopping, she should be taking Niu Niu to things she enjoyed. What was this sudden desire for Hollywood? Yang Jing always insisted on keeping promises to her child, yet here she was.

"Let Qiqi take [Niu Niu] to Disney. We haven't had any time out as a couple this trip," Yang Jing whispered to Song Ziwen when she noticed his expression hardening. "I actually want to go to Disney too, but you know how many stars we might see in Hollywood."

Seeing his wife's pleading eyes, what could Song Ziwen say? He could only shift his pleading gaze to Wang Qiqi.

Wang Qiqi was speechless; she had truly been defeated by this couple. Juliana also felt a surge of regret. If she hadn't pushed the idea, perhaps Qiqi could have directly refused, claiming company obligations. Knowing that speaking up now might only worsen things, Juliana could only send continuous, apologetic glances toward Wang Qiqi.

Wang Qiqi ultimately decided to go to Disney, if only for Niu Niu’s sake. "So, Niu Niu will be playing with Auntie again. Are you happy?"

Hearing Wang Qiqi say she was going to Disney, the tears on Song Xiaoran’s face hadn't even dried before a smile blossomed. Looking at the little girl's radiant grin, Wang Qiqi felt it was worth it. "Good thing you’re a kid. If you weren't afraid of roller coasters, I’d never dare go."

Everyone finally understood Qiqi's hesitation about Disney—it turned out the girl was scared of roller coasters. Taotao immediately burst into laughter and mocked his aunt.

Wang Damei watched Song Yao and her husband playing on the carousel with Taotao and Niu Niu. "I really don't know who Niu Niu’s mother is. She’s always saying children need their parents to bond, but look how much time she’s spent with the child here in America. She’s practically treating Qiqi like a nanny."

If Luo Hongjuan hadn't been present, Wang Damei might have kept quiet about Yang Jing tasking Qiqi, since Qiqi had agreed. But seeing the couple dump Niu Niu on Qiqi and completely absolve themselves of responsibility—not even offering to pay for tickets—made Wang Damei furious.

Luo Hongjuan certainly wasn't happy, though she tried not to add fuel to the fire. Even a well-behaved child takes considerable effort. "It's alright. Consider it practice for Qiqi on how to handle children."

"Auntie, Niu Niu is very good. She slept well with me last night too," Wang Qiqi thought to herself. Since she had already accepted the arrangement, what good would complaining do now? Better to be magnanimous.

Wang Damei looked at Wang Qiqi, whose words suggested acceptance but whose expression revealed nothing, causing her heart to sink sharply. When had Qiqi’s expressions become so veiled, leaving her unable to gauge her true feelings? What Wang Damei was certain of, however, was that Qiqi was unhappy. "I was originally planning for Ziwen to buy a house near you, Qiqi, but he insisted on buying in New York. Now I'm quite relieved. But those two have certainly gotten picky. They’ve looked at properties for days and haven't settled on a single one."

While buying a home shouldn't be rushed, Wang Damei, who hadn't lived in the States, found Song Yao’s standards for a New York purchase exhausting. Surely one or two properties would have sufficed, but her son and daughter-in-law refused anything less than what they wanted, insisting on a Manhattan location.

Wang Qiqi knew that given their budget and demands, buying in Manhattan was an impossible mission. But Qiqi couldn't help but think that if they failed to secure a house here, that capital could be redirected into the domestic real estate venture. Then, after a few years of operation in China, they might afford a mansion with a swimming pool when they returned to the States. "They’ll find a good place if they search slowly enough."

Luo Hongjuan inwardly prayed that Song Ziwen wouldn't buy a house near Han Tao’s place. After spending time with Song Ziwen and Yang Jing lately, Luo Hongjuan had grown distinctly fond of them.

Wang Damei watched her granddaughter and grandson waving enthusiastically from where they were playing, waving her arms back. "Look at Niu Niu now—she's like a proper child. When she’s with her maternal grandparents, she turns into a little adult, all the childlike spontaneity gone. What Wang Damei didn't say was how close her granddaughter was to her now; before, the child was so distant and cold, suggesting her parents or maternal grandparents must have poisoned her against them."

Wang Qiqi, watching Niu Niu’s unrestrained, happy smile, agreed. "But I predict Niu Niu will need some serious discipline once we return." In Qiqi’s opinion, the ones who truly needed disciplining were Song Ziwen and his wife.