The days crept closer, and Wang Qiqi’s mood brightened with each passing one. She even managed to hum cheerful tunes while tackling her heavy workload.

KAN heard Qiqi singing. Though he couldn't make out the lyrics, he certainly felt her joy. "You're off the day after tomorrow?"

Qiqi nodded. Even though the actual date hadn't arrived, she and Han Tao needed to fly out two days early to settle some last-minute affairs. They couldn't just show up at the last moment; they needed to confirm everything with the hotel. Although the entire itinerary had been locked down via phone and email, Qiqi and Han Tao still felt a lingering unease. Their wedding was relatively simple, with few guests invited, but both of them desperately wanted nothing to go wrong.

Wang Qiqi beamed and nodded, "Mmm, our flight is tomorrow night, so I’m leaving the rest of the immediate work to you, BOSS." Hah, a few days of freedom—just thinking about it made her happy. The thought of blue skies, white clouds, and sandy beaches sent shivers of anticipation through her. Her mood couldn't have been better.

KAN knew this meant he wouldn't have an easy time. She was already this delighted before even leaving the office. "It’s fine. I’ll take my time with it. It will be the same whether I do it now or when you get back."

"Great," Qiqi replied, completely unconcerned. After all, JOHN had said this entire matter needed to be wrapped up within a week, and by then, she would be enjoying Hawaii.

KAN watched Qiqi's mischievous smirk and knew exactly what she was thinking. "There will always be work left to do."

How could Qiqi not know KAN was aiming that comment at her? Of course, work never ended. Otherwise, why would JOHN hire more people? Did he expect to pay her for doing nothing? "Work never ends, of course. All I ask is for a chance to finally breathe," she retorted. At least, not having to worry about company matters—just eating, drinking, and having fun every day. The mere thought made her ecstatic.

KAN fell silent. If he continued talking to Qiqi, he felt he might actually break down. "We really do need to hire someone," he insisted. KAN knew Qiqi didn't have the final authority to hire, but she could certainly relay the message to JOHN. While he had suggested it before, the company’s current focus remained squarely on recruiting IT talent. JOHN hadn't given personnel matters much attention yet. At this moment, KAN strongly felt that having a shareholder around who was invested in the company would be beneficial.

Qiqi wholeheartedly agreed. "We absolutely must hire someone." If they didn't hire, what would she do when her belly started growing? Was she expected to work while visibly pregnant? Although JOHN wouldn't object, Qiqi had discreetly inquired: maternity leave wasn't really a thing here. Mothers were expected to return to work shortly after giving birth. Qiqi found this unacceptable. Sure, she was young and could probably power through, but the core issue was: could someone raised on grass possibly compare to someone raised on beef? For the sake of a good future, Qiqi dared not gamble with her own body. "I will talk to JOHN about it." Qiqi understood KAN’s underlying motive perfectly, but the HR department truly had too few staff. She deeply missed her days as a mere assistant—less pay, yes, but the real advantage was being able to manage her private side hustles during work hours, and more importantly, the responsibilities were lighter.

JOHN sat in his office reviewing documents. He looked up when he heard a knock and saw Wang Qiqi standing there. He raised an eyebrow. "Angel, what is it? I will certainly be there on the day you and TAO marry." Although JOHN couldn't stay long, he absolutely had to attend the wedding of a friend and business partner.

Wang Qiqi already knew from Han Tao that JOHN would attend. She had half-expected that since Han Tao and Fatty were taking leave, perhaps JOHN wouldn't be able to make it. She hadn't anticipated him flying over specifically for their wedding; it felt quite grand. "I know, JOHN. I feel that HR is understaffed. Also, I plan to get pregnant shortly after the wedding, and I might resign."

JOHN knew Qiqi and Han Tao had been together for a long time, and he had heard TAO mention their plans for children. However, he was surprised Qiqi was considering quitting entirely. This struck JOHN as odd. "Are you upset because I put you in HR without consulting you first?" JOHN paused for a moment. He admitted that early on, he thought Qiqi’s abilities were mediocre, especially since she took so much time off when she first started. He hadn't paid her much mind, figuring he was just paying someone to exist. But after working closely with her over the last few months, he realized she was highly capable. JOHN had actually hoped Qiqi would become his assistant, but she ultimately chose the Deputy Manager role in HR. Now, he couldn't fathom why she was considering resignation.

Based on his observations, many Chinese women returned to work soon after childbirth; very few quit their careers to become full-time homemakers immediately after marrying, especially highly educated women like Qiqi.

Qiqi did have that initial thought—that things were indeed overwhelming right now—but she had learned a great deal. "I was just thinking that once I’m pregnant and have the baby, I won't be able to resume work right away. I’ll need at least a few months of rest," Qiqi stated honestly. "So, there’s no point in keeping a position occupied." If she were just a junior assistant, taking leave would be fine. But the problem was she held a Deputy Manager role. How would her subordinates view that? Wouldn't they think she was taking extended leave just because she was a shareholder?

JOHN hadn't expected Qiqi's resignation talk to stem from this concern, though he knew it was only part of the reason; the rest was likely her desire for a break. "Then take a six-month leave. Or, you can work from home." Thinking it over, JOHN found this proposal excellent. Since Qiqi was a shareholder, she surely wouldn't do anything detrimental to the company's interests. "Yes, work from home."

Qiqi was momentarily stunned. She truly hadn't expected JOHN to agree to her working remotely. While the digital age made remote work highly feasible, Qiqi never imagined she was considered that indispensable. "Isn't that a bit... much?"

JOHN looked at the worried Qiqi. "It's fine. By the time you’re pregnant, the HR team will have more people, and your workload won't be heavy."

Well, if JOHN insisted that she remain officially affiliated with the company, Qiqi wouldn't push for a full leave. Working from home meant she could care for the baby and still collect a salary. That sounded quite good.

Han Tao saw Wang Qiqi stomp over, looking furious. He wondered what happened. She had been so happy just moments ago, talking about not having to worry about formula money for the baby. How could one phone call change her entire demeanor? "Was that KAN? Or JOHN?" He guessed it must have been a call from management, which would explain her expression.

If it had been KAN, that would have been fine. "Song Ziwen just called. He said Wang Rui is coming too." The thought of an unwelcome person showing up at her wedding made Qiqi intensely angry. "I already told Song Ziwen clearly: I don't have a relative named Wang Rui. She can do whatever she wants."

Wang Qiqi felt a surge of internal frustration. If it weren't for the messes Song Ziwen or Yang Jing created, how would Wang Rui even know she was getting married? "I told Song Ziwen already; I didn't invite her, so I am not responsible for her flight or hotel expenses." She wasn't a sucker, so why should she foot the bill for Wang Rui, especially bringing Gao Kai along? Didn't she think she was being too conspicuous? Why should Qiqi’s good mood be ruined, forcing her to pay? She wasn't a doormat just because Wang Rui showed up. Qiqi said this partly for Han Tao's benefit, hoping he wouldn't let his goodwill on a happy day override common sense and let Wang Rui get away with something for free.

Han Tao was dumbfounded. While marriage was meant to be joyful, and he didn't want to fight, some people had truly unbelievable nerve. "Right, we can’t spoil them. Did you tell Song Ziwen?" If Song Ziwen were standing there, Han Tao suspected he might lose control and throw a punch. He truly had never encountered such a troublesome relative.

"I did. I don't care how he takes it, whether he's happy or unhappy," Qiqi snapped, hanging up the phone immediately so she wouldn't dwell on Song Ziwen's reaction. "Come on, let's board. We need to keep a good mood and not take unhappiness with us to Hawaii."

While Wang Qiqi was so angry she felt like spitting blood, back in China, Song Ziwen stared incredulously at the phone receiver. He knew Qiqi would be unhappy hearing the news, but he hadn't expected her to simply shout that one line and abruptly hang up. That was exceptionally impolite.

"What's wrong?" Yang Jing, standing nearby, had clearly heard Qiqi’s furious voice echoing from the receiver.

Song Ziwen slammed the phone down. "You heard, didn't you? Qiqi was so mad she hung up on me. Tell me, what on earth have you done? You knew her relationship with Wang Rui was bad, yet you insisted on bringing Wang Rui along. Do you think our relationship with Wang Qiqi isn't strained enough already?"

The more Song Ziwen thought about it, the angrier he got. "That Wang Rui is a jinx. Bad luck follows anyone who gets tangled up with her." He had planned to transfer the factory shares to Song Yao to ease their cash flow, but Yang Jing insisted that if Song Yao wouldn't put up the money, he should sell to someone else. This prompted Song Yao to retaliate, threatening to give her shares in the cabinet factory to someone else. As a result, while some interaction remained, their relationships had truly thinned out. Now, the only economic connection between Song Yao, Qiqi, and the others was that investment company; otherwise, there was nothing.

"Wang Rui was just trying to be helpful," Yang Jing murmured. "They are cousins, after all." Yang Jing thought it was normal for Wang Rui to ask to attend Wang Qiqi's wedding; they were family, regardless of everything. "Wang Rui even said she would cover her own airfare and such." Yang Jing pursed her lips. She had just heard Qiqi declare she wouldn't pay for Wang Rui and her husband's travel and lodging. In Yang Jing’s view, Qiqi was being petty and unwilling to spend the money—truly miserly, given her wealth.

"Do you think Wang Qiqi can't afford that money?" Song Ziwen shot Yang Jing a sharp look. "You—stop always believing Wang Rui’s flattery. Just pretend she's a good person. That girl is ruthless. Gao Kai liked Qiqi back then, but when your uncle and aunt had their troubles, Wang Rui immediately latched onto Gao Kai. Is that something a decent person does? When your uncle and aunt were around, they treated Wang Rui wonderfully; whatever Qiqi had, Wang Rui got too."

Yang Jing hadn't realized the history between Wang Rui and Wang Qiqi was so acrimonious. "Oh? Qiqi was with Gao Kai before?" Good heavens, Yang Jing remembered Qiqi and Han Tao dating since freshman year; she never knew about any involvement with Gao Kai, especially such a melodramatic love triangle. "Wang Rui told me her family kindly offered to help Qiqi manage her affairs..."

Song Ziwen sneered inwardly. Even though Yang Jing had married into the family for several years, there were things she simply didn't know. These embarrassing family secrets were never discussed with her. But it didn't matter now. "In any case, think carefully about everything she tells you. She is someone who never acts without gaining something. The only reason she flatters you is because she thinks you have value. We aren't asking anything from Wang Qiqi. Since your uncle and aunt ran into trouble, Qiqi has relied entirely on herself, developing a personality that refuses to ask favors. You might find what she says blunt or harsh, but think about it."

Yang Jing looked at Song Ziwen, who had returned to his work. While she was slightly displeased that he hadn't revealed everything, one thing was clear: many people had tried to seize Qiqi's family fortune back then, and judging by Song Ziwen’s expression, his in-laws might have even been involved. The fact that Qiqi managed to safeguard the assets during that time meant she was no simple figure. Comparing herself to Qiqi, Yang Jing felt a jolt of fear; she knew she probably didn't possess Qiqi’s level of capability. "I understand. But what about if Wang Rui goes?"

"If Wang Rui insists on going, let her pay. Just make sure you don't stick close to her," Song Ziwen sighed. What else could he do? It seemed Wang Rui was determined to attend, which guaranteed Wang Qiqi would be furious. "As long as she pays for her own airfare, accommodation, and food, it has nothing to do with us. Just tell her to bring enough cash."

Song Ziwen knew very well that Wang Rui’s claim of paying for herself was likely just talk. Gao Kai wasn't exactly rolling in money right now. A round trip to Hawaii alone would cost at least thirty thousand just for flights and lodging, not to mention any shopping they might do. "Has Gao Kai's money arrived? After you pay the workers' wages, the red envelope you give her should be slightly larger than the amount we initially discussed." Even though Wang Qiqi claimed she wouldn't accept a red envelope, they couldn't actually skip giving one, especially after this incident with Wang Rui.

Yang Jing confirmed this. "I already prepared it. I specifically exchanged it into US dollars; I had some left over from my last trip to the States." Yang Jing offered this red envelope willingly. They would be flying first class and staying in five-star hotels, requiring them to spend not a single cent for the entire trip. How much could they put in the envelope? It was a guaranteed profit. Thinking it through, the money Qiqi would end up paying was substantial—easily matching the cost of hosting a wedding back home.