Wang Qiqi and Han Tao’s wedding had few attendees, and to prevent outsiders from causing trouble, Wang Qiqi deliberately moved the venue to a peninsula-like area of the hotel. The scenery there was better, surrounded by the sea on three sides, with only a narrow path for entry and exit. Once the iron gate by the side was closed, it would not be easy for outsiders to get in.

Wang Qiqi had to pay over ten thousand US dollars extra to hold the wedding there, which made her teeth itch with frustration. If it weren't for Wang Rui’s stunt, neither Wang Qiqi nor Han Tao would have willingly spent this extra money.

Although there was no priest to officiate the ceremony, the thoughtful hotel had still set up a place for the couple to exchange vows. “Ah, if only there were a priest here; taking your vows under the sunset would be absolutely romantic.” Shi Man and Feng Xuanxiang’s wedding was also on the agenda. For the two weddings in the country, Shi Man and Old Feng would only be making appearances; they couldn't manage anything else. As for Wang Qiqi’s wedding, Shi Man hadn't offered any suggestions, making her extremely expectant about her own wedding. Now, any invitation to a wedding would see her attending, all for the sake of planning her own.

Shi Man’s suggestion was lovely, but the unfortunate thing was that Wang Qiqi and Han Tao were not Christian. “Is it so bad that we are eating under the setting sun?” Listening to the sound of the waves, the fresh, slightly salty sea breeze on the skin could only elicit one word: refreshing. Especially since the quality of this meal had been elevated—besides Western and Chinese cuisine, Japanese food was also an addition.

Gong Peixing hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to eat Japanese cuisine. He knew that much of it was raw, and Qi Qi, who had long understood the principles of health preservation, shouldn't be eating sashimi. “Qi Qi, you really are too kind. These things can’t be cheap, can they?” Gong Peixing had entertained guests with Japanese cuisine in the capital before and had eaten it while traveling in Japan—especially what he ate in Japan, which was absolutely fresh and quite authentic. But the price was certainly not cheap.

“Then eat more,” Wang Qiqi couldn't very well say they hadn't originally planned for Japanese food. It was mainly because the venue changed, and Han Tao commented that the Japanese cuisine here was quite authentic, so they simply upgraded the dining standard. A helpless Wang Qiqi could only agree. “Everyone, let’s work hard to finish what’s been served. If it’s not enough, ask the waiter for more raw servings.” Even if we don't eat what’s already laid out, we’re still paying for it.

“Okay.” Gong Peixing knew that the Han Tao couple were wealthy tycoons and wouldn't be polite. From then on, he focused on eating the Japanese dishes, though he sampled some Western food too. As for Chinese food? For Gong Peixing, he ate enough of it back home. Besides, how authentic could Chinese food made by foreigners be? He might as well stick to the Western fare, especially since beef was supposed to be better for the body. Foreigners grew up drinking milk and eating beef, which is why they were so tall and sturdy. Gong Peixing figured he had no room to grow taller, though gaining weight was possible.

However, as Gong Peixing aged, he placed increasing importance on his health. Furthermore, his last physical check-up showed that his body indicators weren't great due to frequent socializing and drinking, which had truly frightened him. After consulting an old Chinese medicine doctor at his wife’s health spa for a pulse diagnosis and prescription, he started running for an hour every day. Before, Gong Peixing didn't notice much without a comparison, but seeing Song Ziwen this time—a man clearly younger than him but sporting a distinct 'general’s belly'—Gong Peixing felt he still looked quite young. Gong Peixing used to think a general’s belly lent an air of authority to a leader, but now he envied it not at all. He even specifically cautioned Song Ziwen, though whether he listened was of no concern to Gong Peixing. As a brother-in-law, he had done his due diligence. Saying more would sound like he was meddling too much, and Gong Peixing hadn't forgotten what Song Ziwen had done to raise money back then. If it weren't for Song Yao’s unexpected help and Qi Qi’s assistance, Gong Peixing might have ended up working with strangers.

Song Ziwen was somewhat interested in the health advice his brother-in-law was offering, not because he believed the content was effective, but because after his unhappy dispute with Song Yao over shares earlier in the year, Song Ziwen noticed that his sister and brother-in-law’s attitude towards him had become much colder. Even though they chatted online, Song Ziwen felt the exchanges were mostly perfunctory. Gong Peixing initiating conversation this time made Song Ziwen think his brother-in-law was willing to forgive him. Besides, he had only raised money for investment, not to do anything wrong. With this thought, Song Ziwen became increasingly embarrassed to utter an apology, adopting the demeanor of a younger brother-in-law chatting with Gong Peixing. Gong Peixing did chat with Song Ziwen, but Song Yao sighed internally. As Gong Peixing's pillow companion, she knew exactly what his current mannerisms signified—it was the complete posture of entertaining a guest. Poor Song Ziwen still thought his brother-in-law and sister weren't angry with him, maintaining a cheerful facade, which made Song Yao truly speechless. Song Yao had initially thought that if Song Ziwen apologized, they could let bygones be bygones—after all, she herself had made some investments without telling him. But the boy's dismissive attitude utterly provoked Song Yao.

Seeing that Song Yao was even engaging him in conversation, Song Ziwen became even more convinced his initial assessment was correct, becoming less guarded when speaking with Song Yao. After drinking a bit, his whole demeanor changed. He pulled Gong Peixing aside, boasting about how lucrative the real estate business was and how irrational and unprofitable it was for Gong Peixing to stick with a machining plant now. Everyone present wasn't foolish; they understood his intention—he simply wanted Gong Peixing to sell the factory and pour the capital into the real estate company he shared with Gao Kai to make a fortune.

Song Ziwen’s words made Gong Peixing’s expression turn quite strained. Gong Peixing knew the real estate business was profitable, but collaborating with Song Ziwen and his peers was absolutely out of the question. Partnering with them, he might not even realize he was sold out. Those two men prioritized money too highly. “I think the machining plant is quite good. I have many workers who have followed me for years; I have a responsibility to them.”

Song Ziwen just scoffed at Gong Peixing’s words. “Brother-in-law, why worry about your workers? They do good work and earn you quite a bit of money, but you pay them salaries too…” What a tactless person. Buying out the factory shouldn't cost more than ten million, right? Then investing that money into the real estate company could secure them a ten percent stake. And his brother-in-law could help his sister manage her assets. The couple would certainly not live worse than they did now, and life would be much easier.

Gong Peixing, watching Song Ziwen persistently grabbing him and not letting him leave, became a bit angry himself. He was his brother-in-law, after all. He should be lecturing Song Ziwen, not the other way around? If it weren't for Wang Qiqi's wedding, Gong Peixing would have exploded long ago. But as Song Ziwen’s words grew more outrageous, Gong Peixing felt he couldn't give him a pleasant face either. “Excuse me, I’m accustomed to being the one in charge. Does the real estate company need me to make the decisions?”

Letting Gong Peixing be in charge? Song Ziwen sneered inwardly. “Brother-in-law, that’s impossible.” Gong Peixing hadn't invested that much capital. Setting aside whether Song Ziwen would agree, one thing was certain: Gao Kai wouldn't agree. Why would a major shareholder not be in charge?

“Then I won’t invest. I’m doing very well right now. It’s just me, your sister, and Qi Qi who have shares. I’m much more relaxed,” Gong Peixing declared, then stood up and left. When words don't align, even one sentence too many is one too many. If he continued talking, Gong Peixing worried he wouldn't be able to restrain himself and might actually lash out at Song Ziwen.

Gong Peixing’s abrupt departure from Song Ziwen’s side was immediately noticed by Wang Qiqi, who had been keeping an eye on that area. She was puzzled why Gong Peixing would make such a move. Gong Peixing hadn't held a grudge over Song Ziwen’s near introduction of wolves into the factory in recent days; at most, he maintained a distance. Why such a loss of composure?

After leaving Song Ziwen, Gong Peixing got something to eat, exchanged a few words with Yang Jing, who was talking business with Wang Damei, and then went over to Wang Qiqi, explaining the preceding conflict. Although Zhu Lina and Shi Man were nearby, Gong Peixing did not exclude them.

Wang Qiqi was truly dumbfounded. She hadn't expected that after offending Gong Peixing and his wife previously, Song Ziwen would now expect Gong Peixing to sell the machining plant and channel the funds into the real estate company. Wang Qiqi genuinely wanted to say that Song Ziwen had become increasingly selfish. “Talk to Auntie about it.” As for Song Yao, Wang Qiqi was confident she would absolutely object. Why would she constantly stir things up when enjoying the ease of being in charge?

Gong Peixing grunted an affirmation and went off to play with Tao Tao, coaxing him to bring out some items occasionally. The food here was indeed excellent, but he could only marvel at the extravagance of the Han Tao couple. The money spent just this evening on this small wedding of about twenty people exceeded what they would spend on a banquet with forty or fifty tables back home. Therefore, the delicacies must not be wasted.

Zhu Lina had some knowledge about the situation of the real estate company run by Gao Kai and Song Ziwen. “They expanded their steps too quickly; their funding can’t keep up.” Wang Qiqi understood—it meant they were out of cash. But Wang Qiqi was curious: isn't Gao Kai’s current wife in the banking sector? Recruiting people everywhere was less effective than approaching her from the start; perhaps the issue could have been resolved long ago. “Human greed is unstoppable. I doubt he’ll lose too much this time.” However, Wang Qiqi had no intention of rescuing Song Ziwen. He was young, after all, and could start over. Moreover, even though Song Yao complained about Song Ziwen incessantly, she wouldn't let her little brother suffer a major loss, would she? (To be continued)