Wang Qiqi wasn't about to let herself go hungry. After watching Li Cui pat her backside and walk away, Qiqi knew the woman had made an absolute fool of herself today and wouldn't be back anytime soon. This was already a time fraught with trouble, and Wang Qiqi surmised that Li Cui was likely waiting for her to become overwhelmed and come begging for help, only then to put on airs and finally offer assistance. But would Qiqi let her have her way? Impossible. She wasn't insane enough to invite that viper back into her home.

Wang Qiqi had originally planned to call on someone from the Dragon Faction for help immediately. As for who would handle the grocery shopping, Qiqi had already decided on Gong Hong—at most, she’d have her bring over meals daily. But as for keeping guests for dinner? Sorry, she was the only young maid in the house. She was already relying on an outside contact for groceries; if she had someone cooking, no one would be left to guard the wake hall. If they wanted to eat, they could fend for themselves. Besides, she certainly wouldn't repeat her past life’s mistake of obeying her uncle and ordering in meals from restaurants. Even though people now were more progressive and no longer strictly vegetarian, Wang Qiqi wouldn't be foolish enough in this life to order expensive meat and fish daily to entertain these black-hearted people. She would stick to the old rule: vegetarian dishes. The reason was simple: as an orphan with no parents, she needed to save every penny.

Of course, Wang Qiqi had also worked out that she would only invite outside help after her uncle made some sort of demand. Otherwise, Li Cui’s sharp tongue would spread rumors about her dealings outside. Qiqi wanted people to see that it was only because Li Cui had forced her hand that she reluctantly hired outside help. Then, how could Li Cui possibly speak ill of her later, and how would she ever have the nerve to try and seize custody rights?

Wang Qiqi ate her simple bowl of congee with pickled radishes alone. “Mom, Dad, Qiqi is eating now. Even though Auntie didn't stay to cook for Qiqi, I can still take care of myself. Don’t worry, I promise I will guard this home, and it won't be like before…” As she ate, Wang Qiqi whispered intimately to the spirits of her father and mother.

After washing the bowls, Wang Qiqi returned to the living room. She sat quietly doing her homework, with only a single fan running nearby. The door was wide open, allowing neighbors—young and old, male and female—to peek into the Wang residence. What they saw was the girl Qiqi, sitting alone in the living room, quietly reading and studying, with no one else around. This sight surprised those who hadn't heard the news from that morning.

“Oh dear, where is Da Gui’s wife? I saw Li Cui here early this morning,” someone exclaimed. “She even said she was going to help manage Da Jun and his wife’s funeral arrangements and had even taken leave. How is she gone already?”

“Would she actually take time off?” another wondered doubtfully.

“Take leave?” someone scoffed, speaking quietly about the morning's events. “Don’t blame Qiqi, that girl, for disrespecting her elders. If it were me, I’d do the same. The Wang couple just passed away, and she immediately pressured the young girl into a private settlement. When the girl refused, she started saying Qiqi was ignorant, criticizing how the Wang couple raised her, and even calling the deceased couple spendthrifts. Sigh.”

“What? Give me a break. When it comes to being a spendthrift, who beats Wang Da Gui? If Wang Da Jun hadn't bailed him out with money, I bet his gambling debts would have cost him this house several times over. People like that have no conscience at all. I knew it; Wang Da Gui and his wife were too eager for a reason. Did you know that yesterday when Qiqi wanted Da Jun and his wife to come back, Wang Da Gui and his wife refused? In the end, it was Qiqi who paid to have people arrange their transportation back.”

This was the perfect opportunity to share gossip. The reason they spoke so freely in front of Wang Qiqi was mainly because she had always remained in their memory as just a quiet little girl trailing behind Wang Da Jun and his wife. Furthermore, they considered this conversation an indirect way of showing goodwill.

“It’s one thing that Wang Da Gui isn’t helping, but why isn’t Wang Da Mei here? Isn’t she the paternal aunt? Wasn't she notified yesterday?” someone familiar with the Wang family relations asked doubtfully. “Sigh, Da Jun is barely gone, and already people are showing their true colors. Didn’t the Wang siblings always turn to Da Jun to solve their problems before?”

The neighbors murmured on, but Wang Qiqi chose not to dwell on it, knowing she lacked the power to control them anyway. Even if some of them said one thing to Wang Da Gui’s couple and another to the public, she knew there were some good-hearted individuals among them who would report the truth to those unaware. However, their chatter did remind Qiqi of one person: Aunt Wang Da Mei. This aunt was less of a concern; it was her husband, Uncle Song Wenbo, who was the truly formidable character. He managed to climb to the position of Branch Director in a massive state-owned factory employing thousands, which was due not only to his technical skills but also his ability to navigate social politics. Father had once commented on Song Wenbo: a smiling tiger—appearing refined, but ruthlessly underhanded in action.

In her previous life, though, her uncle and her family had a massive falling out shortly after her parents died, severing all contact. Wang Qiqi never believed that her aunt and uncle stopped associating with them because they discovered the terrible things her uncle had done, leading to a fight when she opposed him to protect her own interests. Wang Qiqi suspected the break-up only happened after Wang Da Mei discovered her uncle’s family had siphoned off their money or they had a dispute over dividing the spoils.

In this life, Wang Qiqi didn't know if they would collude. But if she insisted on refusing a private settlement, it might force them to reach a secret agreement, dividing the compensation to secure a united front. Of course, Wang Qiqi also knew she could ally with her paternal aunt against Wang Da Gui’s couple. After all, Song Wenbo was a man concerned with his reputation, unlike Wang Da Gui and his wife, who would discard both face and integrity for money.

After careful consideration, Wang Qiqi vetoed that plan. “The ones who come uninvited are not well-intentioned. Besides, I only really understand my uncle and aunt. If I switch opponents, I have no idea how things will unfold. Forget it, I’ll deal with my uncle alone. As for Wang Da Mei, getting her involved won't be easy. Their family is probably sitting back, waiting to see how things develop before making a decision.”

“I shouldn't go against Auntie. If they really gang up, I’m not afraid,” Wang Qiqi promised, clenching her fists. They couldn't force her into anything, could they? Besides, if they refused to help for too long, she’d simply treat them as guests.

Wang Qiqi stood up and walked to the doorway. “I notified Auntie yesterday. My uncle and aunt were both here then. Auntie said she would come today, but she hasn't shown up yet. I don't know why.”

The crowd murmured in understanding. At this point, an auntie from across the hall spoke up, “Qiqi, tomorrow when I go buy groceries, do you want me to bring some back for you, or should you call the restaurant to deliver?” This woman hadn’t intended to interfere, but she had glimpsed the bowl of plain congee Qiqi was eating just moments ago. Only then did she recall that Li Cui hadn't bought any groceries this morning. She wondered if Li Cui would even bother buying food tomorrow.

“Why would I call the restaurant to deliver?” Wang Qiqi asked, confused. “Auntie, I need to save every single penny. My parents left me only this house and fifty thousand yuan. I need this money for university tuition. As for the money in my parents’ salary cards, I need it for the funeral arrangements and to buy burial plots. So, thank you, Auntie, for understanding and offering to buy groceries for me. Could you buy a little extra? Just in case guests come, I can offer them a simple vegetarian meal.”

Having someone willing to help with groceries was a godsend. As for the housework, Wang Qiqi could manage to clean the house daily. As for the wake hall, she would place a doll in the living room temporarily during the evening hours. She had no choice but to guard it alone while also needing to cook and use the restroom. Grocery shopping was the biggest obstacle, and now that problem was solved, Wang Qiqi felt she could truly persevere.

“You can cook?” everyone exclaimed in surprise. They knew Qiqi had good grades, but they had never heard Dr. Wang and his wife mention it. After all, the couple, who adored their daughter, often spoke about her achievements to acquaintances, usually in a humble tone, yet everyone could hear the pride in the Wang couple’s voices.

Wang Qiqi nodded. “I know how to make simple meals.” She had only learned that skill after graduating from university in her past life, though back then, it was in hopes of cooking for him. Alas, his criticism usually outweighed his praise. The real issue wasn't whether her cooking was good or bad; it was that by then, that man’s heart was no longer with her. No matter how well she cooked, it was wrong; if she cooked poorly, it was even more wrong.

Although the neighbors didn't understand why Qiqi’s mood suddenly dipped again, they assumed she was thinking about her recently deceased parents, Wang Da Jun and his wife. “Qiqi, if you need anything, just call us.”

“Yes, call us if you need help. Don't be shy if you need assistance.”

Wang Qiqi wasn't sure how much of that was polite formality, but she thanked them one by one anyway. At the very least, they had offered verbally, so she couldn't refuse to express gratitude. Of course, she couldn't take it seriously either; if she actually showed up asking for help without restraint, they would likely be scared off.

“Auntie Luo, the money for the groceries, I’ll give it to you right now.” Wang Qiqi suddenly remembered she hadn't paid Auntie Luo for the vegetables yet. Auntie Luo was generally warm-hearted, provided things weren’t too messy, though this stemmed from her difficult circumstances. Her husband had passed away from illness long ago, and her son was in the second year of high school, attending the best school in the city. Her pressure was immense. In her past life, Auntie Luo had looked out for her quite a bit, so Wang Qiqi felt she should help her out if she could.

Luo Hongjuan, though she knew Wang Qiqi wouldn't default on such a small amount, knew her own family’s constraints. “Then I won’t be polite. I’ll bring the vegetables back tomorrow morning.”

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