Though Wang Qiqi was sleeping in the living room, she had made sure the security door and windows were locked. Especially since Aunt Luo had warned her at night not to be afraid, assuring her that they would be paying attention to the situation at her place, and Uncle Liu upstairs had tied his wolfhound to his own door, claiming the dog wouldn't be polite if anyone tried to break in.

While Wang Qiqi truly wanted to say she wasn't worried, seeing the pity in her neighbors' eyes, she accepted their concern. After all, she was inherently frail; what was the harm in playing the victim?

Wang Qiqi wasn't sure if it was due to poor rest the day before, but when she finally woke up, it was already past five o’clock. Just as she finished washing up, she saw Han Tao across the way was also awake. “Are you heading to school now?” Although Wang Qiqi was a good student, compared to Han Tao, the difference was like heaven and earth. Han Tao was particularly formidable. Although she didn't know what he would major in or what profession he would pursue, she recalled Li Cui mentioning once that Luo Hongjuan had a good son who had taken her to the capital to enjoy a comfortable life, even buying her a villa. This fact greatly astonished Wang Qiqi. She remembered Han Tao from before as someone who always wore glasses, spoke little, and often stayed indoors reading—much like her former self, except his grades were better, and his future achievements were worlds apart.

Now seeing Han Tao before he became successful, Wang Qiqi still hoped to get slightly closer to him. After all, she might need to trouble Aunt Han in the future, and besides, befriending a promising young man might just mean she could truly rely on his help someday.

Han Tao hadn't paid much attention yesterday when his mother mentioned that Wang Qiqi next door seemed less introverted than before. Having witnessed the true colors of many people since childhood, especially those so-called relatives bound by blood, Han Tao had thoroughly experienced the coldness of human sentiment. The only thought driving him since childhood had been to study hard, make something of himself, and allow his mother to stand tall before all those relatives—to show them that Han Gang’s son was no pushover; even without a father, he could still provide his mother with a good life.

But today, when Han Tao woke up at his usual time to exercise downstairs and recite English vocabulary, he hadn't expected to see Wang Qiqi. What surprised him even more was that she actually greeted him. This made Han Tao slightly uneasy. It wasn't that Wang Qiqi had previously acted too aloof to acknowledge him; it was just that, how should he put it, Wang Qiqi had always been excessively quiet. “Um, I’m going downstairs to work out a bit.” After saying this, Han Tao started moving downstairs, genuinely not knowing how to speak to Wang Qiqi. “Um, Uncle and Auntie are gone now. Up there, they wouldn't want to see you unhappy either.”

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected this bookworm to offer comfort. This completely shocked her, but she quickly called out to stop Han Tao. “Um, Han Tao, there are some problems with my schoolwork. Could I possibly ask you for guidance later?”

Han Tao had been wondering why Wang Qiqi called him back, but he hadn't anticipated such a request. He pondered for a moment. “I heard from my mom that you’ve been taking leave from school recently?” Han Tao truly hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to insist on bringing her parents home and then taking leave to observe mourning rites at home. He didn't know what to say, but he recognized the difficulty of a child doing this much. “Fine, but I only have time on weekends.” Han Tao was quite busy during the week; sometimes he tutored to earn some money.

Don't let the fact that Han Tao was only in his second year of high school fool you; his grades were exceptional. Some parents were happy to hire him, believing it would give them a better understanding of their own children's struggles. Initially, they might have been taking a last-ditch gamble, but after the grades of those struggling students genuinely improved, Han Tao’s reputation spread. Many people lined up to have Han Tao tutor them, though some were just waiting for him to stumble and fall from the top spot in the grade. Yet, those people waited and waited, only to find that this certain someone’s grades continued to lead the pack.

Wang Qiqi didn’t understand why weekends were necessary. “Can’t it be during the week?”

Han Tao glanced at Wang Qiqi. “I’m really sorry, did I ask something I shouldn't have?” Seeing that he didn't answer, Wang Qiqi assumed he had something private he couldn't share and quickly offered apologies.

Han Tao shook his head. “It’s nothing, it’s just that I usually tutor outside, helping those people with their assignments, so I’m not that free. And sometimes I have things to do on weekends too.” As Han Tao calculated, he realized he had very little time available for Wang Qiqi to consult him, which made him feel a bit awkward.

Wang Qiqi hadn't realized Han Tao was actually tutoring outside. My goodness, is this what they mean by children from poor families growing up quickly? “Wow, you’re amazing. How about this: when I encounter problems while reviewing my studies later, I’ll write a note for Aunt Luo. Then, when you have a spare moment, you can write the answers on the note and give it back to me, okay?” Since the young man needed to earn money, Wang Qiqi certainly shouldn't delay him. Of course, Wang Qiqi wouldn't be foolish enough to offer him tutoring fees; doing so would mean she shouldn't even bother asking Han Tao for help.

Han Tao considered it for a moment, nodded in agreement, and then headed downstairs for his run.

Wang Qiqi watched his retreating figure, suddenly having an idea: perhaps after sorting out this current affair, she could start waking up early to exercise with Han Tao every day. First, it would be good for her health, and second, it would give her the chance to ask Han Tao more questions.

The next morning, visitors began arriving one after another, such as colleagues and leaders from her father’s and mother’s workplaces. Wang Qiqi diligently recorded all the gift money they brought. The contributions from the workplace itself wouldn't require reciprocation, but the money from colleagues and leaders would necessitate return courtesies later.

Wang Qiqi kept herself busy the entire morning. If she hadn’t been so well-prepared beforehand—for instance, Aunt Luo had bought disposable cups already filled with tea leaves, and the water was kept piping hot—she truly wouldn't have managed. She was running around frantically, and it was only when several aunties stepped in to help that she could finally cope.

“Oh, Qiqi, haven't your uncle and aunt, or your paternal aunt, come yet today?” A neighbor who came to offer condolences noticed the crowd and realized that Qiqi was the only one handling everything. Not only was her paternal aunt absent, but even Wang Dagui and his wife, who lived very close by, hadn't shown up. This naturally sparked suspicion. “Yesterday, your aunt said she was taking a few days off to come and help.”

Wang Qiqi looked up and gave a wry smile. “My paternal aunt called yesterday saying there was a family matter and couldn't come. And Auntie said she wasn't feeling well, so Uncle has to stay home to look after her and my cousin.” Well, those few people had truly formed an alliance. Her paternal aunt had even given Wang Qiqi some pointed advice over the phone, so she understood that Auntie and the others were expecting her to call them so they could save face. But Wang Qiqi stubbornly refused to follow their script.

“Li Cui is sick?” Someone asked doubtfully. She had clearly seen her at the market buying vegetables just that morning.

“I called my aunt yesterday and told her that since she wasn’t feeling well, she should rest up at home; I would handle things here.” Hmph. I’ll deliberately not call you for help. I won’t give you the chance to show off or manipulate me. Moreover, as more people continued to arrive with gifts, even if her parents’ affairs hadn't reached a solid conclusion, the presence of coworkers and colleagues coming to pay respects demonstrated the workplace’s concern for its subordinates. Since these condolence gifts were the major portion, regardless of the reason, Wang Qiqi would not yield.

Even with just those few sentences she spoke, many people formed new conclusions: Wang Dajun’s siblings truly weren't dependable. This was the final matter, yet they didn't show up, and even his own brother claimed he had to stay home to care for his wife. As for that neighbor, her confused expression suggested there was some hidden drama. Coupled with the memory of that city-wide sensational car accident, people had a general idea, though they could only speculate on the specifics for now.

While Wang Qiqi was desperately busy here, Li Cui was anxiously waiting by the phone, expecting Wang Qiqi to call. But she waited and waited, and the call never came. She had initially thought Wang Qiqi hadn't called yesterday because she was just trying to hold on, but she never expected her not to call at all. “Dàguì, what should we do? We don't know who has shown up today.” Li Cui grew increasingly resentful about the condolence money she was missing. She knew her elder brother and his wife had a good reputation at work, and since this was the final farewell, the unit and colleagues would certainly come, meaning the gifts wouldn't be small.

Li Cui clutched her chest in pain thinking about the great portraits she was missing out on. “Dàguì, it’s not suitable for me to go over, so why aren't you going?”

Wang Dagui was constantly watching the direction of his elder brother’s house. Although several large buildings separated them, his mind raced, imagining the scene inside. He was actually starting to regret things. Hearing Li Cui’s words now only angered him. He glared. “You’re blaming me? Didn’t you tell Eldest Sister yesterday that neither of our families should show up, just to see what that girl Qiqi would do? Now look, you’re pushing the responsibility onto me! Didn't you stir up this mess? I always told you to treat Qiqi well, to go along with her. Look what happened now!”

Li Cui was startled by Wang Dagui's tone and stumbled back a few steps. After a long pause, she asked, trembling, “Then what do we do now?”

What to do? Wang Dagui sneered. “We wait. What else can we do? Do you really think such a young girl can handle everything? Even if she manages the guests, isn't there still choosing a burial plot to worry about? Such a major task—I don’t believe that girl can handle it all by herself. Then we’ll see how I deal with her.”

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