Wang Qiqi gasped, this kid was really diligent. Compared to him, I’m hardly putting in any effort. “Going abroad, that’s such a distant dream. I don’t want to go out.” Wang Qiqi knew she was deeply worried, unwilling to face the outside world, always feeling there were too many bad people out there, and her own judgment wasn't great.

“I was just talking, besides, there’s a gap between talking and achieving the goal—the doing part. But I will try my best.” Han Tao would never mock Wang Qiqi for being timid; to him, her saying such things was perfectly normal. “Right, why were you so agitated just now? Who came to cause trouble?” Could it be Wang Dagui?

“Some bore who thinks a few years of schooling with classmates qualifies them to boss me around,” Wang Qiqi griped. “We only occasionally review schoolwork together, and he acts like he’s the big boss, telling me what I should and shouldn’t do. Hmph, who did he think he was back then?”

Listening to Wang Qiqi’s complaint, the first thing Han Tao thought of was a boy. “A boyfriend?”

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected Han Tao to guess it was a guy right away. However, regarding his guess, Wang Qiqi scoffed, “A boyfriend? Forget it. That sort of person isn't even worth mentioning; it just makes me angry.”

Han Tao looked at the indignant Wang Qiqi. “Then just treat his words as farts. By the way, haven’t your uncle and the others visited recently?”

“They got the answers they wanted; why would they come back?” Wang Qiqi thought that even if they were willing to help, she wouldn’t have the nerve to call them over—she simply couldn’t afford to support them. “Oh, is Auntie doing alright at her job lately? I noticed she’s been coming back quite late in the mornings. Did she switch to the night shift?” Wang Qiqi knew her father had helped Luo Hongjuan get her job, which was relatively relaxed (Luo Hongjuan sometimes did housekeeping work in the evenings). Why was Auntie Luo so busy recently? Wang Qiqi suspected that ever since her father passed, people might have started bullying Luo Hongjuan. Even if she couldn't help much, it still represented her stance.

Han Tao looked at Wang Qiqi showing concern for his mother. “It’s nothing. The foreman at that place where she works took some time off to deal with a family matter, so the leadership asked my mom to manage temporarily, which is why she’s on the night shift for now.”

Wang Qiqi hummed an acknowledgement, picked up an empty bowl, scooped some vegetable congee for herself, and began to eat. Gong Hong’s cooking was actually quite good. Thanks to her presence these past few days, Wang Qiqi could retreat to her room for a short rest during the day; otherwise, she really wouldn’t have survived. After all, Wang Qiqi had been guarding everything alone, constantly worrying about protecting the family assets, her nerves stretched taut.

Han Tao finished his drink and helped wash the dishes. “Get some rest early. I’m heading back now.” Since the girl hadn’t mentioned any insurmountable difficulties, it seemed she hadn’t run into any major problems.

“You get some sleep too.” Wang Qiqi walked him to the door and watched as he took out his key to open his front door.

“I looked over the problems you were doing. Your math has improved quite a bit recently, but why are you only doing math problems?” Han Tao finally asked the question that had been on his mind for a while. Although he hadn’t visited Wang Qiqi’s house many times, the problems she sought his help with were always math-related. Moreover, when he looked closely just now, the desk was covered in math practice papers. She hadn’t displayed any Chinese, English, or Geography/History textbooks or workbooks. While these subjects involved rote memorization, shouldn’t she be looking at them too?

English and Geography? Wang Qiqi didn’t not want to memorize them, but the fact was, those subjects were rigid. The current focus had to be on math. “My foundation in math is weak. I need to take advantage of this time off to really boost it. Besides, look how chaotic my house is now, people coming and going constantly. It’s hard to sit still and memorize anything. Once this whole situation is over, I can finally settle down and study seriously.” Wang Qiqi even clenched her fist to emphasize her determination, as if afraid her resolve wasn't evident enough.

Han Tao felt a strong urge to laugh at Wang Qiqi’s fist-clenching gesture. At this moment, she looked very much like a child, similar to the times he’d seen her acting spoiled around Uncle Wang and the others. “Oh, even though I’m in the science stream, I can still share some pointers on certain things.”

“Thank you.” Wang Qiqi certainly wouldn’t refuse Han Tao’s goodwill. Regardless of how the relationship between their families evolved, she felt it was essential to get to know such a capable person and maintain a good connection. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep harassing you until the college entrance exams are over.”

She used to think this tall, thin, bespectacled boy was quiet, perhaps even a bit aloof and unapproachable—oh wait, a boy, not a man. But through getting to know him these past few days, Wang Qiqi found his character truly excellent. At the very least, he shared his notes with her, which she knew were highly sought after. Wang Qiqi vaguely remembered that even when asking friends who were good students for their notes, they never handed them over. They always made excuses, claiming they occasionally referenced them themselves, when in reality, they were afraid Wang Qiqi’s scores might surpass theirs. Wang Qiqi could still recall the look on that friend’s face after the college entrance exam results were out. After that, she and that friend never reconnected. She only vaguely remembered that friend went on to get a scholarship to a university in the States after finishing college, eventually marrying a classmate and settling abroad permanently.

Late at night, Wang Qiqi often thought about how her grades wouldn’t have slipped so severely if her parents hadn’t passed away, and how her life wouldn’t have become what it was. But reflecting now, her parents’ passing was a turning point in her life, though it was more her own weakness and concession that caused her life to spiral that way. Otherwise, things wouldn’t have become so difficult. In this lifetime, although she wouldn't study abroad, she was determined to get into a good university, ensuring those so-called friends would never have another chance to mock her. She wanted to tell those supposed friends that even without her parents, Wang Qiqi wouldn't fall; instead, she would become even stronger.

Han Tao didn’t understand why Wang Qiqi’s back suddenly straightened so noticeably. “Don’t worry, you’re welcome to ask questions anytime. We’ll work hard together and get into the universities we want.”

“Yeah, let’s go for it, for our respective ideals,” Wang Qiqi said with a bright smile. Although her future expectations weren't extravagant, she absolutely had to achieve a good score on the Gaokao.

Wang Qiqi returned to her room, intending to continue with her math problems. But as soon as she picked up the practice book, Han Tao’s words came back to her. “Maybe I should look at History and Geography today?” She’d had a lovely nap in the afternoon, and it was only a little past eight; her mind was sharp, nobody was bothering her, and her phone was off. It would be a waste not to memorize some of these things now.

Wang Qiqi retrieved her history textbook from her room and slowly began reviewing her notes. Sigh, it’s a pity I don’t have such a good memory. I’ve already forgotten the contents of the previous Gaokao papers. If I hadn’t, wouldn’t I have hit the jackpot? Sigh, but how could she have predicted she would be reborn? If she had known, she would have definitely memorized those lottery numbers. Winning five million yuan in a year would have made her rich. What a missed opportunity.

Wang Qiqi began diligently reading her history textbook. Since she lacked a photographic memory and didn't recall the specific contents of the Gaokao papers, the only path was to study seriously, page after page.

Wang Qiqi initially expected to get bored after a while, but as she read, time slipped away. When she finally felt the urge to use the restroom, she looked up at the clock in the living room and realized it was already eleven at night.

“Mom and Dad, was I diligent?” Wang Qiqi refilled the oil in the eternal lamp before their coffins, then sat before them, speaking to them as if they were alive, recounting the day’s events—only the happy ones, of course. “Although I can’t go to a great school like Han Tao next door, I will definitely get into a decent university. After graduation, I’ll come back and stay here, watching over you.”

As she spoke, tears welled up. “Mom, Dad, I miss you so much. Why did you leave me? I’m so tired, so tired. Do you know? Second Uncle went gambling again. I’m genuinely worried he’ll bring creditors here to our house.”

Wang Qiqi had felt extremely uneasy today, especially after Zhu Dalong told her that Second Uncle was still gambling. It made Wang Qiqi speechless; she truly couldn't comprehend if Wang Dagui had a brain. Given that she was firm about not covering his gambling debts, why did he keep gambling? As for Li Cui, Wang Qiqi knew that giving her money was a kindness; extracting money from her hands was harder than scaling a mountain. And she was just a child; how could she stand up to those thugs?

Thinking about this, Wang Qiqi truly didn’t know what to do. While it might be needlessly worrying, Wang Qiqi had a habit of anticipating the worst-case scenario. Of course, people might suggest calling the police, but the police couldn't stay in her house permanently—that was impossible. Once she called them, they would just scatter.

Wang Qiqi was at a loss. In her past life, Wang Dagui gambled frequently, but back then, Li Cui controlled the finances, and since Wang Dagui couldn't find anyone to cover his debts, he gradually shifted to playing small mahjong games with manageable stakes. But in this life, Li Cui wouldn’t be so compliant, especially once the debt collectors turned their attention to her for money.

Maybe I should get a dog? This thought crossed Wang Qiqi’s mind, but she quickly dismissed the idea. When she went to college, what would happen to the dog? Abandoning it—she couldn't do that. Keeping it? Where would she keep it?

Or maybe I should just start practicing Taekwondo? Another idea surfaced. Yes, Taekwondo! Even if it was tough, this would absolutely work. Anyway, she wouldn't be walking alone late at night. Those petty thugs wanted money, but if she possessed fighting ability, would they really dare attack her? They valued their own lives, too. Oh, right, and she should buy a small knife for self-defense, just in case they resorted to sneak attacks; it would serve as a tool. Besides, they wouldn't dare cause a homicide. Yes, that’s what she’d do.

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