The day of the funeral for Wang Dajun and his wife, Wang Damei’s family of four arrived early, followed later by Wang Dagui’s family. Li Cui, however, played the part better; the moment she stepped inside, she threw herself before the coffins of Wang Dajun and his wife, weeping loudly. “Big Brother, Sister-in-law, how could you both just leave us? What will become of little Qiqi now that you’re gone?” Why didn’t you take that brat with you? Li Cui cursed inwardly, thinking, Otherwise, all that money would be ours.

Wang Dagui also knelt before his elder brother, crying with profound sorrow. In truth, Wang Dagui felt genuine grief. These past few days had made him realize the impact of his elder brother and sister-in-law’s passing. Now when he went out to gamble, some people refused to extend him credit. Their reason: his backer and guarantor, his elder brother and his wife, were gone. Those who knew their family's situation were now unwilling to cooperate, and even people who once welcomed him to gamble at their homes pulled long faces upon seeing him. Wang Dagui noticed these changes. What could he do but curse those people in his heart for being so short-sighted? Especially since he hadn't managed to seize any of his elder brother’s property, nor had he received a single cent of the compensation money. The more he thought about it, the more bitter he felt. If he had known it would turn out like this, he would have preferred it if his elder brother and his wife hadn't died.

Wang Qiqi watched the anguished couple, understanding why they were so heartbroken, though she knew a part of it was just an act. After all, relatives and acquaintances would soon begin arriving. She dabbed her own eyes and said, “Uncle, Auntie, if you continue to grieve like this, how can Mom and Dad rest easy below? After my parents passed, Auntie’s health declined, and she’s been resting at home. Uncle, you must be exhausted juggling looking after Auntie and little Rui. If you keep crying like this, what if Auntie’s health worsens?”

Hmph, trying to show off how much effort you’re putting in? Do you think you’re the deceased? Especially today, when her parents’ former colleagues and some close friends were coming to pay their last respects—this wasn't the stage for them to perform.

Some early arrivals, colleagues of the late Wang Dajun and his wife, were initially fooled by the loud weeping and the words spoken by the couple. But when they heard what that girl Wang Qiqi said, anyone who wasn't completely dense understood the true nature of the situation. Suddenly, the way they looked at Wang Dagui and his wife changed. If they were truly ill, why were their faces flushed with color? They looked nothing like sick people. Instead, it was the girl Wang Qiqi beside them. They had often heard Wang Dajun say how doted upon this daughter was, yet recently, she had become so thin. Furthermore, whenever they came to pay respects, this girl was present, and it was clearly noticeable how much weight she had lost.

They whispered among themselves, realizing it was all an act. Never mind how well Wang Dajun and his wife treated this younger brother during their lives; even for a sibling with only casual contact, reacting this way after the sudden death of a couple, with their child still so young, seemed excessive. They hadn't helped at all, yet they were here trying to claim credit.

Li Cui looked at her niece’s performance, so seemingly sincere, then looked at Qiqi’s pale complexion and frail body—she looked like a gust of wind could blow her away. What more could Li Cui say? If nothing else, the rosy hue on her own face was enough to explain everything. Alas, that was a miscalculation.

Wang Rui, hearing Wang Qiqi’s remarks and observing the change in the surrounding glances, spoke up, “Big Sister, is there anything I can help with? I was quite busy recently, and… I also have the high school entrance exams coming up…” No need for extra words; as long as there was an examinee in the family, everything would genuinely be easier to manage.

“Study hard. My mom said before she passed that if you get into high school, she’d take you shopping for new clothes and treat you to a nice meal. I will fulfill all those wishes on behalf of my parents,” Wang Qiqi said softly, referring to the promises her parents had made to Wang Rui. “As for the trip my parents planned—since I’m going into my second year of high school soon, heading into the critical third year, and I’ve taken leave recently to handle Mom and Dad’s funeral arrangements, I’ve fallen significantly behind in my studies. I plan to use the summer break for intensive catch-up classes. I genuinely won’t have much time to take little Rui out. Can we postpone the trip until next year?” Pfft. She’s in the third year of junior high, and I’m about to start my second year of senior high. I’ve taken days off to be here, haven’t I missed school? Shouldn’t I be more stressed than her?

Wang Rui looked at the now sharp-tongued Wang Qiqi and fell silent. What else could she say? After all, Wang Qiqi was facing the crucial third year soon; she must be more anxious than Rui.

“Of course, this is the last thing my parents experienced in life. Even if I were in the final year of senior high, I would send them off. As their child, seeing my elders depart is my responsibility,” Wang Qiqi continued. “What else would we have children for?”

Everyone who heard Wang Qiqi say this implicitly agreed. Indeed, raising children allows one to experience their joys and sorrows as they grow, and later, to witness their successes. But in this country, most people have children not only to continue their bloodline but also with the expectation that when they grow old, someone will take them to the hospital and someone will arrange their funeral rites. Someone will sweep their graves on Qingming Festival.

After Li Cui and her family’s farcical performance ended, they actually behaved reasonably well. At least they didn't remain in the living room greeting guests but began helping tidy things up. Some items, in fact, didn't need their attention at all; Ma Dalong had already helped organize much of it yesterday. When Wang Qiqi saw that Li Cui was no longer displaying feigned grief over her uncle and aunt’s passing or worrying about her own future, she finally breathed a sigh of relief, steadied herself, and began attending to the guests. Even if some aspects weren't perfect, the attendees, seeing Wang Qiqi’s exhaustion, couldn't find fault.

Zhu Jiong entered and immediately noticed that Qiqi looked even thinner than the last time he came to discuss compensation. He couldn’t help but urge her, “Qiqi, once this is over, get some proper rest. Also, even though your parents are gone, if you encounter any trouble in the future, you can always come to Uncle Zhu.” Zhu Jiong glanced pointedly at Wang Dagui and his wife as he raised his voice. He had heard rumors about the previous incident, and he was quite annoyed that Wang Dagui had tried to settle the matter privately without telling Qiqi. Even though their attempt failed, he could easily guess the likelihood that they would give the girl any money they received.

Wang Qiqi nodded. Wang Dajun had mentioned Zhu Jiong’s influence a couple of times before, and the fact that the compensation was so substantial was not only due to the other party being eager to close the matter but, more importantly, due to Zhu Jiong's efforts behind the scenes. Keeping such a connection would certainly benefit her. She couldn't rely on him for major issues, but if Wang Dagui’s creditors came calling, perhaps she could trouble him. She just wasn't sure how effective his help would be when the time came.

Although Wang Dagui was talking with his brother-in-law, he flinched violently when he heard Zhu Jiong’s words. Especially the sharpness in Zhu Jiong’s gaze made him feel as if his clothes had been stripped off, as if his every thought was laid bare. He immediately reined in his petty schemes. He thought to himself that his brother’s superior was quite conscientious, helping out even after his brother's death. However, he couldn't be sure how much substance lay behind the words. Wang Dagui certainly didn't believe Zhu Jiong would take such a keen interest in Qiqi. In his view, this was merely the posture a leader adopted to keep his subordinates loyal. Still, for the time being, he needed to be cautious. At the very least, since the leader’s words had just been spoken, he couldn't refuse to offer assistance if the girl sought him out later.

Zhu Dalong, drenched in sweat, squeezed his way in from outside. “Qiqi, have all the people arrived?”

Wang Qiqi checked the time and then the assembled crowd. “Almost. Uncle Zhu, shall we depart?” If they didn't leave soon, it would become scorching hot, and they would risk collapsing from heat exhaustion at the gravesite. “Aunt Gong, I’m leaving the house in your care.”

Gong Hong put down the items she was holding and nodded at Wang Qiqi. “I know. Don't worry.”

Li Cui watched Gong Hong with sheer jealousy and resentment. If it weren’t for this woman, how could there have been so many subsequent issues? But she knew she couldn't cause trouble now; doing so would only prove her wrong. “Little Gong, I’m so sorry to trouble you to come here.”

Gong Hong looked at the icy glare from a certain person while hearing words of thanks, and she genuinely felt a chill. “This is what I should do. Qiqi asked me to help, so I need to do the job well.”

“Second Aunt, don’t worry. I’ve hired Aunt Gong. She will come to clean the house and help prepare dinner every day from now on. That way, you can also have an easier time and won't be busy cooking for me every day,” Wang Qiqi said, thinking that since her aunt had already asked, she might as well state things plainly. “This way, I can stay home quietly to study without having to worry about anything.”

“Why hire someone, you child? What’s the big deal about eating at your uncle’s house?” Wang Dagui winced internally when he realized his niece truly intended to hire help, thinking of the few hundred yuan a month that would cost. “It’s just adding one more pair of chopsticks.”

Wang Damei glanced at her good-for-nothing younger brother, shaking her head wordlessly.

Wang Qiqi looked at her uncle, whose eyes were darting everywhere, and shook her head. “No need. Although it’s just adding an extra pair of chopsticks, it would still be trouble for Second Aunt. Besides, I’m about to enter the final year of high school; I need a quiet environment. I don't want to eat at your house every day and then have to rush back. Moreover, I’ll be home late after evening self-study, and it would be a bother for Second Aunt to cook for me again. Second Uncle, don't worry. I won’t mistreat myself. You need to take good care of Second Aunt. Didn't Auntie say her health hasn't been great? And later, Rui will also be in high school; you’ll have more people to look after. Since I can take care of myself, there’s no need to trouble others.”

With those words, Wang Qiqi signaled the people Zhu Dalong had brought to lift the coffin and send her parents off. Wang Dagui’s family was completely stunned, not expecting the girl to move so quickly, even hiring an auntie already. Wang Rui looked at Wang Qiqi with an expression of excitement mixed with shock—she had already arranged for hired help. What did this signify? Did it make her look even more like a princess and Rui like a Cinderella? Oh, wait, Rui wasn't even a Cinderella yet, unless she could somehow win the affection of someone.

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