After the two finished their meal and secured the doors and windows, Wang Qiqi, just hoisting her schoolbag onto her shoulder and reaching the doorway, spotted Han Tao also locking up. "You're late today?" Wang Qiqi recalled that usually by this time, he would already be gone. Why was he only just leaving now?

Wang Qiqi truly couldn't comprehend why a top student like him would go to school so early. It wasn't like how she used to be, rushing to school ahead of time—which, to put it nicely, was for discussing coursework with classmates, but less kindly, it was for copying homework. Of course, Han Tao, being an excellent student, would never stoop to such actions. The most likely reason for his early departure was to lend his assignment book to those who needed it. Even in the elite class, there were still students admitted through connections, though their grades weren't usually terrible; otherwise, the school would worry that these connected students might negatively influence the ambitious ones in the top class. After all, every college entrance exam was not only a test for the students' parents but also a massive pressure point for the schools and teachers. How many students got into top-tier universities, how many into second-tier, or how many reached the prestigious universities—these metrics were fiercely compared between schools, and even among teachers. The top class was typically the prime source of results and the public face of a school; regardless of family background or assets, the school had to deliberate carefully before admitting such students.

Han Tao nodded. "Forgot my assignment book." Although turning it in tomorrow would be the same, and the teacher wouldn't suspect him—in fact, even if he skipped assignments, the teacher wouldn't say much—Han Tao wouldn't make a mistake over such a small detail.

The three slowly walked downstairs. Upon reaching the bottom, they were surprised to find Wang Rui and that scoundrel Gao Kai waiting downstairs. The way the two carried themselves gave off a certain vibe, almost like a couple flirting playfully.

Shi Man froze, utterly shocked. No way, Wang Rui was actually fooling around with Gao Kai down in the lobby? Although she was only lightly tapping Gao Kai’s arm, in Shi Man’s eyes, they weren't that close. How could they act like this? Fine, Shi Man admitted she was a bit old-fashioned, but the key issue was that Wang Rui should know about Wang Qiqi and Gao Kai's past relationship. Thinking of this, Shi Man’s gaze shifted towards Wang Qiqi.

Wang Qiqi’s face was naturally surprised, not by the sight of Wang Rui and Gao Kai flirting, but by the fact that Gao Kai was standing downstairs at her building. If he had been holding a bouquet of roses, the scene might have been romantic, but the crucial point was that Gao Kai was behaving this way right under her nose. Of course, Wang Qiqi knew Wang Rui was probably being a bit forward, and Gao Kai’s calm acceptance stemmed from wanting to see Wang Qiqi react with sadness, jealousy, or competitive spirit after witnessing Wang Rui's actions. However, this man’s scheming was quite good, though a bit too peacock-like. I’m wealthy now, she thought, what kind of man can’t I have? Why would I chase after an arrogant peacock like you?

Seeing Wang Qiqi’s stunned look, Shi Man knew Qiqi still held some affection for Gao Kai; otherwise, she wouldn't always hang around with him and his clique.

"What a pair of shameless ones. I wonder what Gao Kai's gaggle of female admirers would think if they saw this," Wang Qiqi sneered. Qiqi wasn't completely unfamiliar with Gao Kai. She knew he preferred gentle, obedient women who could satisfy his male desires, but Wang Rui was definitely not that type. She was willful, and while sometimes unrestrained and passionate, Gao Kai was likely just looking for a temporary change of pace. Especially since Gao Kai knew about Wang Rui’s family situation—how could he truly care for her?

Shi Man chuckled inwardly, thinking of Gao Kai’s devotees. Although it wasn't as ridiculously exaggerated as in melodramas, he did employ a few minor tactics. Wang Qiqi had always maintained a relatively peaceful life, partly because Gao Kai protected her, and partly because Qiqi was seen as a good girl by teachers and classmates, well-liked by everyone. Those girls would think twice before making a move. But what was Wang Rui’s situation? Did Shi Man not know? At the very least, Wang Rui didn't have the means to frequently sport new clothes and treat Gao Kai's friends to nice meals and outings. "Aren't you going to intervene?"

Wang Qiqi shrugged. "I don't think Gao Kai is a good match. Maybe my cousin thinks he is quite good. Besides, look at Gao Kai's family background; marrying him means skipping decades of struggle. Uncle won't have to worry about his gambling debts anymore, either."

Just based on Wang Rui standing downstairs making such a public display, Wang Qiqi was confident that Wang Dagui and Li Cui must know about Wang Rui’s actions. Otherwise, given Wang Rui’s talent for drama, she would have kept up the pretense. This display was clearly meant to announce the closeness of her relationship with Gao Kai. After all, on the way to school yesterday, Wang Rui had kept trying to talk to Gao Kai, and every few words Gao Kai would steer the conversation back to Wang Qiqi’s opinion on the matter—how could that not infuriate Wang Rui? So today, she deliberately dragged Gao Kai to Qiqi’s building to wait for her downstairs. Once she saw the windows of Qiqi’s apartment close, she knew she was about to come down, and the prepared Wang Rui immediately engaged Gao Kai in some lighthearted banter.

Gao Kai was somewhat bewildered by Wang Rui’s sudden, slightly overly familiar behavior. They weren't that close, were they? But he quickly understood: this girl wanted to show off her good relationship with him right in front of Wang Qiqi.

If it were any other time, Gao Kai absolutely would not have done something so foolish just as Wang Qiqi was about to appear. Such actions should have been kept private, perhaps even involving something more provocative. But then he reconsidered: hadn't he lowered his stance enough yesterday? Yet that damned woman, Wang Qiqi, had completely trampled on his dignity. If he hadn't known she had some money, and considering he hadn't fully secured her yet, Gao Kai would have dumped her long ago. Therefore, he didn't object to Wang Rui's sudden move; in fact, he allowed himself to take slight advantage of Wang Rui’s forwardness. Of course, he dared not go too far; if he genuinely angered Wang Qiqi, reversing the situation would become impossible.

The unfolding events truly matched Liang Ren's planning. The moment Wang Rui saw Wang Qiqi appear, the cheerful expression she wore while talking to Shi Man beside her instantly froze. Although she recovered quickly, Wang Rui couldn’t help but feel that Wang Qiqi’s expression and movements seemed stiff.

Gao Kai was quite satisfied with Wang Qiqi’s immediate reaction. "Qiqi, why are you coming down so late today?" Of course, Gao Kai was puzzled by the unfamiliar man walking ahead of Wang Qiqi, but he didn't pay much attention. Perhaps a neighbor, he thought. Besides, the man wore thick glasses; although he looked slightly tall, he certainly wasn't as well-built as Gao Kai. This man looked like a mere bookworm. What reassured Gao Kai even more was Shi Man standing right beside Qiqi. Though Gao Kai never held positive thoughts about Shi Man, he knew that in any situation involving her, the things he worried about wouldn't happen. "Shi Man, did you come over really early this morning?"

Shi Man felt an immense satisfaction seeing the person who clearly didn't want to see her being forced to put on a smile. She loved watching Gao Kai get flustered. Humph, Shi Man wouldn't admit she was getting revenge, not after that time he successfully lured Qiqi away from her and then gave her a smug look afterward. "No, I'm such a lazybones; why would I come over early? I’m just staying at Qiqi’s place recently." Shi Man deliberately linked her arm tightly with Wang Qiqi’s.

Shi Man thought to herself: You don't want to see me, huh? I’ll intentionally tell you I’m staying here for a few days. Let’s see how you manage to lure Qiqi away then. Let's see you lose sleep for days and nights, trying to act the white knight. Humph, pretending to be a prince is easy, but it requires capital. Gao Kai might have a little cunning, but does he have a solid foundation? Plus, he has to maintain the façade of balancing academics and sports perfectly; he must be exhausted. More importantly, he has to manage the relationships with all those wildflowers blooming around him—parties, dinners, KTV sessions, or outdoor excursions. This wastes so much time he could be studying. Too bad this guy hasn't realized his ranking in the science class isn't as high as it used to be. If he doesn't buckle down now, whether he keeps his spot in the elite science class will be questionable.

When Gao Kai heard that Shi Man, that nuisance, was actually staying at Qiqi’s house for several days, he thought, What? Such good treatment, why didn't I get that? But this was just a passing thought. He wouldn't consider anything like that until after the college entrance exams. But if I can manage to persuade Qiqi to apply to the same university then... Gao Kai thought vilely, never considering whether Qiqi would agree to his plan. In his mind, it was only about him rejecting people; no one ever rejected him.

Wang Rui’s eyes flashed with jealousy when she heard Shi Man mention staying over at Wang Qiqi’s house yesterday. She had offered to stay and keep Qiqi company back then, but Qiqi had brushed her off, saying she needed time alone to calm down. And now...

Wang Rui thought: If you won't let me stay, I can demand it myself. "Sis, I want to stay at your place too." Wang Rui rushed to Wang Qiqi’s side, hooking her free arm, and spoke with a pout.

Wang Qiqi shivered upon seeing this viperous move from Wang Rui. "You stay at my place? My place has no one to take care of things, I have to do housework."

Housework? Didn't you hire an auntie? Wang Rui looked up, her eyes wide with confusion. "But Sis, didn't you hire an auntie?"

"Yes, I hired an auntie, but you still have to wash the dishes at night, and clean the bathroom after showering," Wang Qiqi explained kindly. "Besides, Shi Man is staying to discuss problems with me, and her parents aren't here, so it’s just one or two days; I treat her as a guest. If it drags on, then I'm sorry, Sis loves quiet." If I let you stay, then Li Cui will use the excuse of worrying about her daughter to move in too.

If this were earlier, Wang Rui would surely have protested and thrown a tantrum, but this time she didn't cause a scene. She gave Gao Kai a look of injured innocence. Hmph, you won’t let me stay? I'll get your man to speak up for me. If you still refuse, will Gao Kai like your mother? If you agree, even better—I get in first, and then my parents can slowly find reasons to move in too.

Today is the last day for double pink votes. Does anyone have any leftover pink tickets? RS