Wang Qiqi watched Wang Rui storm in and then leave like the wind, sighing internally, "I'm still just a fat sheep."

Shi Man shook her head. "Not a fat sheep, but a walking gold mine." At first, Shi Man thought Wang Qiqi’s suggestion about donating the money through a notary felt utterly preposterous, but after seeing the look on the other person's face, she conceded that such a drastic move might actually be possible. "Your relatives are truly vicious."

Wang Qiqi smiled. "Naturally. Otherwise, why would I keep giving Wang Rui such a cold shoulder? Many people might think I'm going too far. With no relatives on my maternal grandfather’s side, I cut ties with the only uncle I could rely on. Sometimes, relatives can be far blacker in their dealings than strangers. Just look at Lin Daiyu in Dream of the Red Chamber." In her past life, after reading the entire novel, she felt her own fate mirrored Lin Daiyu's bitterness—oh, wait, hers was worse. At least Lin Daiyu had a maternal grandmother who was good to her initially.

"Let's eat," Shi Man said, seeing Wang Qiqi’s low spirits. Though she desperately wanted to help Qiqi, she knew she was just a student; what could she really do? She certainly couldn't ask her parents for help. It explained why Wang Qiqi’s relationship with Wang Rui had soured recently, to the point where she wouldn't even pretend civility. Back then, even if Qiqi disliked Wang Rui, she still treated her like a younger sister. However, Shi Man always felt Wang Rui was restless and opportunistic, but still just a child. How could things have gotten this bad? Still, Shi Man suspected she might be overthinking it.

Although Wang Qiqi admonished herself not to cry or show weakness, feeling it wasn't worth it for such family members, a deep sense of grievance washed over her, and her tears began to fall uncontrollably.

Shi Man was alarmed to see Wang Qiqi just weeping without saying a word. Heavens, just say something, so I know what’s upsetting you and I can cheer you up. Shi Man circled around the issue several times, realizing all she could offer was tissue after tissue. "Qiqi, what is it?"

"Say whatever is bothering you out loud, I’ll listen."

"Qiqi, sometimes just speaking it out will make you feel much better."

Despite Shi Man's efforts, the only response she received was Wang Qiqi’s continuous sobbing. Just as Shi Man was about to join her in commiseration, there was a knock at the door. She wondered if Wang Rui had doubled back in a fit of pique.

Shi Man marched to the door, thoroughly annoyed, and yanked it open. She was about to launch into a sharp remark when she realized it was Han Tao. It hit her then—Han Tao usually returned home around this time. "Come in."

Han Tao was puzzled by Shi Man’s strange demeanor at the door; she looked ready for a fight. Though he found it odd, he didn't press her; they weren't that familiar. But upon entering, he heard someone sobbing. He quickly surveyed the room—only three people were present, so the crier must be Qiqi. Had the two of them argued just now? That didn't seem right either; Qiqi and Shi Man seemed to get along well enough for Shi Man to be staying there.

Seeing Han Tao look at her with a highly questioning gaze, Shi Man immediately waved her hands dismissively, signaling it wasn't her fault. She quietly relayed to Han Tao the whole sequence of events that had transpired with Wang Rui’s visit.

Han Tao let out a long, slow "Oh," followed by, "I thought so. But she left?" Han Tao had never held a good impression of Wang Dagui’s family, especially Wang Rui, who, even at her young age, laughed too brazenly standing next to boys. He recalled thinking that Qiqi, being with that seemingly decent young man, was truly like "a fresh flower stuck in cow dung." The problem was that Wang Rui clearly knew about Qiqi's relationship with the young man and still acted that way. He sighed at her attitude. If Qiqi hadn't managed to secure her inheritance, who knew what her uncle might have dared to do.

Shi Man nodded helplessly. "Yes, she made everything absolutely terrible, then just dusted off her hands and walked away." Shi Man couldn't help but be angry. Qiqi had been upset all morning, and now she was causing trouble again in the evening. "Does she want Wang Qiqi to join her parents sooner rather than later for them to be happy?"

Wang Qiqi felt incredibly wronged. Just then, hearing Shi Man’s words, she abruptly stopped crying. Right! Why should she cry? If she kept weeping, it would only ruin her health, and Wang Dagui and the others would be the ones to benefit. While she could donate the money, the reality was that she and her parents would truly become homeless wanderers. "Actually, what I said just now was mostly empty threats, just to scare them. But perhaps that possibility isn't entirely out of the question."

Hearing Wang Qiqi say this, Shi Man rolled her eyes. "So you were crying over that? Forget it, but I do think what you threatened earlier should be put in writing." Although it sounded extreme, it was better than leaving the assets to Wang Dagui and his lot.

Han Tao also chimed in with an affirmative nod. "I agree. Oh, by the way, Qiqi, you need to be careful lately. I overheard someone talking while I was out running this morning—your uncle lost three thousand yesterday."

Three thousand? That didn’t seem like a huge sum. "He’s lost that much before, but I’m curious—where would he get that much cash?" Wang Qiqi thought she had already spread the word that she wouldn't help Wang Dagui pay his debts, and Li Cui certainly wouldn't cover his gambling losses. Where did the money come from? Was it his secret stash?

Han Tao couldn't say. If he hadn't heard Wang Dagui's name mentioned, he wouldn't have paused to listen to the conversation. "It seems ever since your parents passed away, your uncle’s luck has been terrible; he loses nine out of ten games. However, your uncle has paid off his previous debts." If Wang Qiqi hadn't mentioned her stance earlier, Han Tao might have assumed Qiqi was footing the bill. "They say your uncle owes another five or six thousand this time."

"Five or six thousand? That's not much. But it's fine. My uncle's family is well-off, easily over a hundred thousand in assets. The valuable things they own were bought by my family. Let my auntie feel the pinch for once. Though, this might invite trouble knocking on the door." Wang Qiqi considered it. Given Li Cui’s personality, even if Wang Qiqi had made those previous threats, Li Cui might pretend they never happened. "It looks like I need to discuss this with my aunt."

Hadn't she just given her eldest aunt twenty thousand? Plus, with her cousins’ weddings coming up over the next few years, she had already hinted she would give them generous red envelopes. Given the Eldest Aunt's character, although she was a bit greedy, she would at least speak a few words on Qiqi’s behalf. Of course, she was probably worried the trouble might spread to her own household.

Shi Man found it very strange that Wang Rui’s father’s gambling debt required involving the Eldest Aunt. Han Tao, however, understood Wang Qiqi’s thinking. Although involving the aunt had an element of "tattling," it was the only way. As a niece, she could only guard her own household assets; she couldn't exactly lecture an elder uncle. But Qiqi's aunt was different; as the elder sister, she certainly had the standing to admonish her younger brother.

Worried she might forget, and despite not finishing her meal, Wang Qiqi hurried to the telephone. She dialed her Eldest Aunt’s number. Lately, Wang Qiqi called her aunt every three or four days to update her on her situation. Relatives—you needed constant communication to stay on top of things; otherwise, how would the other party remember you?

After exchanging initial pleasantries, Wang Qiqi hesitantly brought up the subject of her uncle potentially racking up gambling debts again, carefully slipping in the approximate amount owed. Unsurprisingly, she heard Wang Damei gasp in alarm. In the past, Wang Damei wouldn't have been so anxious. But why would she not be anxious now? Qiqi had clearly stated she wouldn't help pay the debts, and as a respectable sister, could Wang Damei really throw a public fit like a shrew? Furthermore, she had spent decades perfecting the facade of a loving elder sister who adored her younger brother; she couldn't let that act crumble now.

Wang Qiqi was very curious how her aunt would handle this. As she mused on this, Wang Damei’s voice came across the line. "Qiqi, you must pretend you know nothing about this matter. After all, your uncle hasn't mentioned anything about debts to you." Wang Damei didn't know what to do either. Wang Dagui had promised he would stop gambling. Alas, she couldn't believe Wang Qiqi would fabricate something like this; she could only assume her brother really had the nerve to lose this much money.

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected her aunt to use this tactic. However, given Wang Damei’s personality and temperament, she definitely wouldn't ask directly unless Wang Dagui begged for help or forced everyone to contribute to the debt repayment, only then would she issue some reprimand. "I understand, Auntie. I'm just a child. When I heard people say Uncle was in debt, I panicked. Don't worry, Auntie, I’m swamped with my tutoring and don’t have time to visit Uncle. If Uncle really comes over asking for money, I will let you know immediately."

After a brief couple more exchanges, Wang Qiqi hung up the phone and gave an "OK" gesture.

Shi Man and Han Tao heard snatches of Wang Qiqi’s conversation on the phone. "Your aunt told you to act like you don't know anything about it."

Wang Qiqi shrugged. "I didn't expect her to lecture my uncle anyway. In her view, she needs to protect her own family's reputation. As for her brothers, she just hopes they won't drag her down. Before, when my father was alive, she felt her maternal family could offer some assistance. Now that my parents are gone, perhaps she sees them as a burden." It was a pity, she thought, that her seemingly successful cousins would soon deliver a heavy blow to her aunt, though by then, Qiqi probably wouldn’t even be in the city, and the fallout wouldn't reach her.

"What if your uncle..." Han Tao had witnessed the shameless antics of Wang Dagui and his wife; what if they came crying to their door?

Hearing Han Tao’s concerned words, Wang Qiqi stuck out her tongue. "I’m still a child, a child without parents. I can cry! I can ask everyone to judge fairly. Let’s see if Wang Dagui and his wife still have any shame left. If he refuses to deal with this, I’ll go cause a scene at his workplace—let’s see how he handles that." Wang Qiqi mused that maintaining appearances was overrated; sometimes you just had to tear the facade down and cause a ruckus to see what the other side would do.

Listening to Wang Qiqi's declaration, Shi Man and Han Tao shared a single thought: Isn't she just a shrew? (To be continued.)