Wang Qiqi’s words were quite simple: “Auntie didn’t even say how much she was giving; how could I, as the younger one, dare to name a figure?” As Wang Qiqi spoke, she cast a look at Li Cui that suggested the latter didn't understand the situation. Of course, there were some things Wang Qiqi wouldn't press Li Cui on at that moment; she knew this had to be a gradual process to bring them down.

Li Cui gasped, but what could she say? Still, she thought to herself, Hmph, a mere girl. She has no idea I’ve already brokered a deal with your aunt.

Wang Damei looked at Li Cui’s expectant gaze and sighed inwardly. Although she didn't want to stick to the original plan, Wang Rui was, after all, her elder. Since Wang Rui got into senior high school, Wang Damei felt obliged to contribute something. “Yao Yao and Zi Wen are both working now, and my cousin got into high school; I should certainly give something. My family will contribute two thousand.” Wang Damei had genuinely considered this amount. Although it didn't sound like much, this money was given sincerely.

As soon as Wang Damei spoke, Li Cui was completely stunned. She looked at Wang Damei in disbelief, wondering what her sister-in-law meant. Hadn’t they agreed she would give five thousand?

Wang Damei pretended not to see Li Cui’s look, had Song Wenbo hand over her bag, pulled out her wallet, quickly counted out two thousand, and handed it to Li Cui, indicating this was her genuine contribution.

Wang Qiqi didn't know if her previous words had made Wang Damei rethink things, or if she genuinely hadn't wanted to follow Li Cui’s script in the first place. But that wasn't the main point; the key was that with her aunt taking the lead, she wouldn't have to pay much herself.

Wang Damei’s action also left the Li family members speechless. They were busy figuring out how their elder sister’s act was supposed to play out next. Based on what the girl had just said, she likely wouldn't exceed the elders’ contribution. At this point, the Li family regretted not inflating the numbers earlier. But adding more now would seem too contrived. Of course, another reason holding them back was that Wang Damei had produced the money on the spot, whereas they had only brought a few hundred as a congratulatory gift, far short of the sum they had agreed to.

Wang Qiqi coughed, secretly amused. No matter what, her own contribution was significantly reduced. She took out a stack of bills from her small handbag. “Auntie, although my parents are gone too, they would certainly have been happy to know Xiao Rui got into high school. On behalf of my entire family, I present two thousand.” Wang Qiqi had actually prepared two thousand; originally, she intended to give only one thousand, but she decided against it. “Also, the promise my parents made to Xiao Rui before they passed away still stands: I will take Xiao Rui to Beijing to travel after my college entrance exams next year.”

To Beijing? Wang Rui was instantly displeased upon hearing that. Although she had never been to Beijing, she had imagined they might go to HN, perhaps. Moreover, the fact that Wang Qiqi was only bringing such a small amount made Wang Rui feel quite upset. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and she blurted out, “I don’t want to go to Beijing with you! Just give me the cash equivalent; otherwise, my family can’t afford the non-resident tuition fee.”

Cash equivalent? Wang Qiqi liked this suggestion the most, but she didn't agree with the angry words that followed. “Didn’t you say your family was planning to buy a house that day? Even though you didn’t buy it, your family still has some money. Besides, Auntie declared in front of so many people that even if Xiao Rui had to attend as a non-resident, her parents could afford the tuition fee. It hasn't been that long ago, has it? How could Auntie and Xiao Rui forget?” Pfft, that embarrassing scene, with so many witnesses present, they probably couldn't forget even if they tried.

It had to be said that the scene from that day was something Li Cui and Wang Rui would never forget in their lives. Their faces grew paler and paler, but Wang Qiqi acted as if she hadn't noticed. “But then again, children’s schooling is the parents’ responsibility, not something others are expected to support, especially for those without parents...” Wang Qiqi commented bluntly. Was she wrong? Had Li Cui ever shouldered Wang Rui’s tuition before? Everyone in the complex knew that Li Cui had given birth to a daughter but refused to raise her. It wasn't the fault of Wang Dajun and his wife being gossips; it was because Wang Dagui frequently boasted outside about how much the family owed to his elder brother and sister-in-law. Even if nosy neighbors asked Li Cui, she had no way to refute it.

Li Cui felt that inviting them for dinner today was a complete waste of effort. Even if her own relatives spoke nicely, the two younger sisters and one younger brother, plus her own mother, could barely muster up a thousand in gift money. On top of that, she would have to return the favor twofold later if they needed help. She felt utterly frustrated, unbearably so.

Wang Rui looked at the four thousand in her mother’s hands. Though she didn't know how much her uncles and aunties would contribute, she guessed it wouldn't be much. Thinking about possibly having to pay over ten thousand in non-resident fees made Wang Rui anxious. If her mother really had to pay that much, the days ahead would be difficult. Her mother would certainly impose strict conditions on her studies, demanding she rank within the top few spots in her class. This made Wang Rui waver. But the thought of frequently seeing Gao Kai made her unwilling to back down. They were both Wang family children; there was no reason for her to lose to Wang Qiqi.

Wang Rui solidified her resolve, looked at Wang Qiqi, and smiled, “How about this, big sister: could you give me the remainder of my non-resident fee as the travel expenses for me not going to Beijing?” Wang Rui said it as if joking, but the cold glint in her eyes showed she was not treating her previous statement as a jest at all.

Wang Qiqi stared at Wang Rui for a long time. “Your uncle is giving one thousand, your two aunties are each giving two thousand, your maternal grandmother gave two thousand, your aunt [Wang Damei] gave two thousand, and my family gave two thousand. That totals eleven thousand, correct? The non-resident fee is eighteen thousand. Are you suggesting I give you seven thousand for travel expenses?” Wang Qiqi stated very calmly, her tone giving away none of her thoughts, let alone the fact that her face remained utterly expressionless.

Li Cui looked at the increasingly mature and steady Wang Qiqi, then at her daughter’s spoiled expression. She sighed inwardly. With her daughter like this, how could she possibly compare to Wang Qiqi? She hadn't taken Wang Qiqi seriously as a rival in the past few encounters, and look how badly she had lost. “Xiao Rui, you need to know your limits even when joking. Apologize to Qiqi.”

Wang Qiqi had intended to tease Wang Rui a bit more, but she hadn't expected Li Cui to step in. Fine, since she had acted, it meant there was no more fun to be had. “No need for an apology. Xiao Rui often makes jokes like this. If she had to apologize for every one, she’d be saying sorry all day long.” I won't fight with this child over trifles. “However, seven thousand is truly too much. A three or five-day trip to Beijing shouldn't cost that much. I asked Shi Man; she went to Beijing last year. For seven days there, the three of them—including food and lodging—spent five thousand. That averages out to less than two thousand per person. I don't have cash on me today; I’ll send over two thousand tomorrow as the travel fund. But Xiao Rui, are you sure you want the money?”

Wang Rui was slightly hesitant about why Wang Qiqi kept confirming with her. Did Wang Qiqi plan to go somewhere else next year? But she wasn't stupid either. If she said she was going with her, Wang Qiqi would definitely go to Beijing, stay in a small motel, and choose the cheapest food. As for souvenirs, forget it. She could probably manage with just one thousand. She thought it over: “I won't go then. Besides, I’ll be starting the second year of senior high in September next year; my studies will be very demanding. I won’t go.”

There, you chose it yourself. That’s wonderful. “Alright, I’ll send the money over tomorrow morning. Of course, I’ll make sure everyone nearby knows about it, so you don’t try to go back on your word later.”

After saying this, Wang Qiqi touched her stomach. Well, she was about seventy percent full. She might as well eat some cantaloupe; the watermelon could be left for Li Cui’s family members.

Just as Wang Qiqi sat down on the side and began eating the cantaloupe unceremoniously, Song Yao and Song Ziwen also left the dinner table. Don't be fooled by the number of dishes on the table; few of them were actually good, not even comparable to the cantaloupe they were eating off the table.

Li Cui was no longer angry, not because she was generous, but because she didn't have the energy left to argue with Wang Qiqi. She knew the scheme she had meticulously laid out was a complete failure. Never mind that her sister-in-law didn't follow their prior arrangement; even if she had, this girl would have ruined it. Regardless of how much her own relatives gave, she was only giving two thousand. Alas, the thought of having to cough up twelve thousand in sponsorship money pained her heart.

Song Yao glanced at Li Cui’s face while eating. “Auntie must be so angry tonight that she won't sleep.”

Wang Qiqi chuckled. Some things didn't need to be said too plainly; as long as everyone knew the score in their hearts, that was enough.

Wang Qiqi waited until everyone had mostly eaten—no, waited until the cantaloupe was almost gone—then stood up, preparing to leave. Did she expect to stay and help clean up? Absolutely not. “Uncle, Auntie, I’m heading back now. Thank you for your hospitality.”

Seeing Wang Qiqi about to leave, Song Yao pulled her parents along. This place was unbearably hot; if others hadn't stayed, she would have left long ago. Once the Wang family members retreated, the Li family naturally didn't linger either. And so, everyone bid their farewells and departed.

Wang Rui looked at the two messy tables and the floor littered with cigarette ash, feeling irritated. What angered her even more was that her own husband was drunk. But she couldn’t stop the guests from asking for help cleaning the dishes.

Li Cui saw the guests off and returned to the room, finding her daughter sitting sullenly on a chair with a pouting mouth. Nothing on the table had been cleared. As for Wang Dagui, don't ask—he was definitely back in his room sleeping, which was good; at least he wouldn't cause more trouble. “Alright, let’s clean up. Regardless, we got six thousand yuan from this meal.”

“Two thousand of that is the travel money I won’t be using,” Wang Rui retorted angrily, then tossed the dishes aside, turned, and stomped back to her room, slamming the door for emphasis to show how furious she was.

Li Cui looked at the messy state of the room, thinking about how she had bustled around and schemed for so many days, only to end up with this result. Especially since her daughter and husband showed her no consideration, she became angry. She didn't clean up either, hiding in the bathroom to cry. Why did she have to do everything herself? She wasn't the maid for the entire Wang family. (To be continued.)