Wang Rui, though displeased that Wang Qiqi had fobbed her off with a mere four thousand yuan, felt deeply unsatisfied. In Wang Rui's estimation, considering how much money Qiqi had made, she should have given her at least ten thousand. To offer so little was simply stingy. But no matter how stingy Wang Qiqi was, what could Wang Rui do? Even Auntie had sided with Qiqi that day—such was the power of money.

Of course, Wang Rui only decided to seek out Wang Qiqi for an emotional conversation today because her mother suspected Qiqi might already know about their plan, yet hadn't exposed it. They also knew that even if Wang Qiqi were willing to spill the explosive news, Li Cui could easily deny it; without witnesses to prove their motive, everything would hinge on Wang Qiqi's unsubstantiated claims. Still, it was best to maintain a good relationship. If nothing else, Wang Rui hoped Qiqi might be generous again when it came time for her university entrance exams; besides her parents, this was another crucial task, arguably the most important one.

Wang Qiqi, Shi Man, and Zhu Lina listened to Han Tao giving them a lesson. Yes, that was right—Wang Qiqi was responsible for the meals, while Shi Man and Zhu Lina insisted on paying Han Tao according to his usual rates for private tutoring. Although Han Tao could certainly help them review, Shi Man felt that paying money would ensure a more systematic, thorough revision from the ground up. Although Han Tao initially refused, he finally accepted the payment. However, everyone knew the fee he charged was significantly lower than standard. Without a pre-booked course, a session from seven to ten in the evening cost fifty yuan each time—a bargain, considering that even school teachers offering tutoring charged ten yuan per student per hour, making a two-person session sixty yuan. More importantly, teachers usually taught ten students at once, making this small-class format far superior. What attracted them most was that Han Tao would create a personalized study plan based on each person's academic level.

When she heard a knock on the door, Wang Qiqi felt a strange sense of inquiry. Who could it be so late? “Who is it so late?” Wang Qiqi certainly didn’t expect Wang Dagui and the others to come looking for her; the last time they visited, it was merely an excuse to ask her out for a meal and conveniently get her to foot the bill. Otherwise, they wouldn't bother showing up.

Wang Qiqi put down her pen and paper and walked to the door. Peering through the peephole, she saw Wang Rui standing outside with an impatient air. Despite being somewhat annoyed by her, Wang Qiqi opened the door and let her in. “There’s Coke in the fridge; you can have one.”

Wang Qiqi certainly didn't have the energy to waste on her. After saying this, she sat back down, ready to resume class. Wang Rui, initially surprised to see a man sitting at the dining table, felt a sudden surge of delight. Could it be that Wang Qiqi had found a new sweetheart, which explained why she was ignoring Gao Kai? This realization brought Wang Rui unexpected pleasure, but as she looked again, the man seemed vaguely familiar.

Wang Rui walked into the kitchen suspiciously and opened the refrigerator. It was fully stocked with food, including red bean soup and snow fungus soup; as for the Coke, that went without saying. Eyes narrowed with envy, Wang Rui glared at Wang Qiqi, who had her back turned while explaining a problem. “Hmph, eating so much rich food won't kill you, I hope it depletes every bit of your good fortune...”

Wang Rui sauntered over to Wang Qiqi, shaking her Coke bottle. “Sister Qiqi, I ran into Gao Kai today. He mentioned you guys might have time off at the end of the month, and he’s planning to travel to XM. Are you going?”

Wang Qiqi frowned, concentrating on how to solve the problem. Just as a thread of an idea began to form, Wang Rui interrupted her. Wang Qiqi was furious. “What does it matter to me where he goes to play?” Pfft, was she expected to accompany him to the underworld just because he was going there? “Besides, how close are we? Why should I need to know his itinerary?” Wang Qiqi rolled her eyes impatiently.

Wang Rui hadn't expected Wang Qiqi’s reaction to be so strong. However, she noticed Han Tao beside her also looked displeased, his brow furrowed. She assumed he didn’t want to hear about her sister’s past relationships. While she disliked Wang Qiqi getting close to Gao Kai, it didn't mean she wanted Qiqi to find another academically focused boy as a boyfriend; that would only make Wang Qiqi appear even more outstanding. Ideally, Wang Qiqi should find a man with no money, no height, and no academic success—someone utterly unimpressive.

“Sister, what do you mean? Everyone knows you and Gao Kai are that kind of friends,” Wang Rui said, covering her mouth, her words loaded with insinuation.

Wang Rui was certain that whatever thoughts were swirling in Wang Qiqi's mind, she must be smug that Wang Rui hadn’t gotten closer to Gao Kai. But even if Wang Rui stepped aside, it wouldn't be easy for Qiqi to win Gao Kai, especially once they entered high school and saw the kind of girls surrounding him—either high achievers or those from powerful, wealthy families. Someone like Qiqi, with her personality, might not even appeal to Gao Kai. Frankly, Gao Kai preferred classical Chinese women: gentle and obedient girls. Wang Rui, on the other hand, was assertive and expected others to follow her lead. If she had money, fine, but without wealth, why would those people listen to her? That was just daydreaming.

“What is our relationship, Gao Kai and I? Isn't it just classmates?” Wang Qiqi said calmly. “Of course, I used to study with him and several others before. That's all. Do you have any different insights, Little Rui?”

Shi Man hadn't thought much of Wang Rui's arrival; it had nothing to do with her. But if she was going to eat, fine; if she was going to snoop around the place, fine too. But why was she standing right next to them? “If you have something to discuss, can’t it wait? Can’t you see we are tutoring? You’ve already made it into high school, but we still have university entrance exams ahead. And here's a young girl who isn't thinking about studying, only asking about boys' whereabouts. Do you also want to go to XM?” Shi Man looked at Wang Rui with disdain. Tch, if she wanted to go to XM, she should just say so, why bring it up specifically to Wang Qiqi?

Wang Rui genuinely wanted to go to XM. She also knew why Gao Kai had told her this news—no doubt hoping she could persuade Wang Qiqi. If Wang Qiqi did go, Wang Rui could perhaps tag along. “I just ran into Gao Kai, and he mentioned it.”

Wang Qiqi sighed. “Didn’t I give you two thousand yuan for travel expenses? If you want to go, then go ahead. I already gave the money to your aunt,” Wang Qiqi said coldly. Going to XM at this time of year would surely roast them; it would be best if they all came back charred into coke.

“My mom said we need to pay a sponsorship fee. Qiqi, let’s go to XM together,” Wang Rui pleaded, grasping Wang Qiqi’s arm.

Wang Qiqi quickly pulled her arm away. “I have required supplementary classes this summer. I don't want to bomb my college entrance exams. And I already gave you four thousand a few days ago; that’s already over budget. If you’re going to XM, I don’t mind you footing the bill for treating everyone.” Though she said it, it was just talk. Setting aside whether the other girl would actually be that generous, Wang Qiqi probably wouldn't want to go even if she offered; who knew whose money would actually be spent, and what kind of embarrassing scene might unfold.

Wang Rui nearly fainted. She had come over hoping to get handouts, but the supposedly rich Miss Wang Qiqi was claiming poverty, saying the money had already been given to her. If Wang Rui wanted to go traveling, fine, but she expected Qiqi to pay. Wang Rui thought to herself: if I had money, would I need to bring you along?

Wang Qiqi didn't wait for Wang Rui's reply, continuing her studies on her own. “Don’t worry, I don’t have time to go traveling. If I travel, it will be after next year’s college entrance exams. Right now, I just want to focus on studying hard.”

Hearing Wang Qiqi say this, Wang Rui breathed a sigh of relief—thank goodness, she wouldn't have to pay. But the realization dawned on her quickly: Wang Qiqi probably never intended to go traveling in the first place. Saying that was just to close off any potential requests for travel funds from Wang Rui. Under the current circumstances, she really didn't dare bring up traveling again, fearing that mentioning it might prompt Qiqi to demand she pay. Yet, she desperately wanted to travel to XM. Putting aside whether Gao Kai would agree to take her, even if he did, she would still have to pay. It looked like she needed to devise a new plan—perhaps seeking funds from the old man?

Wang Rui knew the old man must have money; otherwise, why wasn’t her mother giving him funds? He was still able to gamble so enthusiastically. Thinking of this, Wang Rui couldn't sit still any longer. “Qiqi, you go ahead and study. I won't bother you anymore; I have something important to attend to and need to go back and rest.” Since she had an idea, she needed to leave quickly to discuss the matter with her father.

Wang Qiqi had prepared for Wang Rui to launch a long siege, intending to stay for hours, so she was surprised by how quickly she decided to leave.

“She’s finally gone,” Shi Man sighed in relief.

Wang Qiqi felt the same way; she was finally gone.

“I really don’t get it. What business is Gao Kai’s trip to her that she comes rushing over here to tell you?” Zhu Lina, although unaware of why Wang Qiqi hadn't been closely associated with Gao Kai since returning to school after her parents' passing, spent almost all her free time with Shi Man and her. Now, even when her little sister came with a tip-off about Gao Kai going to XM, Qiqi showed no interest—it was strange. “Qiqi, you and Gao Kai...”

“Gao Kai and I are just classmates. Besides, his family is wealthy and well-established; their standards are high. I can’t aspire to that. Moreover, that kind of peacock man isn't the right spouse for me. The man I want can leave aside family background and wealth, but he must treat me well and not be a flirt.” Wang Qiqi stopped after a few sentences, suddenly remembering the man present. “Let’s get back to studying. Oh, by the way, Lina, Gao Kai and I might have had something going on before, but now he is nothing more than a passerby to me. He and I are not on the same path.”

Zhu Lina hummed thoughtfully. After a moment, she confessed something she had been hesitant to share. “Last time I saw Gao Kai with another girl...” She felt embarrassed, but since Wang Qiqi didn't seem bothered, she decided to say it rather than keep the feeling bottled up.

Listening to what Zhu Lina said, Wang Qiqi found that her heart felt no pain at all. Previously, seeing him intimately with other girls would cause her heartache, and it was the same right after her rebirth. It seemed she had truly let it all go.