As Miss Spring gradually approached and then quietly receded, the layers of clothing on everyone thinned out, and time slipped into May. The atmosphere in the school was even more pronounced; even a trip to the restroom involved a brief sprint, and lunch was consumed with haste, usually finished within ten minutes of securing the meal.

After finishing lunch, Wang Qiqi would take a short stroll around the campus, reviewing the problems she had worked on that morning, before returning to the classroom to doze off for a little while. In the entire grade, or perhaps the entire year group, only Wang Qiqi would take a nap during the midday break.

The frequency of parent-teacher conferences began to increase, occurring almost monthly. Likewise, the number of parents visiting teachers during the day grew, and even those unable to come in person called the school more often. The teachers invariably repeated the same old mantra: “Ensure you replenish your energy, remember to feed your children nutritious food, and while monitoring their review sessions, also pay close attention to their sleep schedule.”

Following the teachers’ advice, Shi Man’s and Zhu Linna’s parents, who previously visited once a week to check on the girls' study progress and drop off some food, began coming twice a week, each time laden with bags, including quite a bit of frozen seafood.

Before Zhu Linna even stepped inside her door, the sharp scent of seafood hit her. “Looks like it’s seafood again today. I was actually hoping to shed some weight before the Gaokao, but that dream is clearly shattered now.” In contrast, Qiqi ate plenty and slept well, yet her weight was dropping steadily. Then again, the Gaokao was fast approaching, and tomorrow marked the first anniversary of Uncle Wang’s passing. Several times, Zhu Linna had heard Wang Qiqi weeping softly.

Shi Man also sighed. “The pressure is immense. They bring so much good food, and even though they don’t explicitly say anything, you can see their hopes reflected in their eyes.” Shi Man truly dreaded the daily phone call from home now. Although they insisted she shouldn't stress herself, they inevitably steered the conversation back to academics, which Shi Man found unbearable. “By the way, Qiqi, are you taking leave tomorrow?”

Wang Qiqi nodded. “Yes, tomorrow is the first anniversary of my parents’ passing. I’ve already asked my aunt to arrange a Buddhist mass for them at the temple.” It was supposed to be held at home, but that would turn the house into a chaotic mess, and there were three Gaokao candidates residing there. So, Wang Qiqi decided to have her aunt arrange a Water and Land Dharma Assembly at the temple. Although it was more expensive, this seemed far more devout than inviting a few Daoist priests and an elderly woman for a home ceremony. More importantly, it saved everyone the trouble.

To prepare for this anniversary, back in late April, Li Cui had asked if Qiqi planned to host it at home and how grand a scale she intended. She even offered that once she knew the size, she and Wang Da Gui could help with preparations. Seeing Li Cui’s overly solicitous manner, assuring Qiqi she didn’t need to worry as the couple would handle everything, Wang Qiqi immediately understood the underlying reason: it was all about the money. In their view, since Qiqi had organized such a lavish funeral for her parents, spending countless money, the first anniversary surely wouldn’t be cheap. Wang Qiqi reflected that she had anticipated this long ago and had already contacted the temple through her aunt. When Li Cui heard Qiqi’s plan to hold the Water and Land Dharma Assembly at the temple, her face registered an unreadable degree of mortification. After exchanging only a few strained words with Qiqi, she left in a hurry. Subsequent encounters saw her treating Qiqi coldly, which was a relief for Qiqi. Having grown accustomed to certain people’s sharp words for so long, Wang Qiqi truly couldn't handle it if someone suddenly started showing her excessive kindness.

“Light two sticks of incense for us,” Shi Man said, knowing Qiqi hadn't been in good spirits lately.

Wang Qiqi nodded, signaling she understood. “I know. I won’t be back for dinner tonight.” She needed to sleep early today; there was a lot she had to manage tomorrow.

After the day-long Water and Land Dharma Assembly concluded, Wang Qiqi didn't order any separate meals, opting instead to eat the vegetarian fare at the temple. It was already included in the ceremony's cost, and not eating it would be wasteful, making it unnecessary to spend extra money.

Wang Rui rushed over from school, expecting a good meal, only to find vegetarian food instead. “Ah, Qiqi, you aren't being that frugal, are you? Last year we had seafood; this year it's just vegetarian offerings.” The difference is too stark! “Did you give all the money to that boy, Han Tao?” The thought that Wang Qiqi’s money was spent on an outsider made Wang Rui particularly unhappy. Hmph, she’d rather spend money on some random man than on her own sister—that was just too much.

“Apologize,” Wang Qiqi stated sternly to Wang Rui. “Han Tao is my private tutor; he helps me with my studies. What’s wrong with him eating at my house? Besides, I only paid for Auntie’s expenses and the utilities; the household meals and fruit were bought by Xiao Man’s and Lina’s parents. I’m surprised you, as a high school student, have so much time to focus on my affairs. No wonder your mid-term exam scores dropped again this time.”

Wang Rui hadn't expected such an immediate and uncompromising rebuttal, complete with a jab at her mid-term scores. Her face flushed red. “I was only making a well-intentioned comment. I’m your sister; can’t I even say that?”

Since she claimed to be her sister and meant well, the elder sister couldn't just ignore it. “I know why your scores dropped—it’s been the talk of the entire senior year that you're constantly in and out with Gao Kai and frequently go out for KTV sessions. Xiao Rui, listen to me, you and Gao Kai are different. His family owns a large restaurant, and his parents have extensive connections. Even if he gets into an ordinary university, it won't matter; he’ll still have good job prospects or, failing that, he can inherit the family business. What about you?”

Li Cui looked at her daughter, then at Wang Qiqi, with astonishment. “Is that true? Xiao Rui told me she was always going out to review her lessons.” However, Li Cui recalled Wang Qiqi’s past connection with Gao Kai and wondered if she was simply jealous.

Wang Qiqi smiled faintly. “Yes, they were reviewing lessons together. In this recent mock exam, Gao Kai’s score ranked near two hundred in the science stream, dropping dozens of places from the end-of-semester exam last term. Many people are now saying that Gao Kai’s steep decline is due to Wang Rui constantly clinging to him. If it weren't related to Wang Rui, I wouldn't waste time listening to this gossip. If you don't believe me and think I'm meddling, then I won't interfere.” Tch, as if I enjoy concerning myself with your life. Whether your grades are good or bad has nothing to do with me. But the first year of high school is crucial for building a foundation. Her base isn't as strong as mine, nor is she as hardworking. More importantly, with that kind of thick skull, she still chose the science track? Forget it, Wang Rui. Thirty percent of your future is already ruined; the remaining seventy percent depends on whether you can clear your head.

A ranking of two hundred in the grade? In Li Cui’s memory, Gao Kai was an outstanding student. Otherwise, why would she have agreed to let her daughter go out studying with him? Recalling her daughter's declining scores, yet seeing her diligently leaving to study and completing her practice workbook exercises, she hadn't thought much of it, assuming it was just bad luck on the exams. “Xiao Rui, didn't you say Gao Kai was in the advanced class and that his scores were quite good?” Li Cui knew Qiqi’s school well; the top classes weren't fixed but were re-sorted after every mid-term and final exam, making the competition fierce. With Gao Kai’s current ranking, he definitely wouldn't make it into the elite tier.

Wang Rui stammered, unsure how to answer her mother. She blamed everything on Wang Qiqi; hmph, if Qiqi hadn't been so nosey, her mother wouldn't know any of this.

Song Yao, sitting nearby, understood immediately. “I knew it. The other day when I was out shopping with a friend, I saw Xiao Rui going into a KTV lounge with a group of people. My younger brother insisted I must have misseen.” Song Yao thought to herself, with such juicy news, she couldn't possibly pass up an opportunity to stomp on her a bit.

Song Yao’s words were the most explosive, making Li Cui furious. “You really went singing? Didn't you say you were studying the whole time?” She had spent so much money, and her daughter treated it with such disregard! “From now on, you will stay home every weekend to study; you are not allowed to go out.” Go out studying what? Most likely just going out to play! “Qiqi, perhaps you should let Xiao Rui study at your place from now on.”

Li Cui had already calculated: Qiqi’s house always had delicious food lately, so her daughter could benefit from better nutrition. Plus, if her daughter stayed there, surely Wang Qiqi couldn't just ignore her? If her daughter got stuck on a problem, would Wang Qiqi really refuse to help?

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected Li Cui to suggest that. She saw even Wang Damei nodding in approval, while Wang Rui’s expression was a mix of smugness and slight unhappiness.

Wang Qiqi considered it. It seemed if she refused again, she would be in the wrong. But allowing Wang Rui to join them felt deeply unwelcome. “That’s acceptable, as long as Wang Rui doesn’t find it too lonely.”

Seeing Wang Qiqi agree, Li Cui was internally ecstatic. Her real goal was perhaps allowing her daughter to use late study sessions as an excuse to stay overnight at Qiqi’s house, eventually moving in completely before she left for university—saving them future housing worries! “Isn’t quiet good? It’s perfect for Xiao Rui to focus on her studies.”

Wang Qiqi noticed Li Cui’s eyes darting around and knew her intentions were far from pure. “I will only provide a place for them to study. But let me set the ground rules first, so things don’t get ugly later. Since we have evening mandatory self-study, I need Xiao Rui to arrive by seven for review sessions. As for when she goes home, that's none of my business. Also, since I am in my final year and my own time is stretched thin, I cannot tutor Xiao Rui. If Auntie expects me to carve out time to guide her through some lessons, I apologize, but I cannot do that.”

Li Cui hadn't anticipated that Wang Qiqi’s clear statement would block all her subsequent plans. “Ah, why so late? What’s wrong with you, as the elder sister, tutoring your younger sister a little?”