Li Cui sat in the sauna-like room, watching television while fanning herself with an electric fan. When she heard a knock, she wondered who it could be. Opening the door, she was surprised to see Qiqi and coldly asked, "Are you here for your uncle or for Xiao Rui?"

Wang Qiqi waved the acceptance letter in her hand. "I got my acceptance letter, so I came to tell Uncle and Auntie." She had initially intended to call, but felt that delivering the news in person would be more formal. Of course, Wang Qiqi would never admit that she wanted to see the look on her Auntie's face when she realized Qiqi was going to C University—how she would then look at Wang Rui. Qiqi knew that in Li Cui’s eyes, even though her own family wasn't as wealthy as theirs, at least the breadwinners were alive, whereas Qiqi was relying solely on compensation money. But no one expected her to suddenly excel in her final high school year. How could Li Cui, who was always competitive and desperately wanted Wang Rui to be more successful than Qiqi, tolerate this? She would certainly command Wang Rui to get into a university no less prestigious than C University.

Li Cui merely grunted. In truth, they had already known Qiqi was going to university; her Gaokao scores were significantly higher than the threshold for Shen University, so getting into Shen University was entirely normal. "Shencheng is nice. It'll be convenient when you come home." Li Cui said this and then called out, "Dagui, Qiqi is here to bring good news." Good news? When would someone come to report bad news—the news of Wang Qiqi's death—that would truly be the best news.

Wang Rui heard Wang Qiqi arrive from inside the house. Although she didn't want to face her, she felt compelled to come out. A few days ago, she had spent several days having fun in QD with Gao Kai and a group of friends, which had made her quite happy. The problem was, she had just received word that because Gao Kai got into Shen University, he was planning a trip to Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand with a group of friends, and the departure date was only ten days away. This made Wang Rui suspicious—what was Gao Kai’s intention?

Wang Rui kept wondering if he planned to take Qiqi along to Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. The more she thought, the fiercer the fire burned in her chest. She really wanted to storm over to Wang Qiqi's house immediately and confront her, wanting to ask, "Didn't you say you had no contact with Gao Kai anymore? What is this situation?" But when she reached the doorway, a thought stopped her: Would Wang Qiqi even admit it? She might be waiting for me to confront her, just to humiliate me further. Thinking this, Wang Rui retreated back into the house, stopping even the television, and curled up in her room contemplating how she should approach Wang Qiqi’s house the next day, what expression to wear, what topic to start with, and how to maneuver the conversation to the questions she needed answered. Before she could figure out how to question Wang Qiqi, the visitor arrived.

Wang Rui tidied her clothes slightly before stepping out of the room. "Congratulations, Qiqi, on getting into Shen University." Hmph, she thought, I’ll be at Shen University in two years too. Just wait.

"C University?" Wang Qiqi recalled, looking puzzled. "Oh, I did intend to go to Shen University, but in my final application, I put down C University." Wang Qiqi held up her acceptance letter; the envelope clearly bore the C University masthead.

C University? Wang Rui hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to choose C University. Hearing this news, she couldn't quite process her emotions. On one hand, she was happy that for the next four years, Wang Qiqi and Gao Kai would likely have little contact—one in the north, one in the south. Besides, there would be so many chickens at university, and Gao Kai wasn't the type to stay loyal to one person. Even if he still had feelings for Wang Qiqi, he wouldn't start several new relationships at Shen University, giving her ample opportunity later. But then she considered: if Gao Kai found out Qiqi was going to C University instead of Shen University, how furious would he be? How would he view her, perhaps thinking she couldn't even handle a small task he entrusted her with? And would he still take her traveling with him in the future?

"Didn't you say you were going to university in Shencheng?" Ultimately, the latter thought prevailed in Wang Rui’s mind, and she questioned sharply, "You said you were going to study in Shencheng?"

Wang Qiqi looked at Wang Rui’s distressed expression and thought, Does she think she’s some big shot just because of that famous name? "I wanted a university in Shencheng, and I was even thinking about studying abroad later. But are those things that important? Besides, C University is also a prestigious school, much higher ranked than Shen University. My chances of applying to study abroad will be better coming from C University." Although Wang Qiqi didn't have strong aspirations for studying abroad right now, who knew what she might think in four years? For now, she would just say whatever seemed most convincing.

Studying abroad? Wang Rui was startled by Wang Qiqi's words. "You plan to study abroad?" Heavens, that was a money-burning endeavor. Overseas transactions used US dollars, where one dollar was worth more than eight RMB. "With the little money you have, how can you afford to go abroad?"

Wang Rui mused that although Qiqi had some money, once converted to dollars, it wasn't much. Not to mention the expenses for Qiqi’s four years of university. Given how lavishly Wang Qiqi spent money, Wang Rui doubted how much of that compensation money would remain by the time she graduated.

Li Cui, who had been shocked that Wang Qiqi was going to C University, hadn't known much about universities herself, but the way her colleague's son had gloated when he got into C University was still etched in Li Cui’s memory. To think Wang Qiqi was now even considering studying abroad! "A girl gets into a good university, then just finds a man with in-laws and gets married. Why waste money studying abroad?" It would be best if she married someone whose family situation was worse than Gong Peixing's family, and whose in-laws were difficult to serve, Li Cui thought gleefully. Then I'll have a great joke to tell. Hmph, when the time comes for Uncle and us to step in as her maternal side family, we can charge a price. The thought of the arrogant Wang Qiqi having to bow her head before her made Li Cui feel immensely satisfied, as if she had devoured a whole tub of ice cream.

Wang Dagui listened to his niece list her various aspirations, and his only thought was: What a waste of money. "Exactly, Qiqi. Finish university early after graduation, then have a baby early. If no one is around to help, your Auntie can lend a hand." Wang Dagui said this with genuine sincerity. The past year since his brother and sister-in-law passed away had taught him how fortunate he was to have had them, and he channeled his guilt toward his deceased brother and sister-in-law into caring for Wang Qiqi.

Wang Dagui meant well, but the statement carried different implications for the three women present.

Wang Qiqi: Hah, dream on. If I ever needed you to babysit, I’d rather spend money hiring someone. Even a stranger would be better at raising a child than you two.

Li Cui: That’s right. I can help raise the child, and I won't charge much. Three thousand a month, with weekends off. If I have to take care of the child on a weekend, you pay overtime.

Wang Rui: What? My mother? Why would she babysit Wang Qiqi’s child? Hmph, since she doesn't have a mother, she expects to use mine? But if Mom takes care of the child, doesn't that mean I can mistreat it? Hmph, it’s just a little kid; it won't talk back, so I can do whatever I want, right?

Wang Dagui, seeing that none of the three women protested, felt inwardly pleased. He thought that if Qiqi really entrusted her child to him, he would certainly raise it well. It was his brother and sister-in-law's precious grandchild; since they couldn't help raise the child, he, as the uncle, would step in.

After a brief chat, Wang Qiqi said, "It's getting late. Uncle, Auntie, I should head back. I have to go to the Capital early tomorrow morning."

To the Capital? "Are you going traveling?" Wang Rui thought Wang Qiqi was being excessive—going to the Capital alone without inviting her. At this moment, Wang Rui completely forgot that when she went out with Gao Kai, she hadn't invited Qiqi either.

Wang Qiqi hummed an acknowledgment. "Actually, it’s not exactly a trip. Lina’s parents bought a house in the Capital, and we're going over to see how we should decorate it so we can move in directly after our military training." Although the house purchase was rushed, the Zhu family hired decorators to work day and night, hoping to finish everything by the end of August. Then, they could air it out, and Qiqi and the others could move in right after their military training ended in late September. So, while it sounded rushed, it was actually quite leisurely. "Then we’ll go look around elsewhere."

"Ah, Zhu Lina's family is that rich?" Wang Rui wondered if Wang Qiqi had bought the house herself. She couldn't tell that Zhu Lina’s family was that wealthy; buying a house wasn't a simple matter.

"Whether they are rich or not isn't my concern. In any case, they are richer than my family, or they wouldn't have bought a house," Wang Qiqi replied ambiguously. "Uncle, when I get back, call Auntie over, and we'll celebrate me getting into university."

Wang Qiqi had initially intended to suggest a simple meal, but then realized that sounded too modest, so she changed it to a gathering to celebrate her admission, where everyone would eat together. Of course, for this celebration, relatives were expected to contribute money.

Li Cui was naturally unhappy hearing Wang Qiqi say that. How much would a meal cost? She’d probably have to gift at least five hundred. The thought of five hundred dollars just slipping into Wang Qiqi’s pocket made her heartache. Five hundred seemed a bit much, though. Never mind, two hundred as a token gesture. Li Cui made a decision she would deeply regret later, but for now, she just felt relieved she wouldn't have a major financial hemorrhage. "Qiqi, if you’re going to study in the Capital, what about the house?" Li Cui suddenly remembered that if Wang Qiqi went to the Capital, she would return at most twice a year, during the winter and summer breaks. "The house can’t just be left shut up all the time…"

"I've already spoken with Auntie. I'll have Aunt Gong continue to help clean the rooms and air them out when she has time. We won't trouble Uncle and Auntie," Wang Qiqi immediately cut off Li Cui. "Besides, Xiao Rui is starting her second year of high school soon. She has the pressure of class selection and entrance exams. I don't want to distract you, Auntie." With a half-truthful complaint about how impatient Lina’s friends were to have only notified her today, Wang Qiqi departed the Wang Dagui residence.

Li Cui watched Wang Qiqi wave goodbye and leave. As for the questions she had posed, Qiqi had flatly refused her, though not in such a blunt manner. Li Cui had really wanted to suggest that they move into the house to give Xiao Rui a better study environment, and ideally, Wang Qiqi would continue paying the utility bills. But that calculation had utterly failed. Li Cui was about to complain to Wang Dagui when she noticed he had already retreated into the house to watch television, and her daughter had slipped back into her room early. Li Cui had nowhere to vent her anger.