Although Wang Qiqi knew someone must have gone abroad recently, which brought her a small measure of relief, she no longer had the energy or inclination to try and change her neighbors' opinions. After all, the likelihood of her returning was slim, and by the time she came back for winter break, the gossip they were currently churning out would have likely shifted to countless other topics, unless someone deliberately brought her up.

After returning home, Wang Qiqi mostly sequestered herself indoors, save for her daily morning exercises. She spent her time organizing things that needed sorting and contemplating whether to ship the bulk of her belongings or take them with her. Ultimately, Wang Qiqi decided she would take most of her clothing.

Two days after sorting things out at home, Wang Qiqi finally shouldered a large bag and set off toward the restaurant near the community gate. She had grown accustomed to taking her family there for meals—it was close, the cooking was decent, and naturally, the prices weren't steep.

The usual gaggle of gossiping elderly folks and a few middle-aged women downstairs fell silent as soon as they saw Wang Qiqi descending with her luggage. Even without overhearing what they’d been discussing, their sudden quietness made it obvious they had been talking about her. So what if they say it to my face? she thought. I haven't done anything immoral; my conscience is clear. Wang Qiqi walked away calmly with her bag, but the chief gossips wouldn't let her off that easily.

"Qiqi, which university did you get into?" After exchanging glances, the old woman who lived in the same building finally broke the silence and asked.

Wang Qiqi thought, Do these gossip-mongers really not know which university I got into? But she played along, knowing they were pretending ignorance while having already heard the rumors. She paused, smiled, and replied, "I got into C University in the capital city—a better university than Shen Da."

"Why go all the way to the capital? It’s so far from here."

"Exactly. Didn't you always say you wanted to attend university in Shencheng?" Especially since you promised a certain boy you would, and now he gave up such a great opportunity to go to Shen Da, yet you, Qiqi, chose C University? What kind of mess is this?"

Wang Qiqi nodded. "Wang Rui did ask me where I wanted to go to university, and I told her I was considering Shen Da. But later, my friends told me they were both going to C University, so I changed my mind when filling out the application. Since my two best friends are going to C University, and I don't know anyone at Shen Da, of course, I chose C University."

Wang Qiqi’s meaning was clear: she didn't know how any particular boy found out she planned to go to Shen Da, and her reason for choosing C University was simple: friends. As for how 'that certain boy' knew about Shen Da, that remained a mystery.

Wang Qiqi's words genuinely made them pause and think, as the stories didn't align. "Still, C University is quite a good school." Someone understood from Wang Qiqi's tone that her decision hinged entirely on following her friends, and C University was a prestigious institution. "If I had the choice, I would definitely pick C University."

"That's right," Wang Qiqi confirmed, nodding. "My parents aren't here. Whether I study in Shencheng or the capital city, it's the same to me. Wherever I am, that's where my parents are."

Having said that, Wang Qiqi turned to leave for the restaurant with her bag. After taking just two steps, she saw Wang Rui approaching. Wang Qiqi felt her day was already unlucky enough. Though she couldn't predict how Wang Rui would address her, she assumed it wouldn't be pleasant.

Wang Rui looked at Wang Qiqi, whose mood seemed cheerful, as if returning from a lovely vacation, and instantly felt the urge to slap her. She hadn't expected to run into Qiqi here before she could figure out how to tell Gao Kai that Qiqi was attending C University instead of Shen Da. The fallout had been Gao Kai angrily calling her, accusing her of feeding him false information. Wang Rui was stunned that Gao Kai knew Qiqi was going to C University. However, she hadn't been able to reach him since; when she went to his house, his family told her he had gone traveling. Wang Rui couldn't vent her anger at Gao Kai, and even if she could, he wasn't there. So, seeing Wang Qiqi now, how could her mood possibly improve?

"Qiqi, I didn't expect that after I told you I was going to C University, you'd immediately turn around and tell Gao Kai the same thing. What exactly is your meaning?" Wang Rui struggled to suppress the urge to start a fight, never imagining that just as she and Gao Kai seemed to be making some progress, Wang Qiqi would appear like a ghost.

Li Cui watched her daughter’s furious expression and the surrounding neighbors gathering like an audience waiting for a show. She knew things were going badly for her daughter, whose current rage made calmness impossible when dealing with Wang Qiqi. "Qiqi, how was your trip to the capital?"

Wang Qiqi knew Li Cui wasn't genuinely asking about her enjoyment; she was worried Wang Rui would be publicly humiliated, especially since Wang Rui would be stuck here for another two years while Qiqi was off to the capital. "It was fine. I brought gifts here for Uncle and Auntie, and for Xiao Rui, too. When I came to your house that day to tell you I was going to C University, I did tell you, didn't I? You were there and asked me why I chose C University, right?"

"So what? I know you told me you were going to C University." Wang Rui, who had intended to deny knowing the news, suddenly remembered that she herself had mentioned knowing about C University first. "But you shouldn't have..."

"I have no contact with Gao Kai. When we were studying, we'd occasionally run into each other on campus, but after the college entrance exams, the next time I saw him was when I told you I was going to C University. The very next morning, I was carrying my luggage to catch the train to the capital when I ran into him at the community gate. He said he would go to Shen Da with me, and I told him I was going to C University. What confuses me is how he knew I was going to Shen Da. I found it very strange. Only later did I remember you once asked me where I was going to university, and I mentioned Shen Da. I never brought it up again after that; I even put C University on my application."

Wang Qiqi continued, "I know you like Gao Kai, but I never expected you to share that information with him. Can't I change my university application? I recall you're just my cousin; I had every right to change my application. And why is your reaction one of questioning me when Gao Kai learns I’m going to C University?"

"I don't know where Gao Kai heard that I said I was going to Shen Da, but it definitely has something to do with you. I remember you and Gao Kai have a good relationship. I truly admire you—you clearly like Gao Kai, yet you told him, and you didn't even have to push your older cousin into the fire pit, did you? Shouldn't you be happy that I'm going to C University?" Wang Qiqi watched Wang Rui’s mouth hang open, feeling pleased. You wanted to interrogate me? Fine, let's settle the score.

"Wang Rui, you’re a Grade 11 student; you have less than two years until the college entrance exams. You should focus all your energy on studying, not on puppy love. What was your rank in the final exams? You should know that Auntie spent over twenty thousand for you to enter [this school]. While some of that money was financial support from me, Auntie, Uncle, and your other relatives, you should try to be a bit more sensible. Haven't you noticed how much older Auntie looks recently because of you?" Wang Qiqi inwardly thought, Of course, she looks older! I wouldn't even leave the house for her to clean, choosing an outsider over her, and her daughter’s grades are garbage.

"If you're really worried about Gao Kai, you should study harder and get into Shen Da. You have to know that universities are full of beautiful girls. You should know Gao Kai is handsome, good at sports, has good grades, and most importantly, comes from a wealthy family. Will he lack admirers once he gets to university?" Wang Qiqi needled Wang Rui again, then suddenly feigned realization. "Wait a minute, Xiao Rui, did you tell Gao Kai about my university application hoping I would go to college and watch over Gao Kai for you?"

Seeing the entire conversation shifting in Wang Qiqi's favor, Wang Rui had to retort. "Did I have such an idea? Gao Kai said that ever since Uncle passed away, you stopped paying attention to him, and he wanted to go to the same university as you." Yes, that was it. "I was just trying to set you two up..."

"Stop, stop, stop." Wang Qiqi looked at Wang Rui, who was acting as if she had Qiqi's best interests at heart. "Do you even know what's best for me? If you truly cared about me, you wouldn't have told Gao Kai my application details. Gao Kai and I have no past, present, or future. Wang Rui, there are some things I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time. You constantly visiting Gao Kai in Grade 12 has already caused trouble with your homeroom teacher. I overheard your teacher discussing with Gao Kai's teacher several times why both your grades were slipping—was it because you spent too much time together? I didn't want to say anything, but I can’t believe you, who likes Gao Kai, insist on claiming he likes me and that you’re trying to set us up. It makes me a little sick."

Wang Qiqi stopped looking at Wang Rui and turned to Li Cui instead. "Congratulations, Auntie. Although academics are important, isn't it better for a girl to marry a man with good family standing than to get into a top university? Gao Kai is quite good; Xiao Rui has excellent taste. Uncle, you will certainly become in-laws with the Gao family." No matter what, she was determined to make them one family.

Thinking this, Wang Qiqi walked over to Wang Rui and hooked an arm around her. Wang Rui’s internal alarm bells rang when Wang Qiqi suddenly acted friendly. However, her body reacted faster than her mind: she desperately wanted to pull her arm free but couldn't manage it after several tries.

"Listen, (Niu), some of what I just said was quite true. Before my results came out, I spent a few days visiting Shencheng and Shen Da. There are many beautiful girls there, and their clothes are quite revealing. You have to know that university life is different from high school; without the burden of heavy coursework, they can do what they want with their bodies. You get what I mean." After saying this, Wang Qiqi voluntarily released Wang Rui’s arm. Niu, I’ve given you a strong hint on what to do. Don't disappoint me.