Though Wang Qiqi and Wang Rui subsequently let go of each other's hands, in the eyes of others—and certainly in Li Cui's eyes—it appeared that Wang Rui had voluntarily pulled away. Li Cui sighed, thinking her daughter’s fighting spirit was steadily waning. In the past, Wang Rui could dispatch Wang Qiqi with ease, but now, in terms of composure and bearing, little Rui lagged far behind Wang Qiqi.

Seeing Wang Qiqi walk ahead slowly, carrying her bag, Wang Rui followed, deep in thought. She occasionally glanced up at Wang Qiqi. How could she not understand that Wang Qiqi’s words were meant to put her at ease? Yet, Wang Rui knew that if she didn't make a decision soon, even getting into university in Shencheng might not guarantee her winning Gao Kai over.

Wang Qiqi was no longer a reliable link between her and Gao Kai, as she had given Wang Rui frosty looks several times now. But how was Wang Rui supposed to capture Gao Kai’s attention? This was something Wang Rui needed to seriously consider. Should she really act on the impulse to get into the car first? The problem was, her mother always preached that a girl must have self-respect. Moreover, Wang Rui worried that even if she secured a spot on the train early, she might still fail to get a proper ticket. But if she didn't try, she wouldn't even have the chance to secure a ticket. There were already enough girls orbiting Gao Kai; wouldn't there be even more once they entered university?

Wang Qiqi didn't need to look at Wang Rui to know what her inner debate was about. Of course, Wang Qiqi hoped Wang Rui would choose to board the train first. If that happened, she felt many things would start drifting outside the scope of her own calculations.

Due to the small scene Wang Rui caused downstairs at Wang Qiqi’s place, by the time the four of them arrived at the private room, Wang Damei’s family of five was already seated. Wang Qiqi greeted them all one by one, handing out the gifts as she went. “Brother-in-law, this is for you too. It’s not much, but you must be understanding of a delicate girl who can’t carry too many things.”

Gong Peixing hadn't expected a gift for himself. Even though Song Yao had evidently gained the approval of her parents, they still never remembered to bring him a gift when they traveled. “Thank you, Qiqi. Did you have fun in the capital?”

“Very happy,” Wang Qiqi nodded, then turned to her aunt with the presents. “Shall we order?”

Wang Damei had deliberately arrived early today. Ever since Qiqi called two days ago to announce the dinner, she had intentionally refrained from calling Wang Dagui, wanting to see if they remembered the purpose of this gathering. But now, she realized she had overestimated herself. The family of three showed up completely empty-handed. Were they planning to offer a monetary gift?

Wang Damei didn't know if they would offer a gift, but she thought taking the first step would reveal the answer. She took out a moderately thick stack of red envelopes from her purse. “Qiqi, this is a small token of appreciation from your aunt and uncle.”

Wang Qiqi demurred. “Aunt, I can’t accept your money. This dinner is just a casual get-together.”

“Whether it’s a get-together or not, it’s a celebration of you going to university. Take it.” Wang Damei gestured for her daughter to take her bag, and the money was placed inside.

Wang Damei had expected Li Cui to make some kind of move after she handed over the money to Wang Qiqi, but to her surprise, the family of three was only focused on studying the menu. Wang Damei would have to be a complete fool not to understand the implication of that action.

Wang Qiqi put the bag away and walked to the door, signaling the waiting staff in the hallway to bring out the dishes.

Li Cui had made sure to eat a proper meal at home specifically because she was counting on a good dinner tonight. She had just noticed that this restaurant now offered seafood. “They have seafood here?”

“Yes. When Little Rui gets into university, Aunt, you can treat us here and order seafood,” Wang Qiqi thought, I’m not stupid either. We’ll wait until everyone arrives before ordering. Li Cui and Wang Rui certainly wouldn't be reserved or stand on ceremony with her—or rather, they would never be polite to her.

“Exactly,” Song Yao chimed in. “Wang Rui is in her second year of high school, two more years. Aunt can treat us then, and it should be all seafood.” Let’s see how big a hit you take then.

Li Cui had originally intended to prompt Qiqi to order more seafood, but she hadn't expected this response. “When my Little Rui gets into a good university, I will certainly treat everyone.”

A good university? Wang Qiqi chuckled inwardly. Her daughter, who spent all her time mooning over boys, thinking about getting into a good university? She’d have a chance only if the universities expanded enrollment in ten years, and even that was iffy. A third-tier university would cost a fortune; would Li Cui be willing to part with that money? “It sounds like Aunt will only treat us when Little Rui gets into a prestigious university. Little Rui, for the sake of your family’s second big treat, you must study hard and get into university.”

Song Yao covered her mouth and laughed. “Wrong, Qiqi. It should be the third time. The first time, I recall, was when Uncle and the others moved houses, and they treated us, but Uncle ended up paying the bill.”

“The second time was last year, when Auntie treated us to celebrate Little Rui finishing the high school entrance exams. Of course, our two families each chipped in a few thousand yuan,” Song Ziwen stated bluntly. “I really don’t want a third time. Every time my uncle’s family treats, our side pays the bulk of the cost. Overall, our income far exceeds the expense of hosting these dinners.”

Wang Damei shot a glare at Song Ziwen and his sister. “Is that how you speak to your elders?”

Song Yao shrugged and smiled. If it were a different set of elders, they might not have offered such blunt commentary. But the fact was, Li Cui had a hide as thick as city walls. No matter how unpleasant what you said, even if she was furious internally, she wouldn’t openly lose face unless you became destitute. “Let’s eat,” she concluded.

Wang Dagui listened to the subtle taunts from the Song siblings. Though he didn't show obvious displeasure, he felt quite uneasy.

Li Cui was seething internally at Song Yao’s words, wishing she could kick the little brats away. “Yaoyao, when are you and Xiao Gong getting married?”

“Don’t worry, we’ll get married when the time is right,” Song Yao replied, looking at Li Cui with disdain. Already focused on the next meal while eating Qiqi’s treat—what an imagination she had.

Wang Damei had never managed to handle her tactless sister-in-law. “We’ll definitely set the date for when Qiqi is back in town.” It wasn't strictly necessary for Qiqi to be present, but her presence usually guaranteed a generous red envelope.

Li Cui started to say something else, but Wang Dagui pulled her back. She noticed the unpleasant look in Wang Dagui’s eyes and clamped her mouth shut. As for Wang Rui, she was utterly quiet the entire evening, sitting quietly on the side, eating. If she hadn't been using her chopsticks, everyone might have assumed she hadn't even attended.

Song Yao had initially enjoyed sparring with Li Cui, but when Li Cui fell silent and shifted to discussing adult topics with her own mother, Song Yao turned to Wang Qiqi, asking about her trip to the capital. “Qiqi, did you notice anything strange about Wang Rui today?” Although Song Yao was chatting with Wang Qiqi, she felt a nagging sense that something was off, though she couldn't pinpoint it. Just as she was about to dismiss it as being overly sensitive, her eyes swept across Wang Rui, huddled quietly in the corner, and she finally understood why she felt something was wrong.

Wang Qiqi glanced at Wang Rui. “She’s probably preoccupied with her thoughts. You know how much Aunt values face; she wouldn't let Rui off easily now that I'm going to C University.” Some things were inappropriate to discuss in this setting, especially since they were the beneficiaries tonight. Continuing that line of conversation might provoke Li Cui and her daughter.

Song Yao murmured, finally understanding. “Wang Rui, why are you so quiet? It’s making me uneasy. School starts in a few days, right? I remember you have to choose your specialization. What are you leaning towards?”

“Science,” Wang Rui replied slowly after a long pause, offering Song Yao this single word.

Song Yao disliked the answer, which was clearly devoid of spirit. Fine, I was just being kind. If you don’t want to talk to me, why should I bother pandering to you? You can’t offer me any benefits. With that thought, Song Yao turned back to chatting with Wang Qiqi, and Song Ziwen occasionally joined the conversation. As for Gong Peixing, he wasn’t overly familiar with Wang Qiqi, but compared to everyone else at the table, he was still considered an acquaintance.

The dynamic at the table settled into four adults—Wang Damei and her husband, and Wang Dagui and his wife—talking amongst themselves, while Wang Qiqi and the three others chatted. Wang Rui sat alone on the side, eating, occasionally letting various expressions flicker across her face.

Song Yao noticed Wang Rui cycling through different expressions and began to watch her intermittently. When she saw the richness of the emotions on Wang Rui’s face, she whispered, “I think Wang Rui’s mind isn't quite right. She’s sitting there by herself, shifting from embarrassed to angry, then happy, then shy—she’s cycling through every emotion. I really don’t get her. What’s wrong with her?”

“Who knows? Worrying about her is better spent taking care of ourselves, right?” Hmph, it would be best if Wang Rui spent all her time figuring out how to handle Gao Kai, Wang Qiqi thought. The later she gets into the mindset for the college entrance exams, the better. It will be wonderful watching her fall from grace straight into hell. “Oh, sister Yaoyao, if you get married in the summer, you must go to QD for your honeymoon; the scenery is lovely, and you can stop by the capital to see me. If it’s winter, you must go south. Have you decided when you’re getting married?”

Song Yao’s mood soured slightly when marriage was mentioned. “His family plans to partition a room off in the courtyard for his younger brother to live in, and then they’ll renovate the small north-facing room for us to get married in.” Although some friends married and moved in with their in-laws, Song Yao was deeply unhappy at the thought of sharing a small room with her in-laws and her brother-in-law.

Wang Qiqi suddenly remembered that one of the factors leading to Song Yao’s eventual divorce was related to the marital home. She recalled that when Song Yao’s brother-in-law got married, the in-laws bought an apartment, even if they only contributed partially to the cost. “Sister, have you considered buying a house? You know, once you have children after marriage, how will you manage in such a small space?” Although Wang Qiqi hadn’t seen Gong Peixing’s current house, the layout alone suggested it wouldn't be very large. It might be better to outright ask them to contribute money towards buying a separate place, which would also remove a major point of contention leading to Wang Rui and Gong Peixing’s divorce later on.