Although Wang Qiqi knew someone had likely gone abroad recently, which offered her a small measure of relief, she simply lacked the energy or inclination to change her neighbors' opinions anymore. Besides, the chances of her returning anytime soon were slim, and by the time her winter break arrived, the gossip would likely have shifted focus entirely, unless someone deliberately brought it up.

After returning home, Wang Qiqi mostly stayed indoors, reserving her mornings only for exercise. She used the time to organize her belongings, deciding whether to ship items she wouldn't take or carry them with her; she ultimately planned to take most of her clothes.

Two days into settling in at home, Wang Qiqi finally hoisted a large bag and headed toward the restaurant at the community entrance. She had grown accustomed to taking her family there for meals—it was conveniently close, the cooking was decent, and, naturally, it wasn't expensive.

The usual crowd of gossiping elderly folks and several middle-aged women downstairs immediately quieted down when they saw Wang Qiqi descending with her luggage. Even without hearing their preceding chatter, their sudden silence confirmed they had been discussing her. Let them talk, she thought, I haven't done anything morally wrong; my conscience is clear. She walked calmly out with her bag, but those notorious gossips weren't about to let her go that easily.

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

Wang Qiqi mused that these gossipmongers surely already knew where she was going. Pretending ignorance, she stopped, smiled, and replied, "I got into C University in the capital, which is better than Shen University."

"Why go all the way to the capital? That's so far from here."

"Exactly. Didn't you always say you wanted to study in Shanghai?" one added. "Especially since you promised a certain boy, and now he gave up such a good opportunity to go to Shen University, yet you went to C University—what's that all about?"

Wang Qiqi nodded. "Wang Rui asked me where I planned to study earlier, and I told her I was thinking of Shen University. But later, my friends mentioned they were both going to C University, so I changed my mind when filling out the applications. Since my two best friends are going to C University, and I don't know anyone at Shen University, I naturally chose C University."

Wang Qiqi’s meaning was clear: she had no idea which boy had somehow learned she intended to go to Shanghai, and her reason for choosing C University was straightforward—friends were there, and none were at Shen University. The mystery remained how any specific boy knew her initial preference.

Her words gave them pause, as the narratives didn't quite align. "Still, C University is quite a good school," someone conceded, picking up on her tone: she was simply following her friends, and C University was a prestigious institution anyway. "If I were choosing, I would definitely pick C University."

"That’s right," Wang Qiqi affirmed. "My parents aren't here. Whether I study in Shanghai or the capital is the same to me. Where I am is where my parents are."

Having said that, Wang Qiqi started toward the restaurant with her bag. After taking two steps, she spotted Wang Rui approaching. Qiqi felt her bad luck for the day peaking. She had no idea how Wang Rui would address her, but she certainly didn't expect pleasantries.

Wang Rui looked at Wang Qiqi, whose expression seemed cheerful, as if returning from a pleasant trip, and felt an overwhelming urge to slap her. She hadn't expected to run into Qiqi before she had figured out how to tell Gao Kai that Qiqi was going to C University instead of Shen University. The aftermath had been Gao Kai calling her in a rage, accusing her of feeding him false information. Wang Rui was shocked that Gao Kai knew Qiqi was attending C University, but she hadn't been able to reach him since; when she went to his house, his family said he was traveling. Since she couldn't take out her anger on Gao Kai, could she possibly feel good seeing Wang Qiqi now?

"Qiqi, I can't believe that after I told you I was going to C University, you immediately turned around and told Gao Kai the same thing. What is the meaning of this?" Wang Rui struggled to suppress the urge to physically fight Qiqi. She felt that every time she made a little progress with Gao Kai, Wang Qiqi would appear like a ghost.

Li Cui watched her daughter’s furious expression and the surrounding neighbors eager to watch a spectacle, sensing trouble. Her daughter was clearly enraged and unlikely to calm down enough to handle Wang Qiqi rationally. "Qiqi, did you have a nice trip to the capital?"

Wang Qiqi knew Li Cui’s concern wasn't genuine enjoyment; she was worried Wang Rui would embarrass herself in front of many people, especially since Qiqi was about to leave for university while Rui would remain stuck here for at least two years. "It was fine. I brought gifts for Uncle and Auntie, and for Xiao Rui. When I visited your house to tell you I was going to C University, I mentioned it, didn't I? You were there, and you asked me why I chose C University, right?"

"So what if you did? I know you told me C University." Wang Rui almost denied knowing, then suddenly remembered she had just admitted knowing Qiqi was going to C University. "But you shouldn't have…"

"I have no contact with Gao Kai. We used to bump into each other occasionally on campus when we were studying, but after the college entrance exams, the next time I saw him was when I told him I was going to C University. The very next morning, I was heading to the train station for the capital when I met him at the community entrance. He said he would go to Shen University with me, so I told him I was going to C University. What puzzles me is how he knew I was going to Shen University in the first place. It seemed strange until I remembered you once asked me which university I was applying to, and I told you Shen University. I never mentioned it again after that, and I even listed C University on my actual application."

Wang Qiqi continued, "I know you like Gao Kai, but I didn't expect you to tell him all that. Can’t I change my application? I recall you are just my cousin; I have every right to revise my choices. And why are you looking at me as if you're questioning me after Gao Kai learned I was going to C University?"

"I don't know where Gao Kai found out I said I was going to Shen University, but it's definitely connected to you. I remember you two were quite close. I truly admire you. Even though you like Gao Kai, you told him you liked him, so you didn't need to push your older cousin into this pit of fire, did you? Shouldn't you be happy that I’m going to C University?" Wang Qiqi watched Wang Rui's mouth hang open, feeling delighted. You wanted to interrogate me? Let’s settle the score.

"Wang Rui, you’re a Grade 11 student now, with 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 paid over twenty thousand yuan for you to enter that school. While some of that money came from contributions from me, Auntie, your Uncle, and your other relatives, you should show some maturity. Can't you see how much Auntie has aged recently because of you?" Wang Qiqi thought to herself: Of course she’s aged; I wouldn't even let her clean my house while I'm in the capital, and her daughter’s grades are garbage.

"If you are truly worried about Gao Kai, you should study harder and get into Shen University. Keep in mind that universities are full of beautiful girls. You know Gao Kai is handsome, good at sports, academically strong, and, most importantly, from a wealthy family. Once he gets to university, will he lack beautiful girls?" Wang Qiqi pressed, then suddenly realized, "Did you tell Gao Kai my university application because you hoped I would go to university to keep an eye on Gao Kai for you?"

Seeing the conversation shift entirely in Wang Qiqi’s favor, Wang Rui had to retort. "Did I have that thought? Gao Kai said that ever since your uncle passed away, you stopped paying attention to him, and he wanted to go to the same university as you." Yes, that’s it. "I was actually trying to set you two up…"

"Stop, stop, stop." Wang Qiqi cut off the seemingly well-meaning Wang Rui. "Do you even know what is truly good for me? If you really cared, you wouldn't have told Gao Kai my application plans. Gao Kai and I have no yesterday, no today, and certainly no tomorrow. Wang Rui, there are things I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time. You keep visiting Gao Kai in Grade 12, and it’s already bothered your homeroom teacher. I sometimes go to the office to see my teacher and overheard them discussing why both your grades have dropped simultaneously—was it because you spend too much time together? I didn’t want to mention it, but now you insist Gao Kai likes me, not you, and you want to push us together, which I find rather sickening, considering you clearly like him yourself."

Wang Qiqi turned away from Wang Rui and looked at Li Cui. "Congratulations, Auntie. While academics are important, isn't finding a man from a good family to marry better than attending a top university? Gao Kai is quite promising; Xiao Rui has excellent taste. Uncle, you will be related to the Gao family by marriage." No matter what, I must make them part of the same family.

With that thought, Wang Qiqi walked over to Wang Rui and hooked her arm playfully. Wang Rui’s alarm bells sounded instantly at this sudden display of friendliness, but her body reacted faster than her mind; she truly wanted to pull her arm free, but after several attempts, she couldn't shake Qiqi off.

"Listen, some of what I said earlier was absolutely true. Before my scores came out, I spent a few days in Shanghai and visited Shen University. There are so many beautiful girls there, and they wear very little fabric. Remember, university is different from high school. Without the heavy academic pressure, they can do what they want with their bodies. You know what I mean." After saying this, Wang Qiqi deliberately let go of Wang Rui’s arm. There you go, Sister has given you a big hint. Don't disappoint me.