The situation took a sharp turn, and Wang Qiqi left her seat humming a tune, while Gao Kai glared at her departure. No sooner had she gone than Gao Kai fiercely kicked the tables and chairs several times. Whether the furniture was poorly made or someone's rage was simply too immense, the set of table and chairs promptly fell apart.

The surrounding patrons were startled to see the usually refined man suddenly erupt, even kicking apart the furniture. Those near Gao Kai were terrified and quickly gave him a wide berth. Such a commotion drew the attention of a waiter who hadn't noticed Gao Kai's vandalism until then, and the consequence was Gao Kai having to pay for the damages.

Gao Kai touched his now empty wallet, listening to the sounds of arriving and departing trains echoing through the station. He lifted a foot, but quickly lowered it. If he damaged anything else, he’d have to pay again, and Gao Kai was entirely out of money. With that thought, he snorted a few times, turned, and walked away, his hatred for Wang Qiqi intensifying by several multiples.

All the way, Gao Kai pondered why Wang Qiqi had changed so drastically. Whenever Wang Rui mentioned it, Gao Kai had always thought Wang Rui was exaggerating. Now, it seemed she hadn't been lying; someone truly had transformed, losing every shred of human warmth. Triple the rent—three times the market rate! Alas, it seemed he would need to devise another plan.

Wang Qiqi boarded the train and suddenly remembered something critical: she’d forgotten to buy a hamburger. She had intended to eat one later in the night if hunger struck, but after the disruption caused by that person, such an important matter had completely slipped her mind. This infuriated Wang Qiqi, whose mood had just started improving. Fortunately, Wang Damei and Song Yao had packed some snacks for her; otherwise, Wang Qiqi wouldn't have known how to pass the journey. Though she had a sleeper ticket, burdened with several large bags and traveling alone, Wang Qiqi dared not sleep.

Wang Qiqi drifted in and out of sleep on the train until they reached Beijing. Since this wasn't the final destination, Wang Qiqi couldn't linger as she usually did, waiting for most passengers to disembark. She clutched her luggage, listening to the growling of her stomach. The difference between this arrival and when she used to come home with someone waiting for her was vast.

“Qiqi, Qiqi.” Han Tao knew Wang Qiqi’s train was due that morning, so he specifically requested a short leave. When he saw Wang Qiqi pulling a suitcase, with a large backpack on her shoulders, and another bag slung diagonally across her front, Han Tao’s mouth dropped open. He recalled that when she left for home, that large backpack hadn't been there at all.

Hearing that familiar call, Wang Qiqi didn't know where Han Tao was, but knowing that someone would help carry her luggage once she exited the gate instantly refilled her energy.

Han Tao immediately took the items as soon as Wang Qiqi emerged from the exit. “Why did you bring so much stuff?” He wondered if she had moved everything from her family home.

Wang Qiqi pointed to the suitcase in Han Tao’s hand. “This is all from your mother, sent for you. Oh, and Auntie knitted two sweaters for me, one of which is for you.” Wang Qiqi chattered nonstop about Aunt Luo’s recent life. While Han Tao spoke to Aunt Luo frequently on the phone, seeing her in person was always more reassuring. She also mentioned Wang Rui.

“What? She runs to Shencheng every week?” Han Tao knew Wang Qiqi wouldn't lie, but this news was genuinely shocking. “Does she even grasp her current situation?”

“Of course, she knows. Marrying into the Gao family means she’ll be a young mistress of a wealthy household. Haven’t you heard the saying? Marrying well is better than working well,” Wang Qiqi said with a laugh. “And they haven’t even fully entered the Gao family yet, but Gao family insiders have leaked news that they can make a fortune in the stock market. My aunt is currently running around everywhere trying to raise capital to earn more.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Han Tao knew the stock market was currently favorable; investing a large sum could yield significant profit over a year, even after accounting for service fees. “You’re not jealous that they might soon have more money than you, are you?”

Jealous? Wang Qiqi snorted a few times and followed Han Tao onto the subway. “Why would I be jealous? If they have money, I feel more secure. I’m just worried they won’t make money but end up getting into trouble.” If the money were in Li Cui’s bank card, repayment wouldn't be an issue, but if it were in the Gao family’s hands, there would be problems, especially since the promissory note was signed by Wang Dagui. “The Gao family wants to open a new restaurant.”

Han Tao didn't know the Gao family’s background and found these matters quite normal. “If business is good, they expand. Besides, the Gao family has deep pockets.”

“What if the Gao family’s current restaurant isn't really theirs? What if they are just employees holding a small stake? How much capital do you think they really have to open a hotel? Their previous teahouse was also a joint venture, and they haven't even recouped the principal investment yet,” Wang Qiqi explained to Han Tao, who was standing before her while she sat. “Sigh, I’m washing my hands of it. But when I go back for winter break, it will likely be another round of trouble.”

Lying in bed late last night, listening to the rhythmic clatter of the train wheels on the tracks, Wang Qiqi suddenly remembered that she had provoked Gao Kai so severely. She wondered how Gao Kai would report back to Wang Rui and the others, and how much regret Li Cui might be harboring internally.

Han Tao reached out and patted Wang Qiqi’s head. “It’s fine. Are you still worried about them?”

Wang Qiqi mumbled, “Why should I worry about them? It’s my house, not theirs. Besides, I’m eighteen now; I don't need to worry about them holding my things.” Before turning eighteen, she might have worried that they would claim guardianship over her property, but now that she was an adult, and had even made a will, Wang Dagui and Li Cui wouldn't dare try anything. As for Gao Kai, even if he had the inclination, would he still scheme after the things I said? My relationship with Wang Dagui’s family is genuinely strained, so it’s perfectly understandable if I say I won’t leave the house or money to them.

Shi Man saw Han Tao carrying a large suitcase and Wang Qiqi wearing a large backpack. “Did you bring good food?” Shi Man assumed Qiqi hadn't brought clothes.

“Aunt Luo sent it for Han Tao.” Wang Qiqi dropped the bag onto the floor, ready to collapse onto the sofa. “Are Jiang Xin and Dai Lijun not here?”

“Jiang Xin has a group activity at the dorm today,” Shi Man nodded. “Dai Lijun is holed up in his room playing on his computer. If he didn't come out for meals, I’d think he had fossilized.”

After exchanging a word with Han Tao, Shi Man opened the package. “Cured meat and preserved vegetables. Did Aunt Luo make these herself?” Although she asked, Shi Man was already busy, opening a jar and pinching a piece. “Delicious, Aunt Luo made this. Qiqi, you’re the best.”

“This isn't for you glutton; it’s for Han Tao,” Wang Qiqi yawned. “We’ll eat out tonight; I’m resting until noon.”

Shi Man carefully took all the food out of the box and placed it in the kitchen. “It’s for Han Tao, but it’s for us too.” After putting things away, Shi Man reached out again. “What about your sister’s wedding sweets?”

“I’m more concerned if you ran into your cousin’s husband on this trip,” Zhu Lina scolded Shi Man, who had just been eagerly discussing fun things that might have happened during Qiqi’s trip. Zhu Lina was surprised Qiqi had just returned and Shi Man was immediately focused on food; it was quite embarrassing.

Hearing Zhu Lina, Shi Man swiftly moved to the kitchen, poured a few cups of tea, set them out one by one, then grabbed several bags of snacks from the cupboard. She sat down next to Zhu Lina, gazing expectantly at Wang Qiqi, waiting for her to start talking.

Wang Qiqi looked at the expectant group. “Are you watching a movie or listening to a story?” Though she spoke lightly, Wang Qiqi recounted the important details they cared about. “Any more questions?”

Shi Man paused for a moment, then clapped her hands. “I bet Gao Kai is regretting this so much. How could the sister be so directionless, but the sister-in-law follows policy like a hawk?” She noted that even if Gao Kai truly loved someone, he would eventually become interested in another girl.

“Doesn't your sister have classes?” Zhu Lina was surprised someone could be so devoted to that boy. “I really want to know her reaction when she finds out that her so-called Prince Charming and supposed wealthy family is actually a façade.”

“Even if they are a façade, their conditions are better than hers. Oh, right, the Gao family is planning to open another hotel,” Wang Qiqi mentioned, knowing Zhu Lina might have more context.

Zhu Lina took a sip of tea. “That’s normal. The big boss told them they have to return the hotel before the new century, and they must return the funds they diverted before the complete handover. Plus, they have a new financial director.”

Wang Qiqi was surprised the actions were so swift and the method so subtle. “I thought so, but doesn’t the Gao family have shares?” Even if they weren't working at the restaurant, they would still receive dividends from their shares.

Zhu Lina didn't know about that. “Initially, the big boss thought the Gao family would leave upon hearing the news, but surprisingly, they stayed, saying they would work until the end of the year. What’s more, rumor has it they want to sell their shares and open a new restaurant. Perhaps the location they’re eyeing is the property under your name.”

Zhu Lina’s words shocked Wang Qiqi, who looked vaguely towards Han Tao, while Han Tao was deep in thought.

Wang Qiqi was wondering if there were things about the Gao family she didn't know. Didn't her aunt say the Gao family was putting so much money into stocks this time? Why would they need to sell shares? Even if they needed money for a new restaurant, the investment wouldn't be immediate; it would be phased. If she truly had inside information, after a few months of stock market operation, why worry about money? In short, Wang Qiqi found the situation highly puzzling. (To be continued)