Wang Qiqi, laden with bags and packages, had just stepped out of the taxi when she heard a voice call from upstairs, "Qiqi, wait down there, I'll send Xiao Gong up to get you." Wang Damei happened to be hanging her mop outside the bathroom to dry when she saw her niece arrive with all her belongings. Wang Damei was aware of her younger brother’s phone call, and she certainly coveted the assets Wang Qiqi possessed. But after the tragic deaths of Wang Dajun and his wife, coupled with the recent developments involving Song Yao and Gong Peixing, Wang Damei knew that if she treated Wang Qiqi well, her niece might still show some lingering affection. Besides, having failed to gain any advantage over Wang Qiqi over a year ago, she certainly wasn't going to succeed today.

Hearing that someone would help her transport her things, Wang Qiqi happily agreed. It was such a blessing to have connections through her brother-in-law. Before long, Gong Peixing briskly came down to help. Upon seeing the sheer volume of belongings, his mouth split into a wide grin. "Surely all this isn't just for my family, is it?" This sister-in-law was wonderful; she helped him win the beautiful woman he desired and even offered advice for him to live a better life. Every visit, she brought gifts, making her infinitely better than the other sister-in-law.

"Some clothes for my little nephew; I thought they were cute," Wang Qiqi followed Gong Peixing empty-handed. Watching him carry so much, yet ascend the stairs with such ease, she had only one thought: men were indeed dependable. It explained why having a man along during a major shopping spree was essential—even if he didn't pay, his sheer capability as labor made him necessary.

Song Yao opened the door and stood at the threshold. Seeing the items in Gong Peixing’s hands, she glanced at the labels on the bags. "All for our child?"

Gong Peixing nodded. "Mm, it's cold outside; let's get inside quickly." He truly admired how energetic his wife remained despite being pregnant. However, his mother-in-law had insisted that moving around more now would be better for the delivery. What could Gong Peixing say? Thankfully, his wife was still quite careful.

Song Yao merely uttered an "Oh," then slowly walked toward the sofa, patting the cushion next to her as she gestured to Wang Qiqi, who was trailing behind her husband. "Sit down, let me take a look—have you lost weight recently?"

Song Ziwen sauntered out of his room, casually picking up a bag. As he rifled through the contents, he erupted in anger. "How come it’s all for a baby that hasn't even been born? Isn't there anything for me?" Unbelievable! "Everything in this house now revolves around the baby's preferences. For food and drink, if my sister likes it, that's the rule." Even smoking had become a major offense. Previously, he could sneak a puff in his room, but after the time his sister walked past his bedroom door just as he stepped out, and the odor assaulted Song Yao, he was barred from smoking even there. This gave Song Ziwen a monumental headache.

Hearing his complaints, Song Yao snorted a few times. "I think you're just uncomfortable because you feel you've lost favor." In the past, her younger brother was the darling of the family; as long as his requests weren't too unreasonable, their parents would indulge him. The uncles were the same; they insisted that the Old Song family only had one male grandson, meaning he could have whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted it. As for the maternal uncles, they doted on him even more.

Song Ziwen vehemently disagreed with Song Yao’s assessment. "Am I really going to be jealous of a baby?" That would be utterly beneath him. "By the way, Qiqi, you were incredible yesterday; I truly admire you."

After setting the bags down, Gong Peixing picked up an apple and a pear from the table, began peeling them, sliced them neatly, stuck toothpicks in the pieces, and then headed to the kitchen to help his mother-in-law.

Wang Qiqi watched Gong Peixing's efficient movements, utterly dumbfounded. After a long moment, she finally pulled her gaze away. She nudged Song Yao gently. "Sister, you're amazing; you’ve disciplined Brother-in-law so well." Although Gong Peixing's own parents hadn't treated him particularly well, they never expected him to do housework—though heavy lifting was certainly his domain.

Song Yao shrugged. "When would I have the time to discipline him? Ever since the baby, it's mostly been eating and sleeping for me. My mother told him to learn more so he wouldn't be completely useless when the baby arrived."

"Doesn't your mother-in-law help with the childcare?" Wang Qiqi wondered if Song Yao’s in-laws planned to completely wash their hands of the situation.

Her? Song Yao let out a cold snort, glancing around. "My brother-in-law has a new girlfriend recently, and she insisted they buy a brand-new ninety-square-meter apartment, fully renovated. My in-laws have just gone to find your brother-in-law to borrow some money." Song Yao inwardly seethed; if she had been there, she would have blasted them. "They explicitly said they would handle their younger son's wedding expenses, and we, as the older couple, would just chip in something minimal. And now they're here asking for a loan? Hmph."

Song Yao knew her in-laws assumed that since the house back in the village brought in decent rent, and since she and Gong Peixing were currently living at her parents' place, their expenses must be low and they must have plenty of money. "I have never seen people so brazenly thick-skinned."

Wang Qiqi didn't agree with Song Yao’s assessment. "Wrong. Have you forgotten Wang Dagui and his family? Remember the arrogance they displayed on New Year's Day? Look at them now, begging for favors." Wang Qiqi knew Wang Dagui had come to see her yesterday, but she hadn't opened the door. He probably assumed she had gone to the Han family’s, thinking he could catch her and gain leverage. He had no idea that she had thoroughly cornered him on his own misdeeds.

Bringing this up, Song Yao gave Wang Qiqi a peculiar look. "Qiqi, if Wang Dagui hadn't mentioned it yesterday, I wouldn't have known you had such a substantial foundation. Look at you..." Song Yao clicked her tongue repeatedly. "I bet Li Cui is heartbroken over something right now."

Wang Qiqi chuckled wryly. "I didn't think much of it at the time, but you know..." Wang Qiqi recounted the incident where Li Cui was caught rummaging through her things the day after the initial report. "I found it so strange that Li Cui would do such a thing. Later, when I was lying in the mourning hall at night, I dreamt my parents told me that although money is vulgar, one must always secure a fallback plan. If Wang Dagui and the others found out about this money, I wouldn't have any peace. Moreover, I dreamt that if Li Cui and the others obtained these things, their attitude toward me would turn hostile. Then, Wang Dagui tried to negotiate with the other party over my head. I realized that if I hadn't kept this hidden, my future would have been unbearable."

Wang Damei had been wondering how Wang Qiqi had suddenly become so astute. After hearing Wang Qiqi’s explanation, although she still found it a bit odd, she couldn't conceive of another reason for her niece's sudden transformation. Since her brother and sister-in-law had been so worried about Wang Qiqi on their deathbeds, it seemed plausible they might appear in a dream to guide her. "Qiqi, you were too cautious; why didn't you tell your aunt?" Wang Damei brought over a plate of food, feigning a look of anger.

Wang Qiqi giggled. "I was planning to tell you in a while, but I didn't expect Gao Kai to discover it. He wanted me to rent a storefront property to his family. But the current tenant is a distant relative of my maternal grandfather; he has rented that place for so many years, pays the rent on time, and handles minor repairs himself. If I rented it to the Gao family, putting aside the rent issue, if anything went wrong, they would expect me to deal with it. I..." Wang Qiqi voiced her worries. "Besides, I plan to study abroad eventually, and I need this money for tuition. Furthermore, property prices are low right now; I want to save more to buy my own place."

Wang Damei had harbored a slight worry, which Wang Dagui had brought up—that Wang Qiqi might squander the money. Hearing Wang Qiqi’s plans, she stopped protesting. After a moment, she said, "Buying property is a good thing; it's your security for the future. Your uncle is getting more confused these days. However, if you run into them on the road, it's best to exchange pleasantries. Otherwise, if you find a boyfriend later and his family inquires, Li Cui’s sharp tongue could spread malicious rumors, which would be detrimental to your future."

Wang Qiqi understood Wang Damei meant well, but regarding her aunt’s advice, Wang Qiqi stated, "If that's how they see me, then I have no need to marry. Besides, with my own house and money, I don't need to look at anyone else’s face." Wang Qiqi expressed her view on marriage; having seen too many people deferentially subject themselves in her previous life, the current Wang Qiqi refused to live that way.

Wang Damei looked at her stubborn niece and could only sigh. After all, she was her aunt; what could she say? Could she lecture her niece on what not to do? "Sometimes, taking a step back is better."

Wang Qiqi knew Wang Damei was tactful; though she didn't directly criticize Wang Dagui, her words hinted at a desire for reconciliation. "Qiqi, how do you plan to spend New Year's Eve?"

"I’ll treat you and the aunties to a meal at noon; I'll book a table tomorrow. I'll spend the evening alone at home." Wang Qiqi hadn't intended to host, but Shi Man had warned her that if she didn't treat them, Wang Damei and the others might feel slighted. She wasn't poor, so why be stingy? "As for Wang Dagui and his family? I certainly won't be inviting them."

Wang Damei had hoped her lengthy counsel would change Wang Qiqi’s mind, but to her disappointment, her niece remained resolute. She sighed. "Your uncle was saying he planned to treat everyone to New Year's Eve dinner at the Gao family’s restaurant. Look at what you are doing now..."

The Gao family’s restaurant? Wang Qiqi doubted it was out of respect for Wang Rui; it was more likely the Gao family wanted to open negotiations with her. "I have no intention of going there. Besides, I have the means to eat anywhere; why must I go to the Gao family’s? I find the place dirty, and I don't want to watch that pair flaunt themselves."

"Exactly, we don't want to go either; it would just be watching Wang Rui show off," Song Yao supported Wang Qiqi’s decision. "Mom, I’ll be keeping vigil here in our own home that night, so I won't come over and cause a fuss. Oh, Qiqi, order a few extra dishes at lunch, and I can take them home to reheat."

Song Yao remembered the smug look on a certain person's face on her wedding day. Since that person hadn't shown her any respect, she certainly wouldn't afford her any now. (To be continued)