Wang Qiqi watched Han Tao walking ahead of her, carrying two suitcases, and was instantly reminded of what Song Yao had told her yesterday. Song Yao’s logic wasn't wrong; people who are usually deeply insecure often become arrogant once they suddenly achieve success, and they try to cover up their past. Given this situation, Song Yao genuinely worried that Han Tao might abandon his relationship with Qiqi.

To say Wang Qiqi had no such worries would be a lie. Although she knew Han Tao was a responsible man, some things progress independent of one's will. Too many unexpected events can often change the trajectory of matters, but what use is worrying? Will worrying prevent things from happening?

Han Tao slowly descended the stairs, balancing two suitcases and carrying Da Bao on his shoulder, while Wang Qiqi trailed behind, swaying slightly with a large backpack. To outside observers, the couple looked quite well-matched—though 'well-matched' in this context referred only to their appearance. As for family background and financial standing, everyone knew the Han family was far less well-off than Wang Qiqi’s.

Gao Kai stood in the shade of a tree, watching the two approach, chatting and laughing, before hailing a cab. After the man placed the boxes in the trunk, he got in himself. Gao Kai chastised himself for ever walking this way, only to witness such a cruel sight.

If only he had studied harder back then. If only, when Qiqi’s parents passed away, he hadn't listened to his own parents but had instead comforted her constantly, letting her know his true feelings—would Qiqi be with him now?

Wang Rui followed closely behind Gao Kai. Seeing him run a few steps after the taxi, she snapped irritably, "What are you chasing? Chasing won't bring my sister back, and she won't look at you anyway. Han Tao is at least a top student from A University." Wang Rui currently held a full belly of resentment for Gao Kai, too. She had worked hard to snag a rich man, only for him to turn out like this. While he was still better off than the average person, the stark contrast to what she had boasted to her friends—that she was dating someone wealthy—was unbearable for her to process.

Gao Kai, hearing Wang Rui's cutting words and noticing the complete absence of the previously submissive demeanor on her face, was naturally angered. If Wang Qiqi had said those things, Gao Kai might not have been so upset; Wang Qiqi’s standing was miles beyond Wang Rui’s capabilities. "I might be poor now, but I'm still better off than you."

With that, Gao Kai turned and walked away crossly. If she looked down on him, why stay together? "This is my situation right now; do whatever you want." Hmph. Gao Kai refused to believe he wouldn't have a chance to rise again. Though his family was down on its luck, it wouldn't stay that way forever.

Wang Rui watched Gao Kai leave. She instinctively took a couple of steps after him but suddenly stopped. Why should she chase him? His family’s background was decent, but their own situation wasn't bad right now—at least no one was calling in debts. She turned around instead. "Well, he really thinks highly of himself, acting like he's still the same as before."

Wang Rui thought she would be better off going home to study. It was impossible for her not to regret things at this moment. She suddenly remembered her mother’s advice. If she had listened to her mother back then, she would at least have a hope of getting into university, but now...

As Wang Rui walked home, she suddenly recalled what Wang Qiqi had said about Gao Kai. Frankly, if it weren't for her words, would she have given everything to Gao Kai so early, ending up in this current predicament? At the very least, even if she hadn't rushed into things with Gao Kai, she could have strung him along while seriously studying.

Wang Rui laid the blame for her current miserable state entirely at Wang Qiqi's feet. In short, Wang Rui vowed that she and that girl, Wang Qiqi, were mortal enemies, with absolutely no chance of reconciliation.

Wang Dagui saw his daughter walking in from outside. "You didn't go look for Gao Kai?" Wang Dagui truly couldn't believe his luck had run out. Not only was he getting a divorce, but he had been complaining about Li Cui being incapable of enjoying fortune. In a few years, his daughter could have married into the Gao family as a young mistress. Yet, only a few days later, news spread that the Gao family's restaurant wasn't even theirs; they were merely managing it. Although they held shares, they were minor ones. Worse still was the rumor that the Gao family patriarch had lost a fortune gambling in Macau. This filled Wang Dagui with regret.

"Went out for what?" Wang Rui retorted angrily. "We clearly have no money, yet he still acts like a young master."

"I’m going back to my room to sleep." Wang Rui had intended to say she was going to read, but she felt her current state made focusing on studying impossible. She needed a rest first; otherwise, Wang Rui doubted she could concentrate at all.

Wang Dagui grunted. After a moment, he said, "Even if the Gao family’s situation isn't great, a starving camel is still bigger than a horse. Don't be too cold to him. After all, they’ve managed that hotel for so many years; they must have some foundation left. It's at least better than our current situation for weathering this storm." Wang Dagui thought perhaps this was a test for the Gao family. "Weren't you talking about opening a restaurant before? Just be good to Xiao Kai."

Wang Rui rolled her eyes several times. "I’ve been good enough to him, but he still pines for Qiqi." Wang Rui truly couldn't understand what was so much better about Wang Qiqi that he couldn't let her go.

"Qiqi isn't someone you can dismiss just because you refuse to accept it." Wang Dagui knew his daughter was unwilling to accept reality, but neither was he. "Our family is currently worlds away from Qiqi's status, but daughter, you know our capability and standing. Although your mother really left with nothing when she passed, how long can what we have last? So, you must hold onto Gao Kai. That said, I don't think the Gao family is entirely reliable either. If you get a chance to meet another rich man, dump Gao Kai. Understand?"

Wang Dagui's words greatly shocked Wang Rui. She couldn't believe the old man would come up with such a plan. "Dad, what kind of person do you think I am? Based on what you're saying, all I have to do from now on is find a rich man, regardless of whether I like him?"

Wang Rui couldn't help but feel wronged. Although she had slept with Gao Kai, the issue was that she had done so precisely because she liked him. "Does it matter if I find some rich man, whether he has a wife or how old he is? I have to sleep with him?" Wang Rui said crudely. Of course, since becoming an adult, Wang Rui’s language had become more coarse; she didn't consider whether her words were appropriate for her current age.

Wang Dagui looked at his daughter. Although he wanted to say his daughter was a good girl, he had to admit her reputation wasn't great. "Do you think you can find a man who is young, handsome, capable, treats you well, and is rich?"

Wang Dagui figured that if a man satisfied all those conditions, he would be highly sought after and certainly wouldn't fall to his daughter. Therefore, Wang Dagui didn't believe his daughter had such good fortune waiting for her. "If you can find someone like that, I have no objection."

Wang Rui heard the dismissiveness in her father’s tone. "What do you mean by that? Are you happy if your daughter ends up marrying some pauper?" How could she have a father like this? Wang Rui deeply regretted not having insisted harder back then, or perhaps teaming up with her mother to kick this man out of the house. At least her mother would have taken care of her, cooked her meals, and managed everything for her. As for the old man, while he could cook, his skill was mediocre—just barely edible. She still had to do the housework herself, or the house would turn into a pigsty. Wang Rui previously thought it didn't matter; it was good practice, showing off a bit when visiting the Gao family, proving she wasn't a girl incapable of housework. But now...

Wang Dagui, seeing his daughter’s expression, also became angry and slammed the table. "If it weren't for you, would I have had a falling out with your mother? If I hadn't fought with her, I would at least have ready-made meals now and wouldn't have to lift a finger when I got home. But look at things now?"

What? Blaming everything on her? Wang Rui certainly wouldn't accept that responsibility, and she immediately retaliated. Just like the old days when Li Cui was home, the father and daughter, who often ganged up to oppose Li Cui, began their internal feud, escalating until it was deafening. When Li Cui was present, she used to make them restrain themselves, but now there was no one to remind them. Furthermore, both were full of suppressed rage and only focused on venting their emotions, failing to consider anything else. They argued fiercely, much to the annoyance of the surrounding neighbors. Even though it wasn't nighttime, the lingering heat of late summer made everyone’s temper short, but upon hearing the content of their argument, the neighbors fell silent, and no one came to intervene.

The reason Wang Dagui and Li Cui divorced had been the biggest mystery to the nearby residents. Why divorce now, and not earlier or later? It happened without any warning. Some suspected Li Cui was having an affair, but no one took it seriously. Li Cui did nothing but go to work and come home; when would she have time to meet a lover? But after hearing the father and daughter’s argument, they finally understood—she must have been seeing someone. Yet, they also felt Li Cui had been more than fair, leaving everything in the house to the father and daughter. The reason Wang Dagui and his daughter regretted the divorce, however, was simply that since Li Cui left, there was no one left to do the housework. Cooking, grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning all fell to them. Hearing this made the neighbors feel both exasperated and amused. In any case, this revelation also shifted the blame for Li Cui leaving Wang Dagui—even if it meant leaving everything behind—away from being solely her fault.

After a massive row, the father and daughter ignored each other. Wang Rui retreated to her room to rest; after all, she had snacks in there and could skip dinner. Wang Dagui slammed the door and went out to meet his cronies to gamble and drink, completely forgetting he had a daughter to care for.

Fú Xīng Jià Dào (The Lucky Star Marries), Author: Qiāndǎo Nǚ Yāo. Synopsis: Watch the transmigration heroine enjoy luck, wealth, romance—all fortunes shining brightly!