Jiang Xin took several deep breaths. She had just followed Wang Qiqi to the library to return and borrow books, and now they were leaving. During the entire process, Qiqi hadn't uttered a single word. Jiang Xin kept glancing at Qiqi's expression, constantly wondering why she was acting so strangely today, remaining completely silent. This lack of communication made Jiang Xin deeply uneasy.

Since meeting Wang Qiqi, Jiang Xin had never encountered a silence this prolonged from her. No matter how bad her mood, Qiqi never managed to create such a stiff atmosphere. Jiang Xin noticed Qiqi walking steadily forward, clutching her backpack, and they had already reached the school gate. She knew that if she didn't speak up now, they would arrive at Qiqi's place, where she would face a three-person ambush. Jiang Xin had no confidence she could survive that confrontation.

"Qiqi, can we talk?" Jiang Xin finally broke the silence, unable to help herself. "Let's find a place to sit down." Jiang Xin looked around. "Cao Rui took me to a place last time—a newly opened Western fast-food spot. The atmosphere was quite nice."

Wang Qiqi had actually been thinking that Jiang Xin's patience had improved remarkably; perhaps it was due to her time spent with Cao Rui, making her act all deep and thoughtful now. But people change as they grow up. Still, no matter how profound she acted, she was bound to lose against Qiqi. "Let's go back to my place. Manman and the others are in class now." Hmph, only someone hiding something would be so scared to go to her own home. Even if Jiang Xin offered to pay, Wang Qiqi wouldn't want to owe her a favor anyway. It was much more comfortable and freeing to curl up at home with coffee on the sofa, especially for Qiqi, who hadn't rested properly for two consecutive days. What she needed right now was a solid sleep so she could have the energy for the afternoon classes.

Hearing Qiqi mention coffee, Jiang Xin recalled the last cup she had—it was exquisite. Rumor had it that the machine cost several thousand; one of Nana's relatives had brought it back especially from abroad. Zhu Lina had promptly commandeered the machine, and since the others weren't home now, it meant she and Qiqi could discuss things without worrying about three people ganging up on her. "Okay, okay, the coffee at your place really is good."

Wang Qiqi was about to suggest that if the coffee was so good, she should come over often, but then she immediately thought that doing so might lead some annoying man to follow constantly. First, Nana wouldn't be happy, and as for whether the dullard's mood would genuinely improve, heaven knew. Therefore, the flame needed to be extinguished completely before it could rage. "Freshly ground coffee is indeed delicious."

Jiang Xin listened as Wang Qiqi agreed the coffee was good but offered no invitation to come over frequently. There was a lot one could read into that. They were truly growing distant.

"The dullard isn't in a very good mood right now, and I don't know when he’ll calm down. If he comes over and sees you and Cao Rui, I honestly don't know what will happen," Wang Qiqi stated plainly. "And if things between you and the dullard keep going sideways, I imagine Cao Rui will also find it very strange. You wouldn't want that, right? If you must come, just come alone. I’ll have enough coffee for you."

Jiang Xin hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to offer an explanation, and one rooted primarily in concern for the dullard, yet it contained an element of consideration for herself too. Realizing this, Jiang Xin understood that even though she felt a bit guilty toward Cao Rui, he had encouraged her to foster good relationships with classmates, especially Zhu Lina and Shi Man. "I understand. Actually, I..." Jiang Xin began to explain why she chose Cao Rui over the dullard.

Wang Qiqi was truly speechless upon hearing Jiang Xin's reasoning. She thought about how the very first friend she made in university seemed to parallel her previous life. Of course, Jiang Xin had it better; at least she still had her parents, and the worst outcome was wasting a few years of youth, though the blow would still be significant. However, the choice Jiang Xin made now seemed correct to almost anyone: the dullard possessed capability, but he didn't know how to present himself. Even when she bought him new clothes, when they ran into him on campus earlier, he was still wearing his old ones. It was a good thing Shi Man hadn't seen it, or Wang Qiqi imagined that scene would have been like a clash of colliding planets. "Everyone makes their own choices. It's your business that you chose Cao Rui, but you shouldn't have said you were giving the dullard a chance."

Jiang Xin knew her fault lay precisely in that statement, but how could she admit it? "I always thought the dullard would change, but look at him—it's nothing but computers. Does he even know my favorite dishes, my preferred color, which celebrity I like..."

Wang Qiqi listened as Jiang Xin ranted about how little the dullard knew her, contrasted with how well Cao Rui understood her. Qiqi felt she had nothing to say. She had already made up her mind about the dullard; why should she argue further? In reality, the dullard knew a great deal about Jiang Xin. Even the birthday gift they gave her last year was suggested by him—wasn't that a success in winning Jiang Xin over? Previously, Jiang Xin had never gone into such detail. If he didn't like her a lot, how would he know so much? As for Cao Rui knowing so many of Jiang Xin's preferences, who knew if he had an inside source feeding him information? For someone of his caliber, Wang Qiqi didn't believe it was merely through his so-called 'telepathic connection' that he knew so many details about Jiang Xin's likes.

Wang Qiqi was about to warn Jiang Xin to be careful in case her roommates were selling her out, but seeing Jiang Xin's current bashful demeanor, she sighed and let the topic drop. She wouldn't believe it even if she said it. "If you think it's for the best, then so be it. You are our friend, and the dullard is also our friend."

Jiang Xin hummed in acknowledgment and said no more. She knew further discussion was pointless, and Wang Qiqi had laid down their boundary clearly: she could visit, but Cao Rui could not. Jiang Xin understood that some things couldn't be rushed; they required patience. So, she sipped her coffee and discussed other matters with Wang Qiqi. Wang Qiqi was truly frustrated. She had hoped to get a good two-hour rest, but Jiang Xin's visit ruined that. Still, Qiqi felt too awkward to ask her to leave. At this moment, Wang Qiqi desperately missed Shi Man. If Manman were here, Wang Qiqi guaranteed that after hearing Jiang Xin’s explanation, she would have thrown her out and called her shameless.

While Shi Man and Zhu Lina were having their routine evening glass of wine and bedtime chat, Wang Qiqi recounted the conversation she had with Jiang Xin that day. Shi Man's reaction was exactly as Wang Qiqi had predicted. "So she still thinks her choice is the right one? Hmph, I bet the days she cries are still ahead of her. I think she’s just fed up with the dullard not being generous enough, feeling embarrassed when they go out." Shi Man had seen Cao Rui and Jiang Xin eating together in the cafeteria several times; he ordered a lot of food, and the girl had recently bought several new outfits—probably paid for by Cao Rui. It looked like that guy was the type who didn't mind spending money to achieve his goals, compared to... "We both have boyfriends. Look how generous Jiang Xin's man is, and look at yours."

Zhu Lina looked at the person criticizing Wang Qiqi and was speechless. Had the person who hadn't been around much because she was busy with work made Shi Man forget that she, too, had a boyfriend? Wang Qiqi hadn't slept well for the past two days, and today's ordeal with Jiang Xin meant she got no rest at all. How could she be in a good mood? A displeased Wang Qiqi wasn't one to swallow insults quietly. Of course, Zhu Lina didn't consider Wang Qiqi particularly magnanimous either; those who bullied her would certainly face retribution.

Wang Qiqi swirled the wine in her glass, not getting angry, just leaning back on the sofa and smiling brilliantly at Shi Man. Her smile was so dazzling that it sent a chill down Shi Man's spine. She wanted to say, Qiqi, please stop smiling; you look terrifying when you smile like that. "At least I get to see my boyfriend every day. What does it matter if I don't get new clothes?" Okay, that jab was a bit harsh, but then again, Wang Qiqi was in a foul mood today and wasn't going to worry about Shi Man's feelings.

Shi Man's mood soured instantly upon hearing Wang Qiqi's comment, but looking at Qiqi’s expression, she conceded. She shouldn't argue with someone who hadn't slept well; Wang Qiqi was a mobile time bomb right now. Shi Man licked her lips and remained silent.

This brought a wave of relief to Zhu Lina. If those two started arguing, it would turn into a major fight, and the cause was one woman. Zhu Lina almost felt sick thinking about it. "Qiqi, I really have to thank you today. If it weren't for you, I probably would have been harassed by someone else." In the past few days, Zhu Lina had 'coincidentally' run into Cao Rui several times on her way to class. Each time, he would stare at her with eyes so warm they could melt glaciers, yet he spoke politely about academic matters, drawing strange looks from many people. Since Cao Rui and Jiang Xin weren't exactly a low-key couple, many knew Cao Rui was taken, and now he was constantly orbiting Zhu Lina, which certainly didn't create a good impression. If it weren't for saving face, Zhu Lina would have kicked him already.

"Why thank me? You should be praying that someone can effectively fend off Cao Rui's advances." Wang Qiqi doubted Jiang Xin could resist Cao Rui’s requests several times. For now, at least, Jiang Xin seemed to be keeping her words and preventing Cao Rui from coming over. If they did end up confronting each other, and the dullard said something inappropriate again, she would be miserable with no one to pity her.

"If they show up, let the dullard handle it," Shi Man thought, If Jiang Xin won't let me have an easy time, I won't let her either. If she dares bring that boy over, we dare bring her admirer over.

Wang Qiqi and Zhu Lina stared blankly at Shi Man. Surely she didn't mean it? She had just preached against bullying the dullard; if they followed her advice, they would just reopen the dullard's wounds.

Shi Man rolled her eyes. "Don't you remember who provoked the dullard in the first place? I'm doing this so he can face reality sooner. She infuriates me..." Shi Man became angry again thinking about seeing the dullard on campus today still wearing his old clothes instead of the ones she bought him over the weekend. It was a clear sign he hadn't taken her efforts to heart. Shi Man felt a sharp pang of regret, remembering how much money she’d spent that day.

Wang Qiqi realized this was Shi Man's revenge. She could only pray for the dullard now; he brought this upon himself.