Deng Zhi jumped, startled by Han Meina’s words, nearly leaping out of his seat. He silently prayed that what she said wasn't true, because if it were, Deng Zhi wouldn't know what to think. France, of all places. If Wang Qiqi had truly gone to France, wouldn't that imply she had money, enough at least to finance a trip there? The thought that, if it were real, some poor kid would have benefited unjustly knotted Deng Zhi's stomach. He felt conflicted, yet determined: if Wang Qiqi was in France, he absolutely had to find a way to win her back, even if it meant resorting to despicable means.

Han Meina nodded. “Someone said they saw you on a flight returning to Beijing from France.” She stared intensely at Wang Qiqi, trying to glean some truth from the depths of her eyes.

As Han Meina scrutinized her, Wang Qiqi observed her just as closely. From the look in Han Meina’s eyes, Wang Qiqi was certain she was lying. Suddenly, Wang Qiqi burst into loud laughter, slapping her hands on her desk. “Good heavens, France? Meina, who told you that? Even though I’ve only flown twice, airfare isn't cheap, especially international flights! Think about the cost of a round trip, then accommodation and food—and most importantly, that’s not in RMB! Where would I get that kind of money?”

As soon as Wang Qiqi finished speaking, many around them realized she had a point. Going to France wasn't like traveling to Yunnan; the plane ticket might be manageable, but it was an overseas trip. Even if Wang Qiqi, working as a translator, could afford the round-trip airfare, how would she cover the major expenses of lodging and meals? A wave of agreement swept through the onlookers, supporting Wang Qiqi's argument.

Wang Qiqi continued calmly, “Even though I’ve never been abroad, I know you need a visa to travel internationally. Do I have the means to secure a French visa?” Hmph, Wang Qiqi thought, she doubted anyone would still suspect her after that. Getting a visa wasn't easy these days; if it weren't for Juliana’s family company facilitating things, Wang Qiqi wouldn't be sure about traveling abroad so smoothly. Furthermore, the proof of assets Wang Qiqi could provide clearly demonstrated she had no need to sneak into France on a tourist visa.

“If I had that kind of financial backing, would I bother working so hard as a translator?” Wang Qiqi noticed that as more people agreed with her, Han Meina’s confidence visibly waned. Wang Qiqi was now utterly convinced Han Meina was merely guessing. As for the supposed sighting, Wang Qiqi suspected either Han Meina or Zhang Han had been at the airport—she refused to believe Han Meina’s story. It was likely Han Meina was uncertain and trying to trick her.

“However, I am quite tempted by France; I’d love to visit sometime.” Even if she couldn't have Chinese food and was tired of steak, the scenery truly was beautiful, and the atmosphere completely different from the capital. Wang Qiqi mused that if she stayed long-term in the future, she should look for a homestay so she could cook for herself. That was her private thought.

Han Meina kept staring at Wang Qiqi, noticing nothing in her eyes but longing. “You really didn’t go to France?”

“If you invite me, I’ll go,” Wang Qiqi looked directly into Han Meina’s eyes and said. “Enough talk. I need to study. Finals are approaching, and I have to catch up on the notes from the days I missed.”

Everyone, who had been watching the confrontation between Wang Qiqi and Han Meina, suddenly remembered that the New Year had passed and finals were fast approaching. Their success in the upcoming exams hinged entirely on Wang Qiqi. “Right, right. Qiqi, you must study your notes well.”

“We’re counting on you for the exams.”

“Mhm, Qiqi. I need to get a scholarship this time too,” someone suddenly chimed in.

Hearing the word ‘scholarship,’ Wang Qiqi sighed inwardly. What good was having excellent academic scores when her athletic results were factored in? She would only qualify for a third-class scholarship, and that was only because the teachers and classmates went easy on her during P.E. Honestly, Wang Qiqi couldn't understand it: despite exercising regularly, her running times were never great, especially her lack of explosive power in sprints. Her distance running was decent, but too many others were also capable runners. “Aren’t you just goading me?” Too much, too much. “When you guys get your scholarships, you should treat me to something.”

When Wang Qiqi complained, everyone realized they had, in fact, never treated her before. “Hey, Qiqi, don’t you get a scholarship too?” someone argued defensively. It was true that scholarship recipients were expected to treat everyone, but the issue was that Wang Qiqi did receive one herself. Besides, she was always rushing off, making it hard to arrange a gathering. Rumor had it that Wang Qiqi often tagged along after her friends to nice restaurants for better meals. Given how small scholarship amounts were, perhaps pooling all their scholarships wouldn’t even cover one good meal for the whole class.

“But you guys get more scholarship money than I do. At least treat me to some snacks, right?” After chatting with everyone for a bit, Wang Qiqi picked up the lecture notes the professor had photocopied and began reviewing them.

Even with the teacher’s copies, she felt the need to transcribe them herself to truly embed the information in her memory, especially given the expectations placed upon her. As Wang Qiqi focused intently on the notes, the surrounding chatter subsided; everyone was careful not to disturb her work.

Han Meina watched Wang Qiqi, now silently engrossed in the materials. She desperately wanted to grab her, demand to know if she’d been to France, and make her swear on it. Han Meina knew Wang Qiqi had an almost superstitious belief in divine powers and often burned incense; she now deeply regretted not having made her swear an oath back then.

Han Meina understood that demanding an oath now would surely incite a general outcry. She could only stare at Wang Qiqi’s retreating back.

Gong Yiying snapped back to attention from Han Meina’s words and noticed Deng Zhi staring intently at something, his chin resting in his hand. Following his gaze led her straight to Wang Qiqi’s spot. His eyes were alight with calculation and interest. She pinched Deng Zhi’s flesh. “What are you looking at? Staring won’t make her yours. Besides, does she look like someone who could afford France?” Gong Yiying privately thought Wang Qiqi would only go to France if she had snagged a sugar daddy, but she certainly wouldn't voice that in front of so many people. It was nearly final exam time; plenty of people would act as informers just to get their hands on Wang Qiqi’s notes first.

Deng Zhi glanced sideways at the sour-faced Gong Yiying, then turned back to look at Wang Qiqi’s position. “She doesn’t have the money for France. Do you?” At least Wang Qiqi could cover her own expenses, perhaps even support her boyfriend a little. But this woman? She relied on him for everything, yet she was the one making sarcastic remarks. “At least she strives and has a chance to go to France. What about you?”

Gong Yiying hadn't expected Deng Zhi to treat her so rudely. She bit her lip, forcing herself not to explode, knowing she couldn't afford to provoke Deng Zhi. However, Gong Yiying knew this dependency wouldn't last forever. She suppressed her emotions, aware that the final stage hadn't been reached. She would escape this life, achieve a superior status, and make everyone who had humiliated her pay—Wang Qiqi, Han Meina, and Deng Zhi. Right now, Gong Yiying considered Deng Zhi the most detestable, the one who warranted the heaviest revenge.

Gong Yiying plastered a sweet smile on her face, knowing this was her most alluring feature—it made her appear pure and lowered others' guard. She was about to let everyone know how cruel Deng Zhi had been to her, so that when she eventually left him, people would only remember how badly he treated her. Gong Yiying’s hand gripped her pants so tightly that the veins on the back of her hand bulged. “I will work hard too. But I trust you will take me to France, right?”

Hearing Gong Yiying say that, Deng Zhi retracted his calculating gaze from Wang Qiqi. “Why would I take you to France? For a shopping spree?” Even if he had money, he wouldn’t allow her to go abroad for frivolous spending. That was a joke; even their family’s wealth was modest and couldn't withstand this spendthrift woman’s consumption. “People need to rely on themselves, unless they latch onto a rich benefactor,” Deng Zhi murmured.

Gong Yiying understood the unspoken implication in Deng Zhi's words perfectly. She glanced at him with disdain. Hmph, lecturing me? As if he doesn’t want to latch onto a sugar daddy himself. Thinking of this, Gong Yiying suddenly thought of someone. She leaned in and whispered, “I heard Wang Qiqi’s friend, Juliana, has a family factory.” She had overheard this from Jiang Xin’s boyfriend talking to his friends; he had boasted that if he could successfully pursue Juliana, he’d live a life of luxury forever. Juliana, overhearing them, had been so terrified she couldn't move and only dared to emerge from the bushes half an hour later, shocked by the explosive gossip she’d overheard during her private outing.

Gong Yiying hadn’t intended to share this information with Deng Zhi, but she wanted to see him weigh his chances. After all, Deng Zhi’s past entanglements with Wang Qiqi were common knowledge. How could Wang Qiqi’s friend Juliana not know? Deng Zhi was obviously fickle, perhaps even worse than Cao Rui. Juliana would never favor Deng Zhi, and might even teach him a hard lesson. Even if Juliana didn't act, Cao Rui, seeing a rival emerge, wouldn't stand idly by. Regardless of who made the move, Gong Yiying knew Deng Zhi wouldn't have an easy time.

Deng Zhi looked at Gong Yiying suspiciously, examining her from head to toe. “You’re being this helpful?” He knew Gong Yiying wasn't a kind person. Would she genuinely be so benevolent?

Gong Yiying looked around furtively and whispered conspiratorially into Deng Zhi’s ear, “If you get Juliana, and then we have money, won't I have a good life too?” She wore an expression suggesting they would all live well together once the plan succeeded.