After thanking Li Qian for the invitation, Wang Qiqi hooked Han Tao's arm and left the Li residence. Along the way, Wang Qiqi remained silent, trailing closely behind Han Tao. When he got into a taxi, she followed; when he got out and walked toward a shop, she did the same, adopting the air of an obedient, sweet girlfriend.

Han Tao initially assumed Li Xiangdong must have reprimanded Wang Qiqi, which is why she was so subdued and he dared not ask questions. However, based on his continuous observation during the walk, Han Tao concluded that Li Xiangdong's discussion with her was likely more than just a simple criticism, or perhaps it contained elements of criticism mixed with other significant points.

“Qiqi, order something,” Han Tao said, handing the large menu to Wang Qiqi, who was still lost in thought. Han Tao figured if he didn't speak up soon, the girl would probably eat her meal without tasting a thing.

Startled by Han Tao’s call, Wang Qiqi blinked and then saw the enormous menu placed right in front of her. She rolled her eyes; didn't he know her routine? Wasn't he always the one ordering? “Shredded potato with green pepper, one serving of boiled meat slices, and stir-fried beef.”

Han Tao took the menu back, ordered two more dishes, and then urged, “Hurry up with the food.” They had eaten fried rice at noon, and by now, his stomach was rumbling. If they were back in the dorm, he could easily find something to snack on, but being at the Li house, no matter how hungry he got, he had to endure it. He certainly couldn't just tell Auntie Li he was starving, and as for that bowl of sweet soup, for someone with Han Tao's appetite, it was barely an appetizer. “What exactly did you and Uncle Li discuss in the study?”

Wang Qiqi pursed her lips, pausing for a moment before replying, “It was about that manuscript I translated last time; there were some issues with it.”

“The one for the book you said you weren't skilled at?” Han Tao mused. For Li Xiangdong to call Wang Qiqi over specifically about a translation error, it had to be about that book; Han Tao couldn't imagine any other assignment warranting such a serious summons.

Wang Qiqi hummed an agreement. “Yes, I said I wasn’t proficient, and the draft I submitted wasn't very good either. But…” She began summarizing the most important parts of Li Xiangdong’s words from that day. On the way over, Wang Qiqi had been thinking incessantly about her future. Did she really want to just be a parasite, a landlord collecting rent every day?

When she was first reborn, Wang Qiqi believed this ideal life suited her best—no pressure, freedom to live as she pleased without worrying about income. But looking at the changes in those around her—Zhu Lina evolving from a girl hesitant about business into a polished, excellent heiress; Han Tao finding his own goal to strive for; even Shi Man establishing her own niche—Wang Qiqi felt she had made no progress whatsoever. She genuinely feared what her future held. Li Xiangdong’s words had shattered the pleasant illusion she had been cherishing. Although Han Tao was a responsible man, there were many ways to fulfill responsibility; it didn't have to be tethered to marriage for life. If someone truly appeared who could support Han Tao professionally and care for him domestically, even if Han Tao wasn't immediately swayed, what would happen over time?

Han Tao hadn't expected Li Xiangdong to speak to Wang Qiqi about such matters. He considered this for a moment. “I actually think it mainly comes down to what you enjoy. Do you feel you enjoy being a translator?”

Wang Qiqi thought for a moment, making a mental comparison. “I think if I must have a goal to work toward, I would rather focus on mastering my major, whether I become a financial consultant for myself or work for a firm. That’s better than translation. The pay isn’t bad, and there’s pressure either way.” Wang Qiqi reasoned that if she had to deal with pressure regardless, she might as well choose a line of work that paid significantly better. Having worked as a translator for a year, while she wasn't deeply immersed in the field, she understood enough to know that making substantial money required becoming a top-tier expert—a prospect she felt was impossible for herself, even after thirty or fifty years of effort, as it demanded too much learning. That posed considerable pressure. Of course, there was another path to significant earnings: simultaneous interpretation. But that money came fast, yet the pressure was even greater. Wang Qiqi concluded that finance was a better option.

“It’s up to you. I support whatever path you choose.” Han Tao was surprised by Wang Qiqi’s sudden surge of initiative and foresight regarding her future (not that the old Wang Qiqi never considered the future, but her ideal was simply too listless). Still, Han Tao disliked the idea of her changing her mind for reasons she couldn't articulate; that would be exhausting. “When did you start caring so much about what outsiders think?”

Wang Qiqi wasn't surprised by Han Tao’s response. “I can’t suppress myself.” To change the subject, Wang Qiqi brought up what Han Meina had told her recently. Wang Qiqi wanted to boast a little about her acting skills; after all, being caught off guard by Han Meina’s sudden question, she had managed to smoothly deflect the conversation—which, she thought, looked quite impressive.

Han Tao was taken aback. “No way. How would she know?” He had assumed this whole trip abroad was something Qiqi’s classmates shouldn't know about. An overseas trip was a big deal, and some people might wonder why Qiqi didn't bring back gifts or might secretly speculate whether she was being kept by some sugar daddy.

“It seems Han Meina’s parents were on a business trip that day,” Wang Qiqi explained. Although she hadn't told Zhu Lina or the others, that didn't mean she hadn't done her own investigating. Wang Qiqi desperately wanted to know why Han Meina was so certain she had been at the airport. Honestly, Wang Qiqi felt her comings and goings from airports shouldn't have been known to anyone in their class; flying wasn't common then, and plane tickets were expensive—people preferred the train. But if Han Meina frequented airports, Wang Qiqi felt immense pressure. If Han Tao succeeded brilliantly in America, would their trips through airports be any less frequent in the future? Wang Qiqi naturally investigated through various channels, relieved to find the answer, or she wouldn't have felt secure.

“That must have been a coincidence,” Han Tao dismissed it, feeling Wang Qiqi worried too much. “Our going out is a reflection of our ability, relying on ourselves. There’s no need to worry about what people will say if they find out.”

“Gossip is a terrible thing, and besides, it’s better to avoid trouble than to invite it,” Wang Qiqi retorted. She could guarantee that if they learned she had truly gone to France, the rumors would multiply. They might even whisper that she was being kept by someone. After all, Gong Yiying was watching her like a hawk. Wang Qiqi found it baffling that Gong Yiying could juggle two men and still have the spare time to be so concerned with her affairs. Gong Yiying should worry more about what would happen if her own situation were exposed; Deng Zhi was no easy person to cross, and his methods were ruthless.

Seeing Wang Qiqi’s worried expression, her small face creased with anxiety, Han Tao reached out and gently touched her forehead. “You’re so young, stop frowning all the time; it’ll age you. Relax, I’ve got everything handled.”

I’ve got everything handled? Wang Qiqi silently scoffed. She feared the rumors would only intensify. “Maybe they’ll say you’re a poor kid who, wanting a good life, introduced me to a rich benefactor...” Don't assume everyone is just a naive student; sometimes, the words people utter can infuriate you. Wang Qiqi’s hypothetical scenarios weren't impossible; she had watched too many Hong Kong dramas, leading to such mental fabrications.

Han Tao had intended to soothe his girlfriend, but after hearing his dear girlfriend’s words, he fell silent. That was crossing a line; that was undermining him. “Forget it. Their mouths are their own. Let them say what they want.” There was nothing he could do about it. Han Tao calmly reassured himself. “Qiqi, don’t argue with them either. The more you fight them, the more energized they get.” Han Tao shared advice based on his own experience on how to handle such situations.

Wang Qiqi shot him a few looks. She wasn't without experience herself. “The things classmates said when my parents passed away were even nastier.” They called her a jinx, said she was too hard-fated, claimed her entanglement with Gao Kai was retribution. There were all sorts of things said. Sometimes, Wang Qiqi listened with keen interest, wishing she had an online alias back then so she could register an account and write sensational novels, perhaps even becoming a sensation herself.

Han Tao had meant to comfort his girlfriend, but unexpectedly, Wang Qiqi seemed to be comforting him instead. “Well then, what are you worried about?” Still, Han Tao felt it necessary to speak with Zhu Lina and Shi Man about this. Before, there was Jiang Xin, who, being a classmate, usually alerted them to things as soon as they happened. But now, although she remained cordial when they met in passing, the awkwardness and distance in everyone’s eyes were obvious. In this situation, Han Tao couldn’t bring himself to ask Jiang Xin for help.

Thinking of this, Han Tao suddenly remembered something. “That day, Idiot went to see Jiang Xin.” Han Tao had only learned this in the last couple of days. Previously, no matter how much everyone grilled him, he wouldn't budge. Two days ago, perhaps Fatty was having a moment, but during a late-night chat while lying in bed, he suddenly blurted out that single sentence, almost making Han Tao tumble off his mattress from shock.

Wang Qiqi yawned. Lately, she felt constantly fatigued and sleep-deprived. If her period hadn't arrived after New Year's Day, not only Shi Man and the others, but even Wang Qiqi herself would have suspected she was pregnant. For instance, her cousin, Song Yao, was constantly sleepy when she was pregnant, which had terrified Wang Qiqi. But now, hearing what Han Tao said, Wang Qiqi stopped yawning altogether and stared at him intently. “Are you sure?” Good heavens, was it possible? Was it really as everyone suspected? Yet, that person had been so quiet upon returning that day, which was why everyone hadn't been entirely certain.