“I have some business in America, and if this time goes smoothly, I plan to intern there every winter and summer break,” Wang Qiqi said excitedly. It wasn't just that Wang Qiqi was a blabbermouth; she had let the news slip early because Han Tao had been so thrilled last night, telling her he’d devised a brilliant equation that solved the issue on JOHN’s side. The team, who already held him in high regard, immediately extended an olive branch, sending him a work contract. Though it was in English, Wang Qiqi could decipher most of it, and the terms, especially the compensation, were absolutely satisfying.

The best part was that even if Han Tao stayed in China for classes, he would still earn money based on the work completed. Just having that contract was enough to make Wang Qiqi incredibly happy, and Han Tao himself was delighted; this offer was significantly better than his previous arrangements.

Wang Qiqi knew Han Tao’s capabilities would only grow; his career was just beginning, and he was destined to soar higher. In his previous life, without any help, he had managed well; this time, with an early push and the aid of influential benefactors, if his achievements were still lacking, Wang Qiqi felt Han Tao might as well jump in a river.

Interning in America? Wang Qiqi’s announcement was even more explosive than the news that Han Tao was going to the US. “Why didn’t Qiqi you ever mention this?” Jiang Xin finally managed to pull herself out of her shock, speaking with a hint of displeasure. She hadn't caught even a whisper of such significant news.

Wang Qiqi truly wanted to roll her eyes. How dare this girl say that? Qiqi hadn't told anyone about her interactions with 'Daizi' (The Dullard) back then, leading everyone to be completely stunned when they eventually heard about her and Daizi. “I’m not entirely sure either. Han Tao just mentioned once that he met someone quite skilled in computers and said he wanted that person to go to America for an internship and further studies.” Wang Qiqi deliberately omitted some details while letting the explosive news spill.

Jiang Xin felt a knot tightening in her stomach. She had always assumed that since Wang Qiqi was so close to Juliet, not only would Qiqi’s own career be secure, but Han Tao’s too—he could simply work for Juliet’s family company. To hear that Han Tao was heading to the US was unexpected. “Does this mean your man will be working abroad in the future too?” Jiang Xin asked, managing to force a smile despite the sharp acidity rising within her.

“Yes, actually, even without this opportunity, Han Tao would have gone abroad to study anyway; you know that,” Wang Qiqi thought Jiang Xin was being incredibly disingenuous. They had discussed post-graduation plans, and Qiqi clearly remembered both she and Han Tao mentioning going overseas. What was the point of Jiang Xin’s question, especially with eyes full of envy? “He’s majoring in Computer Science; regardless, going abroad is surely better than staying in the country.”

Seeing Wang Qiqi’s expression sour, Jiang Xin knew she needed to restrain her emotions in public immediately. She laughed, “How about we all go see Han Tao off tonight?” Such a good opportunity couldn't be missed, and since they wouldn't see each other again until school started, this farewell gathering was important. “It’s been a while since we were all together. Oh, let’s invite Daizi to dinner too.”

Invite Daizi? Wang Qiqi knew Daizi currently had a girl he was pursuing, but whether he would bring her along was questionable. Moreover, Qiqi felt there might be something wrong with Jiang Xin’s thinking. Inviting Daizi—was this another move to flaunt affection in front of him, thereby provoking him?

Jiang Xin looked suitably embarrassed when facing Wang Qiqi. She knew her suggestion was perhaps too much, but she genuinely wanted to meet Daizi and talk. Even if she couldn't ask him to put in a good word for her with Qiqi, Jiang Xin felt that just sitting down with Daizi, talking about the things upsetting her, would significantly lift her spirits. Despite having a good social standing, there were things she absolutely couldn't confide in them about. After all, the mouths of the girls in her dorm were notoriously fast; she’d barely mention an issue with her boyfriend before it became campus gossip—a situation that had already occurred before. “I just want to chat with Daizi. Dai Lijun said that no matter what, we are friends, I…”

“Then I don’t know if Daizi has time. I heard a few of them are actively helping Daizi set up dates; they have mixers frequently.” Wang Qiqi had initially wanted to flatly refuse Jiang Xin’s suggestion. Chatting with Daizi? Saying they were just friends was polite talk, wasn't it? Did she think Daizi was easier to talk to, someone who wouldn't outright reject her? But then she reconsidered; this was between Daizi and Jiang Xin. Why should she interfere? Still, Wang Qiqi let slip one piece of information to make Jiang Xin understand: don't assume you are irreplaceable in Daizi’s heart. Would Daizi remain single forever just because Jiang Xin wasn't around?

Wang Qiqi’s words made Jiang Xin take a few steps back. She knew that since she was with Cao Rui, Daizi would eventually find a girlfriend, but she hadn’t expected him to move so fast. The thought of Daizi’s gentle gaze, once directed at her, now falling on someone else, sent sharp pangs through her heart, making it feel difficult to draw a breath. She forced herself to take several deep breaths. “That’s good then. Do you know if Daizi has a girl he already likes?”

If it had been the unkempt Daizi of the past, she wouldn't have cared if he found a girlfriend. But just a few days ago, Jiang Xin and her roommates were at the library and happened to run into him right outside the entrance. In the past, he would have definitely stopped to chat for a few sentences. But that day, Daizi merely offered a brief greeting and walked on. Furthermore, he was wearing a red down jacket that day. Jiang Xin had initially thought a man wearing red outerwear looked a bit effeminate, but seeing Daizi in that red coat left her momentarily stunned. She hadn't realized Daizi possessed such a dashing side. Coupled with the fact that Cao Rui constantly picked small fights with her, leaving Jiang Xin feeling exhausted, seeing Daizi’s striking appearance sparked an unexpected flutter in her heart. She wondered if things wouldn't have become so disastrous had she chosen Daizi back then.

In short, Jiang Xin couldn't accurately define her feelings for Daizi versus Cao Rui anymore. She felt it was necessary to maintain the friendship she once had with Daizi, but she never expected him to find a girlfriend so quickly. “People change so fast. Back then…”

Wang Qiqi knew what Jiang Xin was implying but left unsaid: that Daizi’s transformation was too swift. “After a crush fails to materialize, must one wait indefinitely for them to look back? Daizi is a decent choice for a boyfriend; it’s natural for him to move on.” Hmph. Still trying to cling to Daizi. How selfish.

Jiang Xin was momentarily silenced by Wang Qiqi’s retort, her lips twitching slightly. “Well, I just feel, what if Daizi doesn’t actually like the other person, wouldn’t that…”

To be honest, Wang Qiqi did have that concern, but she certainly wouldn't voice it in front of Jiang Xin. “That’s Daizi’s business. I think it’s better for him to become a playboy than to stay stuck in the past, right? You wouldn't want to see your friend Daizi like that either, would you?” Wang Qiqi didn't want to continue the conversation; the longer it went on, the less control she felt she had, fearing she might actually lash out and teach someone a lesson about the necessity of compromise—that you can't have everything simply because you desire it.

Jiang Xin stepped back, leaning against the wall. Her heart ached. She finally understood the meaning behind Shi Man’s warning that she would regret this. At the time, Jiang Xin couldn't fathom regretting her choice; while Daizi had talent, Cao Rui was a prodigy from the Economics and Management department, superior to Daizi in both looks and substance. Yet, seeing how excellently Daizi had shaped himself up—it was a pity…

When Jiang Xin snapped back to reality, Wang Qiqi was already gone. She remembered her immediate objective: regardless of her relationship status with Daizi, the gathering was crucial. Friendships thrived on regular meetings, didn't they? Jiang Xin quickly ran down the academic building stairs to catch up with Wang Qiqi. “Qiqi, about tonight…”

“I’ll go ask them when I get back.” Wang Qiqi hadn't expected to escape after all. Even if she fled now, someone would probably track her down, or failing that, just call her.

Jiang Xin hummed in acknowledgement. “Actually, it would be good for everyone to gather. After all, the semester is ending, and Gong Junyu and the others are graduating soon, right? Once they go abroad, opportunities to meet will be scarce.” Truthfully, Jiang Xin’s relationship with Gong Junyu and the others was just so-so, and they were all interning elsewhere now, making meetings rare. But gaining more friends was always a path to follow, especially since Gong Junyu and his group were heading overseas—it was important to cultivate those connections.

Wang Qiqi shot Jiang Xin a look laced with sarcasm. Truly, birds of a feather flock together. Jiang Xin had learned hypocrisy now, too. Qiqi felt this manufactured attitude made her seem less like a friend and more calculating. “I’ll go back and check specifically.”

“What? She has the nerve to suggest a date? Isn’t that just provoking someone?” Shi Man leaped up when Wang Qiqi relayed Jiang Xin’s proposal, but she quickly settled down, tapping her chin thoughtfully, a hint of sinister calculation in her tone. “I wonder how certain someone will react when she hears that her former suitor, Daizi, has a new girlfriend.”

Although Shi Man felt Jiang Xin was pushing boundaries, the news Daizi had shared with her that morning erased her irritation. She couldn’t help but wonder how Jiang Xin would react—whether she’d feel the urge to faint—if Daizi showed up with his new girlfriend. “Fine. You tell Jiang Xin we’ll be there. And Daizi will be there too.”

Wang Qiqi looked at Shi Man’s expression and thought to herself that Daizi must have told Shi Man about having a girlfriend already; otherwise, Shi Man wouldn’t suggest exposing him to that kind of provocation. Meanwhile, poor Juliet looked genuinely clueless about the current situation and why Daizi needed to be dragged along. Juliet glanced at Wang Qiqi and noticed that although Qiqi seemed surprised, the surprise wasn't overtly obvious, suggesting she already knew something.

【Marrying Worth a Thousand Gold】Author: San Tan Who says an idle life can only be twice-fried? This young mistress insists on "fighting" her way to success!

【First Arrival as Wife】Author: San Tan The reborn woman returns with fierce power: "A formidable life needs no explanation" (To be continued…)