Wang Qiqi knew Gao Kai was spineless; in wartime, he’d have been a traitor. But the problem was, being that sort of person, he still thought about how to regain face. "If you're going to rely on a woman to keep you, then forget about the past. You should know that your situation is the biggest topic among our graduating class."

This wasn't Wang Qiqi bragging. Back in school, someone—referring to Gao Kai—had been incredibly arrogant and high-profile, naturally attracting a lot of resentment. Though Gao Kai’s grades weren't good then, he had a powerful father to back him up. But once everyone knew the Gao family had lost their former prestige, those who had long held grudges sprang out. People kept adding fuel to the fire, and even though everyone went their separate ways after graduation, Gao Kai's exploits were known by many. Even though Wang Qiqi and Shi Man hadn't kept in close touch with their high school classmates, having Juliana around ensured that the news reached them, making them exclaim in unison that he deserved it.

Gao Kai certainly knew how down on his luck he was now—a laughingstock among not just high school but also college classmates. The looks he received held countless meanings, though some held envy; after all, not everyone was fortunate enough to find a wealthy girlfriend to support them. Even though so many people knew about Gao Kai's recent circumstances, he still didn't want Wang Qiqi to find out. He was immensely relieved that Wang Qiqi wasn't particularly interested in such gossip, especially since she’d had minimal contact with old high school friends after graduation. But he hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to actually know everything.

Wang Qiqi watched Gao Kai’s mouth hang wide open, big enough to fit an entire egg, and found it hilarious. "Mind your composure. Being a kept man isn't easy work."

After saying that, Wang Qiqi pulled Han Tao and left. She knew that just the ambiguity of her words alone would ensure Gao Kai wouldn't have an easy time. The girl beside him had fire blazing in her eyes, though she likely held it back to leave a good impression on Han Tao. Thinking of this, Wang Qiqi’s tone turned tart. "That woman just now seemed quite taken with you." The look she gave Han Tao was so raw, she seemed ready to pounce on him. That girl back then was quite something; Wang Qiqi couldn't help but feel that she was clearly a child still dependent on her family, yet she was supporting Gao Kai. Wang Qiqi had noticed that Gao Kai’s clothes were branded; an entire outfit wouldn't be cheap. She wondered if her family knew. If they did, would they still consent to their daughter doing such a thing? Wang Qiqi guessed the parents' brains must be flawed too.

Han Tao had suppressed his expression earlier, but once they left the tea room, he let out a long sigh. Hearing Wang Qiqi tease him now, Han Tao snorted a few times. "Only someone like him would fancy that sort of merchandise." Han Tao truly couldn't understand it. Even if his family's circumstances weren't as good as before, there was no need to debase himself by clinging to a rich woman. Han Tao recalled how he and his mother had managed to pull through when their own situation was difficult. "Besides, if you're going to rely on a woman, you should at least pick one with better overall conditions. Look at that woman..." Han Tao felt embarrassed to pass judgment, "But honestly, they are quite well-matched."

"At their age, if they had any sense, who would choose a gigolo? And that girl is clearly using her family's money to support a man," Wang Qiqi complained without restraint. "Trying to make my life hard? Hmph, I'll make your life hard too."

The moment Wang Qiqi considered how clearly Gao Kai knew about her and Han Tao's movements, it was obvious Wang Rui had told him; otherwise, how could he have known in such detail? The thought of Wang Rui made Wang Qiqi feel deeply uneasy. Damn it, to tell her ex-boyfriend about her affairs—what else did she have to do with her time?

After a few rounds of complaining, the two began selecting gifts for Tao Tao, Gong Peixing, and Song Ziwen. Children's clothes were easy; they picked out two sets of spring outfits. Thanks to Wang Qiqi frequently shopping with Song Yao lately to buy clothes for Tao Tao, Wang Qiqi had a decent grasp of Tao Tao's size. However, choosing gifts for Gong Peixing and Song Ziwen proved difficult. Clothes were tricky—different tastes, and whether they fit well were issues. Cigarettes? Inappropriate; with children at home, smoking was out. Even Song Ziwen had started quitting smoking and drinking for the sake of better offspring. Supplements? They hardly seemed old enough to need them.

Wang Qiqi and Han Tao were stumped, truly not knowing what to buy. Finally, Wang Qiqi thought for a moment. "How about we buy two Parker pens?" Watches were too expensive; low-end ones were a waste of money, and high-end ones—Wang Qiqi thought to herself that she hadn't even bought one for herself, so how could she give one away?

Pens? Han Tao was momentarily stunned. Parker pens were a decent gift, but they weren't executives who needed to sign documents, nor were they scholars or writers. Did they really need them? "Are they suitable?"

Wang Qiqi sighed. Ah, it was truly troublesome. "Forget it, let's not buy anything. Let's save the money." This wasn't good, that wasn't right. Wang Qiqi checked the time; it was getting late. If they didn't hurry, she worried Song Yao would panic. She had suspected this dinner gathering might be a setup all along.

Han Tao had wanted to keep browsing, but he knew that even if they continued, they probably wouldn't come up with a solution. It was better to head to dinner. "How about sending liquor?" Han Tao suddenly had an idea. "Even though they aren't smoking or drinking now, aged white spirits still have collector's value, right?"

Liquor? Wang Qiqi thought the suggestion had merit. "It's too late now. Besides, if we bring it to the restaurant, should we drink it immediately or take it home?" Moreover, Wang Qiqi’s plan was to bring some Maotai wine to Wang Damei's house tomorrow—that was the proper etiquette.

Han Tao agreed; at most, they would bring more things tomorrow. He put his arm around Wang Qiqi, and they hailed a cab toward their agreed meeting spot.

Wang Qiqi and Han Tao were quite relaxed, while Song Yao, who had arrived early, entered the private room Wang Qiqi had reserved only to find it empty. She anxiously asked Gong Peixing, "Why isn't that girl Qiqi here yet? Could there be some trouble?"

Gong Peixing shrugged, indicating he didn't know. If his wife hadn't called him to pick her up, Song Ziwen, and Yang Jing after work, he wouldn't have even known about the dinner engagement tonight.

Song Ziwen, leaning close to Yang Jing whispering secrets, looked up when he heard Song Yao’s worry. "Could it be related to the day my mother called her over a few days ago? You know Qiqi's personality." Though he didn't know the exact content of the conversation between Wang Qiqi and his mother, Song Ziwen was certain Wang Qiqi would support them. Not to mention his mother's subsequent change in attitude. Although she hadn't officially agreed, the day they announced they had bought the marital home, she hadn't objected, merely saying the family didn't have much money, so they wouldn't cover the house price, but they would cover the renovation costs. This surprised Song Ziwen. Based on his original thinking, the family would most likely feign ignorance about the matter, certainly not offering any financial assistance. "Qiqi, as a younger sister, she is truly generous."

Generous? Song Yao knew why Song Ziwen was showing off recently. "Even if Qiqi is making you treat everyone to this meal, you still call that generous?"

Treating them to a meal? Song Ziwen waved his hand dismissively. "Look at how much effort Qiqi put into this matter; treating us to a meal is the least I can do. And I'd rather treat them early; otherwise..." Song Ziwen inwardly thought it was better to repay debts of favor sooner rather than later; if too much time passed, he worried Wang Qiqi would remember even more things he owed her.

Song Yao was speechless. It turned out she was worrying for Song Ziwen, while he wasn't worried at all—he had already planned it out. "But Qiqi is quite capable. She actually managed to persuade Mom." In Song Yao's view, Qiqi was quite impressive. She knew that once her mother dug in her heels, even the old man might not be able to persuade her, yet Qiqi actually succeeded.

When Wang Qiqi heard Song Yao assess her that way, though she wanted to falsely accept the praise, she decided against it. If Song Yao or Song Ziwen ever did something to displease Wang Damei in the future, those two siblings would surely seek her out, and Wang Qiqi wasn't confident she could sway Wang Damei. "Actually, Auntie just couldn't find a graceful way out, and she hadn't quite understood the situation. Most importantly, she was worried about what Sister-in-law and Sister-in-law's family might think..." As Wang Qiqi spoke, she pushed open the private room door and entered, with Han Tao following behind her into the room.

Song Yao and the other two saw an unexpected figure and immediately understood: this dinner was a gathering for everyone to meet the future brother-in-law. Song Ziwen said bluntly, "Sister, you can relax now. Qiqi won't make you pay for this meal. I said Qiqi is a good kid; she wouldn't deceive us over a meal."

Song Yao glared at Song Ziwen as his expression instantly changed. Hmph, this kid was too quick to switch allegiances. "Yes, you're very good at calculating."

Song Yao knew the key issue now: "Han Tao, didn't you go to America?" Why was he suddenly back? Was this the reason Wang Qiqi insisted she come out? Song Yao felt extremely fortunate she had come; otherwise, she would have regretted missing this rare dinner party hosted by Qiqi.

Han Tao grunted in acknowledgment. "Finished the work, so I came back."

"Han Tao, this is my sister-in-law, Yang Jing." Wang Qiqi knew Yang Jing was the only one present who needed an introduction. "Sister-in-law, this is my man, Han Tao. He just got back from the US yesterday."

Everyone exchanged polite greetings. Han Tao also brought out the gifts he had for Tao Tao and the two ladies, receiving several thank-yous. Yang Jing, in particular, discovered that the gift for her was a bottle of perfume—the one she had specifically noticed while shopping last time but couldn't bring herself to buy because it was too expensive. She hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to have noticed and specifically asked Han Tao to bring it back. "Thank you, Qiqi, thank you, Han Tao." (To be continued)