Song Ziwen waited for a long time, only to realize everyone else had received gifts except for him. He grew anxious and called out directly to Han Tao, “Hey, Brother-in-law, this is a bit much, isn’t it?” His sister and Yang Jing both had presents, even little Tao Tao had children's clothes, yet he had nothing. This—this was really going too far. “Brother-in-law, don't you think so? Isn't this bullying?” Song Ziwen paused, then pulled Gong Peixing over.

Gong Peixing sat calmly, sipping his tea. Whether he got a gift or not was irrelevant to him; his wife and child had received theirs, and that was enough consideration. Moreover, he knew these gifts were likely bought today, so Han Tao wouldn't have forgotten him unless he genuinely didn't know what to get. Gong Peixing knew why he remained silent—if he’d spoken up, how would he have responded to Han Tao?

Wang Qiqi looked at Song Ziwen, who wore an expression of deep grievance. She had initially felt a little bad about not getting gifts for her cousin-in-law and Song Ziwen, but the way he was making a scene instantly dissolved any nascent guilt she felt. “Oh, you want gifts? Alright then. Let’s settle accounts from a certain day. On that day, I was still in [redacted], and I was called in by my aunt—that’s your mother, cousin—and severely lectured, all for the sake of someone’s marriage.” If she calculated it that way, she seemed to have suffered quite a loss. “You must understand, for the sake of someone’s marriage, for the grand matter of continuing the Song family line, I sacrificed so much. I don't know how to calculate that debt.”

Wang Qiqi diligently counted on her fingers, muttering continuously like an old woman chanting scriptures. “Calculating it this way, my brother won’t need to pay wedding gifts for his future marriage or gifts when his children are born. In fact, he should be paying me quite a sum.” Hmph, if we’re settling scores, let’s do it properly.

When Song Ziwen heard Wang Qiqi bringing that up, he panicked. Song Yao looked at him, amused. What a fool. If Qiqi hadn't mentioned it, she wouldn't have wanted to dwell on the matter. But Song Ziwen, always worrying about this and that, had forced her hand. Now Qiqi was really going to settle accounts with him. As for the pleading look Song Ziwen shot her way, Song Yao pretended not to see it. As if! She often needed Wang Qiqi’s favor. Besides, this was Song Ziwen’s comeuppance. Song Yao turned and started chatting with Gong Peixing about other things. Song Ziwen, seeing his sister abandon him like that, felt like weeping.

“Well, well, I was just saying, this is Han Tao’s first formal meeting with us,” Song Ziwen quickly tried to save himself. “And Yang Jing is also meeting Han Tao for the first time. Forget it, forget it, let’s just skip giving each other gifts; it’s a waste of money.” Song Ziwen thought that if things were calculated this way, he might actually come out ahead.

Wang Qiqi certainly noticed Song Ziwen’s smug expression. She snorted coldly. “Is that so? We’re just letting that slide? You’re the elder brother; shouldn't you treat your brother-in-law to a meal when you meet him? Fine, you’re paying for this meal today.” Wang Qiqi hadn't intended to ask Song Ziwen to pay initially, but after his earlier behavior, why should she be polite? “Oh, and has my aunt given her consent yet?” After asking this, Wang Qiqi leaned towards Song Yao, who was ordering food, and told her to order generously, not to hold back on Song Ziwen’s account, or else she wouldn’t hesitate to take the menu herself.

Song Yao looked at Wang Qiqi’s determined demeanor and knew that her younger brother was definitely going to suffer a financial blow tonight, but there was nothing to be done. “Got it.” Song Yao figured that if she ordered, she might save Song Ziwen a little. If Wang Qiqi ordered, she would definitely only pick the most expensive items, not the sensible ones.

Song Ziwen’s heart ached. He hadn’t secured a gift, and now his wallet was about to take a massive hit. He seriously considered shouting at the end that he didn't have enough cash and asking his brother-in-law to cover it. As for Han Tao, Song Ziwen dared not ask him to pay; if he tried that with Wang Qiqi present, it would be suicidal. As for his brother-in-law, he was a good man, but his sister would demand the money back the next day, probably adding some so-called interest. After weighing his options, Song Ziwen abandoned the idea. “We’re still looking at houses.”

Hearing this, Wang Qiqi understood. Regardless, the important thing was that their aunt had agreed. “When you’re married and have time, bring your sister-in-law back often for meals. Even if my aunt says something, she’ll be happy deep down.” Wang Qiqi noticed Yang Jing and Song Yao talking, so she spoke quietly to Song Ziwen, “Also, regarding Aunt’s temper, you, as her son and husband, need to shoulder a bit of the burden.”

Song Ziwen knew that well. He knew that once his mother spent more time with Yang Jing, especially after Yang Jing married him, those friction points would inevitably erupt. However, now that he and Yang Jing had their own marital home, coupled with his sister smoothing things over, and most importantly, his mother believing that their moving out would maintain some familial connection because his sister was still living at the family home, she felt a degree of guilt toward Yang Jing. This guilt even led her to mention increasing the promised bride price slightly.

To Song Ziwen’s surprise, Wang Qiqi, a young woman not yet married, understood these nuances. “Don’t worry, your brother knows this stuff. Hey, Qiqi, are you perhaps too mature for your age? We used to think that girl Wang Rui was more sensible than you, but look at you now, and then look at her…” Back then, Song Ziwen and Song Yao often remarked that it was no wonder their maternal uncle’s wife favored Wang Rui—she was just too good at flattery and navigating social situations. But comparing Wang Rui and Wang Qiqi now, everyone would agree that Wang Qiqi excelled academically, was much better at social graces, and most significantly, possessed financial acumen that far outstripped Wang Rui’s by several streets.

When Song Ziwen mentioned Wang Rui, Wang Qiqi remembered something. While Song Yao and the others were present, she recounted running into Gao Kai that afternoon. “Didn’t they say Wang Rui and Gao Kai broke up? How did he know about this?”

Song Yao was about to eat a piece of cucumber when she heard Wang Qiqi’s words, causing her chopsticks to lose their grip and the cucumber to drop. “Ah, Gao Kai? Why would she tell Gao Kai any of this?” Although Wang Qiqi might have had a brief entanglement with Gao Kai in the past, it was Wang Rui who interfered. Afterward, Wang Qiqi had a good relationship with Han Tao. What was Wang Rui trying to achieve by doing this? Furthermore, why would she tell an ex-boyfriend about Wang Qiqi’s affairs?

Wang Qiqi wasn’t entirely sure either. “Maybe she wants Gao Kai to seize the opportunity while Han Tao is away and I might be lonely, swoop in, and snatch me away, so she can then pester Han Tao.” Only this assumption made sense of Wang Rui’s actions. Wang Qiqi knew Wang Rui well; she absolutely wouldn't bother with Gao Kai unless there was some advantage to be gained. And right now, Gao Kai was definitely beneath Wang Rui’s notice. But was she losing her mind? Han Tao is only gone for a month. Did she think I was that starved for attention? Or is she projecting her own desperation onto me? Wang Qiqi admitted she truly didn't understand the younger generation anymore.

Song Yao and the others could only shake their heads upon hearing this. They knew Wang Qiqi’s speculation was highly plausible; Wang Rui was someone who wouldn't engage without some tangible benefit. “Just talking about her fills me with anger. Right now, my mom is paying for her tuition and tutoring fees.” Song Yao was only venting here; she wouldn't dare complain like this in front of her parents, as it would only earn her endless glares. In fact, Song Yao only spoke this way in front of Yang Jing after careful consideration, since her aunt-in-law was still staying at their family home, and she knew better than to expect her own mother to subsidize her.

Hearing his sister’s complaints, Song Ziwen sighed. “There’s nothing we can do; they just play the poverty card. And Mom is such a person who cares deeply about appearances. I think she just forgot how smug they were back in the day. Now that they’re down on their luck, they remember their relatives. By the way, Sis, did you know? A few days ago, I heard him talking to Mom about organizing my wedding. He said to just call him if they needed errands run; as the only nephew getting married, he couldn't afford to pay, so he had to offer labor.” Song Ziwen still felt furious thinking about the look on that person’s face that day. “He even said he’d contribute labor over money. I think he’s cooking up something else. He can’t tamper with the major wedding expenses, but there are so many small items he can manipulate. Does he think everyone else is stupid?”

Song Yao hadn’t realized there was a limit to shamelessness—only more shamelessness existed. “Didn’t Li Cui take money when they divorced? It was over a hundred thousand, wasn’t it? How is it that they spent all of it so quickly?” They were practically freeloading meals at our place, first claiming they couldn't cook and offering to pay living expenses, but within a few days, they were complaining about how high expenses were and how the family was broke. Song Yao had long since given up arguing with them about money; essentially, if they insisted they had no money, arguing would only make you angry.

“Aren’t they saving it? Besides, if they can leech off someone, let them leech,” Wang Qiqi mused. Don't just blame Li Cui for being stingy; Wang Dagui wasn't much better, especially now that Wang Dagui realized he couldn't rely on his elder brother and sister-in-law, and his dream of marrying his daughter into wealth had evaporated, not to mention his reputation was ruined. If Wang Dagui didn't try hard to save money, he truly wouldn't feel secure. Based on Wang Qiqi’s understanding of Wang Dagui, his current tactic of holding money while crying poor was partly to avoid spending more on Wang Rui. Since Wang Damei was there now, they might as well leech off her. “But Cousin, you need to be careful. You don't want to end up spending a fortune only to buy junk, especially when it comes to cigarettes, liquor, and sweets.” These items are crucial for appearances. If guests at the wedding find the quality poor, what will they say about the Song family’s conduct? Especially what will Yang Jing’s family think? They won't blame Wang Songbo and his wife, but they will say their behavior was improper.

“Yes, I know that.” Song Ziwen hadn’t intended to nag, as his own mother was there—someone so shrewd she absolutely wouldn't let Wang Dagui act improperly. But then he realized he couldn't back down now. “I’ve already spoken to Mom. Didn’t you notice his expression hasn't been very good toward me these last couple of days?”

Song Yao gave Song Ziwen a thumbs-up for his action. “That’s exactly how you should be—assertive. Otherwise, your wedding arrangements will truly become an embarrassment.” It would absolutely ruin the face of our Wang family. (To be continued)