Wang Rui, carrying her schoolbag, had just finished night study and arrived at the entrance of her residential complex when she spotted a familiar car driving in. She quickened her pace, wondering why Song Yao would be driving over at this hour. It couldn't possibly be to drop off her own father, could it? Wang Rui knew exactly how the Song siblings felt about their elder, and they would always find an excuse to decline driving him home, even if Wang Damei asked. Could it be...

A possible realization struck Wang Rui, and she hurried with her schoolbag down toward Wang Qiqi’s building. She suspected Wang Qiqi and the others must have returned. When she finally reached the vicinity of Wang Qiqi's home, panting, she saw Song Yao and the others standing by the trunk, unloading the luggage. "Rest early tonight. Tomorrow will be busy with details, and we still need to deliver the wine in the afternoon." The bride's relatives and friends, plus the groom's relatives and friends, totaled eighty tables booked, split into two separate feasts. Furthermore, Song Ziwen had made a habit of getting thoroughly drunk with anyone he met—colleagues, friends, classmates—at their weddings, earning himself a mountain of resentment. Many people were eagerly awaiting Song Ziwen’s wedding so they could finally get their revenge. "Oh, right, Xiao Tao, pace yourself tomorrow. Even though Song Ziwen hired three groomsmen, and two of them can really drink, I worry you might be done by noon. Don't be shy about the big red envelope I'll give you then." Song Yao suddenly remembered something and cautioned him.

Han Tao blinked, then simply responded with an "Okay." He had initially thought it was just doing his cousin a small favor, but now it seemed this favor wouldn't be easy to manage.

With family matters pressing, Song Yao didn't linger. After a few final instructions, she drove away. Han Tao walked upstairs, carrying one suitcase in each hand, while Wang Qiqi followed behind, clutching two handbags. "No wonder Song Ziwen arranged for his friends and colleagues to be at the midday reception." He was clearly trying to avoid the revenge from those people. But didn't he realize there was the nao dongfang (teasing the bridal chamber) in the evening? What if those people waited inside the bridal chamber to torment them? It would only become more intense, especially since it was indoors and there were no elders present to mediate.

"I'm really worried I won't be able to hold up," Han Tao felt a knot of panic tighten in his stomach. If it were his own wedding, getting dead drunk from being toasted would be one thing; after all, it was the biggest joyous occasion of his life. But the problem was that drinking heavily on behalf of Song Ziwen felt profoundly strange.

"It's fine. If you can't hold up, we'll pull out at noon and just skip the afternoon session," Wang Qiqi said with a grin. "That way, you won't be too drunk by night, and we'll still be able to get home on the third."

"Don't worry, I promise to fight until the very last moment." Han Tao thought that this was his brother-in-law's big day, and how could he not offer his full support? Moreover, he felt that if he got completely wasted covering for Song Ziwen, Qiqi would surely feel heartbroken for him, and wouldn't the resulting 'benefits' then be his for the taking?

Wang Qiqi paused in confusion, turning to look at Han Tao walking behind her. Just moments ago, when the prospect of a tough battle the day after tomorrow was mentioned, there had been a flicker of surprise and astonishment in his eyes. How had his demeanor shifted so quickly to one of such confidence? But looking at his expression now, everything seemed perfectly normal. "Fight until the last moment? The moment things look bad, you should bolt. My brother loves to mess around, and he’s blocked many people from enjoying their wedding night. Now it’s time for them to collect their interest." Wang Qiqi recalled that in her previous life, all three of Song Ziwen's groomsmen had collapsed; none had lasted until the end. Of course, in the previous life, all the guests were hosted at noon. This time, since his sister-in-law’s side had so many more friends and relatives, the reception was split into noon and evening parties. Perhaps those seeking revenge would go easy on Song Ziwen during the day, seeing this arrangement. As for the bridal chamber teasing, that would be tough—with the groomsmen mostly incapacitated, who would have the energy left to rush to the rescue?

"I know, don't worry," Han Tao certainly understood that. If he got truly drunk and vomited all over the house, he knew that while Qiqi would take care of him, she would definitely harbor some anger. She hated having unpleasant smells in the house, and any benefits he might request later would be significantly diminished. "We still have to go to Manman’s place during the day on the third, right?"

Wang Qiqi nodded and turned to run upstairs. "Manman made arrangements with her parents; they want us to come over for lunch." Initially, Wang Qiqi had preferred to just grab food from the Shi family’s place and leave immediately, feeling there was no need to stay for lunch. But Shi Man insisted that her parents wanted them to stay for a meal. However, Wang Qiqi suspected this lunch wouldn't be easy; the conversation would inevitably turn to Shi Man and Feng Xuanxiang’s situation. Regarding such matters, Wang Qiqi genuinely didn't know what to say. Wang Qiqi had a strange feeling that this seemingly casual luncheon was purely designed to discuss Manman and Feng Xuanxiang with her.

"Making such a fuss over a few sausages—that's too much hospitality," Han Tao also felt it was rather inappropriate. "Besides, your aunt was planning for us to come over and eat leftovers."

Wang Qiqi had been somewhat resistant to dining at the Shi family’s home, but hearing Han Tao say that, and recalling the pots and buckets Wang Damei had prepared, gave her a sudden urge to retch. While mixing those leftover dishes and boiling them might taste alright, the thought that those dishes might have been served, then taken back, and served again made her feel nauseous. Wang Qiqi could only pray that many people would be greedy enough to take the food from the dining table home, which would grant her some relief. "They probably want to ask about Feng Xuanxiang going abroad. You know they only know what Manman told them about him; parents might not feel reassured."

Han Tao let out an 'oh,' realizing that it finally made sense. Otherwise, why the sudden show of such politeness?

The two walked upstairs while talking, and Wang Rui trailed behind them as if entranced, listening intently to their conversation. Glancing at Han Tao’s retreating back, she let out a cold snort. Sooner or later, she would find a man far more accomplished than Han Tao, just to spite Song Yao and show her she wasn't to be looked down upon.

Wang Rui meticulously updated the criteria for her future man, making sure every single point mirrored Han Tao’s, except that his family background had to be significantly better. She felt this was the only way she could thoroughly outshine Wang Qiqi and finally hold her head high in front of her.

When Wang Rui returned home, she found her father actually present. Naturally, she had brought her dinner back from her aunt’s place. She ate silently and then retreated to her room to prepare for studying. She hadn't studied seriously over the past two years, and her foundation was already shaky. Moreover, she wasn't as lucky as Wang Qiqi, who had someone to tutor her. Even attending the so-called cram school, Wang Rui felt immense pressure. Her only focus now was mastering the material through relentless effort. She regretted her impulsive decision to pursue the science track. While subjects requiring memorization might be improved through sheer effort, science demanded more than just rote learning.

Having finished dinner and gone straight to her room, Wang Rui failed to notice Wang Dagui’s eyes frequently shifting toward her. Wang Dagui had intended to share the cold treatment he received at the Song residence today, but seeing his daughter return looking utterly exhausted, he remembered how hard she was working for good college entrance exam results—moving between school and cram classes daily. The night before, Wang Dagui had woken up past 2 AM and noticed the light still on in his daughter’s room, a sign she was still studying hard. Thinking of this, Wang Dagui felt too ashamed to tell her about the unpleasantness he had endured.

Wang Qiqi had assumed that since the Song family was so invested in Song Ziwen’s wedding—the only grandson’s marriage, which the Song family matriarch had decreed would be the utmost priority—and since many family members were busy helping, everything should be nearly sorted out. To her surprise, there were still numerous tasks to complete on the final day. For example, they had to portion out the wedding favors—candies and eggs—ten packets at a time. Then, due to someone else's loose talk, the requirement to buy gifts for the elders arose, further infuriating Song Yao when she realized the family car had been taken out for errands.

"That Wang Dagui is truly full of ideas, always waiting until the last day before the wedding to bring them up," Song Yao grumbled, grabbing her purse and dragging Wang Qiqi and Han Tao toward the market to shop for the blankets for the elders.

Wang Qiqi secretly chuckled to herself. She suspected Wang Dagui had this idea long ago but deliberately waited until everyone was busy so he could pawn the task off on others. "We’ve delayed Wang Dagui’s opportunity to get rich."

"Hmph, I knew he had no good intentions. But I’m surprised Wang Rui has recently focused all her energy on studying, even needing extra tutoring today." Song Yao was thankful that the irritating Wang Rui wasn't present; seeing her face alone would ruin her mood, let alone hearing her despicable father's opinions. "I think our family is about to produce another university student, but my poor purse is going empty again. It’ll be my mother paying for her university education anyway." Wang Dagui was always whining about being broke now, claiming to have no money.

Wang Qiqi wondered how substantial Wang Damei's private savings were if she could fund Wang Rui's entire university education. "Does your uncle know about this?"

"No idea. I suppose Ziwen and I will have to contribute some money then," Song Yao admitted she didn't know the extent of her mother’s private stash, but it certainly wouldn't cover four years of tuition. "I truly don't understand Wang Dagui's family. They must have around two hundred thousand in assets, yet they still have the nerve to cry poverty." If they were truly broke, fine. "Apparently, Wang Dagui bought two studio apartments recently to rent out." If it hadn't been for the fact that the real estate agent Wang Dagui used was one Song Yao consistently worked with, and who incidentally tipped her off, she never would have known her own brother-in-law was secretly investing in rental properties.

"He didn't tell your mother?" Wang Qiqi thought Wang Dagui showed slightly more initiative than Li Cui. Li Cui, lacking sponsors, knew property values would rise, yet she hoarded her money instead of investing. But that was a pity; Wang Dagui was a gambler. If he ever discovered property prices soared, he would likely assume wealthy people were betting heavily, and if he lost, selling the properties would be inevitable. "Sister, this is big news for Wang Dagui’s family. You absolutely must share this with your mother." Would Wang Damei still agree to pay for Wang Rui's tuition now? She might get so angry she'd cough up blood.

Song Yao knew telling her mother would likely send her into a rage, but she figured it was better than being continuously deceived. (To be continued)