Wang Rui sat in the private room, talking to her boyfriend, Cao Jiaming, about some distant relatives from their hometown. "Although my family doesn't have many relatives, due to some past misunderstandings, our relationships aren't great. And frankly, my family is the least well-off of them all. They..." Wang Rui was giving her boyfriend a heads-up; regardless, when everyone showed up, the atmosphere certainly wouldn't be harmonious.

In truth, even if Wang Rui hadn't mentioned it, Cao Jiaming had already sensed a hint of it. Although Wang Rui’s brother-in-law picked them up from the airport, his manner wasn't distant—but it certainly wasn't the close connection you'd expect between relatives. It was a relationship built on rigid courtesy. "I understand, I understand." Rich relatives always look down on poorer ones, just like their own family, which is considered middle-tier back home—in a position where they are looked down upon, yet also look down on others. "We aren't counting on them for anything, so it doesn't matter."

Wang Rui gave his words a mere one-star rating for their perceived truthfulness. Her trust in men was currently rock bottom; unless something was physically grasped in her own hand, she felt absolutely no security. "It’s fine, I’m used to it. I’m just worried you might feel slighted..." Wang Rui put on the perfect girlfriend expression.

"It's fine, it's fine, everyone’s just being polite." Cao Jiaming had initially assumed Wang Rui meant her relatives were just ordinarily wealthy. He hadn't expected that one brother-in-law owned several properties and was preparing to start a business in Jingcheng. Developing in Jingcheng implied significant backing; without genuine strength, it would be impossible. Furthermore, her future cousin-in-law was officially heading to the States for advanced studies next year, reportedly doing quite well, with property and shops in Jingcheng too. If he hadn't uncovered this background information, he wouldn't have allowed Wang Rui to bring them out here to treat everyone to dinner; the round-trip airfare alone had already cost him a considerable sum. "If we get along, we get along; if not, then so be it."

Although Cao Jiaming spoke this way, his mind was focused on ensuring the money spent on tonight's dinner wasn't wasted. Moreover, he was confident in his own diplomatic skills; there was no reason he couldn't liven up the atmosphere. As he murmured sweet nothings to Wang Rui, he skillfully and casually probed for information about Wang Qiqi and the others, already strategizing how he would handle pleasantries with them later.

Wang Rui saw exactly what her boyfriend was thinking, but what could she do? She couldn't just grab his hand and tell him not to think about other things; that would only make Cao Jiaming unhappy. Besides, if Cao Jiaming could establish good relations with Wang Qiqi and the rest, she would ultimately be the one to benefit. So, even though Wang Rui might have wanted to badmouth Wang Qiqi, she still recounted the situation regarding her cousin with relative truthfulness.

Cao Jiaming hadn't anticipated Wang Qiqi’s situation being even better. "Your sister is quite the landlord, huh?" Good heavens, even without parents, that much money was enough for a lifetime of indulgence. But Cao Jiaming knew Wang Qiqi wasn't someone easy to deal with. Managing to secure and expand the family fortune after her parents’ sudden death at such a young age meant she must be highly capable. "But men generally prefer to be a step above women. Is your brother-in-law's family well-off?"

Han Tao? Hearing that name made Wang Rui flinch. The words Han Tao had whispered in her ear during the Lunar New Year instantly sent a shiver down her spine. It took her a moment to regain her composure. "His family isn't well-off. His father passed away long ago; his mother raised him alone. But he is very capable as an individual." Mentioning Han Tao felt like the constant, undeniable proof that Wang Qiqi’s judgment was better than hers.

Cao Jiaming had assumed Wang Qiqi’s man was studying abroad because his family had money. He hadn't expected his background to be merely average, relying on his own merit. "Later, when your sister and brother-in-law get settled in the States, we can go visit them." And while there, he could check for opportunities to stay in the US; after all, having an acquaintance there was better than none.

Why wait for them to get settled? A previous eavesdropped conversation between Song Yao and Wang Damei had revealed that Wang Qiqi had mentioned perhaps sending Tao Tao and the others to school in the US when they got older. Though no mention was made of expenses, the implications were clear to anyone. "My brother-in-law is currently interning at a company in the US and earns a monthly salary—in foreign currency, no less. If that doesn't count as being settled, what does?"

Cao Jiaming found his perception of Wang Rui’s family being refreshed again and again through this conversation. He couldn't believe that someone who hadn't emigrated was working in a US entity. He certainly didn't believe the news, but he wasn't about to show any doubt on his face.

After Song Yao and Gong Peixing met up, the four-person car finally arrived at the private room, much to the anticipation of Wang Rui and her partner. As Wang Qiqi stepped into the room, her eyes habitually scanned the area. Her first impression of Wang Rui’s boyfriend was neither good nor bad; outwardly, he looked presentable enough. But one couldn't judge a person by looks alone. "Sorry we're late." Wang Qiqi casually took a seat directly across from Wang Rui.

Song Yao sat next to Wang Qiqi, with Gong Peixing strategically placed between her and Cao Jiaming. Han Tao sat between Wang Rui and Wang Qiqi, which pleased Wang Rui inwardly—didn't this feel a bit like being flanked by two admirers? However, she only indulged this fantasy internally; she dared not show it on her face. Everyone present was formidable. "Sister Qiqi, Brother-in-law, this is my boyfriend, Cao Jiaming, my senior from university."

Cao Jiaming stood up and spoke with great deference, "Greetings, Sister. Greetings, Brother-in-law. You can just call me Jiaming."

Wang Qiqi was momentarily startled by Cao Jiaming’s respectful demeanor. But from the calculated gleam in his darting eyes, she could tell he already knew a thing or two about their family situation, which explained his excessive politeness. "Hello. Just call me Qiqi."

Han Tao was not pleased by Cao Jiaming, who clearly harbored some hidden agenda. Especially the way his gaze lingered on his wife, Wang Qiqi, carrying a hint of appraisal mixed with a touch of desire. How could Han Tao feel happy about that? As for his character, Han Tao mentally gave him a failing grade. He thought Wang Rui’s taste in men hadn't improved one bit; how could she end up with someone so obviously unsuitable? Then again, remembering the incident with Wang Rui and Gao Kai during the winter break, he mused that these two were truly a perfect match. "Hello. Just call me Han Tao."

Cao Jiaming had expected Wang Qiqi to give him the cold shoulder, so he was surprised by their relatively warm reception. "Great, great. Although this is our first meeting, and the first time I've met all of you, let me host dinner tonight." Even though he’d already stated he would pay, he felt the need to emphasize it again.

Wang Qiqi and Song Yao exchanged a look, wondering if the man was worried they wouldn't know who was truly footing the bill, necessitating such constant repetition. "Everyone enjoy the meal. We’ll go sing later; that’s on me," Wang Qiqi decided. She figured, You might pay for dinner, but I’ll cover the post-meal activity, just so you two don't think we're taking advantage of you.

If it were in the past, Wang Qiqi wouldn't have hesitated to order more food. But considering they planned on going out later, she naturally wouldn't over-order. "Order more if it’s not enough."

Song Yao helped hang up Gong Peixing’s overcoat. "It's just a casual family gathering, no need to order too much. Besides, we have more delicious food to look forward to tomorrow. We need to save room for Song Ziwen’s daughter's hundred-day banquet."

Bringing this up reminded Wang Qiqi of something. "Has Miss Song Mei been named yet?" After being born in March, the girl still hadn't been given an official name. Her maternal grandfather was learned and chose excellent names, but Song Ziwen and Yang Jing found them too scholarly, with too many complicated strokes. The discussion had dragged on until now without a final decision.

Song Yao shook her head. "Not yet. My mother went to have her fortune told; she said the baby has such good fortune that the naming doesn't need to adhere to too many taboos." Song Yao thought, how could Miss Mei not have good fortune? Her parents were wealthy; as long as she wasn't excessively profligate, she was destined to be sitting on a mountain of gold. Her mother had been so thrilled by this obvious flattery, later claiming the granddaughter was blessed, and of course, her grandson Tao Tao was blessed too. Sigh.

Wang Qiqi remained silent. Well, even I, who knows nothing about fortune-telling, would say that, she thought. "Mei has excellent fortune, that’s true. I looked the other day; her earlobes are thick, fleshy, and large—a clear sign of blessings," Cao Jiaming interjected. "But her parents are already blessed, so naturally, the child they bear will also be blessed."

Wang Qiqi thought the young man was quite adept with words; he had praised both the child and her parents. "Then Miss Mei is indeed a blessed child. Now that her parents are wealthy, the child born to them is also blessed. Qiqi, will you and Brother-in-law decide on foreign citizenship for your child right away?" Wang Rui felt a pang of jealousy; what good was all the money if they hadn't emigrated abroad?

Nationality was something Wang Qiqi truly hadn't considered. "We'll see. I might even decide to give birth back in the mainland." While giving birth abroad was convenient—no need for the traditional confinement period—Wang Qiqi felt that the constitution of foreigners, who eat meat from childhood, differed from the constitution of people like them who eat 'grass' (vegetables/grains) from childhood. If Luo Hongjuan was willing to go abroad to look after her postpartum recovery, Wang Qiqi would certainly welcome it, though everything depended on Luo Hongjuan.

"Give birth back in the mainland? Why?" Wang Rui rolled her eyes. If she had the choice, she’d never return to the mainland, but alas, she didn't have that chance. Yet someone had the opportunity and was still thinking of returning—she truly couldn't fathom what the other person was thinking.

On a sun-drenched afternoon, typing on the balcony was the most comfortable thing, despite the urge to drift off to sleep. (To be continued)