Wang Qiqi was usually enthusiastic about answering her classmates' questions whenever she had time, which is why they were always happy to approach her for help. It wasn't necessarily that Qiqi’s analyses were always superior, but rather that many students were hoarding their insights, aiming to produce the very best graduation thesis. Consequently, even while secretly labeling Wang Qiqi a fool, they would continuously pester her with questions—why wouldn't they benefit if they could?

“Qiqi, look at mine…” Zhu Rong intercepted Wang Qiqi just as she was leaving the library, immediately unloading the problem that was plaguing her. She had already consulted a classmate she considered close, but that person had only offered vague generalities, nothing substantial at all. This irked her immensely, yet she knew as long as Wang Qiqi was around, she needn't worry too much.

Wang Qiqi paused, glancing at the other girl. Ah, one of the people talking behind my back the other day, she thought. Internally, Qiqi didn't want to waste time on pleasantries, but she held back and patiently listened to the entire description of the problem. “For this, which direction do you feel more confident pursuing?” Wang Qiqi offered a very balanced assessment.

“I feel confident with the first one, but I also feel the second approach could lead to a much stronger thesis.” Zhu Rong inwardly smirked, thinking this fool was truly easygoing. So what if she is? Not many people in the class actually like Wang Qiqi anyway.

“I think when writing a thesis, you should stick to what you are confident about. However, grades are also quite important. Sorry, I really can’t say which one is better,” Wang Qiqi replied. She knew Zhu Rong was fishing for specific guidance on how to develop that second approach; hmpf, treating me like an idiot, am I? “The key is what you feel is better; follow that direction when gathering your research materials.”

Zhu Rong hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to offer zero concrete advice. She had assumed that if she steered the conversation along, this fool would inevitably offer a hint or two. But instead, Qiqi said that. “Qiqi, if I were to pursue the second approach, what specific points should I be mindful of?” Fine, if you won't take the indirect route, I’ll just ask directly.

Wang Qiqi watched Zhu Rong press closer and inwardly sneered. So, if I don't fall for the indirect bait, you just ask outright? She considered her response before replying, “I apologize, but your thesis topic is different from mine, so I have nothing specific to point out. Perhaps you should ask the professor.” To waste my brainpower guiding you? Don't expect a simple 'thank you'—and even if I get one, who knows how sincere it would be? I certainly don't need that kind of insincere gratitude.

Zhu Rong was taken aback. Why was Wang Qiqi being so uncooperative today? This wasn't right. No matter what, Qiqi usually gave something away. Today, she hadn't offered even a tiny point of caution. Did she hear something? Impossible. We were definitely careful when whispering. “Qiqi, just give me a little pointer?” Zhu Rong linked her arm with Wang Qiqi’s, feigning intimacy, batting her eyelashes, and shifting her body slightly.

Wang Qiqi felt the press of Zhu Rong’s prominent chest and cursed internally. That’s too much! She knows I’m not well-endowed, and she presses against me like that. Does she think I’m a guy, or a lesbian? I’m a completely normal woman! Perhaps Zhu Rong was just trying to show off a bit. “How can I offer any pointers? Several people in the class have already had their thesis outlines rejected, and I’m one of them.” Qiqi thought this news couldn't be hidden forever anyway; they’ve probably mocked me hundreds of times already. She figured this was the best possible way to deflect the request.

The news that Wang Qiqi’s thesis had been rejected by the professor had spread like wildfire—a major development that became a popular topic of ridicule. Especially since everyone assumed Qiqi’s advice on their drafts must have guaranteed their success. People joked that perhaps her luck or good fortune had been entirely depleted. Of course, there were other theories: perhaps the professor held Qiqi to a higher standard, which is why the outline was returned. Few actually believed her thesis work itself was poor.

When Zhu Rong heard Wang Qiqi state so bluntly that her outline hadn't passed, she first froze. Is she acting strangely because this is the first time she’s received this treatment? “I suppose the professor just has higher expectations for you, so…”

Wang Qiqi knew the exact reason her outline was rejected, but she couldn't tell them; they would just accuse her of saving face. “My outline wasn't good enough, so I need to reselect my topic. Time is a bit tight, so… Actually, didn’t your outline pass? Just write according to the approved outline. If you need to change the outline, ask the professor.” Qiqi knew Zhu Rong’s outline had passed, but scoring highly would be impossible with it. She had hoped to improve the quality of her own work, but with all this incessant chatter from her classmates, she wouldn't offer any advice. Frankly, she’d rather spend that time translating manuscripts for money or focusing on improving her own thesis. The professor had, after all, mentioned that she could still get a decent grade by sticking to the current outline, but he implied there was room for significant improvement. Qiqi wasn't about to ignore the professor's subtle suggestion, especially since she still had plenty of time to revise.

Wang Qiqi gathered her stack of materials and hurried away from Zhu Rong, ignoring the internal turmoil of the well-built woman standing behind her. Qiqi didn't know if this counted as having completely burned a bridge, but she felt it was the right thing to do.

Zhu Rong realized Wang Qiqi wouldn't offer any guidance today, no matter how angry she got. Qiqi wasn't a guy; a bit of coquetry wouldn't solve this. Watching Qiqi walk away, she stomped her foot repeatedly. “Hmph, what’s the big deal? You think your grades are so amazing? You’re just slightly more diligent than the rest of us…” If this weren’t a public space, Zhu Rong might have resorted to swearing. But that wasn't the main point; the point was: “Is she just in a bad mood today?” Well, even if her grades were great and she got into a US university, she still needed the embassy to grant her a visa. If they wouldn't let her enter, it would all be for nothing. “I wish your visa application fails a million times, and when your man gets to the US, he dumps you instantly. Then we’ll see you cry.”

Bai Ge happened to leave the library a little later and overheard the latter half of the conversation. When she heard Zhu Rong’s venomous curses, Bai Ge initially considered pretending she hadn't heard anything and just walking past. But Zhu Rong’s final remarks were outrageous. Because Qiqi didn't offer one piece of advice, she could be verbally attacked and cursed? Bai Ge knew Qiqi’s outline was returned because the professor held her to a higher standard. Did they have any idea how much effort Qiqi poured into enriching the outline? She had spent countless hours helping several classmates refine their outlines. Did they think Wang Qiqi’s generosity was simply an obligation? To think that because she wouldn't offer guidance this one time, she deserved such vitriol? They had been classmates for over three years, and Qiqi had helped them all before. Were they even human? “Does Wang Qiqi have a duty to help you? Did you pay her tuition? Not everyone in the class is hoarding their knowledge, so why aren't you cursing them?”

Tch! Did they think Wang Qiqi was a pushover? However, Bai Ge also found it strange how assertive Wang Qiqi had been this time. She had previously told Qiqi that she didn't need to help them so much, as they wouldn't appreciate it anyway. She couldn't figure out why Qiqi had suddenly decided to stop helping. Bai Ge certainly didn't believe Qiqi was just in a bad mood; she’d been quite cheerful in the library earlier, even cracking a few jokes.

Zhu Rong was terrified to realize her private rant had been overheard by Bai Ge. She had assumed Bai Ge had left early, not realizing she was lingering just behind and caught everything. “Hmph, so what if I said it?” Since it was overheard, there was no point in denying it. “Why should she have time to guide others but not me?” As she said this, Zhu Rong felt a surge of self-pity.

Bai Ge couldn't believe Zhu Rong's audacity. “Who are you to Qiqi? Why must she guide you?” Did she really think she was important? “Did your thesis outline pass? Then you can start the main body. What is there to guide?” With that, Bai Ge turned and walked away. She didn't have time to waste arguing with Zhu Rong. In Wang Qiqi’s view, this person was insignificant anyway; anything she said wouldn't affect Qiqi much, as Qiqi wasn't staying for a residency or looking for a domestic job. Even if she knew some so-called important people, so what?

Watching Bai Ge depart, Zhu Rong spat several times. “Hmph, just a lapdog trying to act proud. Tch, her parents just run a small restaurant, and she acts like she’s royalty.” After venting her frustration, she turned and left indignantly.

Although she’d been shut down today, Zhu Rong wasn’t ready to give up. “I refuse to believe Wang Qiqi won’t guide anyone else. Right, there’s still Jiang Xin!” Her eyes darted around as she hatched a new plan. She thought she could persuade Jiang Xin to approach Wang Qiqi. If Qiqi offered Jiang Xin guidance, then as a fellow classmate, she would have no right to refuse Zhu Rong later.

Wang Qiqi had no idea someone was targeting Jiang Xin to act as their proxy in seeking her advice. But even if she knew, she would treat everyone the same; she wasn't going to break her resolve for Jiang Xin’s sake.

Zhu Rong approached Jiang Xin and said a great many things, painting Qiqi as disloyal to friendship and a snob who looked down on the less fortunate. She planted many seeds of discord in front of Jiang Xin. Jiang Xin wasn't a fool; she understood Zhu Rong's motives. Although only a few people witnessed her previous encounter with Wang Qiqi, a notorious gossip from the same department happened to pass by and later recounted the entire incident, embellishing it heavily—only she knew how much. But the key takeaway for everyone was that Zhu Rong had been summarily dismissed by Wang Qiqi.

While some found Wang Qiqi’s recent change in demeanor peculiar, many secretly rejoiced at Zhu Rong’s failure. After all, they were competitors; if Zhu Rong’s thesis turned out well, it meant one less chance for a professor's high praise for someone else. So, while they offered superficial condolences to Zhu Rong about how mean and unneighborly Wang Qiqi was, they were secretly laughing at how overconfident someone had been.

But soon, their laughter would die down. Regardless of who approached Wang Qiqi, even if Qiqi maintained a pleasant demeanor, they would never receive any substantial insight. Furthermore, Qiqi’s appearances on campus drastically decreased afterward, making it nearly impossible for them to corner her.

“Qiqi, do you have a moment?” Jiang Xin was well aware that Wang Qiqi had recently become the center of attention again, with everyone debating who might finally extract some guidance from her.

Wang Qiqi emerged from the library, a stack of books in her arms, deep in discussion with Bai Ge about an assignment. Honestly, she hadn't been around campus much lately. For one, she wanted to avoid seeing her classmates’ faces, and secondly, she was busy earning money. Her third reason was that she had been visiting the library at Lu Qiaowei’s school to look up materials.

She was surprised that it was Jiang Xin approaching her this time. Wang Qiqi found it odd. Jiang Xin’s grades were only average, and her thesis outline was reportedly only decent. She had no logical reason to seek out Qiqi. Qiqi couldn't even recall the last time they had a proper conversation.

“I have a question about my thesis that I wanted to ask you?” Jiang Xin stated directly. Her thesis had actually begun drafting, as her outline had received the professor's approval. She admitted that Zhu Rong’s instigation had made her curious, hoping perhaps to see someone else fail.

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected Jiang Xin to approach her for this reason. She moved her lips, about to discuss the matter, but noticed Jiang Xin’s eyes occasionally drifting toward a specific spot. Qiqi took the opportunity to look down, following Jiang Xin’s gaze until she spotted the edge of a coat near a pillar. Though she couldn't see who it was, she suspected Jiang Xin’s supposed 'discussion' was just bait. “Jiang Xin, you’re joking, aren't you? I heard your thesis outline received high praise from the professor.”

“Exactly!” Bai Ge hadn't noticed Jiang Xin’s subtle movements, but she caught the smugness in her eyes. She thought, Why has she changed so much? Does she think Qiqi sees her as a true competitor? “I heard your thesis has a high chance of taking first place. Didn’t the professor say during the outline review that you might get the top score?”

Hearing Bai Ge chime in so supportively, Wang Qiqi assumed Bai Ge had already caught onto the situation. “Right. Jiang Xin, shouldn't you be starting your main body? My outline isn't even finished yet. Aren’t you just here to laugh at me?” Hmph, since I know you’re here to see me fail, I’ll just tell you the truth; why hide it?

Jiang Xin flinched hearing Wang Qiqi’s bluntness. She thought Qiqi was being far too outspoken; how would someone like that manage in the professional world later? “Qiqi, you worry too much. I was so busy with my thesis draft that I didn't even know your outline hadn't passed. Um, since your outline isn't done, maybe we could discuss it together?” She certainly wasn’t going to be like those sightless classmates who thought Qiqi’s outline was rejected because it was fundamentally poor. In Jiang Xin’s view, the professor must have simply held Qiqi to a higher standard. She genuinely wanted to know the topic Qiqi was pursuing so she could better gauge her own prospects.

Discuss my outline with you? Wang Qiqi thought she wasn't an idiot. Discuss the outline just so you can learn about my paper? Qiqi could guarantee that shortly after discussing her outline with Jiang Xin, everyone concerned with her progress would know the details. What would be the point of her even bothering then? “No need. You’re busy too. I heard you found an internship, so you’ll be juggling work and writing. I’m just an idle person, so I’ll slowly refine my outline.”

The more Wang Qiqi dragged her feet about sharing her outline, the more insecure Jiang Xin felt. If Qiqi’s outline were truly weak, she should have mentioned it was rejected the first time and explained how she planned to adjust it. But she hadn’t done that at all, suggesting she was still using her original approach. Jiang Xin didn't know how to proceed.

Jiang Xin stood there awkwardly, unsure what to say. Wang Qiqi, feeling increasingly irritated, thought: If you don’t know what to say, then leave me alone so I can go back to my books. Bai Ge was idly scanning the area. As her eyes drifted around, her gaze narrowed, and she shifted her focus toward Jiang Xin. She saw Zhu Rong standing by a corner of the wall, looking like she was eavesdropping. This didn’t match Zhu Rong’s usual persona. Could she have come with Jiang Xin?

“Qiqi, let’s go first,” Bai Ge preemptively grabbed Wang Qiqi’s arm and spoke up.

Bai Ge’s action startled Zhu Rong, who inwardly blamed Jiang Xin for being useless. Wang Qiqi rarely appeared on campus, and Jiang Xin had her internship while Zhu Rong also had commitments; who knew when the three of them would meet again? Just as she was about to step out, she paused, deciding against it. Jiang Xin clearly hadn't gained anything, and as the idle one, Zhu Rong shouldn't go out and embarrass herself further. Besides, she didn't think Jiang Xin would let such an opportunity slip away; she knew Jiang Xin viewed Wang Qiqi as a major rival.

Pulled by Bai Ge’s momentum, Wang Qiqi walked forward. “Jiang Xin, I hope your thesis gets a good grade. I’m leaving now.” Qiqi thought: If you can't even muster a proper sentence, then I’m making my exit. I don't have the American time to chat with you.

As Wang Qiqi started to leave, Jiang Xin quickly grabbed her arm. “Qiqi, I really am running into trouble. Can I come to your place to ask for advice?” Though she knew she probably wouldn't get the chance to study in the US herself, she knew securing a visa was difficult. But she also knew that even if Wang Qiqi couldn’t go to the US, Han Tao likely could. If Wang Qiqi and Han Tao couldn't see each other for a year, perhaps Jiang Xin would have an opportunity. Even if she couldn't win over Han Tao, she could draw the attention of Zhu Lina by showcasing her professional skills. Jiang Xin’s current internship was decent, but she suspected her chances of being hired were slim. Judging by how different the treatment was among the interns and how the senior staff interacted with them, she realized this was merely a training ground. She needed to secure a position, and while Zhu Lina’s company wasn't her top choice, having connections to the heir apparent would ease future promotions—or at least provide valuable experience for later career changes.

Go to my home? Wang Qiqi found this highly unusual. “Come to my place for advice? Is it a major issue?” Qiqi thought that even she and Bai Ge, who were much closer, had never discussed a home visit. How could Jiang Xin so abruptly suggest it? Their relationship over the last two years had been merely collegial, and Qiqi already held some reservations about Jiang Xin based on past actions. Under these circumstances, how could she agree to let Jiang Xin into her apartment? If something untoward were to happen there, Wang Qiqi felt she might as well jump into a river.

Bai Ge stopped concealing her expression, looking at Jiang Xin with profound surprise. Does she not know how protective Qiqi is of her private space? Qiqi hasn't invited anyone over in ages, and the host hasn't invited anyone, so why would an ordinary acquaintance suggest such a thing?

“Can I not come to your house?” Jiang Xin asked with a noticeable hint of grievance. “It should be perfectly normal for me to visit your place, given my relationship with you.”

Wang Qiqi thought Jiang Xin must watch too many Qiong Yao dramas, putting on such a pathetic expression. Was she trying to signal to an unseen audience that Qiqi was bullying her? “If it’s about discussing the thesis, I think the library is the proper place. However, I’m quite busy, and I don't know when I’ll be there.” Qiqi mentally decided that from now on, when she needed materials at the library, she needed to be swift—find what she needed and leave immediately. She also realized she had her internship coming up, so she should probably avoid the library on weekends and during class times; the rest of the time should be relatively safe.

Hearing Wang Qiqi’s clear reluctance to engage, Jiang Xin said, “Qiqi, you’ve changed. You weren't like this before.” She regretted ever antagonizing the ‘slowpoke’ guy when she wasn't certain of the outcome, which had made Wang Qiqi so guarded toward her now.

Wang Qiqi stared at the persistently clinging Jiang Xin, her own patience fraying. "Everyone changes, Jiang Xin. Haven't you changed? You have your own future, and I have mine. You and I were never really rivals. Whether my thesis is good or not isn't the most important thing. Honestly, with the time you spend pestering me about this, about my paper, you’d be better off researching in the library." Why focus so much attention on me? Wang Qiqi felt truly undeserving of this scrutiny. "Just focus on your internship, enrich yourself, and finding a job will be much easier later on." Qiqi thought to herself that regardless of which family member Jiang Xin was interested in, she would never commit the idiocy of inviting a wolf into the house.

Wang Qiqi genuinely felt she was being quite kind. If she had encountered Julietta, she might have offered nothing but sharp ridicule. If it hadn't been for that brainless scheme of hers, she wouldn't have provoked Julietta to such an extreme that it resulted in her losing both her lover and her fortune. Now, Julietta was trying to leverage her connection to Wang Qiqi to infiltrate the enterprises under the Zhu family's banner. Wang Qiqi scoffed inwardly; Julietta was truly dreaming. She’d be better off spending that time figuring out how to craft a stellar resume and land a good job.