During a weekend with ample free time, Jiang Xin visited the library. After cross-referencing the reading list she had noted down from Wang Qiqi and the page numbers where Qiqi had stopped copying, Xin felt a growing doubt: surely Qiqi wasn't just focusing on this single topic? Although the general outline resembled the leaked framework from Bai Ge, after reading everything, Xin became less certain. "Is this something she intentionally let me see?

It feels a bit off, completely unrelated to the thesis topic." "Besides, even if Bai Ge and Wang Qiqi are close, they shouldn't be this close." "But I appeared unexpectedly that day; they couldn't have possibly foreseen it." In short, Jiang Xin grew more confused. What had seemed certain that day had completely muddled after reviewing the actual content. "I should probably find a chance to verify this again." Although her intentions were good, Wang Qiqi and Bai Ge rarely frequented the library on weekends. This was because most students interning usually camped out in the library on weekends to search for materials.

According to Wang Qiqi’s thinking, those not working shouldn't compete with their classmates for precious library seats. Jiang Xin also noticed she had never seen Wang Qiqi or Bai Ge in the library on a weekend. "Damn it, what should I do?" Even though she knew she wouldn't keep her current internship, she didn't want to give up. Perhaps if an intern with better connections secured a better opportunity, she would have a chance to step in, and her performance up to that point would give her a slight edge.

"Incredible, should I just give up like this?" In truth, Jiang Xin had considered asking Zhu Rong for help with verification, but she didn't trust her. Perhaps she would owe Zhu Rong more favors or leverage, or perhaps Zhu Rong would use this information to extract more favorable compensation. After all, many people in the class were interested in the direction of Wang Qiqi's thesis topic. Secondly, whether Zhu Rong would tell the truth was a key concern for Jiang Xin.

Wang Qiqi and Bai Ge, upon realizing that Jiang Xin had taken the time to examine the materials they had deliberately left behind, must have found it somewhat unbelievable, thinking they were trying to deceive her. "Bai Ge, from now on, when we borrow books, let's not hand over the ones the other person needs. And we should occasionally engage in some espionage work." Wang Qiqi knew this was making a mountain out of a molehill, but she had plenty of time, so why not have some fun? "Deal." Since Bai Ge had successfully reunited with Gong Peixing, her troubles were completely resolved.

Furthermore, she had received Song Yao's verbal assurance. Although Bai Ge felt a bit awkward accepting the reward after the deed was done, Qiqi was right—a middleman fee was standard, no matter who you were. Thus, her mood was excellent. Coupled with good progress on her thesis, she readily agreed when Wang Qiqi suggested playing a trick, especially since this confusing setup might fool quite a few people.

"Qiqi, who do you think will take the bait?" Does that even need asking? "Jiang Xin." She was currently the most interested party in our thesis. "Jiang Xin." The two of them voiced the exact same name, exchanging a knowing smile. "Actually, reading more books is always useful for a thesis." Wang Qiqi recalled deliberately picking up a book Bai Ge had borrowed last time—one that contained only a tiny bit of content related to her thesis—just to mislead Jiang Xin.

While it wasn't crucial information, it made Wang Qiqi feel like those two hours hadn't been a total waste. Bai Ge was purely amused. Whether she got a good grade on the thesis wasn't the most important thing; her future direction was largely set, completely divorced from finance. So, landing somewhere in the middle—neither too bad nor too great—was sufficient.

During their first few trips to the library to read, they noticed not a single familiar or even unfamiliar face showing any particular attention to the books they borrowed or the notes they were taking. This made them wonder if they were being overly dramatic. If Jiang Xin were going to act, she should have done so already. Yet, there was a strange calm.

"Oh right, Qiqi, your Han Tao is leaving at the end of the month?" Bai Ge’s eyes stung from reading, so she lowered her head to sip from the thermos cup containing the jujube tea Wang Qiqi had highly recommended. It truly was a wonderful thing; even her own mother commented that her complexion looked much better recently, no longer that unsettling pale she used to have, but now genuinely rosy beneath the white. Wang Qiqi yawned, removed her glasses, and stretched her neck. Lately, Qiqi felt her cervical spine wasn't doing well from constantly bending her head to copy notes.

This worried her greatly, as it was a minor issue that couldn't be easily fixed with special medicine or a clear treatment plan, so she needed to protect her neck by twisting it periodically for gentle exercise. "Yes, leaving at the end of the month. Let’s find time for a dinner gathering then." It would be a good opportunity to eat well and strengthen their bond. "Okay." Bai Ge had no objection.

Wang Qiqi's group might choose a slightly fancier restaurant, but Bai Ge wasn't short on cash these days and certainly wasn't concerned about saving a few bucks. "Remember to invite your man," Wang Qiqi added. "Let's all get together. By the way, I ran into Duan Xiaomin on the road a few days ago, and she's doing an internship too.

Didn't she secure a postgraduate recommendation spot?" "You know her character; always looking at the next mountain. It seems she met some influential man who can introduce her to a brokerage firm, so..." Bai Ge understood that Duan Xiaomin wasn't entirely satisfied with staying in academia. It just sounded better than working for a foreign enterprise. "She applied to a few companies before, but not many foreign firms sent her interview invitations." Wang Qiqi understood; so the guy was just a stepping stone to a better opportunity.

"Brokerage firms are good; the benefits are excellent, and it’s easier for a girl to find her Prince Charming there." The key was the good benefits; even if the stock market wasn't booming, the perks for regular staff were usually guaranteed. But Wang Qiqi found it strange that this man would help Duan Xiaomin secure a job. It made her suspect things. "Is that man a friend of her boyfriend?" But Qiqi remembered that her boyfriend had secured a position at the university after graduating with his master's degree, likely aided by his parents who were professors at a university in another city—they certainly had the clout.

Duan Xiaomin's recommendation spot had probably also been the result of her boyfriend's family efforts, treating her completely as their future daughter-in-law. Bai Ge shrugged, indicating she didn't know. "Li Xin told me, and I barely knew the details. She might know a bit more, but perhaps Duan Xiaomin and him..." As an unmarried woman, some things were difficult to say outright.

"Qiqi, you know what I mean, right?" Alright, Wang Qiqi conceded that perhaps she was thinking too negatively. "Well, that’s her skill and ability. Some people would kill for that kind of opportunity." She just wondered how Duan Xiaomin’s boyfriend would react if he found out. The university environment was a microcosm of society; once too many people knew something, rumors spread like wildfire, especially concerning Duan Xiaomin and her boyfriend, who were known to many on campus.

By doing this, wasn't she brazenly disrespecting the man? "It’s just a pity for that man." Bai Ge agreed on this point. Although Duan Xiaomin had changed, becoming somewhat mercenary, her boyfriend had been quite good to her—offering job introductions and pulling strings to get her into the student union. A man had done more than enough for Duan Xiaomin.

"Perhaps discovering Duan Xiaomin's true colors now is better than discovering them after marriage." Divorce carries a certain stigma. "But the problem is he's planning to stay at the university!" Wang Qiqi thought about whether that meek man could even handle the gossip. "Forget it, let's move on." Matters of the heart were subjective to individual perspectives. Maybe that man would manage to overcome it, and future challenges would be easier to face.

As for Duan Xiaomin, Wang Qiqi could only wish her well on the path she chose, hoping she wouldn't regret it later. Not long after Wang Qiqi and Bai Ge discussed this, news about Duan Xiaomin’s infidelity spread throughout the class. Her securing an internship at a brokerage firm was already noteworthy, but then she inadvertently let slip during a casual conversation that she was highly likely to be hired by the firm. This instantly made her the object of jealousy for the entire graduating class, or perhaps the whole department, effectively knocking Wang Qiqi off the pedestal of the popular figures.

"Duan Xiaomin is ruthless, dumping her boyfriend right after securing the postgraduate recommendation." "If you were her, you’d do the same. What does a postgraduate spot matter when she’s heading to a brokerage firm?" someone said enviously. Even though the stock market hadn't been as hot in the last two years as it was previously, brokerage firms remained one of the most sought-after sectors for finance majors. "Exactly, but how is Duan Xiaomin so lucky to know such an influential person?" "A brokerage firm—why didn't I have that luck?

I think that postgraduate recommendation spot is going to be wasted anyway." Someone said with envy. Duan Xiaomin was currently enjoying a double benefit. While others couldn't get the brokerage firm position, many eyed the university recommendation spot jealously. They felt that if Duan Xiaomin planned to work, she should have passed that spot to someone who needed it more, rather than waiting until the last minute to announce she wasn't pursuing graduate studies—a prospect that bred intense resentment.

"We should suggest this to the professors." Although they didn't know how likely it was to succeed, those who coveted the recommendation spot started entertaining this idea. While they could still pursue graduate studies through exams, who wouldn't prefer a shortcut? Wang Qiqi and Bai Ge entered the classroom carrying their books and exchanged glances upon hearing the class discussion. Everyone was focused only on Duan Xiaomin's current glory; thankfully, no one seemed to recall the unfortunate man, who was one of the three main characters and the tragic one in this saga.

Otherwise, he would likely have been driven to despair. "I heard he’s planning to study abroad," Bai Ge whispered to Wang Qiqi. "Don't tell anyone. Gong Haorui hasn't fully decided whether to go; it's just an idea right now." Bai Ge spoke quietly, admitting she wouldn't have shared this news if she weren't close with Wang Qiqi.

Wang Qiqi found this odd. "Study abroad?" Didn't Duan Xiaomin say her boyfriend's family, despite being scholarly, wasn't wealthy, and that he had no desire to study abroad, planning instead to stay and work at the university after graduation in July? How could he suddenly develop the idea of studying abroad after only a few months? "Could it be that someone provoked him?" Wang Qiqi was curious why Bai Ge knew this.

If she hadn't known they both had other partners, Wang Qiqi might have suspected Bai Ge had been secretly communicating with him. Bai Ge hummed affirmatively. "Yes, I heard from my guy that his aunt is doing very well in Australia. She’s unmarried and childless and has long wanted to bring him over to inherit her company, but that fool insists on staying in Beijing." Bai Ge thought that man was genuinely a great catch.

If it were her own boyfriend, he’d probably have flown to Australia immediately, securing immediate immigration and a company to inherit—few could resist such good fortune. Yet, Duan Xiaomin's ex-boyfriend, Gong Haorui, was doing just that. Wang Qiqi's mouth dropped open in utter disbelief when she heard this. But she quickly regained her composure.

Wang Qiqi genuinely hadn't expected that seemingly gentle and refined man, who always wore simple clothes, would possess such a powerful background. More importantly, why had Duan Xiaomin never mentioned it? Given her personality, if she had found such an influential boyfriend, she surely would have boasted about it. The fact that Duan Xiaomin hadn't let slip even a hint meant something was definitely amiss.

"If Duan Xiaomin hadn't hurt him so deeply this time, he probably wouldn't have even considered it," Bai Ge observed Wang Qiqi’s shocked expression, inwardly suppressing a chuckle. Bai Ge had been just as surprised when her own boyfriend, Luo Rui, first mentioned it, realizing he had dined a few times with someone so promising. Of course, she was even more surprised that her boyfriend was on good terms with him. Bai Ge sighed, "Duan Xiaomin has truly lost out this time." That was the first thought that crossed her mind after learning about his family situation.

Although her current partner was capable, Bai Ge doubted he could match her ex-boyfriend’s background. Besides, the other man seemed older; Bai Ge didn't believe for a second he was unmarried. Perhaps Duan Xiaomin was just amusing herself with him, or maybe she was just an affair. On the other hand, perhaps he really wasn't married; Duan Xiaomin was known for her persuasive tongue, and as long as someone was useful to her, she could charm them completely.

Moreover, she was always perfectly polite to others, leaving no room for criticism—which was what Bai Ge had always admired about Duan Xiaomin. Wang Qiqi agreed on this point, but a new idea struck her. "I suspect he might be testing Duan Xiaomin." If this were true, his move to study abroad was certain. But why, even while living with Duan Xiaomin, did he keep this situation secret, only revealing his plan to study abroad after she cheated?

Once this news spread, while people might see him as weak for being a man, Duan Xiaomin would definitely face universal contempt. Furthermore, Wang Qiqi felt that even if those in the class who were agitating to petition the professor to revoke Duan Xiaomin's recommendation failed, he or his family would surely exert influence to ensure Duan Xiaomin didn't get that spot, hoping she would manage to placate the man. Otherwise, if she lost the recommendation spot and the brokerage job, and the high-quality man simply waved goodbye and headed to Australia, Wang Qiqi couldn't imagine if Duan Xiaomin would lose her mind. "I don't think so," Bai Ge found that idea too cynical.

How could such an honest, harmless man deeply in love with Duan Xiaomin do something so calculating? "The professor is here. Let's go to class." Wang Qiqi's class and department were mostly focused on envying Duan Xiaomin, while other departments were discussing her two-timing. Gong Haorui, one of the three main figures and the tragic protagonist of the incident, inevitably became the focal point.

There were those who sympathized, those who scorned, and those who mocked him—in short, he was the subject of every topic. However, once Gong Haorui submitted his resignation to the university and the news broke that he was emigrating to Australia, the overall sentiment shifted dramatically. "That Duan Xiaomin—I knew she lacked vision. Humph!

What if she got into a brokerage firm with her new boyfriend? Her old boyfriend is immigrating to Australia to inherit a company." "Exactly. Even without a company to inherit, the sheer fact that he can emigrate directly is enough to make people envious." "Besides, Gong Haorui isn't lacking in ability; won't his future be great?" Those who had previously called Duan Xiaomin astute and fortunate were now condemning her as shortsighted for letting go of such a high-caliber man. The looks directed at Duan Xiaomin were laced with naked sarcasm.

This transformation happened in just a few days. Wang Qiqi and Bai Ge watched Duan Xiaomin transition from being admired and basking in glory to looking utterly devastated. Although they knew this was the result of her own choices, they still felt a pang of sadness. They hadn't expected Gong Haorui to move so swiftly.

"Men are truly cold-blooded creatures," Bai Ge mused. She recalled that after discovering his girlfriend's affair, Gong Haorui had visited her boyfriend several times, often drunk, weeping continuously about the sweet times they had shared, making Bai Ge believe he was a man of deep affection. Yet, when it came to making a break, his actions were decisively fast. Wang Qiqi felt a surge of complicated emotions.

"Perhaps those rumors hurt him too deeply. And didn't you notice how exceptionally happy Duan Xiaomin was during that period, looking like a woman deeply in love, constantly talking about her happiness with the new boyfriend? Gong Haorui’s feelings for her, no matter how deep, must have been completely exhausted. Perhaps that’s why he resigned outright.

As for how the news leaked—whether he said it or not—that remains a mystery." Wang Qiqi suspected the news hadn't come from Gong Haorui; a refined man like that wouldn't resort to such a tactic upon leaving; it would be undignified and lacking grace. Wang Qiqi and Bai Ge wanted to offer some comfort, but they worried he might think they were just gloating over his misfortune, so they simply walked past him. "Qiqi, Bai Ge, is it that because I'm down on my luck now, you don't want to acknowledge me? Do you even consider me a friend anymore?

You're all just kicking me while I'm down! Hmph! So what if he’s immigrating? Who knows how big his aunt’s company is." Duan Xiaomin fought to maintain her composure, trying not to look too pathetic.

She knew that showing any weakness would invite mockery from everyone around her. Wang Qiqi and Bai Ge hadn't expected to gain nothing but instead be the target of her outburst. They offered strained smiles to each other. "Do you think we have any reason to mock you?

If you’re doing well, we’re happy for you; if you’re suffering, we aren't happy either." Bai Ge’s past relationship with Duan Xiaomin was decent, so harsh words wouldn't come easily. In truth, she wanted to say: when you were happy, we didn't share in that joy, so why do you lash out at us now that you’re unhappy? Do you think we’re easy targets? "If you want to throw a fit, find someone else," Wang Qiqi snapped, angered that she was the one being targeted.

"When the class was spreading rumors about your infidelity, we only heard about it from others. You didn't call us friends then! Now that people are saying bad things about you, you accuse us of not being friends. Duan Xiaomin, before you point fingers at us, think hard about whether you ever treated us as friends..." Wang Qiqi spoke without holding back, not caring if anyone overheard.

Did Duan Xiaomin want to scare them straight? Fine, she would erupt once. "Reflect on yourself. I’ve never seen someone who cheated act so high-profile." Wang Qiqi turned and walked away after that statement.

She didn't care how Duan Xiaomin would interpret her words; she certainly didn't want to maintain the pretense of friendship anymore, so she let loose. Duan Xiaomin hadn't anticipated Wang Qiqi's ferocity; she was stunned. But quickly, anger took over. "What is her problem?

Bai Ge, look at what Wang Qiqi means! Is everything my fault?"

White Dove shot Duan Xiaomin a look. "If you don't treat us as friends first, then don't expect us to treat you as one either. Look around; remember how many people used to praise you? Now look at how many people talk about you—and neither QiQi nor I are among them. Do you really have the nerve to blame us?" White Dove thought Duan Xiaomin had truly lost her composure. "Since you've already made your choice, I think you should just stick to the path you picked. It's impossible between you and him now; you know that. You might as well cherish what you have now. You wouldn't want to end up with nothing on both sides, would you?"

"If you claim you can't be defeated, then show everyone," White Dove said, and then she walked away.

Listening to White Dove's words, Duan Xiaomin felt truly heartbroken. To be honest, how could she not regret it? She had originally thought she would, at most, lose a man who loved her deeply and whom she also loved. While she felt a touch of pity, compared to 'bread'—she admitted she was just a materialistic person—she would only choose security. But she never imagined the love she tossed away would prove to be so precious. Yet, even if she went back to beg Gong Haorui now, she wouldn't have an easy life; she would never be able to hold her head up in front of him again. She finally understood why, the last time Gong Haorui sought her out, he ended their conversation by saying, "You will regret this." Back then, she thought Gong Haorui must have lost his mind. How could she regret it? But now, she did regret it. RS