Wang Qiqi presented a calm façade, but inwardly she scoffed; this so-called teahouse was likely their calculated choice. Given Shi Man’s usual preference, they would have gone to a coffee shop otherwise. However, knowing him as she did, it was unthinkable that he would be working here as a cashier or a waiter. He had grown up wealthy, always carrying the air of a young master. The only question was how much those years of hardship might have changed him.

Before Wang Qiqi and Shi Man even reached the teahouse, they spotted a noticeable flow of people coming and going. “Um, will there even be a seat for us?” Good heavens, the business was booming to this extent. Wang Qiqi secretly hoped there wouldn't be a spot; that would give them a legitimate excuse to leave. She truly didn't want to run into certain people she disliked.

“There should be private rooms,” Shi Man stated confidently. After all, the cost of a private room was significantly higher than the main hall. Hearing the price would surely make some people shake their heads and walk out immediately.

A private room just for tea? Wang Qiqi was dumbfounded. “Isn't that a bit excessive? Including the room fee, we might as well go out for Western food or just find a coffee shop to sit in for a while.”

“But would you be able to sit there for several hours?” Shi Man wondered if Wang Qiqi was getting cold feet. “Besides, even if you did see him, so what? Your sister was so smitten with him back then, but in the blink of an eye, she found that ‘Little K from the South.’” She recalled how Wang Rui used to flaunt Gao Kai in front of Wang Qiqi, acting as haughty as a queen. Thinking back on it now seemed quite amusing; in the end, everyone eventually grew tired of Gao Kai.

'Little K from the South,' Wang Qiqi curled her lip. That was ages ago. “What’s wrong? Has your sister found someone better again?” Shi Man happened to catch Wang Qiqi’s expression in her peripheral vision and found it odd.

“She’s more adaptable than me; she moved on to another man ages ago—she found a Hong Kong guy.” Wang Qiqi replied testily. Shi Man was about to say that sounded fine, thinking Wang Rui was certainly capable of mixing, finding boyfriends who were successively more impressive, when Wang Qiqi added in a low voice, close to Shi Man’s ear, “But he has a wife, they aren't divorced yet.”

He has a wife? Shi Man’s mouth dropped open as she stared at Wang Qiqi. “No way! Has she gotten addicted to being the mistress?” Heavens, she thought that girl had changed for the better, but she was still just as thoughtless as ever. “What is she gaining from this? Do you think that man will divorce his wife to marry her and take her to Hong Kong?” Even if she married a Hong Kong citizen, relocation wouldn't be that easy. “She’d be better off focusing her mind on her studies, studying abroad later, and marrying a foreigner.” Shi Man felt the latter scenario had a higher chance of successful immigration.

Still, that girl was truly something. Previously, she upgraded from stealing boyfriends to directly stealing husbands. Shi Man couldn’t help but worry. “Qiqi, you need to keep an eye on your cousin. Remember, your man is quite handsome, what if…” For people like her, moral bottom lines were just passing clouds; such people only cared about the result, not the process.

Wang Qiqi was completely confident about this point. “Based on her?” Even if Wang Rui tried to seduce Han Tao, he wouldn't fall for it. “She always looked down on Han Tao later on; since childhood, she kept saying he was…” Han Tao was someone with deep self-respect, and Wang Rui, with her air of looking down on everyone, certainly didn’t respect him. She had said plenty of cutting things about him in their youth, plus Wang Qiqi had intentionally mentioned Wang Rui’s character to Han Tao (Qiqi only told the truth, without exaggeration). Han Tao had always understood Wang Rui well enough and certainly wouldn't offer her a kind look.

“What about your cousin’s husband?”

“Him even less likely.” Gong Peixing never treated Wang Rui like a sister-in-law. When he hadn't made it big yet, Wang Rui never gave him a second glance, something Gong Peixing certainly remembered. “She really doesn't have a good relationship with my cousin and her husband.” Besides, after that incident, it would be strange if Song Yao and the others showed Wang Rui any goodwill.

Wang Qiqi and Shi Man chatted as they walked into the teahouse. “Oh no, there really aren’t any seats left.” Shi Man watched a person inquire at the counter, then turn around and leave, feeling surprised. The business here was just too good.

“Excuse me, do you have any private rooms left?” Wang Qiqi walked straight to the counter. There was no point asking about the main hall; it would definitely be full.

“Yes, we do.” The waitress efficiently listed the prices for several private rooms. However, she didn't assume Wang Qiqi would agree to book one.

“A private room it is, then. Also, if a Miss Zhu comes looking for Miss Shi or Miss Wang later, please have her come find us here.” Shi Man, hearing there were rooms available, immediately settled on a four-person room.

The front desk lady nodded, signaling a passing waiter to escort Wang Qiqi and her friend. Just as they left, a person slipped out of a small room in the back. He quietly asked about the situation and then habitually glanced around, spotting a familiar silhouette. He wondered why she would be here; maybe he was seeing things. “Little Boss, do you know them?” The front desk clerk noticed the young boss staring intently at the two women who had just arrived. Did they know each other? The clerk hesitated, trying to recall her earlier demeanor. Had she been a bit too cold? Ugh, she felt she had been perfectly polite before, so why had her performance slipped just then? What was wrong with her?

“They look a bit like some of my former classmates,” Gao Kai retracted his gaze. She must be doing quite well now. Although they rarely kept in touch after high school graduation, and he hadn't attended the few class reunions, he heard from some classmates studying in Beijing that her boyfriend was very successful, interning at a US software company while still in college, and that they were likely planning to develop their careers in the States. Gao Kai understood that no matter how well he did, Qiqi wouldn't choose him. Their social standing was comparable, and Wang Rui had mentioned that Qiqi had invested heavily in real estate. Gao Kai understood what that implied. Given the distance between them now, Gao Kai sighed inwardly; he knew that even regretting things a million times wouldn't bridge the gap; he was still too far, far away from Wang Qiqi.

The front desk clerk observed the young boss looking wistfully, clearly reminiscing about an old girlfriend. Her mind raced, and she repeated the instruction Shi Man had just given to the receptionist. If they were indeed the young boss’s classmates, she had just scored a major point.

Hearing those three familiar surnames, Gao Kai felt a surge of excitement. It couldn't be such a coincidence—three women named Zhu, Wang, and Shi all at once? The probability was too low. “Which room did they go to?” Since he had spotted old classmates, he felt compelled to see them. Moreover, Gao Kai was determined to show Wang Qiqi the person he was now. While a reunion was impossible, Gao Kai hoped to let Wang Qiqi know he was improving and striving for tomorrow, rather than escaping everything.

The front desk clerk was surprised her quick thought had actually paid off; she felt today was her lucky day and planned to buy lottery tickets when she got home. She was clearly having a lucky streak.

Gao Kai waited a moment, realizing the clerk was spaced out, thinking about something. He had to raise his voice to ask again. Honestly, this clerk was capable enough, but she seemed prone to zoning out in broad daylight. Sighing, he resolved to speak to her properly later; for now, he had pressing matters.

The clerk snapped out of her reverie instantly, her body reacting faster than her brain. She pointed toward the general direction of the rooms while blurting out the room number.

Though Gao Kai wanted to follow immediately, he delayed slightly to handle a few small matters before slowly making his way toward the private rooms. Along the way, he pondered how he would speak to them. And, according to the clerk, Zhu Lina was coming too. She was famous now. The male members of the Zhu family had certainly gossiped about how unambitious she was back then. Had that girl finally proven them all wrong with facts? Gao Kai regretted not trying to build better ties with them back then. He prayed things would go smoothly today.

Shi Man and Wang Qiqi followed the waiter to their room, looking around like country bumpkins in the city. “It’s alright, just a bit crowded.”

“It’s comparable to a wet market,” Wang Qiqi quipped bluntly. “Thank goodness we’re in a private room. If we were in the main hall, how could we discuss anything? We’d just end up overhearing everyone else’s gossip.”

“Speaking of which, how fast are the plate changes in the private rooms?” Wang Qiqi turned to ask the waiter ahead, getting an affirmative reply. “Help me order Tieguanyin later.”

“Get me extra vegetarian options. I’ve been at banquets nonstop lately; I feel nauseous just looking at meat.” Whenever her parents mentioned someone treating them to a meal, Shi Man felt a headache coming on. After the news of her boyfriend buying property in the US got around to her relatives, Shi Man noticed the way they looked at her—suddenly so affectionate, constantly pulling her aside to ‘catch up.’ Shi Man despised the sight of those hypocrites. Back when her father lost his influence, they all seemed worried about how association with her family might ruin their prospects. Now, it was as if none of that had ever happened. Shi Man wasn't her parents; she couldn't manage those false smiles. That's why she had avoided most gatherings early today; even closer relatives had already held their own get-togethers.

“Me too.” Although Wang Qiqi hadn't been visiting relatives, Song Ziwen had stocked up on plenty of meat dishes. Wang Damei always thought her niece was too thin and insisted on putting food on Wang Qiqi’s plate, urging her to eat more. Wang Qiqi felt like throwing up whenever she saw meat. “I’ll see what I can manage later.”

Wang Qiqi scanned the area; the offerings were quite good. Although the place was packed, the self-serve items were well-stocked, and anything that ran low was immediately replenished. “So tiring,” Wang Qiqi complained immediately upon entering the room with her tray loaded with food.

Shi Man was surprised Wang Qiqi could be so oblivious. With a living person right there in the room, she hadn't even noticed. Her awareness was truly dull. But she hadn't expected them to bump into Gao Kai so perfectly. They hadn't encountered him on the way in at all; how did he spot them? Shi Man hadn't gotten any details when Wang Qiqi appeared.

Gao Kai saw Wang Qiqi balancing a lot of food and instinctively reached out to help take some, setting it on the table. “Thanks,” Wang Qiqi replied, momentarily stunned that Gao Kai was already in the room. She quickly thanked him. Regardless of why he was there, he had helped carry things. She glanced toward Shi Man, subtly asking what was going on. Seeing Shi Man’s own look of surprise, Wang Qiqi almost suspected Shi Man had set this up with Gao Kai, it was too coincidental.

“No problem, sit down. Qiqi, the chicken feet you picked up are our specialty. My father built his original reputation on this very recipe,” Gao Kai said, sounding nostalgic. If it hadn't been for this dish, that influential person wouldn't have noticed them. It was a missed opportunity they hadn't grasped, but thankfully, it wasn't too late.

Wang Qiqi was genuinely shocked to learn this dish was Gao Kai’s father’s creation. In both her lives, Wang Qiqi had never known Gao Kai’s father was a chef by trade. “Your dad is quite skilled. Why is he returning to his old trade?” She couldn’t believe it. The man who wouldn't even step into the kitchen when they were down on their luck had now picked up his skills again. That was a huge transformation.

“What else could I do? My father is old, what can he manage? Plus, the funds to take over this teahouse haven't been fully paid yet.” Gao Kai knew his family's situation couldn't be hidden from Shi Man and her group; they had their sources in this area. “Qiqi, sit down. Why are you just standing there?”

“Waiting for the boss to offer us a free round,” Wang Qiqi joked suddenly. Looking at the articulate Gao Kai, she thought this man had truly changed; he showed a spark of vitality, a feeling of hope and ambition for the future.

“Just say the word,” Gao Kai replied heartily. “I heard from Wang Rui that you’re considered a living God of Wealth in your family. Naturally, I have to flatter you a bit, hoping you might drop a hint so I can make some money.” While Gao Kai’s words carried a hint of flattery, they also contained a degree of seriousness. He had some understanding of Wang Qiqi’s cousin and her husband and didn't believe they were living so well without Qiqi’s influence. Although he wanted to be friendly with Wang Qiqi, Wang Rui—that utterly useless meddler—not only guarded against him approaching Qiqi, but Qiqi and her circle also thoroughly disliked Wang Rui.

Wang Qiqi was startled by his directness. She wondered how much this young man knew about her affairs. “Not at all. Am I the God of Wealth? I wish I were.” Regardless of his true thoughts, Wang Qiqi certainly wouldn't admit to being a source of wealth; that would put too much pressure on her.

Shi Man chimed in, trying to keep the conversation light. “Exactly. If Qiqi were the God of Wealth, I’d be rich already.” Shifting the topic, she asked, “You must be graduating soon, too. Are you working here?”

Gao Kai was slightly disappointed that Wang Qiqi hadn't taken the bait, but he kept a bright smile. “Mhm. Is working for someone else better than working for yourself? Besides, my father always going around isn't right. He promised not to gamble again, but it turns out he picked it up again. So, I’m making sure he stays put.” His parents hadn't initially planned to take over this place. The job his father had before was easy and paid well, but the problem was his father showed signs of his old sickness recurring. Gao Kai certainly wouldn't let him keep gambling; losing money in those places wasn't small change. Even smarter people than his father had been ruined there, which was why they fell to this point. So, he forced his parents to use their money to take over this place. Being in debt was acceptable; luckily, business was improving, and the debt was shrinking. However, Gao Kai never intended to hold onto the teahouse long-term. Its prospects wouldn't remain booming forever; the profit would inevitably dwindle over time. Gao Kai decided to sell it while business was hot and then pursue a different industry. “I heard Qiqi has some good properties. Is she optimistic about the real estate outlook?” Since Wang Qiqi was reluctant to elaborate, Gao Kai decided to ask directly.

Wang Qiqi hadn’t expected Gao Kai to be so straightforward. “Are you planning to get into real estate?” Even in this city—better than a third-tier, not quite second-tier—property values were stable and rising, but getting into real estate development wasn't easy. First, there was the capital required. Then, one had to cultivate good relationships with the relevant departments—and it wasn't just one or two departments. The network of payoffs required significant funds. Looking at the real estate success of Zhu Lina’s family, those networking costs alone would be massive. Of course, the returns upon success were huge.

“Yes,” Gao Kai admitted, knowing Qiqi was discreet. She might poke fun at him, but she wouldn't spread his secrets, just as those who flocked around him when he was down had suddenly turned hostile, treating him like a dog. Only Wang Qiqi’s gaze remained the same old look of disdain. He knew he had wronged her, but he was more disappointed in the people he once considered close friends. “What do you think?”

“Do you have the capital and the connections?” Wang Qiqi countered. “If not, I think you should stick to something else. The investment is large, and the overhead is huge. If you have a lot of money or can secure a bank loan, then it’s a decent industry.” At least for the next decade, it would trend upward.

Gao Kai felt somewhat confident about those aspects. Though not entirely sure, he understood more about certain things than Wang Qiqi did. “It’s fine. Since even you approve, I suppose I can start making plans.” As for money, and connections, he needed to start cultivating them; he couldn't wait until he was officially entering the industry to start building relationships. Furthermore, if he sold this place, he needed to assure the buyer that he was changing careers, not because the business was failing, to ensure a good price.

Wang Qiqi smiled. “Then I wish you success.” She figured he probably already had a plan and was just using this as an opportunity to chat. Perhaps he wanted to leverage her to connect with Shi Man and Zhu Lina. The Zhu family was doing exceptionally well lately, spearheaded by their heir, Zhu Lina. Even if Gao Kai couldn't get close to the heir, building a good relationship with her would certainly be beneficial, not harmful.

For the next while, the three of them reminisced about college. Gao Kai, however, spent more time discussing his own life—how reckless he used to be, and why he changed. As he spoke, Shi Man frequently shot Wang Qiqi glances that were either suggestive or strangely curious. Wang Qiqi felt helpless about it. She genuinely hadn't realized Gao Kai could be such a smooth talker; he used to stick to the 'cool guy' persona. University and society had truly transformed people, molding Gao Kai into this polished version.

Zhu Lina stood by the private room door. Hearing a man's voice coming from inside, she felt puzzled. Wasn't this supposed to be a chat among three sisters? Where did the extra voice come from? Was it a relative of Shi Man or Wang Qiqi? She abruptly pushed the door open. “Wow, while your men aren't around, the two of you are actually…” She was about to tease them when she saw Gao Kai sitting inside. The words died in her throat. Some things, though in the past, still existed. “Hi, long time no see,” Zhu Lina greeted Gao Kai, then cast an inquiring glance at Wang Qiqi and Shi Man, silently asking what was going on.

“Nana, you didn’t know? Gao Kai is actually the young owner of this teahouse. We ran into him by chance, and he’s treating us—how polite of him!” Shi Man explained from her seat why Gao Kai was there.

Zhu Lina thought, Of course, I know Gao Kai owns this place. She and Shi Man had been speculating about whether the ex-couple would meet and what the scene would be like. They hadn't thought a meeting was very likely, but encountering them now, drinking tea peacefully in the same room, left Zhu Lina momentarily stunned. What kind of situation was this? It was too harmonious. “Well, thank you, Boss Gao. It looks like business is booming for you around the Lunar New Year,” she commented. Several groups had come and gone, leaving no empty seats, but many customers stayed all day, hindering turnover.

“It’s a shame about the inefficient use of seating when it’s crowded,” Gao Kai said, noting that some people stayed for half a day or even the whole day for just the standard tea charge. “But I wouldn’t dare call myself ‘Boss’ in front of Boss Zhu. I’m just getting by day-to-day.”

Juliana looked at Gao Kai, who entirely lacked the haughty air he possessed back in school. It seemed this fellow had endured considerable hardship in the real world, yet he had managed to claw his way back up. A person like that, once they find their footing, has a rather promising future; one needs a strong psyche to travel further.

The entire gathering flowed smoothly, thanks to Gao Kai’s intentional agreement with the others. The four of them chatted quite happily. After all, as long as he didn't mention his true objective, everyone could just treat it as a simple class reunion. Besides, the man happened to know quite a bit about their former classmates’ recent circumstances, so they might as well listen in on the gossip and catch up on everyone’s lives.

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected that in the mere four years since they had all gone their separate ways, the changes would be so immense. Some were already married with children; some were thriving brilliantly; and some, regrettably, were struggling. Of course, what shocked Wang Qiqi even more was discovering that a classmate had passed away—truly something no one could have ever predicted.