Wang Qiqi left the scene immediately after saying those words, leaving Wang Rui so angry her face flushed crimson. Though outsiders saw her as the 'other woman,' in her own mind, it was the other woman who was the home-wrecker. If that woman hadn't suddenly shown up, Wang Rui felt certain that given her relationship with Gao Kai, she would have secured the position of Mrs. Gao. To have Wang Qiqi meet her and immediately brand her a mistress—what was that supposed to mean? At that moment, Wang Rui completely forgot how she had provoked Qiqi first.

“Auntie, look at Qiqi, she…” Once Wang Qiqi’s figure had disappeared, Wang Rui turned to Wang Damei, seething with indignation.

Wang Damei looked at her furious niece and honestly wanted to say that if Wang Rui hadn’t provoked Qiqi earlier, Qiqi wouldn't have treated her this way. Qiqi rarely spoke so directly, but more importantly, what Qiqi said was the truth. She hadn't been wrong.

Song Ziwen watched Wang Rui’s I’m-so-angry expression with silent, internal sneering. Although his relationship with Gao Kai was decent, his relationship with Wang Rui had always been poor. Since forever, she had been the source of trouble.

Song Ziwen stated coldly from the side, “Qiqi wasn’t wrong. Gao Kai is getting married, and the person he’s marrying isn’t you. If you’re not the mistress, then who is?”

“But I knew Gao Kai first,” Wang Rui was aware that Song Ziwen wouldn't defend her, but she hadn't expected him to be so blunt. She had just needled Wang Qiqi moments ago, and now he was piling on the pressure. Wang Rui felt utterly miserable, realizing that without any financial backing, not even relatives would take her seriously.

However, Wang Rui was confident that she would ultimately surpass Wang Qiqi in life. Hadn't she seen Qiqi selling off family property? Rumor had it that things overseas were rife with hedonism—especially illicit indulgences. Wang Rui secretly hoped that Wang Qiqi or Han Tao hadn't picked up some bad habits during their travels and squandered their money. Otherwise, why would Qiqi need to sell the house? The thought brought Wang Rui immense pleasure; she could already picture the miserable life Qiqi would lead in the future.

“You knew Gao Kai first, but you know perfectly well how you snagged him, and then, when you saw he was running low on funds, you dumped him. If I were Gao Kai, I wouldn't choose a woman like you as a wife either. Look at the education, background, and career of Gao Kai’s current wife, and then look at yourself.” Song Ziwen scanned Wang Rui dismissively from head to toe. “Your figure is decent, but you scream ‘kept woman.’ You have no poise at all, and now that you’re so angry, your face is contorted, making your already unfriendly features look truly terrifying.”

“Song Ziwen, is that how you speak to your sister?” Wang Damei hadn't intended to interrupt Song Ziwen; she felt he hadn't spoken incorrectly up to that point. But what he said next crossed a line. Wang Damei immediately cut in, “However, Wang Rui, your brother isn't entirely wrong. In many people’s eyes, you are simply a third party.”

Although Wang Damei had never openly scolded Wang Rui, she was deeply dissatisfied with her niece’s behavior. For a woman who had experienced being the wronged wife due to a mistress, the ‘other woman’ was a despicable existence. Wang Damei never imagined that the Wang family would produce such a person, especially one who seemed rather pleased with the role of a mistress—how could Wang Damei be happy about that? From Wang Rui, Wang Damei felt no sympathy, only the impression that she was unambitious and willingly self-degrading.

“Auntie!” Wang Rui shrieked. What did this mean? Wang Damei was supposed to be her pillar of support. Wang Rui knew that without Auntie, Song Ziwen and his wife wouldn't even spare her a glance. But now, this very person was speaking against her, especially in front of Song Ziwen. This made Wang Rui increasingly feel that Wang Damei only wanted to watch her suffer. “Who forced me to do this? Wasn’t it Wang Qiqi?”

Wang Rui felt utterly wretched thinking about it. Did she want to be a mistress? She wanted to marry well! But Wang Qiqi had struck it rich, Song Yao had struck it rich, and Song Ziwen was prospering. Seeing how well everyone else was doing, and then looking at herself—the university she attended was subpar, and even after graduation, she wouldn't find a decent job. Song Ziwen and the others wouldn't help her. No matter what she did, Wang Rui knew her limitations: no talent, no money, no background. Before, she’d seen Qiqi starting a purchasing agent business and thought she could do the same, but that attempt resulted in losing all her capital. Wang Rui was then left with no option but to profit through men; she truly didn't know any other way to earn money. Yet now, everyone in the family felt she was wrong. What kind of situation was this?

“I didn’t want to be a mistress either! If only Wang Qiqi hadn't been so focused on pulling you and Song Yao up, would I have ended up like this?” Overcome with fury, Wang Rui completely forgot she was in the Song family home, especially saying such a thing in front of Wang Damei. “She only cared that you were her older siblings; did she ever consider that I am her younger sister?” If Qiqi had just given her a little information—like stock market trends—Wang Rui was certain she could have established herself.

Song Ziwen watched the woman strike a pose as if Wang Qiqi had wronged her, and couldn't help but let out a chuckle. Thick-skinned people remain thick-skinned no matter the circumstances. “Do you think your parents’ past actions toward Qiqi would make Qiqi willing to lend you a hand?”

“Don’t pretend you didn’t know what your parents did back then. You were young, but you must have offered advice on some matters, hadn't you? You were the one who snatched Gao Kai away back then, too.” Song Ziwen had to admit that Wang Rui possessed a certain knack for seducing men.

“That, that, back then Qiqi and Gao Kai…” Wang Rui stammered, trying to defend herself. “Gao Kai back then…” Wang Rui could claim she didn't steal Gao Kai, but she knew that in the eyes of Gao Kai, Wang Qiqi, and even Shi Man, she was the one who stole her older sister’s boyfriend. With Wang Qiqi and the others on record, Wang Rui knew Song Ziwen would never believe her.

“That’s your business. Now think about what you did in university. You were dating a perfectly fine man, but you insisted on getting involved with Gao Kai again, and then you started seeing some Hong Kong man who was much older. Tell me, what exactly have you done with your life? And I doubt what you even studied in college.” Song Ziwen spoke without restraint. “Setting aside the fact that your diploma is only from a junior college and the school isn’t famous, and you learned nothing significant there—I wouldn't hire you anyway. Now that I know you’re someone’s mistress, I am even less inclined.”

Song Ziwen was already tired of his mother constantly mentioning that Wang Rui couldn't find a job or that the salary she found was too low. He understood Wang Damei was hoping he would hire Wang Rui. But the problem was, how could Song Ziwen hire such a wasteful woman into his company? As Song Ziwen listed Wang Rui’s faults, one thing suddenly struck him: “And I genuinely think you are an entity of bad luck—a bringer of misfortune.” Song Ziwen firmly believed this; otherwise, he wouldn't consult a master before starting any company endeavor.

“An entity of bad luck?” Wang Damei and Wang Rui exclaimed simultaneously. “Son, are you sure about that?” Wang Damei thought Song Ziwen was going too far now. To say such a thing about a young woman—what future would Wang Rui have?

“Song Ziwen, what do you mean by that?” Wang Rui was nearly fainting from anger. She cursed herself for coming over today and ending up so humiliated; Wang Qiqi hadn't even confronted her directly. But now, Song Ziwen was standing up. Hmph. She was his sister too! Why was he treating her so badly? It was too much.

“Isn’t it true?” Song Ziwen felt no need to retract his words. “Think about why your parents divorced. They had conflicts, yes, but wasn't the final trigger your insistence on staying with Gao Kai? And I hear your mother is living quite well recently, even paid off a small shop.” This wasn't something Song Ziwen was guessing; Gao Kai himself had told him.

Wang Rui was stunned that Song Ziwen knew about her mother’s situation. She looked panicked. She was certain she had never mentioned this to Wang Damei, not even to her father. How could Song Ziwen know? “You, you…” Wang Rui frantically tried to figure out who leaked the news. Her mother was Wang Rui’s last fallback. If she really had to use that connection, Wang Rui knew her life would be over. Yet, Song Ziwen knew such a private detail.

Wang Damei was shocked that Wang Rui knew her mother’s circumstances. She had been angry at her former sister-in-law’s irresponsibility initially, but after so many years, how much anger could she maintain? Now, she was angry that Wang Rui hadn't told the truth. Wang Rui had previously claimed she didn't know where her mother went, but her current look of alarm confirmed Song Ziwen wasn't lying.

“You can claim ignorance about this, but think about it: how good was Gao Kai’s family situation before he got involved with you? His fortunes declined after that, didn't they? Then you broke up, and now look at him—his situation is improving rapidly.” Song Ziwen thought this was the most convincing argument. He doubted his mother would still be so easily convinced to hire Wang Rui into his factory after this. Song Ziwen inwardly admired himself. He had been avoiding her to prevent her from getting a job, but he couldn't argue with Wang Damei. Since the incident with her husband erupted, Song Ziwen knew how unhappy his mother had been, so he dared not provoke her. But now, he could avoid upsetting Wang Damei while simultaneously extinguishing her idea. Song Ziwen was truly impressed with his own maneuvering.

Indeed, after Song Ziwen’s explanation, Wang Damei seriously felt there was truth to it. Li Cui was doing well after the divorce, while Gao Kai’s life became difficult after getting involved with Wang Rui. After they separated, he slowly regained his footing.

Wang Damei didn't voice agreement with Song Ziwen’s statement, but her thoughtful silence made Wang Rui anxious. If even Wang Damei believed she was an entity of bad luck, what would she do in the future? Wang Rui couldn't bear to imagine what would happen if she lost Wang Damei’s protection. “Auntie…”

Though Wang Damei felt a little disloyal to Wang Rui for thinking this way, anyone would be reluctant to have a harbinger of misfortune among their relatives. Wang Damei understood Song Ziwen’s intention was to prevent Wang Rui from working at the factory, but although there was exaggeration, it wasn't all lies. “I’m a bit tired; I’m going back to bed.” Wang Damei felt her age and decided she should retire to her room.

Song Ziwen knew his mother, despite wanting to help Wang Rui, did so only on the foundation of her children’s success. Once she realized someone might threaten her children's careers, she would find a way to deal with them. Now, Wang Rui’s standing in her mind had dropped. “Then Mom, I’ll go home for a bit and then head to the factory.” Qiqi probably wouldn’t object to expanding the factory’s scale. Then, securing land and contacting construction teams needed to be put on the agenda. Song Ziwen had to go back and finalize things and prepare everything necessary.

Wang Damei retired to her room, and Song Ziwen announced he was leaving too. Wang Rui watched the situation, noticing Wang Damei wasn't offering her the usual casual invitation to stay.

Song Ziwen smirked inwardly as he watched Wang Rui look pleadingly at his mother. Still trying to stay? Forget it. Get rid of her quickly so they could go out for a celebratory dinner for Wang Qiqi later. With her around, it was guaranteed that no one except Wang Rui would enjoy the meal.

Wang Rui watched Song Ziwen standing smugly at the doorway, glaring at her coldly. She desperately wanted to land a punch on him, but she had to restrain herself. What else could she do? “Then I’ll take my leave. I happen to have an interview.”

An interview? Song Ziwen sneered internally. If she were truly going to an interview, why would she come here, acting like she planned to stay indefinitely? Did she look like someone heading to an interview? “An interview is good. Getting a job through proper channels is the right way. Why stay home all day? But actually, you could consider working at Gao Kai’s company; they need staff anyway.”

Working at Gao Kai’s place? Wang Rui had thought about that; she dreamed about it. Then she could subtly use her influence to let Gao Kai’s subordinates know her status. That would solidify her relationship with Gao Kai. If things went smoothly, she might even get into his finance department. Wang Rui felt that even without being his wife, if she controlled Gao Kai’s finances, that would suffice. But no matter how she pleaded, Gao Kai hadn't agreed to let Wang Rui work at the real estate company. “I want to go, but my qualifications aren’t high enough,” Wang Rui replied glumly.

Qualifications aren't enough? Song Ziwen scoffed. “You’re already his woman; what do you need qualifications for? I think he simply doesn't want you working at the real estate company.” Wang Rui cared about appearances, so Song Ziwen certainly wouldn't give her any face. He said directly, “Your sister-in-law and I are married, and we each have our own careers. If you, in an unsanctioned position, worked at the company, what would Gao Kai’s wife think?”

“If I were you, I’d stay quietly at home, waiting for the master’s grand arrival. You know women’s jealousy isn't small. What if she throws something on your face…?” Song Ziwen offered this seemingly kind suggestion.

Throw something on her face? Although Song Ziwen didn't finish the sentence, Wang Rui understood the implication. She couldn't imagine what would happen if something were thrown on her face. If she were actually disfigured, Wang Rui was sure Gao Kai would abandon her without a second thought. Even if she received compensation, what good would it be to a ruined woman? Her future would be bleak, and she couldn't rely on her father either. But this was a society governed by law. “She wouldn't dare! Wouldn’t she worry about legal trouble?”

“Some things aren't done by one's own hand; accidents happen all the time. You keep pushing someone’s limits. What do you think will happen if that person is pushed too hard?” Song Ziwen thought that if it weren't for the fact that this person was technically his relative, and something bad actually happened, forcing his mother to look miserable every day while asking him to take care of her, Song Ziwen wouldn't bother with someone actively seeking their own destruction. This was all self-inflicted. “Think before you act. If something goes wrong, don’t assume we will help you. And think about your father’s character.”

Song Ziwen was absolutely convinced that if something happened to Wang Rui, Wang Dagui would take the money and settle the matter privately. The only victim would be Wang Rui. Wang Dagui was nice to Wang Rui only because she was a girl who could bring him profit. If this daughter lost all her utility value, Wang Dagui wouldn't care. It was easy to predict the kind of life Wang Rui would lead then.

Although Song Ziwen’s words were harsh, Wang Rui had to admit they held considerable truth. She knew exactly what kind of man her father was—money came first. Back when her uncle and aunt treated the family well, the moment trouble struck them, her parents’ first instinct was to secure the compensation and grab their inheritance. If it were her, Wang Rui guaranteed that as long as the other party paid enough, her father would sweep the entire affair under the rug. Thinking of this, Wang Rui felt truly miserable. Apart from her mother, who genuinely thought of her well-being, no one else cared for her.

Song Ziwen watched Wang Rui lingering at the doorway, showing no sign of leaving. He spoke up, “Are you going or not? Didn’t you have an interview?” Come on, if you’re going to put on an act, do it properly! Aren't you supposed to be a good actress? Why is your performance so poor now?

Wang Rui snapped back to attention, realizing Song Ziwen’s face had completely hardened, filled with clear dissatisfaction. A sharp pang hit her heart. They were all sisters, so why was Qiqi treated so well while she received such harsh treatment? “Brother, I am your sister too.”

Song Ziwen snorted, grabbing the obstinate Wang Rui who was blocking the doorway and pulling her out. “Of course, I know you’re my sister. To be honest, if I could, I truly wouldn't want any connection with you. A person like you only thinks of yourself when there are benefits, but when you need favors, you suddenly remember you’re the younger relative, the little sister. Please, with that attitude, not even a cousin, but a real sister, would bother helping you.” When they have money, they act like royalty. “You didn’t think we forgot what you did at my sister’s wedding, did you?”

After saying this, Song Ziwen turned and strode away. Talking more to someone like her, Song Ziwen worried he might feel the urge to hit her. Shouldn't people help each other? Why should you always take the benefits while we have to clean up your messes?

Wang Rui watched Song Ziwen stride off, not even asking where she was going for the interview or offering a ride. He had driven two hundred kilometers just to pick up Wang Qiqi earlier, and this was the treatment she got? Hmph. Trying to shake her off? No way. She would cling to him, so what if she did? She had seen Wang Damei’s attitude too and understood her reservations. The probability of Wang Damei speaking up for her in the future was low, so she might as well fight for herself. Regardless of what happened, she had to make sure Gao Kai’s wife knew she had influential backing too.

Wang Rui broke into a small run. Just as she burst out of the building entrance, she saw Song Ziwen preparing to start his car. She rushed in front of the vehicle, extending both hands. “Brother, could you give me a ride to the factory?”

Song Ziwen hadn't expected this sticky plaster of a person to act this way; it nearly gave him a fright. Luckily, he had just started the engine, planning to wait for the car's interior to warm up before driving off. Otherwise, if he hadn't noticed her, he might have run her over, and then… Song Ziwen felt a headache coming on just thinking about how Wang Rui and her father would cling to him afterward, demanding he solve their problems. “Are you trying to die? If so, please go get hit by someone else’s car, don't cause trouble for me!” Song Ziwen shouted out the window. “A person like you truly only brings trouble into this world. Calling you an entity of bad luck was right.”

“Brother…” Wang Rui was furious inside. It was one thing to say this indoors, but he was still saying it outside! Did he even consider her a sister? Still, she suppressed her anger. “Brother, I just wanted to ask if you could give me a ride since you’re going that way.” Wang Rui spoke with a pitiful tone, acting as if she were perfectly behaved and her brother was being utterly unreasonable.

"No time, I'm in a rush," Song Ziwen couldn't be bothered with discussing whether their routes aligned, especially when she was clearly setting a trap. "You aren't actually going to an interview, so what if you walk slower? I don't even know why a girl keeping someone else as a lover needs an interview; couldn't you just start working at his place directly? At most, you just need to be careful to avoid the main wife." After saying this, Song Ziwen started the car and left. Trying to smear my name? She should take a good look at herself first. Did she think I was dead?

Wang Rui was stunned speechless by Song Ziwen's words. Though she was thick-skinned and full of little schemes, she was, after all, just a young girl, and there were many things she still lacked the audacity to face head-on.