“If you can’t finish it, you can pack it to go,” Juliana said with an air of deep consideration for you. “Or perhaps you can pick out the dishes you like and we won’t order those.” What was that supposed to mean? Was she accusing me of being wasteful?

Pack it up? Chen Yan was completely cornered by Juliana’s remark. How could she possibly bring up the topic of ordering too much food now? The other woman had already suggested packing leftovers. What was she supposed to do? Putting aside the sheer embarrassment of packing food, one only ever packed leftovers—no one packed food the moment it was served. Chen Yan had originally planned to wait for Juliana or Wang Qiqi to mention that they had ordered too much, then quickly tell the waiter not to order the dishes that hadn't even been brought out. Unfortunately, these two refused to let her utter such a polite suggestion.

Wang Qiqi and Juliana secretly exchanged amused glances. This woman was probably going to spit blood from frustration. Both of them were deliberately playing dumb, pretending not to understand what Chen Yan was trying to imply. But this was all her own doing; if she wanted to put on airs, she could go do it elsewhere.

“These shrimp look quite fresh; perhaps we should set them aside?” Wang Qiqi said reluctantly. Honestly, the river shrimp and seafood here were quite fresh, and considering the price, it wasn't expensive at all.

“These scallops are good too,” Juliana chimed in, equally reluctant to let them go. You think we ordered too much, do you? Fine, we’ll put on a good show for you, and see how you handle the leftovers. Hmph, trying to act pitiful in front of us? We can play that game too.

Chen Yan took several deep breaths, repeatedly reminding herself: Don't get angry with them, don't get angry with them, or you’ll be the one to suffer. “How could I possibly pack food? If you like them, eat more. We can order more if it’s not enough.” Forget it, she needed to address the actual reason she asked Wang Qiqi out, or this wouldn't be resolved, and they’d be back in this cycle. Chen Yan genuinely worried that after a few more such encounters, she might end up hospitalized. Besides, she’d heard Wang Qiqi had returned to handle some personal matters.

“I heard you’re back to sell some property?” Chen Yan was curious why Wang Qiqi would sell houses at this time when property prices had been rising for the past two years. While selling now might seem profitable, it was a loss in the long run. Furthermore, anyone who knew Wang Qiqi even slightly understood that her passion for real estate had never wavered: buy property, renovate, rent it out for income, then buy more. It was a closed loop. Why would she sell? Was she planning a new venture elsewhere, or what...?

Wang Qiqi wasn't surprised that Chen Yan knew the reason for her return. Her older brother and Gao Kai were on good terms. Selling several houses at once wasn't a minor transaction; there was bound to be some ripple effect. It was only natural that Gao Kai would let a word slip after finding out. “I plan to spend most of my time abroad from now on, so naturally, I need to consolidate some assets overseas,” she stated, a perfectly reasonable excuse. “Besides, although prices here have risen, they haven't shot up as fiercely as in the Capital. I’d rather get in there before the prices climb too high.”

So, she was planning to emigrate. As for Wang Qiqi’s subsequent mention of buying property in the Capital, Chen Yan certainly didn't take that seriously; Wang Qiqi already held quite a bit of real estate there. “That’s great. Actually, I envy you, Qiqi. You’re academically brilliant, you studied abroad, and you found such a capable man. I heard you were hired by that American software company before you even graduated, and you even bought a house in the States, right?”

Was that supposed to be a compliment? Wang Qiqi listened and it sounded like it, but why was Chen Yan taking such a roundabout way to say it? Yesterday, Wang Qiqi and Juliana had already analyzed why Chen Yan invited Qiqi out for dinner. They both suspected it had something to do with Wang Rui. Perhaps Chen Yan was getting anxious. The real question was whether this person wanted to join forces with them against Wang Rui or use them to issue a warning to Wang Rui. If it was the latter, Wang Qiqi felt genuinely sorry; she wasn't that close with Wang Rui and wouldn't be foolish enough to scold Wang Rui on her behalf.

“That’s also down to my good judgment. Haven’t you got good judgment too, finding Gao Kai?” Wang Qiqi set down her chopsticks, paused for a moment, and leaned back in her chair to reply. While praising her own taste, Chen Yan’s taste also seemed good. “Gao Kai is his own boss, sure, but what good is my man’s ability if he’s just an employee? He’s still working for others.” This wasn't inaccurate; even if one started their own company, they still had to answer to other shareholders—they were still, in a sense, employees.

That much was true; being a boss was better than being an employee. A boss called the shots. But Chen Yan wasn’t stupid enough to admit that. “Being an employee has its advantages too. You don't have to worry about as many things; you complete your tasks, collect your salary on time. Running your own company means endless worries…” Chen Yan rambled on about the difficulties of entrepreneurship. “Of course, Nana’s family business is different; she doesn't have to worry about that much since the foundation is already there.” Chen Yan couldn't help but dream about when Gao Kai’s real estate empire would rival Juliana’s company—if not match it, at least reach half its size.

Wang Qiqi watched Chen Yan’s obvious smugness and secretly chuckled. Gao Kai might be doing well in business, but what was she so proud of? At his current scale, he was already so fickle. Once his scale expanded further, he’d have even more women. Then we’ll see how secure Mrs. Gao’s position remains.

Listening to Chen Yan, Juliana felt a bitter taste in her mouth. Big family, big business, not much to worry about? Did she think being a rich second-generation meant life was easy? Could she take over the business smoothly just because she was the boss's daughter? Without real capability, wouldn't her relatives harbor thoughts of usurpation? In Chen Yan's eyes, Juliana was just someone relying on her elders. The more Juliana thought about it, the worse she felt. Her own mother had praised her for being sensible. If her mother knew how Chen Yan viewed her, what would she think?

“Having a large enterprise also means too many people watching you, and too many ungrateful curs,” Juliana said wryly. “Didn’t you ask Qiqi out for something specific? Stop beating around the bush and just say it. We’re about to start our second bottle. Don't wait until Qiqi gets a little tipsy to bring it up.” Juliana was impatient. Having worked in a bank for so long, her way of speaking had taken on a bureaucratic tone. That might work on her, but not on Qiqi, who hated that sort of thing.

Juliana’s bluntness made Chen Yan uncomfortable for a moment. “I asked Qiqi out because I wanted to discuss Wang Rui.” Since Juliana had pressed the issue, Chen Yan decided not to stall any longer. She stated her purpose directly.

“Although we are sisters, due to certain incidents, my relationship with her is not good. And she has her father backing her. If you think she is difficult, you should go to her father,” Wang Qiqi stated very calmly. “Of course, I suggest you negotiate with her directly instead of coming to me.”

“I tried talking to her, but she… but she…” Chen Yan nearly choked just thinking about Wang Rui’s words when they last negotiated; they infuriated her. “She said she knew Gao Kai before I did, and that if it weren’t for me, she would have married Gao Kai long ago.” Hearing that, Chen Yan knew Wang Rui had played a lot of dirty tricks, but ultimately, wasn't Wang Rui the victor? She never expected Wang Rui to be so arrogant. Are all homewreckers this brazen these days?

“That statement isn't entirely false,” Wang Qiqi acknowledged fairly. “From what I understand, you also snatched Gao Kai from someone else, didn't you?” Wang Qiqi stated another fact. “If I look at it from that woman’s perspective, you’re also a shameless woman who stole someone’s boyfriend, right?” In this day and age, did a mistress who ‘graduated’ to wife status expect to erase that history? But some facts aren't so easily dismissed. “You had a boyfriend you were nearly engaged to before, didn't you?”

Chen Yan hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to counterattack so strongly just because she complained a little. “What sisterly affection! You say your relationship isn’t good, but what was that you just said? Yes, I had a boyfriend before, but my feelings for him were just average. As for me stealing Gao Kai from someone, that’s a joke. It was her inability to keep Gao Kai captivated.” If she had the ability to hold Gao Kai’s attention, how could Chen Yan have taken him so easily?

There went another person with an inflated sense of self-importance, believing she did no wrong and that others were to blame. “Well, Wang Rui could also say she didn't steal a husband. If a wife has enough charm, why would a man look elsewhere?” Wang Qiqi thought that if she said this out loud, the mistress would laugh herself to death.

“You…” Chen Yan wanted to argue that she and Wang Rui were different, but she knew that no matter what she said, it couldn’t erase the facts Wang Qiqi laid out. Chen Yan knew the source of this information must be Juliana and Shi Man. What was the point of arguing further? “I don't want to dwell on the past. I am Gao Kai’s wife now. Isn’t Wang Rui going too far? I heard you were also Gao Kai’s girlfriend back then. Didn’t Wang Rui snatch him away from you too?” Chen Yan couldn't believe Wang Qiqi hadn't regretted it by now. If she were in her shoes, seeing her former boyfriend become so successful, not regretting it would be impossible.

Ah, this woman changed tactics, trying to spark Wang Qiqi’s resentment toward Wang Rui. “I think you’ve got it wrong. I never admitted to dating Gao Kai. He was too flashy and superficial back then—not my type. You can tell from my current boyfriend: I’m not interested in those so-called sporty types from high school; I only like the academic elites. And Gao Kai back then hardly qualified as an academic elite. But I was quite surprised when Wang Rui and Gao Kai got together. It was a sweet student romance; I often wonder if it would have been even more beautiful if they had continued it.” Wang Qiqi knew Chen Yan didn't want to hear her endorse Gao Kai and Wang Rui, but she insisted on saying it to counter Chen Yan’s previous attempts at sowing discord.

Chen Yan hadn't expected that instead of stirring up hatred toward Wang Rui, she’d made Wang Qiqi reminisce about her high school days. That was manageable. The critical part was that this person actually said they made a good match, even suggesting it would be more beautiful if they continued. Pah! If Gao Kai and Wang Rui had stayed together, what would Chen Yan be? Would she have had to bow out gracefully? “High school romances are beautiful, but they’re often unrealistically beautiful, don’t you think?”

“Whether something is realistic depends on the people involved. For instance, mine was a student romance, wasn't it?” Wang Qiqi smiled slightly. While Chen Yan had a point, not everyone gave up. “Men are fickle. What if, after seeing the deceit and maneuvering in the workplace, he suddenly feels the simplicity of student days was better? It’s not impossible.”

“People need to be realistic. No matter how good a student romance is, it can’t withstand reality, can it?” Chen Yan countered. “Your relationship with your boyfriend seems fine, but from what I know, your man isn't doing particularly well, is he? If he were as successful as Gao Kai, I think…” Since the conversation with Wang Qiqi wasn't pleasant, Chen Yan stopped holding back. “Men are all like cats that enjoy sneaking around.”

“I admit that part, so why are you getting so agitated? Or do you think my return will make Gao Kai waver in his decision to marry you?” Gao Kai successful? Wang Qiqi really wanted to laugh. Okay, he was doing well among his peers. But Wang Qiqi felt her man was better, with a much brighter future, and much better to her. “You think Gao Kai is great. I think my Han Tao is great. I don't ask for much; as long as he’s devoted to me and doesn't stray outside, that’s enough.”

Wang Qiqi’s feigned modesty made Chen Yan grind her teeth in fury, mainly because everything Wang Qiqi said seemed to be directly aimed at Chen Yan’s current marriage.

Juliana cheered silently in her heart. Hmph, she thinks she’s the boss now just because she married Gao Kai. Does she think Gao Kai is so amazing? She forgets that while his empire is large, most of the money is borrowed. If the bank suddenly froze assets or housing sales stalled, he’d be panicking. Of course, Gao Kai chose a very good time; with property prices rising step by step, this situation is rare.

Chen Yan took two more deep breaths; she felt sick to her stomach. She’d treated them to the best food and drink, only to be constantly provoked. If this wasn’t being an ungrateful wretch, what was? “You certainly don’t ask for much,” Chen Yan said with a forced smile. “But since your family background is good, of course your man has to treat you well.” From what Gao Kai said, Wang Qiqi’s shares in Song Ziwen and Song Yao’s factories were enough for a comfortable life, not to mention properties and shops in the Capital. “If I were you, I would have the same requirements.” If I had money, why would I have to watch a man’s face? I’d certainly find a gentle and obedient man. Chen Yan wouldn't want a man like Gao Kai even if she were paid.

“That’s true,” Wang Qiqi nodded, completely missing the provocative undertone in Chen Yan’s words. “I just want a man who is devoted to me. The money and property my parents left me are enough to live on, not to mention I’ve found someone to help me get richer. I can afford to be lazy. I rely on my parents and elders at home, and my husband after marriage. Even if my Han Tao doesn't earn a fortune, it’s enough for a comfortable life—we can take a trip a couple of times a year, and I can buy a few brand-name items…” Wang Qiqi intentionally said things she knew Chen Yan disliked hearing.

Chen Yan watched Wang Qiqi, who claimed her husband wasn't successful but whose eyes were brimming with satisfaction with him. However, Chen Yan paid little heed to what Wang Qiqi said. It was entirely possible that Wang Qiqi was footing the bill for those trips and purchases. Hmph. It was a good thing she was wholeheartedly committed to Han Tao. If she ever turned back and realized Gao Kai was a high-performing stock, Chen Yan knew she would definitely overpower Wang Qiqi. Although Gao Kai rarely mentioned Wang Qiqi, the subtle expressions on his face during those few times he did made Chen Yan intensely nervous—thousands of times more nervous than she was about Wang Rui.

“Stop showing off. Your man isn’t earning little! His annual income, converted to RMB, must be over a million, right?” Juliana muttered to herself. If this current venture succeeded, their net worth would surpass Gao Kai’s by who knows how many times. Gao Kai would probably stare in shock when he found out.

Over a million in annual income? Chen Yan’s first reaction was disbelief. Wasn't that person studying for a Master's in the US? How could money be earned so easily across the pond? Then she recalculated: an income of one hundred thousand USD converted to RMB was indeed over a million. This realization lessened Chen Yan’s shock. While the income sounded substantial, she reminded herself that they weren't spending RMB in the US.

“It’s not that much after taxes. But it will make immigrating easier later,” Wang Qiqi quickly interrupted Juliana. Damn it, if this got out to the wrong ears, it could cause trouble. “After all the various taxes and paying tuition, plus rent and mortgage payments, there isn't much left over at the end of the year. Life abroad isn't easy.”

Juliana was about to retort that she hadn't lied—even after deducting taxes and expenses, the surplus wasn't huge, but Han Tao was so frugal. Then she saw the subtle warning look from Wang Qiqi and understood the reason. Right, Han Tao’s grandmother was reportedly living in a rented apartment. If word got out about their actual savings, it would surely cause issues. “It’s just a bit better than domestically, and it facilitates future emigration.”

“Exactly. Gao Kai told me that once we have children, we’ll immigrate. Education abroad is definitely better than in the country. It seems your brother is planning to emigrate too?” Chen Yan quickly changed the subject. She certainly didn't want to listen to someone openly flaunting their success while subtly belittling her.

“I think so, but I’m not entirely sure. Even if they emigrate, they’ll still spend most of their time here; their careers are all here.” Wang Qiqi began to realize that Chen Yan’s hostility seemed to be directed more at her. She found it truly baffling. She and Gao Kai had no shared history; Wang Rui was the one inserting herself between them now. But since Chen Yan hadn't openly declared her hostility, Wang Qiqi couldn't just confront her by asking, "Are you being extra hostile towards me?" Still, she couldn't help but wonder about Chen Yan’s situation: “But you’re planning to immigrate with a child? Are you sure?” Gao Kai was different from Song Ziwen. Even if Song Ziwen and his family emigrated, the children could be looked after by Yang Jing’s parents, or at the very least, Wang Qiqi would be nearby. But with Gao Kai, would his parents or Chen Yan’s parents help look after the children? If those monolingual in-laws ran into trouble and couldn't speak English, and Chen Yan was alone raising the children, wouldn’t that leave Gao Kai completely untethered?

Juliana inwardly rejoiced. This meal was definitely worth it—not just the fine wine and delicacies, but also getting to watch Wang Qiqi discipline Chen Yan. Since Juliana had known Chen Yan, her etiquette had always been impeccable. Unfortunately, she met Qiqi, and all her masks were shattered. Juliana had seen how many of this woman’s masks had broken already and worried if they might completely crumble today.

Sure? Of course, Chen Yan wasn't feeling secure. But she knew that once she bore a son, Gao Kai’s parents would show some consideration to the mother of their grandson. “We’ll see when the time comes. Besides, I’d hate to give up my job.” Chen Yan was admitting less about missing her job and more about her anxiety that if she resigned, her status in the Gao family would become precarious.

Chen Yan settled down somewhat after that. She realized that this woman, Wang Qiqi, even without Juliana backing her, still chose her words carefully to suit her mood. Hmph, with a personality like that, how would she manage in her future career? She was bound to suffer eventually; only then would she cry.

Wang Qiqi was quite surprised to see Chen Yan stop provoking them. Did this woman spend all this money to invite them out just for an argument? She felt silly, having spent yesterday thinking hard about how to communicate with Chen Yan, wondering how to proceed if Chen Yan wanted to ally against Wang Rui. But it turned out this dummy only brought up Wang Rui a few times throughout the entire exchange. However, the whole process made one thing clear to Wang Qiqi: this person was fundamentally untrustworthy. If they allied to take down Wang Rui, Chen Yan might just betray Wang Qiqi the next moment. Wang Qiqi felt it was best to keep her distance from such a calculating person. Someone with that much composure would surely be capable of dealing with Wang Rui eventually; it was only a matter of time.

Chen Yan watched as three bowls of bird's nest were served. Although she found Juliana a bit too extravagant, considering the reputed health benefits, she didn't argue. She picked up a bowl and started eating. But before she could finish, the waiter brought out three more portions of shark fin. “Did we order those?” Shark fin wasn’t usually served as a dessert, was it? Besides, they had already ordered three bowls of bird’s nest; ordering more seemed wasteful.

“Yes, I added those later,” Juliana interjected before the waiter could speak. “I thought you weren't coming, so I planned to call Gao Kai over. Wives don't pay the bill, so husbands should, right? It’s all the same.”

Juliana made no attempt to hide her disappointment that Gao Kai hadn't come to settle the bill. Chen Yan was utterly stunned. She hadn't realized they had already plotted to have Gao Kai pay before she even arrived. While Gao Kai was busy, Chen Yan had to admit that if Juliana called him, Gao Kai would undoubtedly drop everything and rush over.

Thinking this over, Chen Yan couldn't help but feel a secret sense of relief that she hadn't rushed in impulsively to cause trouble before; otherwise, she’d have ended up caught between a rock and a hard place. "It's fine, it's fine. Gao Kai isn't lucky enough to share this meal with us; we'll just eat," Chen Yan soothed herself while eating, determined to endure this. She dared not imagine what would have happened if she hadn't come and Gao Kai had called them over—how would they have explained things to Gao Kai? He would certainly think she had gone looking for a fight. Then what about the things he promised her? Chen Yan recalled the impatient look on Gao Kai's face when she had finally laid all her cards on the table. Although he had given her plenty of face in public, with people saying she had mastered the art of managing her husband, Chen Yan knew the reality for herself and could only swallow this bitter pill. Moreover, she had no desire to face that kind of scene again.