Gao Kai paused to steady himself at the restaurant entrance. He had been rushing too much. He knew Wang Qiqi wouldn't give him an easy time, but he hadn't expected her to treat him this way, only notifying him to come for dinner after nine o'clock.

When he first received that call, Gao Kai had been sorely tempted to refuse outright. What a joke—he had so many pressing matters to attend to. To travel all that way just to treat someone who held ill will against him to a meal at an overpriced establishment that clearly intended to fleece him? Gao Kai thought to himself, I’m not some sucker to throw money away for you, but he dared not speak it.

Outside, Gao Kai maintained a facade of supreme confidence, but he was acutely aware of his current predicament. He needed Qiqi's help with numerous issues. Naturally, if he could secure continued cooperation from Song Ziwen, that would be ideal. But if that fell through, it wasn't the end of the world; as long as Qiqi agreed to assist with one other matter, that would suffice. Thus, despite his internal reluctance, Gao Kai had to show up. It was a blessing that his mind was clear enough to recall Wang Qiqi’s intense dislike of seeing Wang Rui; otherwise, he might have made the mistake of bringing Rui along.

Led by a waiter, Gao Kai arrived at the table where Wang Qiqi and Song Ziwen were seated. He had just thanked the server and before he could even sit down, he overheard Wang Qiqi saying, "Brother, stay away from Wang Rui from now on. I see her as completely unscrupulous. Being a mistress is one thing, but does she really need to drag the Han family into it? If she continues like this, I won't hesitate to make her sugar daddy miserable."

Before Gao Kai could offer his greetings to Wang Qiqi and the others, he caught these words and nearly spat out a mouthful of blood. What is going on now? he thought. He wasn't an idiot. Even if Qiqi and Ziwen were deep in conversation and hadn't noticed his arrival initially, it was impossible that they wouldn't notice a living, breathing person standing right there. They must have said that deliberately, just for him to hear. "Ziwen, Qiqi, sorry I'm late."

Wang Qiqi didn't even lift her eyes, merely uttering a noncommittal "Oh." The coldness of Wang Qiqi’s reception ignited a fire within Gao Kai. Hmph, what was with Wang Qiqi? She was just going abroad for a master's degree; did she really think she was some big shot now? Besides, wasn't her man, Han Tao, studying in the States? With them separated by an ocean, it was questionable whether Han Tao could remain faithful. There would be a time for her to cry.

Song Ziwen, however, noticed the flash of shame and suppressed anger crossing Gao Kai’s expression. He quickly lowered his gaze, pretending not to see anything, though his impression of Gao Kai remained decidedly poor. While Wang Qiqi’s preceding behavior was somewhat impolite, Song Ziwen, who understood the entire context, didn't find Qiqi's actions problematic. "Gao Kai, you’re here. Sit down. Qiqi is in a bit of a bad mood today, please be understanding." As the older brother figure, he felt obliged to say a few words for appearances. Of course, he also hoped to smooth the way for Gao Kai to follow his lead. "Oh, and Qiqi hasn't eaten much this morning. I ordered a few things when I came in. You're not angry, are you?"

"Not at all, not at all." Gao Kai thought to himself that he had just been put in his place twice by them; to complain now would make him look like a fool. "By the way, why is Qiqi in a bad mood? Didn't Wang Rui say she was out eating and drinking everywhere, going out to meals and parties with Nana?" Living such a comfortable life, and yet still managing to ruin his plans—Gao Kai couldn't fathom why this young woman would be unhappy when he himself wasn't. Could she have been swindled out of money or virtue?

"Gathering with friends is certainly fun, but it’s not fun to come home afterward and be surrounded by a bunch of people. Not to mention being given a taste of my own medicine by someone’s fiancée earlier." Wang Qiqi crossed her arms, leaning completely back against the chair, staring at Gao Kai with a smirk.

Fiancée? Gao Kai wondered if she meant Chen Yan. But he genuinely knew nothing about it. Besides, wasn't Chen Yan busy enough running around—purchasing furniture and appliances, trying on wedding dresses, arranging for the wedding MC? Gao Kai imagined she must be swamped, all while managing official business too. He couldn't fathom her having the time. So, he smiled back, thinking perhaps some man had a secret crush on Wang Qiqi, and his fiancée found out and came looking for trouble—that would be quite a show. "Whose fiancée is it?"

"Your wife’s," Wang Qiqi retorted testily, clearly done with playing dumb. It seemed Chen Yan had suffered a slight and hadn't even bothered to complain afterward. "Do you have a mistress? Instead of confronting the mistress, she comes to find me? I'm not her husband’s father or her mother; it has nothing to do with me. If you have the guts to have a mistress, please clean up your mess properly."

"Ah, Chen Yan looked for you?" Gao Kai found this highly strange. "How did she find you?" Chen Yan didn't know Wang Qiqi, nor would she know Qiqi was back. And how did she even arrange to meet Qiqi? In any case, Gao Kai couldn't figure it out. Even though Chen Yan and Shi Man were related, Shi Man wouldn't possibly reveal Qiqi's whereabouts to Chen Yan.

"Your wife is quite capable; she managed to persuade Juliana’s mother." Wang Qiqi found it genuinely bizarre. Gao Kai had done such a thing to the Zhu family, yet Nana’s mother would still help Chen Yan. Of course, perhaps Nana’s mother had intentionally set a trap for Chen Yan to fall into, but that wasn't the main point.

Chen Yan persuaded Juliana’s mother? Gao Kai’s heart lurched. He knew his relationship with the Zhu family had been decent initially, but then, due to a moment of foolish impulse, instigated by slight provocation, he’d done something idiotic, and relations hadn't recovered since. How could Chen Yan still have ties with the Zhu family?

Wait—still having ties with the Zhu family, enough to persuade Juliana’s mother? This might indicate that his wife possessed some capability after all. Otherwise, how could the Zhu family still be on good terms with Chen Yan? Considering this, Gao Kai felt that marrying a wife working in a bank’s credit department was definitely not a mistake. He had felt a slight regret about giving up on Wang Rui earlier, but now that the Song family clearly wasn't going to join his venture, Wang Rui truly held little value for leverage.

Wang Qiqi watched Gao Kai drifting off at this point and thought she should have ordered more dishes just to make him pay and see his murderous expression. "Please, next time your wife wants to find Wang Rui, she should look for the principal party. When does a man take his mistress to a hotel, and his wife arranges a negotiation with an unrelated party?" As a man, hearing this, he should have shown some reaction, but instead, he looked somewhat proud. This made Wang Qiqi even angrier. "Gao Kai, are you even listening?"

Song Ziwen sat on the side, quietly sipping his tea. He was just listening to the exchange, and as long as Qiqi was willing to intervene, the mission would be accomplished.

"That, that, Qiqi, listen to me. I truly didn't know she was coming to see me. But don't keep throwing around terms like 'mistress' so freely; you aren't even married yet." Constantly mentioning 'mistress' and casting judgmental glances at him—Gao Kai wasn't made of clay. After two years in business, enjoying smooth sailing all the way, his former spoiled heir temper flared up. "How things stand between Wang Rui and Chen Yan is my business, and it’s not your place to lecture me. Besides, it was your sister’s choice."

My sister? "Excuse me, Wang Rui has nothing to do with me, and the Wang family would never produce someone who willfully degrades herself. Since she was in high school, she’s been hanging around you, then went south to study, found a boyfriend, and then it seems…" Wang Qiqi paused, seeming to realize something fresh. "She even became the mistress to a Hong Kong man nearing fifty. Really, she seems to have gotten addicted to it. I just wonder if you'll be her last stop." Hmph, birds of a feather flock together. Wang Qiqi suddenly mused that although Gao Kai knew about Wang Rui's past experiences, it didn't mean he didn't have unresolved feelings about it.

"I also heard that Chen Yan had a man she was serious about marrying back when she worked at the bank, but because of someone's appearance, it ended, and that family apparently held some influence within the banking system." Wang Qiqi hadn't intended to share this news with Gao Kai, but seeing his smug expression—as if he were capable of handling two women—irrigated her greatly. He had already offended her; even if he canceled the wedding now and didn't marry Chen Yan, it wouldn't change things. Moreover, Chen Yan had gone to so much trouble; would she be so easily dismissed by Gao Kai?

"I didn't want to get involved, but is there something wrong with your brain? If it weren't for your wife's insane idea to negotiate with me, and then your mistress, for some reason, actually notified Han Tao’s grandmother to blockade the entrance to my building yesterday—are you living too comfortably?" You don't want me to mention the mistress? Feeling embarrassed, are we? Fine, I'll keep saying it, just to tick you off.

Song Ziwen, while holding his teacup diligently, had absorbed everything Wang Qiqi and Gao Kai had said. When he heard about the blockade incident, he was stunned. Good heavens, could it be that the woman Gao Kai intended to marry was such a character, one who already had a man? Song Ziwen was hearing this for the first time.

Gao Kai was furious! He knew he disliked hearing the word 'mistress,' yet she insisted on bringing it up repeatedly. This was going too far. It wasn't that he was uncaring; their relationship had been average before. When it slightly improved, he heard his wife worked in credit, and Song Ziwen thought future loans might be easier. He never expected this kind of drama in between.

Although Wang Qiqi hadn't been entirely clear, Song Ziwen knew the other party would definitely cause trouble. Whether the loan would go through smoothly was now an issue. Real estate development wasn't like other industries; if loans were delayed, one could simply endure it for a while. But real estate required much more capital; who could manage without bank loans? Song Ziwen was inwardly ecstatic. Hahaha, I truly leapfrogged ahead.

Gao Kai was surprised that Wang Qiqi even knew about this. To be honest, he had regretted that incident before and even wavered on marrying Chen Yan because of it. But by then, even if he hadn't wanted to marry her, he had already alienated the other party, and Chen Yan wouldn't let him off the hook. In the end, he could only consider Chen Yan. Gao Kai’s rationale was simple: as long as his career excelled, what could a connection at the bank's upper levels do to him? At worst, he could promote Chen Yan. "As a man, when choosing a wife, I wouldn't consider such factors." Hmph, they all wanted to watch him make a fool of himself—impossible. The current Gao Kai was exceptionally composed and would never easily betray his emotions.

"In any case, when I pursued Chen Yan, she was single." Yes, that was right, she was single. "Although I have many flaws, I wouldn't pursue a woman who already has a boyfriend. I am a man of some status and standing, after all."

Status and standing? Wang Qiqi suppressed a laugh internally. "Yes, enough to keep several women. Alright, enough of this. I won't meddle in your affairs." Wang Qiqi didn't want to cause a massive falling out with Gao Kai, lest he ally with Wang Rui, which would be a huge headache. "I need an answer from you regarding Wang Rui inciting the Han family to show up yesterday."

Before he arrived, Wang Qiqi and Song Ziwen had already discussed how to approach Gao Kai. They were unified: they absolutely could not allow Gao Kai and Wang Rui to align. They would use whatever means necessary to sow discord between them. Although Gao Kai knew their actions were designed to make him harbor resentment toward Wang Rui, they had laid everything out on the table. Whether he felt resentment or not was certain. If he was fooled, they would smoothly kick Wang Rui out. If he insisted on staying with Wang Rui, the Song family would never look upon him kindly. Without the Song family’s support, Song Ziwen knew Wang Rui would certainly be no match for Chen Yan, a woman so ruthless; the silly girl Wang Rui wouldn't be able to handle her. As for relying on Gao Kai, he would make Wang Rui understand that men were unreliable.

Song Ziwen stopped watching the drama unfold and quietly sipped his tea; he coughed lightly. "Gao Kai, frankly, we truly didn't intend to concern ourselves with the matters between you and Wang Rui. Look, from when we first met to becoming friends, it had nothing to do with Wang Rui, right? I was genuinely optimistic about doing business with you and was delighted. Doing business with a friend, and a profitable venture at that—I certainly wouldn't miss out. It’s just a pity that…" Song Ziwen wore an expression of regret, as if his decision to withdraw from the partnership was forced by circumstances.

Wang Qiqi nearly burst out laughing watching the 'moody' Song Ziwen; her brother's acting skills were truly improving. Indeed, shifting the blame for non-cooperation onto Wang Rui was quite appropriate. Even if Gao Kai knew the truth, he wouldn't object much; he would likely just see Wang Rui as useless, someone who couldn't even rely on her own family.

Gao Kai understood that Song Ziwen’s explanation was merely an excuse. However, considering Song Ziwen’s previous connection with Wang Rui, and Wang Rui’s conduct at Song Yao’s wedding when she dragged him along, he knew that even if Song Ziwen didn't hold a massive grudge against Wang Rui, Song Yao certainly would, not to mention Wang Qiqi. A deal that was almost certain to close ended up collapsing, wasn't it because Wang Qiqi returned? If she hadn't come back, the contract might have been signed by now. This was precisely why Gao Kai wanted to meet with Wang Qiqi.

Gao Kai didn't expect Wang Qiqi to have no opinion of him, but he hoped Song Ziwen would witness how unreasonable Wang Qiqi was being and how she was obstructing his path to wealth. But now, it seemed that certain actions by Wang Rui yesterday had infuriated Wang Qiqi.

"It’s a pity that you got involved with Wang Rui," Song Ziwen said, ignoring Gao Kai's face, which had shifted through a palette of colors, explaining his choice to back out of the partnership. "You have no idea, my mother detests a third party. She was shocked that a younger relative turned out to be such a person. When she learned I was partnering with you, she lectured me severely for a long time. She even dragged my old man into it, which caused my father to have quite strong opinions as well."

The first scapegoat was naturally Wang Damei. She wouldn't have protested that strongly, but having just gone through her own ordeal involving a mistress, discovering Wang Rui was playing that role made her complain incessantly in private about how bad her niece was, often telling Niuniu to cherish her self-respect and avoid doing anything out of line.

Gao Kai hadn't expected the first objection to come from Song Ziwen's parents, who usually kept quiet. "Ah, they…" Gao Kai started to say he could try to persuade them, but then he recalled that the male lead in the sensational affair of an elderly man cheating last year was none other than Song Ziwen's father. Given that, it was understandable why Wang Damei would despise mistresses. Gao Kai almost cried inwardly. He had initially thought Wang Qiqi was the one sabotaging things, but it turned out to be his own downfall. "Brother Song, I can explain this matter." Gao Kai forced himself to remain steady. As long as there was a sliver of hope, he wouldn't let it go. He was willing to visit the Song residence and have a good chat with Wang Damei. At worst, he could just break up with Wang Rui; at most, he'd pay her off with more money.

Since Song Ziwen's mother hated third parties, Wang Rui absolutely had to go. In business circles, having a beautiful, knowledgeable confidante as a mistress was sometimes advantageous, but now this was a hot potato. Gao Kai was eager to discard her.

"Explain?" Song Ziwen looked at the irresponsible man before him, clearly ready to abandon Wang Rui at this moment, and could only shake his head. Such a man was criticizing Han Tao for being unworthy, implying Qiqi was wasted on him. But in Song Ziwen’s eyes, Han Tao was far more responsible than Gao Kai. "Are you going to tell my mother you plan to marry Wang Rui, that you and Wang Rui are innocent, or are you planning to break up with Wang Rui?" This approach—was he implying the other party was an idiot, or was he truly one himself? Song Ziwen was truly impressed.

Wang Qiqi sneered inwardly. No matter how much time passed, this man's shameless behavior hadn't changed one bit. However, she lowered her head, picked up some food, and ate. The battlefield now belonged to Song Ziwen; the prime suspect should stay out of it.

Gao Kai wanted to suggest the last option, but catching the cold smirk on Wang Qiqi's lips made his chest tighten. He truly regretted it now. Why did his lust always cloud his judgment, leading him to do all sorts of ridiculous things, putting him in a position where he couldn't advance or retreat? Especially about such a major scandal—he hadn't even considered it. Song Wenbo, Song Wenbo! You're an old man with a granddaughter, yet you cheated? If it hadn't been for his actions, perhaps Gao Kai could have explained to the Song family how helpless he was, promising to marry Wang Rui once he was wealthy. But Wang Damei had encountered this, and the foolish Wang Rui hadn't even managed her family relationships well, meaning nobody was speaking up for her now. "I, I..., actually, Rui Rui is a good girl, she was just young at the time…" Although Gao Kai was usually articulate, he couldn't continue.

Wang Qiqi watched Gao Kai with a cold smile, waiting to hear how he would defend Wang Rui. Song Ziwen was busy picking up food and eating; he’d been up since early morning and had only managed a few pumpkin cakes, his stomach was protesting loudly.

Hearing Gao Kai claim Wang Rui was young, Song Ziwen almost lost his breath. "She was young, but she's been clever with her scheming—just never in the right direction. When Qiqi returned, she had no conflict with her, so why did she have to provoke the Han family? Thank goodness Juliana delivered my sister home yesterday; those people were blocking the entrance downstairs. If…" Song Ziwen shuddered, thinking back. Those four people were no saints, especially after everything they had been through. To them, Wang Qiqi was the one who ruined their chance at a good life. If they had caught Qiqi alone, would they have let her go? "When Qiqi and the others moved, they didn't notify anyone. Afterward, they rarely came back. Our residence is in a high-end community, quite far from where the Han family lives. Do you think the Han family would have known Qiqi was back and cornered her without someone tipping them off?"

"I was lucky yesterday. If Nana hadn't kindly given me a ride, I wouldn't be sitting here eating dinner with you today; I might be in the hospital or the mortuary." Wang Qiqi wasn't exaggerating. Given the ferocity with which those people rushed out yesterday, "Yesterday was one thing; I'm returning to England and don't have time to waste on her. If there’s a next time, I’ll do anything." Although Wang Qiqi had been momentarily stunned yesterday, she hadn't truly grasped the implications until later.

"If you had ended up in the hospital, I imagine Gao Kai wouldn't have had time to waste here either," Song Ziwen mused. He knew Wang Rui well enough; if she were involved, she wouldn't dare ask the Song family for help. She would only turn to Gao Kai, and then Gao Kai would be compelled to help, whether he wanted to or not. "Wang Rui is a bit paranoid now. Be careful with her; who knows how she might retaliate against you. So, I decided it’s better to avoid Wang Rui altogether."

"Brother, I told you long ago that getting entangled with Wang Rui brings bad luck. Look, I just got back from abroad and don't know much, but someone mistakenly thought you were unwilling to cooperate because of me, and in the end, I'm the one facing misfortune." Wang Qiqi looked utterly victimized. "Thank goodness I don't come back often, or I might not even know how I died."

"I think perhaps this is a misunderstanding," Gao Kai felt a massive headache brewing. What started as a trivial matter of seeking trouble had slowly escalated into a life-or-death situation. In his heart, he seethed with hatred for Wang Rui, yet he felt compelled to speak up for her; otherwise, if that wretched woman actually managed to drag him into this mess, things would become disastrous. "Qiqi, for my sake, let's just drop this," Gao Kai said, raising the wine glass in his hand.

"You say drop it, and it drops?" Wang Qiqi thought to herself that these two were truly birds of a feather; first, they tried to deny responsibility, and now he was asking her to let Wang Rui go. "In your eyes, am I suffering some minor setback?"