"So you're just going to watch Shi Hongrui put on a show?" Wang Qiqi thought this was indeed a good tactic, but what if someone's persistent pursuit was so impressive that they actually won the girl over? Then who would be the one crying?

Hearing Wang Qiqi's concern, although Zhang Yan's expression flickered for a moment, she quickly concealed it. "If he can be poached that easily, it's useless no matter how closely I watch him," Zhang Yan admitted it was false if she claimed not to be nervous. But after being anxious for two days, she knew John's situation over there; if he wanted to change his mind, how could she possibly stop him? Looking back at Han Tao, he had been alone in the US without any news of him doing anything to betray Qiqi. "Oh right, doesn't she have a boyfriend? I should invite him along too." Zhang Yan had this idea, but she didn't bring it up right then, so no one else mentioned it either.

Invite that man over for dinner? Wang Qiqi chuckled. "I bet he won't come. Shi Hongrui will surely say he's busy catching up on studies or has plans with friends." Speaking of which, Wang Qiqi suddenly remembered something. "Have you ever met her man?"

Wang Qiqi had only glanced at him in passing, and due to being in a hurry, hadn't looked closely. He seemed like a relatively tall foreigner, but not the refined sort—more on the sturdier side. In short, he wasn't Wang Qiqi's type of catch.

"We brought him over once, and just thinking about it makes me angry," Zhang Yan's face changed slightly. "We don't usually let men stay overnight here, but Shi Hongrui seemed to forget that rule. At eleven at night, that man still hadn't left, and it was Zhao Rongrong who finally told him to go. I only found out after I got back." Of course, there had been an unpleasant scene about it back then because Shi Hongrui had pointed out that Han Tao had also stayed there, questioning why only she was targeted, acting as if everyone was ganging up against her.

That happened too? Wang Qiqi wondered how such a major incident had escaped her notice. She had only just returned recently, and by now, Shi Hongrui must have a new plan and wouldn't dare let the man stay overnight. Perhaps he visited when she was staying over at the studio due to being busy?

"Manman didn't tell you about this, so just pretend you don't know." Everyone had been quite unhappy about that incident. Although Han Tao had stayed for a while previously, they had all been on vacation then, so there wasn't any awkwardness. Suddenly having a strange man appear in the apartment made them all feel unsafe. But when they tried to reason with a certain someone, she acted as if they were treating her man like a criminal. What more could they say?

"So she switched targets, and we're a lot more relaxed. At least we don't have to worry about her bringing a man back in the middle of the night while we're asleep," Shi Man suddenly brought up this possibility afterward, which thoroughly frightened Zhang Yan and the others. Anyone would be startled to find an extra man in the house at midnight. Zhang Yan considered that time lucky.

"If she dares to do that, kick her out immediately," Wang Qiqi said bluntly. They had agreed on the terms when signing the contract. "As for Han Tao staying here, everyone knew and agreed. If we go on vacation next time and leave only her here, she can bring anyone she wants." Wang Qiqi stated indignantly. When they first heard Han Tao was coming, they were the ones who suggested he stay at the house to look after things. For Shi Hongrui to twist it into her being the first rule-breaker infuriated Wang Qiqi.

Zhang Yan knew Wang Qiqi would get angry upon hearing this; her face even flushed red. "Alright, why get mad at her? I'll notify her at noon."

Wang Qiqi had initially intended not to spoil someone's beautiful illusion and avoid making the meal unpleasant. But now, she just wanted to vent this frustration. If that person wanted to sulk, let her. Although her relationship with Shi Hongrui wasn't as close as with Rongrong, getting along didn't mean everyone had to cater to her wishes and stay close to her. Even if they didn't tell Shi Hongrui about the proxy purchasing business, she would manage on her own. But when she first started her business, Shi Man had taken her along—though perhaps in Shi Hongrui's eyes, it was just a detour. But if she deliberately refused to include others, would anyone object?

Zhang Yan knocked on Shi Hongrui's door and found it piled high with clothes. Shi Hongrui was still pulling items out of the wardrobe, constantly holding them up to the mirror for review. Wang Qiqi happened to walk by and catch a glimpse, curling her lip at the heap of clothes. They were just going out for a free meal; a slightly formal dress would suffice. Was there a need to try on so many? It wasn't a blind date. Looking at today's hostess, Zhang Yan, she was only wearing something a bit brighter. Thank goodness the others eating today were familiar faces, or someone might mistake today's hostess.

Although Zhang Yan had braced herself mentally, seeing Shi Hongrui's room like that made her heart sink. Did she really think they were invisible? She was truly pushing her luck. "Picking out an outfit? Looks like you've been at it for a while. Planning to go on a date with your boyfriend tonight?"

Shi Hongrui hadn't expected Zhang Yan to knock at that moment. If she had known it was Zhang Yan, she would have stuffed all the clothes back into the closet before opening the door. Now, the mess was exposed. Never mind that Zhang Yan was asking about a date; her eyes were practically spitting fire. She couldn't very well say she wasn't going on a date, just having a simple dinner with them. That would make her preparation seem too obvious—it was just dinner, no need to be this prepared.

Shi Hongrui knew it wasn't time to have a full confrontation yet. "Uh-huh, planning to go out on a date after dinner." At worst, she could just take a quick trip to the library tonight to borrow a couple of books.

"So it really is a date." Don't blame me for being impolite; you handed me the hilt of the knife yourself. If I don't use this opportunity, I’d truly be a fool.

For some reason, Zhang Yan's expression made Shi Hongrui feel strangely off, as if something unexpected was happening.

"Since that's the case, why not invite him along? One more person won't make a difference, and Qiqi hasn't even met him. We can all meet him now. Next time you invite us to dinner, I can bring John along too." Zhang Yan hadn't intended to bring up the topic of Shi Hongrui treating them, only suggesting bringing her man. But then she thought, why should Shi Hongrui be allowed to have a boyfriend while she got treated? It was too much to expect Zhang Yan to treat someone else while not mentioning her own obligation.

Wang Qiqi only observed from behind, wondering if Shi Hongrui would regret this. Wang Qiqi and Shi Man had planned to wait until after John’s treat to bring up Shi Hongrui treating them next, just to gauge how thick her skin was. If she ordered just as extravagantly next time, they certainly wouldn't be polite about her treating them. Their repeated concessions seemed to be taken for granted by Shi Hongrui, and they couldn't indulge her anymore.

Shi Hongrui was genuinely stunned. Zhang Yan inviting John, she could guess. But she hadn't expected Zhang Yan to demand that she treat them! She had already tricked them into a free meal just yesterday, and now another one? She knew it wasn't the same thing, but she pretended to misunderstand. "I know, I was planning to treat you all to a meal."

Zhang Yan looked at the person who clearly knew what she was implying but chose to feign ignorance, smiling without saying a word, just staring.

"Oh, who's treating everyone now?" Just then, Shi Man emerged from her room. Seeing Zhang Yan blocking Shi Hongrui’s doorway and her friend leaning against the wall, she found it strange. Usually, apart from Zhao Rongrong, no one went into Shi Hongrui's room to avoid any later misunderstandings. But today, the two looked like they were staging a standoff at the door. Then she heard Shi Hongrui mention treating everyone. She assumed Shi Hongrui had been caught by Zhang Yan again about treating a meal. So, she scurried over, wondering if heaven had been unfair to Shi Hongrui lately, having to treat people meal after meal. If adding her boyfriend’s treat was counted, wouldn't that be three meals? Shi Man secretly chuckled, wondering what expression Shi Hongrui would wear; perhaps she’d sulk for a long time. But even if she looked miserable, the chance for a free meal couldn't be missed.

Seeing the person who sprinted over the fastest at the mention of food, Wang Qiqi really didn't want to shatter her beautiful dream. "We were just discussing that this meal isn't treated by Yan Yan's man, but Rui Rui's man will treat next time."

So that's what it was. Shi Man immediately deflated; this meal was already expected, not an extra one at all. But since the topic was raised, it was better to nail this one down now, so Shi Hongrui couldn't renege later. "Yes, yes, you have a boyfriend too, treat us, treat us!"

Shi Hongrui looked at the three excited people, wondering how she could possibly take her man out for this meal. How would her plan be executed then? As for treating them, she didn't want to do that either. What if they broke up soon? Wouldn't that be a wasted meal?

"Even if you break up, you can't skip this meal. I remember you said it, right?" Shi Man jumped in before she could speak. Humph, last time she was the one clamoring for Zhang Yan to treat them, and she even said that. So now, Shi Man certainly couldn't let her off the hook. This was clearly shooting herself in the foot.

Shi Hongrui shot Shi Man a vicious glare. What was wrong with this person, undermining her so blatantly? It was true she had said that, but she hadn't intended to achieve her goal so soon! "Fine, I'll discuss it with him." At worst, she could keep dragging it out. The thought of having to treat them twice made her heart ache.

"Great. After Zhang Yan's treat, next are Rui Rui's two treats, and then others can treat," Shi Man immediately scheduled the obligations. Humph, little lady, do you think I don't know your plan? You just planned to agree now and then delay it slightly, right? Did you really think I was a fool? I'll let you know now: if you try to get someone else to treat us next, fine, but you have to treat us those two meals first before it's anyone else's turn. Shi Man was ready to forfeit Shi Hongrui's two promised meals rather than treat others herself.

Shi Hongrui was dumbfounded. She hadn't expected Shi Man to say that. According to her arrangement, if she found another chance to get someone else to treat them, they could simply say Shi Hongrui had to treat them first?

Should she spend the money treating them twice, or just drag it out until graduation, let everyone go their separate ways, and let the matter drop? Shi Hongrui genuinely couldn't decide. If she truly delayed until graduation, unless they never saw each other again, she was certain Shi Man would bring it up every time they met, which would be agonizing. Maybe she should just treat them once? If she found a man with a promising future, she could treat them again then. If she skipped this one, she had an excuse: a breakup meant no obligation to treat.

Wang Qiqi listened from the side, quite pleased. In any case, her own wallet loss was significantly reduced. Wang Qiqi gave Shi Man a thumbs-up. At crucial moments, it had to be Manman who stepped up. Of course, if Zhang Yan hadn't brought it up, this wouldn't have happened either.

Zhao Rongrong noticed the time was getting late and was about to go downstairs to see if everyone was ready when she heard the lively discussion in the hallway. Hearing it was about the treats, she let out a soft sigh. Her hand remained on the doorknob, showing no intention of turning it. It wasn't that Zhao Rongrong didn't want to come out; it was that if she did, whose side would she take? In her view, Shi Hongrui had gone a bit too far. Previously, Qiqi treating everyone was a gesture of apology because Shi Hongrui hadn't cooked or cleaned for a while. But Rui Rui had treated it as a chance to eat well without spending money, constantly demanding this treat and that treat. After repeated requests, Wang Qiqi and the others naturally became unhappy. Zhao Rongrong paused, turned around quietly, sat by the window, and picked up the book she hadn't finished reading.

Wang Qiqi heard some noise from Zhao Rongrong's room. As for why she paused at the door without coming out, she then heard footsteps. She knew Zhao Rongrong was clearly trying to avoid getting involved in this mess, which also relieved Wang Qiqi. Regarding Shi Hongrui, they absolutely operated under the principle: if you won't let me be happy, I won't let you be happy either. But Zhao Rongrong was different; she got along well with everyone. To fall out with her over Shi Hongrui was something none of them wanted. It was better that she stayed out of it now.

In the end, Shi Hongrui's boyfriend didn't show up, but at least the woman herself toned it down, not dressing too elaborately. This relieved Wang Qiqi and Shi Man. They had worried that provoking her too much might ignite her competitive spirit, making her dress impeccably just to shame Zhang Yan.

"Rongrong went to her room after we left," Shi Man whispered. "Rongrong's expression wasn't very good when she came out." Shi Man had seen this inadvertently. Although their relationship seemed fine on the surface now, the excessive politeness in their speech was clearly fake.

"Looks like they had an argument. No wonder Shi Hongrui is being so well-behaved," Wang Qiqi murmured. So there was someone behind the scenes influencing her. But Zhao Rongrong must have been quite angry with Shi Hongrui this time. Wang Qiqi glanced at Zhao Rongrong, then quickly looked away.

"No matter how well-behaved she is, look at her behavior at the dinner table—like she owns the place," Shi Man pouted. It wasn't her treating them; she was just freeloading like them. Did she really need to act that way? Didn't she see John's expression wasn't as bright as before, especially the way he looked at a certain someone? Tsk, tsk, Shi Man thought, does this person have any sense at all? Flirting so openly while the official girlfriend is present. Does she really think John is some playboy?

Wang Qiqi found it amusing that John didn't dare shift his gaze toward Shi Hongrui. "John, I heard you're going back to the US to study in September?" Wang Qiqi had assumed he was studying there permanently, only later learning he was an exchange student who had to return in September. That raised the question of whether Zhang Yan would stick to her original plan or go to the US then.

John hummed in agreement. "Ella is planning to return to the US for her studies too."

"I'm thinking of taking some management courses," Zhang Yan shared her thoughts. "I plan to start a business later. Finance is good, but Zhang Yan knew she wasn't as naturally talented as Qiqi in that area. Qiqi didn't even plan to work in finance in the future, so she figured she'd do even worse. Besides, she and Rongrong had an idea about starting a business together."

Shi Hongrui didn't realize Zhang Yan's management studies were aimed at starting her own business. She assumed Zhang Yan planned to integrate into John’s family business. Shi Hongrui thought Zhang Yan was incredibly lucky—spoiled by her family and engaged to a rich man. "Yan Yan, you're so lucky. Your family dotes on you, and the man you chose is wealthy. Are you studying management so you can run your in-laws' business later?"

Wang Qiqi shook her head internally. Zhang Yan only said she was studying business management; she never mentioned taking over her in-laws' business. Didn't she see that even John didn't object? Moreover, if Zhang Yan truly had designs on John's family business, would she have been so direct about it? Furthermore, does studying management preclude starting one's own company or working for someone else?

Shi Man could only offer a cold laugh. Well, considering how close she and Zhang Yan usually were, even Qiqi wouldn't have asked such a thing in front of John. Was she trying to plant discord or just showing off her ignorance?

Zhao Rongrong completely gave up the idea of mediating. She could see that Shi Hongrui held a grievance against everyone, as if they all owed her something. "Let's eat. Didn't you say you were going to the library to study? You should go early." Zhao Rongrong had initially felt a bit awkward about keeping her and Zhang Yan's plan to start a business a secret from Shi Hongrui and the others, but now she understood keeping it secret from Shi Hongrui was necessary. Otherwise, who knew how displeased she would be in the coming days?

Shi Hongrui watched the atmosphere at the dinner table plummet to rock bottom. She knew she had said something she shouldn't have, but she didn't regret it. She felt she had to say it, even if it offended people, just to make John aware that a future daughter-in-law shouldn't be so eager to manage the in-laws' affairs before even officially marrying in—it was too undignified. "I'll leave right away. It's a bit of a distance to the school." Shi Hongrui quickly finished her food and stood up politely, preparing to take her leave.

In Shi Hongrui's mind, after saying what she said, at least someone should offer her a ride. But after saying goodbye to everyone, no one offered, leaving her momentarily awkward. She had expected John, being the gentleman he was, to politely ask if she needed a ride to the library. Then she could offer a slight, polite refusal, leading naturally to him driving her. Even if nothing more came of it, she needed John to know her ideal was to be a gentle, supportive wife, not a powerhouse career woman, allowing him to see her softness. But things didn't go according to plan, and she was momentarily stuck.

Shi Man watched the person who claimed she was leaving but hadn't moved for the longest time, secretly amused. Was she waiting for John to offer her a ride? If she hadn't caused so much trouble earlier, John might have had a tiny chance of offering. But now that Shi Hongrui had made her intentions clear, John wouldn't do something so thankless.

However, to prevent the overly bold person from asking, "Qiqi, can you lend Rui Rui your car? It'll be inconvenient for her to get to school and then home." Shi Man thought she was being kind by thinking of her friend's difficulty first.

Wang Qiqi glanced sideways at Shi Man. That person was quite adept at taking favors for granted. In fact, even if Shi Man hadn't suggested it, she would have had the same idea. "Be careful on the road."

Shi Hongrui looked at the conspicuous car keys, wishing she could throw the keys at the face of the person whose expression clearly screamed, "Don't thank me," but having ruined her plans. Yet, in front of her, she had to swallow the loss. "Thank you, Qiqi, and thank you too, Manman."

"Don't mention it, don't mention it." Shi Man took delight in seeing the person unable to express her anger but still having to thank her.

The woman stomped off in her high heels, looking furious. Wang Qiqi watched the pair of nearly three-inch stilettos and worried she might slip, even though she knew the woman's skill in wearing heels had improved. Still, she felt uneasy.

"Let's eat, let's eat." Shi Man almost said that the air had improved now that the other person was gone, but she decided against it.

"She's finally gone." John's face finally broke into a genuine smile. "Let's eat, should we order more?" John knew Shi Hongrui seemed to have some designs on him, but he was genuinely uninterested in her. Never mind that he already had a girlfriend; even if he didn't, he disliked ambitious women like that. John wasn't foolish; the shift from initial politeness to later enthusiasm indicated she must have learned something. He had met plenty of women like that before.

"I didn't study management with the intention of looking after JOHN's business; I intend to start my own venture." With the other person gone, Zhang Yan decided to speak plainly. She hadn't said anything before because she hadn't coordinated with Zhao Rongrong yet, but now that she had let a little slip, she might as well reveal her plans.

Zhang Yan starting a business? Though slightly surprised, Wang Qiqi and Shi Man weren't overly shocked. Were there few entrepreneurs around them? What they were interested in was who she was partnering with. Of course, Wang Qiqi and the others had no intention of joining in; after all, they were broke now. Since the original discussion had likely reached a conclusion, there was no need to jump in at the last minute and appear bothersome.