Cao Li was drinking tea with her friends, though she kept smiling the entire time, her mood was not good.

Clearly, she was really doing well before, but why did it turn out like this later?

Her career was just so-so, and her husband, who she thought would have great success in Yangcheng, was also dispiritedly transferred back to Beijing.

Listening to those around her talk about their various families, Cao Li felt truly uncomfortable.

In the past, she might have found an excuse to leave in a huff, but now she didn’t have that option.

Besides laughing along with them, claiming they are doing well, and expressing envy, what else could she do?

"Isn’t that your sister?" Deep in displeasure, Cao Li naturally didn’t notice Cao Na.

If her friend hadn’t nudged her, she really wouldn’t have noticed.

Cao Na? Cao Li was quite surprised, didn’t her grandfather say she was very diligent in college?

If she was truly a diligent student, how could she be here? Doesn’t she need to attend classes?

"Wait, isn’t that Gong Ruini with her?" 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"Yes, it is."

Although Gong Ruini considered herself low-key, after waking up from a long coma a few years back and then achieving excellent results, holding firmly onto the top rank, people learned quite a bit about this girl.

Even if some people had never seen Gong Ruini, since she started the tutoring center that became a legend, many people got to know her.

"It really is."

The conversation gradually shifted to the big news about Gong Ruini’s tutoring school recently.

Though they maintained their status and were reluctant to expose themselves by making money this way, it didn’t mean they weren’t interested in money.

The conversation extended from Gong Ruini’s business to the Zhao, Gong, and Wan families, as these families’ developments in recent years had been exceptionally enviable.

Let’s not bring it up, let’s not bring it up, Cao Li would rather be back to when people mocked her, rather than listening to how well Gong Ruini and the others were doing now.

Cao Li wore a face full of displeasure and distress, if she could look up now, she’d see the sneering looks gradually forming on her old friends’ faces.

"Actually, Cao Li, not to sound judgmental, but your sister really wasn’t lucky. If she hadn’t split from Zhao Guangran, she’d be doing well now."

"Exactly, look at Chu Ling from the Chu family. At first, many people thought she had poor judgment, but now how many envy and admire her."

"Yes, the Gong family is doing well, making lots of money in the South."

"And opening factories in Beijing. Apparently, they even have shares in the recently booming Aunt Flo products."

"If you’re on good terms with them, Peach Blossom Wine isn’t bad."

When the topic touched on Peach Blossom Wine, the ladies present all became a bit excited.

The supply was really little, only given as gifts to friends, initially no one thought much of it, but didn’t expect it to be so effective.

They all saw it as a great opportunity and hoped to get at least a barrel, but unfortunately, it was very difficult.

The production is just too low, even if they exerted all their connections, there were still more well-connected people than them.

"If your sister Cao Na has a good relationship with Gong Ruini, then..."

Cao Li really couldn’t bear it, she was about to lose her temper, how could she have known it would turn out like this.

If she knew Gong Ruini had such skills, why would she have done such a stupid thing back then?

If she had such good wine, she just needed a few more barrels of Peach Blossom Wine to network, she would have been promoted long ago.

No, even without the Peach Blossom Wine, she wouldn’t need to worry, relying on the Zhao family, could she not get promoted?

For those without connections, they certainly hope someone could support them.

At this moment, Cao Li truly regretted, regretting so much it hurt.

Cao Na finished discussing matters with Gong Ruini and was planning to return to school.

Though the initial plan was settled, there were still more important tasks to do.

Like recruiting professors, if some professors were willing to come on board, the success of this training school would be significantly assured.

And this was a crucial point, some professors were unwilling, some teachers would rather take on translation work.

Thinking about this, Cao Na felt a lot of pressure.

She quietly chatted with Gong Ruini while walking out.

"Cao Na." One of Cao Li’s friends saw Cao Na and immediately called out to her.

Actually, they had meant to leave long ago but seeing Gong Ruini, they thought they might as well say hello.

If they could leave a good impression, it would be even better.

Cao Na instinctively looked up and saw Cao Li, "How come I’m seeing them?"

Gong Ruini followed Cao Na’s line of sight and saw Cao Li.

Even if they met, she would avoid greeting them if she could. "I’m leaving."

Especially after all the trouble Cao Li caused, didn’t exploding at her was already good? Don’t expect a friendly gesture from Gong Ruini.

"I know." After bidding farewell to Gong Ruini, Cao Na slowly walked over to Cao Li.

Cao Na really admired Cao Li; she used to often criticize these people, calling them snobs, yet now she could drink tea and chat with them.

It seems she had changed a lot in the few years since returning to Beijing, but hadn’t she changed as well?

Cao Na greeted them one by one.

"You were with Gong Ruini?"

Cao Li wasn’t surprised they brought up Gong Ruini; maybe this was why they called out to her.

"Yes, I was discussing something with her." Since they had agreed on a story, there was no harm in letting a little information slip.

Discussing something with Gong Ruini? Cao Li felt embarrassed at first, but hearing her sister say she was discussing things with Gong Ruini got her excited again.

"How did it go?" Was there a chance to reconcile with Gong Ruini and the others?

Cao Li gripped Cao Na’s hand tightly, making her quite uncomfortable.

"Sis." Cao Na’s face twisted.

"Loosen up, it hurts."

Cao Li reluctantly released her grip on Cao Na’s hand, holding back the urge to criticize her for being delicate.

"I need to earn some living expenses, I heard Gong’s place gives students opportunities."

Oh, discussing that? Cao Li’s previous excitement deflated immediately upon Cao Na’s explanation.

"You talked to her about this, aren’t you embarrassed?" Cao Li fumed.

Embarrassed? "No, I’m earning money with my own effort." Cao Na kept reminding herself.

If Cao Li knew she was collaborating with Gong Ruini again, she anticipated her sister would definitely stir up trouble.

To protect the already fragile bond, she must not say anything.

"If there’s nothing else, I’m heading back to the dorm to study." After throwing off Cao Li’s hand, Cao Na said goodbye to her friends and left.

Cao Li was furious that her sister didn’t give her face in front of so many people, angry enough to want to drag her back and scold her fiercely.

Not giving her face at home was one thing, but why even outside?

Cao Li was so irritated she could jump, completely ignoring that her friends had quietly left without saying goodbye.

When she realized, she was left by herself, the awkwardness was infuriating, especially since they left without paying the bill.

Meaning she had to foot the bill, watching the money leave her hands was gut-wrenching for Cao Li, who was already stretching her expenses.

Even with rental income from the house, she still recalled not needing to worry about food and drink money before.

"It’s all because of that deadbeat Cao Na, if it weren’t for her, how could it be like this?"