Cao Na, drenched in sweat, burst into Gong Ruini’s study, creating quite a stir.

Gong Ruini was painting; she paused, ruining a nearly completed painting.

Gong Ruini glanced at Cao Na and then slowly tried to remedy the ruined painting.

Even before Cao Na spoke, Gong Ruini understood her intentions—Zhao Guangran must have gone to see her about something.

Looking at Cao Na’s anxious demeanor, it was clear that there were mutual feelings involved.

But what good are such feelings? She had already squandered quite a bit.

Zhao Xuran looked at Cao Na with displeasure, and only after making her lower her head repeatedly did he stand up contentedly.

Zhao Xuran tidied up the files and said, "I’ll go to your room."

Originally, Zhao Xuran intended to leave the area for Cao Na to vent, but then thought it unwise, worried she might lash out at Ni Zi.

Once Zhao Xuran left, Cao Na sighed deeply with relief, though he hadn’t spoken to her, his attitude spoke of dissatisfaction.

"Ni Zi, do you know Guangran is going abroad to study?"

"He said he’d go after graduating high school."

Cao Na was wildly uneasy, "He said he didn’t want to go."

"He clearly promised; how could he break his past words?"

Cao Na’s heartache turned into tears; she hadn’t been overseas but knew it’s better abroad than home.

People on governmental scholarships often don’t want to return, let alone someone like Zhao Guangran studying abroad on his own, especially when they have relatives abroad—it’s easy to stay.

Betrayal? Is this an accusation? "Many are going abroad now, and studying abroad is beneficial for Guangran."

"When he returns after completing his studies, it will be his time to shine, and then no one will say he lacks ambition." Gong Ruini originally didn’t want to say this.

But Cao Na’s tone really irked her, causing a retort, uncaring of Cao Na’s reaction.

If even she, a friend grown up with him and also his sister-in-law, didn’t stand up for him, how pitiful would Zhao Guangran be?

Lack of ambition—Cao Na wanted to retort but suddenly felt this term was too familiar, then saw Gong Ruini’s expression and was aghast.

Impossible, did she really say that? Cao Na was shocked; though she agreed when told to her sister, Gong Ruini shouldn’t know.

"You spoke of Guangran. Since you think he lacks ambition, then that must be changed."

"With relatives abroad and his own money, he doesn’t need family support to go abroad, so let him venture out."

Cao Na had thought to seek Gong Ruini’s support but hadn’t expected the scene to turn out this way—not only lacking support but being squeezed in every angle.

This made Cao Na’s dignity hard to maintain; but for her upbringing, she’d have long since stormed off.

Struggling now? Why hadn’t she thought much before speaking of Zhao Guangran?

"Cao Na, I don’t know how you’ll see me, if you’ll still consider me your friend. You know better how Guangran treats you."

Cao Na nodded, Zhao Guangran indeed treated her well. Her parents had scolded her harshly, asserting that no one would treat her as well as him.

Cao Na understood her parents but really didn’t know how she came to speak as she did that day, "I was blinded by anger."

"Sometimes, angry words are the most truthful. You’ve grown accustomed to Guangran doing things for you without reservation; that’s his choice, we can’t interfere."

"He once respected your choice, now he has his ideas and direction he wants to strive for. Cao Na, will you support him?"

Will she support him? Rationally she should, like how Zhao Guangran supported her, but she didn’t want to support, "I just want Guangran beside me."

Yes, as long as Guangran is near, she feels at ease. If he just goes abroad, she’d feel uneasy.

Gong Ruini laughed, "Don’t you find that quite selfish?"

"Want Guangran by your side, and then he can’t have a future."

"If he pursues a future, he can’t be by your side. Make your choice."

Gong Ruini was too strong; how could she be this way? Cao Na was shocked and it took ages to regain composure, "He can study domestically."

"Yes, he’s so talented, and mentioned studying at Jing University." Cao Na recalled Jing University’s unique significance for local children.

It meant following in their parent’s footsteps, advancing along their paths.

"Originally, this was Guangran’s plan, but didn’t you say he lacks ambition?" Gong Ruini mocked.

"Guangran once said he wouldn’t provide much support, we could only work hard to help."

"But that doesn’t mean sacrificing much for your brother-in-law’s promotion."

"You only know we didn’t give face this time, discontinuing the collaboration with the Wang Family, but do you know the benefits for your sister from this deal?"

"Do you know how much we’d sacrifice for your sister and brother-in-law’s promotion?" Gong Ruini didn’t know how much Cao Na was aware, divulging everything she gathered.

No way, how could this be? Cao Na was horrified, "My sister..."

Cao Na suddenly remembered recent days’ excitement, she’s about to be promoted to the very position Ni Zi mentioned.

Cao Na could guarantee she hadn’t divulged this to anyone, not even her parents. For Ni Zi to know so clearly, her elder sister used her?

"So, we can’t control your sister’s promotion now, Cao Li once helped my uncle’s factory in Yangcheng, but the factory was also her achievement."

"Some things, if not excessively done, will avoid face-offs; but we don’t want or need to endure now."

"The money’s ours, yet 80-90% profit would go to the Wang Family. Do you think it’s worth pursuing?"

"If the Cao Family has funds, you can do it."

"No one can treat our tolerance as weakness." Zhao Xuran asserted sternly from the doorway.

"Tell your sister, the Yangcheng factory has issues; we really wouldn’t mind moving elsewhere." Unaware if Cao Li tampered, Zhao Xuran is unworried. "Currently, many places offer incentives for investment. Moving elsewhere might incur losses, but those losses we can afford."

Seeing the commanding Zhao Xuran, Cao Na’s mouth dropped wide open, finally realizing she had nothing at hand.

Initially, just as elder sister analyzed, Zhao Gang with their investments wasn’t something easily abandoned.

Yet now, a mere wave hand, losses standing inconsequential—not acceptable, must seek elder sister for answers.

With mind filled with betrayal from elder sister, finding Cao Li to seek clarity becomes imperative for Cao Na.

Watching crying, fleeing Cao Na, Gong Ruini too sighed.

The current situation clearly pointed to her being deceived, "Poor Cao Na."

Zhao Xuran disliked Gong Ruini’s sigh, "Why lament for her? It’s her choice."

Experiencing losses is rapid growth, being tricked by Cao Li is still better than by outsiders.