“That’s right, when does Tao not get the first place? Each time she seems like she’s just playing a fool. Right, Tao…Tao?”

A group of people were chatting and soon after that found that Qian Tao was not on the same channel as them.

“What’s the matter, Tao? Why do you look like you have a load on your mind? Didn’t perform well?”

“No worries, it’s ok even if you didn’t perform well. This is only a one-time off competition and it will not affect your result. Since tomorrow is Sunday, let’s take this opportunity to have fun in Yin Chuan. What do you think?”

Everyone else at the table started discussing where they should go the next day, except Yu Jiajia who sat next to Qian Tao. Jiajia whispered, “Tao, you have good results, a good family background and everything else that is also good, what is it that makes you unhappy?”

“Nothing…” Her unhappiness showed on her face was obvious but she was unwilling to admit it, “I’m just a little tired. I won’t be accompanying you guys tonight. I’ll like to return to the hotel to rest.”

Zhao Xinmei heard what she said and quickly added, “Let’s go, Tao! Why don’t you want to join? Today Jiajia is giving us a treat!”

“Jiajia is giving a treat?” Qian Tao asked suspiciously.

Qian Tao was suspicious because she knew that Yu Jiajia came from a poor family. The school fees of Rong Yao Private High School were expensive. Usually, only children from rich families could attend whereas people like Yu Jiajia could only manage with a scholarship.

She giving a treat was out of her expectation.

“Yup, you guys have always given me treats so this time, it’s my turn. I’ve just received my cash reward from the previous competition.”

Before Qian Tao could say anything, everyone else started cheering.

Eventually Qian Tao agreed to join because she wanted to take care of Yu Jiajia. Just in case they ordered too much and Yu Jiajia couldn’t afford, she could foot the bill.

She felt that Yu Jiajia braced herself to give them a treat for the sake of her pride but really, she disagreed with this act.

Giving others a treat should be done according to one’s capacity. She didn’t have to brace herself just for the sake of her pride.

As expected, these young masters and young misses were used to spending extravagantly, why would they think for Yu Jiajia? When she said she was giving a treat, they ordered without restraint. While she went to the washroom, Qian Tao stopped the music.

“Hey, who’s that dampening our spirits?”

“Can you guys have a sense of decency? How would Jiajia have so much money? She’s giving us a treat once and you guys are treating her like your charity.”

“What are you worrying about, Tao?” The cash reward that she received this time is ten thousand dollars! It’s under control and it’s not much. She definitely can afford to pay.” A boy said.

“No worries, Tao!” Zhao Xinmei added, “If Jiajia can’t afford, I’ll pay. As long as everyone is happy, don’t be too rigid.”

Qian Tao frowned.

“Jiajia! Why are you standing at the door?”

Everyone was looking at one another, lost for words.

“Hey Jiajia, where have you been?”

Qian Tao stood up immediately and exclaimed, “I’ll go and take a look!”

Before she left, she reminded them again, “Don’t mess around!”

***

The night club was full of people. Yu Jiajia ran fast and after a while, not a sign of her was seen. Qian Tao wanted to call her but her pockets were empty. She didn’t bring anything out.

When she was about to return to call for help, suddenly, someone caught her arm and said, “Still running? I’ll see where you’re going!”