They had assumed that Chi Qingya would’ve prepared a grand feast for everyone, but to their surprise, the dining table was completely bare.
The girls’ faces instantly filled with disappointment and confusion.
The last time they visited, Su Li had whipped up an entire spread.
Even while they were eating, she was still busy cooking in the kitchen.
There had been golden, crisp-skinned steamed perch, with shredded scallions and ginger arranged like decorative threads over the glistening, tender flesh.
Braised pork belly, perfectly balanced between lean and fat, stewed to a melt-in-the-mouth softness.
Fragrant, vibrant broccoli with garlic, so green and fresh it seemed ready to drip with dew.
Beef and potato stew brimming with rich aroma.
Sweet and tangy stir-fried tomato and eggs. And winter melon pork rib soup—clear broth, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and tender winter melon pieces.
As if worried they might not be full, she even made Yangzhou fried rice as the main dish.
Say what you will about Su Li’s character—but when it came to cooking, she had skill.
If only she’d just stay in the kitchen and never come out, they could probably live with her.
“That meal last time was all pre-made food I ordered,” Chi Qingya said, her voice laced with disdain. “Su Li just handled the finishing touches. It was nothing worth mentioning.”
“She’s just a bother anyway. We don’t need to pay her any mind—let’s just enjoy ourselves.”
Back then, Su Li had no sense of boundaries.
Even though Chi Qingya was having dinner with her girlfriends, Su Li insisted on showing her face and embarrassing everyone.
There wasn’t a seat for her at the table.
Why couldn’t she just take the hint and eat somewhere else?
Instead, she waited until everyone had mostly finished, then grabbed a few bites and disappeared into her room—as if trying to make them look bad for excluding her.
Who was she even trying to impress?
Chi Qingya couldn’t help but wonder if Su Li had some sort of performance complex—always playing the part of the suffering, selfless martyr, just to win sympathy or affection.
“Yaya, what are we eating today?” one of the girls asked. T
hey were disappointed, sure, but since Chi Qingya was treating, someone had to ask.
“Today is my single-life celebration party,” Chi Qingya announced. “From this day forward, I’ve completely cut ties with Su Li.”
“She cried yesterday and begged for forgiveness, said she couldn’t bear to stay here another day.”
“She quietly packed up this morning and left without saying goodbye.”
“I bet she thought leaving like that would make me come running after her. But she’s dreaming. I’ll never forgive her!”
“Order whatever you want—I’ll send you the money.”
Truth was, Chi Qingya had never organized a party before and had no idea what to prepare.
Usually, it was her friends planning the gatherings and inviting her along.
Even the last time they came to her place, she had relied on Su Li’s suggestions.
Since Su Li could cook, it made sense to delegate the job to her.
Besides, Su Li had to cook anyway—it wasn’t like it cost her anything extra.
“Congratulations, Yaya! You finally escaped that mess and made it to the other side!”
“Seriously, you’ve been through the worst, and now you’re finally free.”
“When Su Li finally wakes up and realizes what she’s lost, she’ll be full of regret. Don’t you dare go soft on her!”
“She might apologize, but some people never change. You’ve got to be careful—not make the same mistake twice.”
“I’m so jealous of you, Yaya. Living alone in a place this big? Dream life.”
The girls all chimed in with congratulations and well wishes, celebrating Chi Qingya’s “new beginning.”
Then they placed their orders and forwarded the payment receipts to her.
Not long after, the deliveries started arriving—one after another.
But everyone had ordered something different, and the portions were all a bit off.
It was like everyone was trying to be thoughtful, only ordering just enough for one.
Soon, the table was crowded with a chaotic spread of mismatched dishes.
They got to eat, yes but it didn’t feel satisfying.
Everything was rushed and scattered, and the mood never quite hit its stride.
Chi Qingya felt it too. She wasn’t nearly as happy as she’d imagined she would be.
Even with the whole room buzzing with laughter and chatter, something felt… off.
Looking at the hundreds upon hundreds of yuan her friends had just spent, Chi Qingya transferred the money to each of them one by one.
Just that one meal alone had cost her over 4,000 yuan—nearly a whole month’s rent.
Thankfully, she had that unexpected windfall: the 50,000 yuan Su Li had transferred to her. With that as a cushion, footing the bill didn’t sting as much as it could’ve.
Still, as everyone lounged on the couch afterward, absentmindedly scrolling through their phones, Chi Qingya couldn’t help but feel like the vibe was… lacking.
“How about we go out and have some real fun?” she suggested.
The girls perked up immediately.
A smile tugged at Chi Qingya’s lips. Her girlfriends were so much better than Su Li.
Su Li never gave a proper response to anything—silent as a rock. Sometimes it felt like talking to an NPC.
And when they did go out?
She’d totally ruin the mood.
Always trying to hunt down coupons and discounts like Chi Qingya couldn’t afford full price.
What was that supposed to mean?
Even when she gave Su Li orders, the girl never said no. She just obediently did whatever was asked.
If she insisted Su Li come along, she would—but she’d be sulking the whole time. Total buzzkill.
This group, though? They were already up and choosing where to go.
“Yaya’s finally free from that disaster. We’ve got to celebrate properly! How about Happy Valley? It’s still early afternoon—we can ride everything, then find a nice spot for dinner, and finish the night with drinks. No going home until we’re tipsy!”
“Happy Valley? I’ve been wanting to go forever, but the tickets are expensive—and the lines are insane.”
“It’s fine! If we go the VIP route, we can skip the lines. It’s way less crowded.”
“But aren’t VIP tickets way more expensive?”
Just as the girls began debating back and forth, Chi Qingya stepped forward confidently.
“No worries. If everyone wants to go, it’s on me. Don’t stress.”
“Yaya! You’re literally an angel! Love you, babe!”
“Our Yaya really is a hidden rich girl. We were all blinded by Su Li—she totally overshadowed you. But you’re beautiful, kind, and generous. Who else could compare?”
“Yaya, you’re way too good to us. That Su Li woman seriously deserves to rot. How dare she treat you like that!”
As her friends hugged her tightly, Chi Qingya could only smile and pat them on the back.
“Oh stop—it’s supposed to be a happy occasion. If you all get too emotional, I’ll start feeling guilty.”
After that, the girls broke into excited chatter again.
“I know a new high-end bar that just opened—it’s one of those rooftop spots with a starry-sky theme and panoramic city views. We can sip cocktails and chat under the night sky. Yaya, you have to drink a little more and really let go, okay?”
“Ooh, starry-sky rooftop bar? That sounds amazing! Anyone else want to go? If you’re in, it’s my treat again—let’s go soak it up together!”
Hearing her friend talk about the rooftop bar, Chi Qingya felt a flicker of anticipation too.
Maybe with a few drinks, she really could relax.
“Yaya’s way too generous… ugh, I wish I were a man so I could just marry her already!”
“Please, you think Yaya would marry you? She deserves only the best!”
“That’s right! Yaya deserves the best of everything!”