Getting up early the next day, while showering, she accidentally knocked over the perfume bottle, splashing it all over herself. Naijuan hurriedly rinsed off, but still felt too fragrant and conspicuous when leaving.

That day, the couple seeking counseling was quarreling over money.

The director must have sent them to the wrong place.

They should go to Dr. Wei Hua’s office—he was the expert on economic problems.

This couple’s arguing made Naijuan’s ears ring.

“After we married, we put our income into a joint account, but for three years, she’s spent both salaries completely. She spends extravagantly on jewelry and clothes while I have to work part-time to pay the mortgage—it’s unbearable.”

The young wife said dissatisfiedly, “It’s normal for women to buy a few clothes. There’s no reason to make me use my income for appliances and furniture.”

Naijuan stared blankly at this pair who refused to grow up, with immature mentalities.

What would Wei Hua say?

Naijuan pondered desperately.

The room quieted down. The couple focused intently on Naijuan, waiting for her advice.

Naijuan cleared her throat.

“Married couples should keep separate bank accounts.”

“But don’t a woman and man become one body after marriage?”

Naijuan looked at them both, “That’s a figure of speech, meaning two people share hardships and advance, but whether spiritually or physically, you remain individuals.”

They were stunned.

“Two people should maintain space, especially with money. Each person should have the freedom to spend without interference. Joint accounts cause the most trouble.”

“Then who’s responsible for the mortgage?”

“Didn’t you discuss this before marriage?”

They looked at each other blankly.

The man said, “Half each.”

The woman’s face fell, “Tomorrow I’m going back to my parents’ home.”

Naijuan said, “Only when both parties are responsible, mature people can have joint accounts, and there must be substantial savings in the account. Otherwise, financial independence reduces disputes.”

They fell silent.

“You both have too high expectations of each other—disappointment is inevitable.”

Time was up. They stood to leave.

Tan Xin came in saying, “That was a real wake-up call. So even after marriage, it’s not ‘what’s mine is yours.'”

Naijuan smiled and took a book from the shelf, “This is Dr. Wei Hua’s work: ‘Ten Key Financial Management Tips After Marriage.’ I’ll lend it to you to read.”

“What about property? Can that be jointly owned?”

“I don’t know—let me ask Dr. Wei.”

“What about children? Children should truly be jointly named. Why must they rigidly follow the father’s surname?”

“Hmm, that involves many issues.”

Tan Xin said, “Working in this office for a long time makes one afraid to marry. The experts’ opinions are too rational. Marriage isn’t a business partnership—why so many regulations?”

“If you’re not afraid of being taken advantage of, then forge ahead boldly.”

Tan Xin thought for a moment, “That won’t work either. I have female friends who were deceived and abandoned precisely because they had no defenses.”

Naijuan laughed.

Tan Xin asked, “What about you, Miss Wu? Would you share your private savings?”

“I always hope the other person can support themselves like I do.”

Tan Xin nodded.

Naijuan sighed.

“Next is a Mr. Li Zhizhong.”

Li Zhizhong? The name couldn’t be more familiar.

However, this was the most ordinary name possible: Li was a common surname, and Zhong was a character Chinese parents loved—moderation, hitting the mark, Central Plains, pertinent, middle ground…

“Please let him in.”

Upon meeting, she immediately remembered—it was that young man in a white shirt and khaki pants she kept running into.

Naijuan smiled, “Hello, Mr. Li. Where is Mrs. Li?”

“Sorry, she broke her promise. She suddenly went back to her parents’ home in Los Angeles without a word.”

Oh, the problem was serious.

“What issues do you have between you?”

Li Zhizhong rubbed his face with his hands, as if not knowing how to begin.

“How long have you been married?”

“Er, about two years.”

“Do you have children?”

“No.”

“Then things are much easier to handle.”

“This is probably why many couples delay having children.”

Naijuan smiled, “What’s your profession, Mr. Li?”

“Office work, don’t need to wear uniforms, but often meet clients outdoors.”

Naijuan couldn’t think what kind of work that was.

He didn’t seem like emergency personnel, so. “Are you an engineer?”

“No, I returned from Silicon Valley.”

“Computer designer?”

“In Silicon Valley, everyone’s work relates to computers. I’m a private investigator specializing in commercial crime cases.”

Oh, such an unusual profession.

Naijuan became curious.

“In Silicon Valley, plagiarism and piracy are unforgivable sins. For cases affecting major corporations’ millions in revenue, I also do security work for clients.”

“How interesting.”

“Irregular work hours cause family dissatisfaction.”

“Did you study criminology at university?”

“Yes, plus sociology and psychology.”

“Mr. Li, your knowledge is more profound than mine.”

He bowed slightly, “I wouldn’t dare claim that.”

“What disagreements do you two have?”

Li Zhizhong seemed unable to articulate it, perhaps he didn’t want to speak ill of her.

He looked up and saw Naijuan’s pair of bright, spirited eyes—it was such a gaze that made him willing to confide in her.

“It’s my fault. I don’t like talking, I don’t know how to dance, and I don’t know which champagne tastes good or where to vacation for the most satisfying happiness.”

Naijuan answered without hesitation: “I’m the same. I don’t think these are flaws—everyone has different preferences.”

“Naijuan, you’re kind.”

This time, he called her by name directly, and she didn’t find it excessive.

“What are your interests?”

He touched the back of his neck. “I like reading, and in my spare time, I cook a few dishes for friends.”

“Ah, cooking!” What a rare virtue.

“Yes, I was raised by my grandmother from childhood. She made excellent Jiangzhe cuisine. I learned by watching and listening from a young age.”

“Is your grandmother still alive?”

“Fortunately, she’ll celebrate her seventieth birthday this autumn.”

Naijuan nodded. “That’s your blessing.”

Naijuan was also raised by her grandmother, but the old woman was no longer in this world, making her feel melancholy.

She hadn’t expected they had so much in common in their lives.

“Did you return from Silicon Valley for another position?”

“To investigate a transoceanic case.”

Naijuan smiled, “You don’t seem tense—that’s good.”

“I’m used to it. It doesn’t affect my life.”

“Next time, it’s best to come with your wife. Otherwise, I’m only hearing one side—it seems unfair.”

“I’ll try to bring her.”

Each session was only forty-five minutes, the same as elementary school class periods, because after that time it was hard to concentrate.

Li Zhizhong walked to the door and suddenly turned to ask, “What’s my name?”

Naijuan was startled.

Li Kezhong? Li Zezhong?

She looked at her notes, “Li Zhizhong.”

Li Zhizhong knew it would take more time.

He said, “I’ll come again.”

Tan Xin came in to organize files, “This Mr. Li is the only one who came seeking answers. All the other couples just came to argue.”

“Speaking about troubles is more comfortable.”

Tan Xin asked, “Should a person’s troubles be shared with their partner?”

Naijuan slowly asked back, “What do you think?”

Tan Xin considered seriously, “That depends on the other person’s character.”

Naijuan smiled, “A person’s troubles are best kept in the darkest depths of their heart—no need to take them out and share.”

Tan Xin protested, “Miss Wu, your theory is too pessimistic. This way, even after marriage, it’s still ‘you’re you and I’m I’—rather distant.”

Naijuan stood up, “Closing time.”

“Oh yes, sorry. Miss Wu said, saying too much leads to mistakes.”

Naijuan smiled, “Exactly—saying too much leads to mistakes.”

Tan Xin had an epiphany.

On the way home, the car phone rang.

“Naijuan, this is Bihao. Please turn your car around immediately and come to my place. Something important—my beautiful cousin Zhaozhi is getting married next month, but suddenly feels terrified. Please come give some advice.”

Naijuan found an opportunity to turn around and drive to the Ma’s house.

“I’ll be there in about ten minutes.”

“Naijuan, you’re such a good friend—nothing to criticize.”

Clear female sobbing could be heard over the phone—the situation was serious.

Despite being busy, Naijuan still stopped at a fruit shop to pick out an exquisite fruit basket. She wasn’t used to visiting empty-handed.

Bihao opened the door with a helpless expression.

She said softly, “It’s Ma Liwen’s cousin Zhaozhi. Originally decided to hold the wedding on the fifth of next month, but suddenly retreated, and wants to cancel everything. She’s so distressed she’s thinking of suicide.”

Naijuan nodded.

Oh, Ma Zhaozhi was lying on the sofa, covering her face with a cushion and crying mournfully. She wore a small floral georgette dress, ballet-style flat shoes—full breasts, thin waist, long legs, skin so fair it almost glowed. Her beautiful hair was like clouds, jet black and lustrous, flowing to one side.

When God created Ma Zhaozhi, he must have taken special care. So unfair.

“Zhaozhi, if you cry anymore, your eyeballs will fall out. Let me introduce Naijuan—she’s an expert. Talk to her.”

Ma Zhaozhi moved the cushion away.

Oh, her eyes were already red and swollen from crying, but she was still beautiful. Seeing Naijuan, she pleaded, “Please save me, please save me.”

Naijuan answered gently, “It’s not serious, not worth dying over. First, drink some ice water.”

Naijuan suddenly remembered lyrics from a popular song: You look like you’ve been crying forever, the stars in the night sky mean nothing to you, just like a mirror. I don’t want to say you’ve broken my heart. But if I stay a little longer, will you listen to my heart?

Only beautiful women made people think of such devoted lyrics.

She saw Zhaozhi struggle to sit up, wipe her face with a cold towel, drink iced tea, and then lower her head without speaking.

“Does the other party know you plan to cancel the wedding?”

Zhaozhi nodded.

“Have the invitations been sent out?”

Zhaozhi said hoarsely, “Some of them.”

No wonder the other party was angry.

Bihao played the prospective groom’s voicemail for Naijuan: “Ma Zhaozhi?” he roared, “I’ll kill you! We’ll die together!”

Zhaozhi covered her face again.

Naijuan’s face darkened, “Bihao, this is threatening language—report it to police for the record.”

“Sigh.”

“Eighty-five percent of female murder cases are committed by acquaintances.”

Zhaozhi’s face turned green.

“Don’t frighten Zhaozhi.”

“These are police statistics—true.”

Zhaozhi said, “I’m not ready. I can’t handle their big family’s elaborate ceremonies. I won’t marry.”

Bihao said, “Already notified the man’s side to take back the betrothal gifts.”

She gestured for Naijuan to look at that gift.

When the light blue box opened, brilliant light flashed out.

It was a diamond necklace with a pear-shaped pink diamond pendant as large as an eye.

Naijuan had little interest in jewelry, but this time she couldn’t help exclaiming “Ah!”

Bihao said regretfully, “Must return it.”

She had just borrowed it to wear for a full half hour to satisfy her curiosity.

Naijuan admired beautiful women and said gently, “If you have doubts, better to cancel.”

Zhaozhi suddenly grinned, “Thank you.”

Strange—without any flaws, her teeth were like shells.

Naijuan continued, “Only you know the reason, and that’s enough—no need to elaborate. Sometimes a person needs to quietly listen to what their sixth sense is saying.”

Bihao cried out, “What? You don’t need to analyze her problems?”

Naijuan shook her head, “She has the right to change her mind. No means no. If the other party doesn’t understand this ‘no,’ then report to police.”

“Too indulgent toward her.”

“Women should naturally indulge women.”

At this moment, the doorbell rang.

“He’s here. Everyone, sit properly.”

Bihao was like facing a great enemy.

Naijuan sat beside Zhaozhi, intentionally or unintentionally blocking half her body.

The servant opened the door, and a tall, handsome man walked in. He looked haggard and silently crouched beside Zhaozhi.

He said humbly, “Zhaozhi, please change your mind.”

Zhaozhi remained silent.

“What did I do wrong? Tell me and I’ll change immediately.”

Zhaozhi wouldn’t look at him.

Naijuan knew it was finished between them. Something unknown had happened—Zhaozhi no longer loved him.

“If you don’t like big families, we can live abroad.”

Zhaozhi returned the expensive jewelry to him.

The man stood up, took off his jacket, and sighed.

Bihao said, “Go withdraw the invitations.”

He could only nod.

Naijuan felt like an audience member watching a wonderful performance by a handsome man and a beautiful woman. She didn’t think it was tragic because both had such good conditions—they needn’t worry about their futures.

He took the jewelry box and left dejectedly.

Zhaozhi sat with lowered head in a daze.

“What’s the real reason? Now you can tell us. Does he have someone else, or have you set your sights on someone better?”

Zhaozhi shook her head.

“Your parents are also angry—there must be an explanation.”

“I’m temporarily unsuited for marriage, having children, staying home, being a good wife. I still want to live in France’s Loire Valley wine region for a year or so, then return to continue medical school. Perhaps join Operation Smile.”

Naijuan spoke up, “You should have explained this before accepting his proposal, considering others’ feelings.”

The beauty hung her head, “Yes, it’s my fault.”

“Making others heartbroken and troubled is unfair.”

“I’ll formally apologize to him. At the time, I didn’t think carefully. When the wedding date approached, I realized I’d have to go to battle—I was terrified.”

Naijuan said, “Only beauties have the privilege to do such things.”

Zhaozhi wept again.

“Now, why is this?”

“I don’t know if I’ll have another chance to marry in the future. Maybe I’ll regret it—he didn’t say he’d wait for me.”

Naijuan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

“Too selfish—how can you always put yourself first?”

Bihao said, “When God created Ma Zhaozhi, unlike others, only she can be willful and capricious.”

Naijuan asked, “Is there nothing more for me here?”

Bihao walked her to the door. “Thank you for the trouble.”

Naijuan suddenly smiled, “Being Ma Zhaozhi would be fortunate.”

“God is fair—she has everything except brains.”

Naijuan answered, “Just having brains without such a beautiful body—what’s the benefit?”

Bihao looked at Naijuan, “In my heart, you’re the beauty among beauties.”

Naijuan laughed dismissively, “You don’t count—you’re family.”

The two embraced and said goodbye.

At the parking lot, someone approached. Naijuan looked carefully—it was Zhaozhi’s former fiancé.

“You haven’t left yet?”

He lowered his head self-mockingly, “Can’t bear to.”

Naijuan now felt he wasn’t dangerous, but knowing it wasn’t wise to linger in controversial places, she hurriedly got in her car.

Then she couldn’t help advising the young man, “Go back. A person’s dignity is most important.”

He had an epiphany and answered softly, “You’re right. Thank you.”