Otherwise, how could she have such a ridiculous idea?
Qiao Zijin was obviously reluctant. "What's the hurry? It doesn't cost me anything to stay in the capital. Isn't it the same as being in Ping Cheng? Water flows to the lowest places while people climb to the highest places. I've finally made it to the capital after much difficulty, and I have what I need to stay here too. Why should I return to Ping Cheng? I want to stay in the capital and become a resident of the capital." She could not afford to be embarrassed by going back to Ping Cheng with no achievement.
To Qiao Zijin, returning to Ping Cheng would mean needing to give Ding Jiayi a living allowance. If she were to stay in the capital, she would simply share Qiao Dongliang's apartment. Given the same expenses, it only made sense to stay in the capital rather than return to Ping Cheng.
Return? Only a fool would return!