Xia Xiaolan didn’t feel she was losing face – if she could learn something, being the academic god’s assistant wasn’t a problem.

Substance mattered more than appearances. Without getting too fancy about “walking with three people, one must be my teacher,” Xiaolan knew everyone had their strengths. Since she’d decided to study architecture seriously, how could she pass up this opportunity for extra tutoring?

After finishing lunch and cleaning up the dishes, Director Wang approached her again.

He gave her his contact information: “If you ever become interested in acting, you must contact me!”

Director Wang thought Xiaolan would be perfect for Qingwen’s role, though he hadn’t considered her for the two female leads in “Dream of the Red Chamber.” Both Daiyu and Baochai already had suitable actresses. A pretty face was one thing, but the presence was another – Wang was very satisfied with his current Daiyu and Baochai, their auras were perfect matches.

Xiaolan thought she’d never be interested in acting, but she didn’t reject Wang Linshu’s enthusiasm.

“Director Wang, we might have a chance to work together.”

Once the Luna brand grew bigger, shooting commercials would be possible. Xiaolan kept his contact information and exchanged her own.

Ning Xue happened to witness this scene, and Xiaolan suddenly felt guilty like she’d been caught cheating:

“I want to ask Director Wang to shoot commercials for me in the future. Classmate Ning Xue, my family runs a clothing store specializing in women’s wear. Our new Beijing store opens in a few days – you’re welcome to visit!”

Ning Xue nodded, “Let’s continue measuring. The sooner we finish, the sooner you can leave.”

When they were alone, Xiaolan said, “Actually, I declined your invitation that day because I’d promised my roommates they could visit my home this weekend… Classmate Ning Xue, would you like to visit my home too?”

…

Saturday morning, Room 307’s schedule hadn’t changed. Those who usually got up to memorize English still did so.

Some went to the library to study, others did laundry or homework – their weekend life was well-ordered.

After lunch, the residents of Room 307 gathered for a small meeting.

“Xiaolan invited us for dinner, but we can’t just show up in the evening, right?”

“Of course not!”

“Why don’t we go to Xiaolan’s house early and help her mom cook?”

That was doable.

Zhou Limin added another point, “We can’t go empty-handed!”

No family would teach their children to visit without bringing something.

But the girls from Room 307 came from different financial backgrounds, so whether to buy expensive or cheap gifts was a question. Chen Yiyi, usually quiet, spoke up in her gentle voice, showing her wisdom:

“It’s awkward for any one person to buy something. Let’s pool our money and buy some apples, or maybe eggs – they’ll be useful for Xiaolan’s family.”

Even the best Guoguan apples weren’t expensive.

Eggs were pricier, over one yuan per jin.

But Room 307 had seven people besides Xiaolan – if each person contributed one yuan, they could buy both apples and eggs.

Chen Yiyi’s suggestion lightened Yang Yonghong’s mood: “I agree with Yiyi’s idea. Any objections?”

Yang Yonghong’s family was the poorest, but she could manage one yuan – the others certainly wouldn’t object.

Everyone pooled their money, and Chen Yiyi and Zhou Limin went shopping. They bought some apples, but the remaining two yuan wasn’t enough for two jin of eggs. Chen Yiyi took out her wallet: “I’ll cover the rest – I have extra living expenses.”

Zhou Limin grabbed her wrist, “Let’s split it. I knew you didn’t bring the senior along because you were worried she’d pay too much.”

Yang Yonghong rarely received living expenses from home, relying entirely on school subsidies, which she had to carefully budget. Chen Yiyi didn’t want to put her in a difficult position, hence her suggestion.

Chen Yiyi didn’t argue with Zhou Limin – they split the remaining cost and headed back with their purchases.

Not everyone in Room 307 had bicycles, but those without could ride on others’ bike racks, which were sturdy enough for any girl. Su Jing was from Beijing and knew Shichahai – they had the address, so they could find Xiaolan’s home once they got there.

The group of young girls cycled to Shichahai, laughing and chatting along the way, arriving quickly.

“This place is beautiful!”

“Of course it is – it used to be a playground for officials and nobles.”

Since they were there, they took a lap around Shichahai before looking for Xiaolan’s house.

“Is this it?”

“Should be – let’s knock and ask.”

Young girls, not plump but full of vigor – none could be called ugly. When such a group gathered, their chatter was so lively it even agitated Old Zhang’s birds next door.

Liu Fen had been waiting at home – Grandmother Yu had gone to train the store employees.

Hearing the knock, she opened the door and recognized Yang Yonghong.

“Auntie, Liu Auntie, right? This is Xiaolan’s house – we found it!”

Liu Fen warmed to Yang Yonghong’s Ji Bei accent: “That’s right, this is Xiaolan’s home. Please come in, all of you.”

They all greeted “Auntie” and entered.

Su Jing had thought Xiaolan’s family had bought a single room in a courtyard house, but she was surprised by their prosperity – Liu Fen was alone in the entire courtyard, with no illegal additions or noisy neighbors. The whole courtyard belonged to Xiaolan’s family.

Su Jing quietly marveled.

These living conditions were far better than most Beijing natives enjoyed.

Were private businesses that profitable now?

Su Jing felt Xiaolan’s family must be more than simple private business owners.

Before they arrived, Liu Fen had been preparing vegetables for dinner. The seven girls made her sit down: “Auntie, you watch TV – we’ll cook.”

None were incompetent. Even without Xiaolan present, they chatted easily with Liu Fen, each confident as they moved things from the kitchen to the living room, using the dining table as a chopping board. They watched TV while kneading dough, with a clear division of labor.

They took turns introducing themselves, and Liu Fen found she could quickly remember who was who among the seven.

Liu Fen was delighted – these girls were good-natured and clever. Xiaolan’s friendship with them proved her own good character.

When Xiaolan returned home, she found her mother had practically become everyone’s mother… Already sore from measuring all day, her heart felt a bit sour too. She was slightly jealous – that thick-skinned Su Jing had made her mother beam with joy, while she had been coldly rejected by the academic god.

The world wasn’t fair.

“Xiaolan’s back!”

“Finally! Come sit, come sit.”

Liu Fen couldn’t stop praising Xiaolan’s roommates – these girls were so warm and friendly.

After measuring dimensions all day, with another day of it tomorrow, Xiaolan was exhausted, her head fuzzy. She felt she’d forgotten something important but couldn’t remember what it was.