Busy dates, one after another

Xia Yiwei couldn’t understand why such a simple test had to be made so complicated.

But deep down, she knew she had to help Maomao.

After all, she was the one who had encouraged Maomao to start her journey toward independence.

Now, she couldn’t just back out halfway.

On the phone, Xia Xiashan said a few words—likely something quite harsh.

By the end of the call, Xia Yiwei held the phone so far from her ear it might as well have been in another room.

Only when the other end fell silent did she bring it back and say,

"Alright, alright, fine. Let’s say it’s all my fault."

"Director Xia Xiashan, are we meeting at the furniture mall or not?"

"If we don’t hurry, we’ll miss out on the afternoon shopping spree!"

……

Inside a large supermarket.

The Chi sisters—Big Chi and Little Chi—each pushed a shopping cart, checking items off a list as they went.

From the moment they entered the snack aisle, Little Chi’s eyes had been sparkling.

Her excitement never faded, as if she were shopping for herself.

"Sis, I know Maomao and Aunt Ruxue are loaded," Little Chi chirped,

"But buying snacks like this is still way too extravagant!"

"Ooh, two bags of chips—no flavor specified, so I’ll just pick my favorites!"

Chi Qingshui trailed behind, warning,

"Little Chi, don’t get any funny ideas."

"We’re just shopping for a friend, not ourselves."

"If you want something, use our own pocket money."

Little Chi turned around, her face lit up with glee.

"Hehe, Sis, do I look like someone who’d sneak snacks?"

"You don’t get it~ You just don’t get it~"

"Being able to buy snacks without restraint is its own kind of joy!"

Chi Qingshui shook her head with a smile.

Of course she understood.

She knew exactly why Little Chi had agreed to help Maomao.

But what surprised Chi Qingshui more was the shopping list itself.

They had to buy everything within a set budget—all in a single day.

Why had Aunt Ruxue made such a bet with Maomao?

And Maomao hadn’t just asked the two of them for help—she’d enlisted others from the apartment too.

Just how much money were they supposed to spend?

Thousands? Tens of thousands?

The world of the wealthy was truly baffling.

Maomao was an impressive girl.

She hardly ever left the apartment, let alone went shopping or to malls.

Yet, the prices on her list matched the store’s current prices down to the last cent.

Even discounted items were marked in advance.

Sure, you could find that info online.

But compiling it all must have taken ages.

What a patient, meticulous girl.

……

In another mall.

Tang Yimian and Fang Xinran walked side by side, holding a stack of pink receipts.

By mid-morning, they’d already ordered most of the items—curtains, bedsheets, duvet covers, and more.

Since they’d shopped at high-end stores, everything came with free delivery.

After paying, they just had to leave the address and schedule a time.

The deliverymen would handle the rest, even installing anything that needed it.

"Yimian, just two more items, right?" Fang Xinran asked, glancing at the receipts.

"Is Maomao settling down in your neighborhood?"

"This address is in your complex, but not the same building…"

She’d had dinner with Du Ruxue and Maomao a couple of days ago.

She knew they were wealthy—exceptionally so.

So, Maomao buying a new place wasn’t surprising.

What puzzled her was why it had to be in Xuefu Residential Area.

If she wanted to settle in Pingchuan, there were far more upscale options.

And if she just wanted a place near "friends" for convenience, why the rush to decorate so meticulously?

Tang Yimian couldn’t answer that either.

How could she possibly understand the whims of the rich?

She was just an ordinary elementary school teacher, helping out a friend.

"From how Maomao sounded, it doesn’t seem like Ruxue will be living there," Tang Yimian mused.

"Who knows what’s going on between them? Anyway, two more things to buy, then we’re done!"

"I’ll ask Maomao later if she needs anything else."

Fang Xinran nodded, dropping the subject.

Instead, she shifted to Lin Yu.

"Yimian, Maomao and Lin Yu get along, right?"

"She didn’t ask him for help today—is he busy with something?"

Tang Yimian: "!!!"

Lately, Fang Xinran had been mentioning Lin Yu more than usual.

Probably because…

His poetry had earned some recognition.

Tang Yimian shook her head.

"No idea what Lin Yu’s up to today. Maybe he’s helping in ways we don’t know about."

Fang Xinran looped her arm through Tang Yimian’s.

"You don’t think it’ll interfere with… our drinks tonight, do you?"

Tang Yimian: "…"

She’d been wondering the same thing.

Ever since they’d planned the outing, Tang Yimian had been looking forward to it.

Unlike a full-apartment gathering, with just the three of them, the conversation would likely center on…

Writing.

Since Lin Yu’s advice, Tang Yimian’s creativity had surged.

She’d overhauled huge sections of her novel.

Maybe tonight, she could get his feedback again?

……

Pingchuan University.

Campus office.

Yan Miaozhu sat alone at her desk, nibbling on grapes her husband had prepared for her.

On her computer screen, a video played—Lin Yu shining brightly at a cosplay event.

Each sweet, refreshing grape lifted her spirits.

Yesterday, Miao Haixin had interrupted her plans.

But it turned out to be a perfect intermission.

The extra night of chatting with Lin Yu had deepened their rapport.

Today was even better suited for savoring… these delicious green grapes.

Yan Miaozhu pulled out her phone and opened Lin Yu’s contact.

With no one around, there was no need for tedious texts.

She pressed the voice message button and spoke:

"Lin Yu, I just got another batch of photography assignments."

"All the files are mixed up—it’s such a mess!"

"Come by this afternoon and help me sort them, okay?"

"Though… I might not be on campus. I’ll send you the location—just meet me there?"

……

(Second update for today—more coming soon!)