It was quite a long journey, but the variety of delicious food available along the way, coupled with browsing unique little shops, kept Shi Man from complaining too much. Wang Qiqi, however, reaped considerable rewards, purchasing several interesting notebooks, as well as a few short-sleeved shirts and dresses. The quality and style were excellent, and what satisfied Wang Qiqi even more was the reasonable price.

“Heavens, Qiqi, you aren't planning on completing your entire summer wardrobe right here today, are you?” Shi Man looked at Wang Qiqi, whose hands were laden with shopping bags. In her mind, she exclaimed, Goodness gracious, she’s as extravagant as my own mother! Although her mother bought clothes at the mall, she was just as decisive as Wang Qiqi—if she liked something, she bought it.

Wang Qiqi had only intended to browse initially, thinking that some of the clothes from these foreign trade outlets might be quite decent. Once she heard the prices and realized they aligned with a Japanese modest-lady aesthetic, and that they looked great on her, she simply couldn’t pass them up. “That’s right. Clothes need replacing every year anyway, so if something fits well, I’ll get it. Xiao Man, aren't you going to try anything on?”

Shi Man shook her head. “My mom prefers me to wear designer brands.” She thought that perhaps her mother had given her some gift cards, and it would be a waste not to use them.

Julina had long been eyeing the clothes in these shops, but she knew they were very selective about body types—they looked best on slender figures. Although she constantly reassured herself that the quality wasn't as good here, or that they lacked brand recognition, she still felt deeply frustrated, especially watching Wang Qiqi try on piece after piece, most of which she could wear herself. This really soured Julina’s mood.

Julina thought that if Wang Qiqi didn't eat much, it would be understandable, but the problem was that throughout the day, Qiqi hadn't eaten any less than she had. Yet, why was she the fat one while Wang Qiqi remained so slim? Her parents weren’t overweight either. Julina truly couldn't figure it out. She used to think that being able to eat a lot was a blessing, that being plump was good fortune. However, during the New Year visits, when her parents took her out greeting relatives, she couldn't help but overhear people whispering behind her back that she was as fat as a pig, which saddened her deeply. The issue was that she had tried running and jumping rope, which yielded little result, and dieting, which worked well initially, but she became so weak from hunger that the weight rebounded rapidly as soon as she resumed eating normally.

“You all eat so much and still stay so slim. I eat moderately and yet I get fat,” Julina sighed.

“You just need to drink less cola,” Wang Qiqi said. Qiqi had an inkling as to why a certain girl was constantly downing colas and struggling with her weight. Throughout the walk, she noted how energetically the girl kept up, suggesting she exercised regularly. After all, without such stamina, how would she know about every tiny shop tucked away in the alley corners? Wang Qiqi honestly couldn't fathom how those tiny shops survived, even if rent in the alleys was cheap; how many customers could they possibly draw?

Wang Qiqi voiced her confusion to Julina. Good shops needed good storefronts, after all. Hearing this, Julina burst into laughter. “The few shops I brought you to don't even open regularly! They only cater to regular customers. Didn’t you notice how rarely any item is duplicated in the store? Even if there is a duplicate, it's only one or two pieces. If it fits you, take it; if not, forget it.”

Wang Qiqi understood. Perhaps the shop owners sourced their items through specific channels, or maybe they were processing end-of-line factory overruns, which explained the limited stock. Shi Man, initially thinking only two pieces were available, remarked, “Doesn’t that mean you’re very unlikely to bump into someone wearing the same thing?” Even though they weren't branded, the items were genuinely nice. The slim chance of a wardrobe clash made Shi Man think she should seriously reconsider her stance.

Wang Qiqi finally grasped the concept. “Maybe those shop owners have day jobs, and the stores only open on weekends or in the evenings.” That way, they wouldn't need expensive, high-traffic locations since they relied on repeat business; good sales from regulars would naturally bring in more customers.

Julina nodded. “They rely on word-of-mouth business. My cousin shops here frequently, which is how I learned about it. Although the clothes aren't extremely expensive, the profit margin is quite good.” Julina initially thought the prices were cheap until her cousin opened a shop with a friend; only then did she realize the profit potential, provided one could secure good merchandise.

“Exactly. Those contract manufacturing plants have already secured the bulk of the profits,” Wang Qiqi mused. “These overruns are just occasional bonuses. Besides, anyone who gets access to this stock must have some connections, so they’re naturally sought after. But the bottom line is, they are cheaper and better-looking than mall items. We can come back often. But Lili, if you want to wear beautiful clothes, you have to quit the cola.” Seeing as this girl had led them to such a great place for clothes shopping, Wang Qiqi graciously offered the advice again.

“I just think cola tastes good... and it has this fizziness; it feels really satisfying,” Julina said, looking at the can of coke in her hand. Although she knew Wang Qiqi and the others might be right, she truly couldn't let go of the cola she’d been drinking for years.

“Then drink it. That stuff is ridiculously sweet. You might as well drink some freshly squeezed fruit juice, made by yourself.” Wang Qiqi thought about the watermelon juice she made—it tasted fantastic, and while sweet, it contained absolutely no additives.

Julina looked at Wang Qiqi’s and Shi Man’s figures, then back at the cola in her hand. After a long moment, she finally made a decision. “How about this: I won’t drink any cola for a month and see what happens.” If there was no effect, then being overweight had nothing to do with the cola. If she succeeded in losing weight, then for the sake of looking good in those clothes and never hearing anyone call her a pig again, she could give up cola. She was willing to fight for beauty.

Shi Man was astonished that Julina, who was so devoted to cola, could be persuaded so easily by Wang Qiqi. It wasn't an exaggeration to call cola Julina's second life. Yet, she agreed to quit for a whole month! Shi Man wondered if Julina felt compelled to forge a better relationship with Qiqi that required such a huge sacrifice.

Wang Qiqi stared at Julina for a long time, then nodded. “It’s your decision whether you drink it or not, but I know many women will do anything for beauty and a slim figure.” She recalled a dorm mate who only ate apples throughout four years of university to avoid eating after noon, eventually developing anorexia. The girl became thin, yes, but she looked like a skeleton and attracted no boys whatsoever. Wang Qiqi remembered reading somewhere that men always enjoy looking at slim women, but when it comes to holding someone, they prefer a bit of flesh to feel something substantial. At the time, Wang Qiqi’s only thought was that men’s standards were ridiculously high—demanding this and that. Was this perhaps one reason why so many women ended up single? Wasn’t it because many women simply grew tired of catering to these so-called men who nitpicked and found fault with everything?

“However, when losing weight, you need moderation. It’s not about starving yourself, but about eating healthy food combined with appropriate exercise. Even if you lose weight slowly, it will decrease steadily,” Wang Qiqi added. “For example, although we eat quite a bit during our outings, because we are walking and eating constantly, our high level of activity prevents us from gaining weight.”

Wang Qiqi spent the rest of the time dispensing various health tips, while Julina relentlessly questioned her about the secret to her slimness. Since she had already started asking, she decided to pursue the answer to the very end.

Julina listened intently to Wang Qiqi’s explanations and finally understood the root cause of why Wang Qiqi and her friends stayed lean. She realized that every time she ate at a restaurant she knew about—always introduced by her cousin—it was a case of sitting down to eat, eating, and then sitting some more, never allowing proper digestion. Furthermore, the foods she favored were often fast food. This explained why poor people abroad tended to be overweight; they frequently ate such things, coupled with drinking cola like water. Julina thought back and realized this held true: most overweight people on the streets abroad were poor; few rich people were fat. Firstly, they had nutritionists, eating either very healthy food or meals specially prepared for them; secondly, they exercised. “I get it now.”

Shi Man was busy devouring the snacks she bought casually on the roadside. While inexpensive, the taste was genuinely good. “I think these taste better than restaurant food.” Shi Man had no interest in Qiqi’s so-called health advice. She was young; she didn't need to worry about her body until she was seventy or eighty. She figured she could worry about it in middle age. Why live like an old lady when she was young? As for Julina, who was listening so eagerly, Shi Man didn't need to guess; she was clearly absorbing weight-loss wisdom.

Wang Qiqi spoke until her throat was dry. Hearing Shi Man’s comment, she glanced at the fried food in her hand. Although Wang Qiqi was tempted, she knew that if she started eating it, the girl next to her, who had just sworn to diet, wouldn't be able to resist. For everyone’s sake, she decided against it. “It’s fine for you to eat occasionally and think it’s good, but if you had to eat this every day, you might not feel the same way. Plus, this kind of food relies heavily on seasonings.” Wang Qiqi didn’t dare scare the enthusiastic eater, though she seriously wondered if the fresh-looking fried chicken strips contained meat tenderizer or industrial additives. However, she dared not voice this thought; if it turned out that local standards weren't that unscrupulous yet, she would be spreading rumors and disturbing public order—a serious offense.

The three of them ate and drank as they pleased. Wang Qiqi had planned to be home by eight, but they didn't part ways until nine o'clock. Julina confirmed the meeting time with everyone before saying, “Qiqi, Xiao Man, don't bring any food tomorrow. I’ll bring something.” With that said, Julina bid them farewell and left.

Shi Man looked at the retreating figure. “I don’t believe her family situation is what she wrote down on the form.” They had agreed to pay for themselves, but it seemed Julina had covered the major expenses; she and Qiqi had only handled the smaller purchases.

“Possibly, but if she doesn’t say anything, we pretend not to know,” Wang Qiqi replied. “If she wants to keep a low profile, let her. Why should we expose her?”