Wang Qiqi, carrying a water bottle and a simple backpack containing some biscuits, walked with familiar ease to their usual spot. She was quite surprised to find Dai Lijun already there. "Oh, you didn't go to the computer lab today?" Though they hadn't known each other long, they exchanged a few words. Of course, everyone had gotten used to the person who would escort them back to the dorms every evening.

Dai Lijun hummed in response, lowered the book he was reading, removed his glasses, and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I can't hog the computers all the time." There were only so many machines, and with so many computer science students, there certainly wasn't one per person. Thus, Dai Lijun had to yield his spot.

Wang Qiqi nodded. "It's good to relax occasionally. Staring at a screen all the time will turn you into an idiot." Besides, Dai Lijun had pimples on his face; she wondered if it was congenital or a result of spending too much time near computers.

Dai Lijun could only manage a slight smile. "The stuff in the books is a bit outdated." Perhaps the material was cutting-edge when the book was being edited, but by the time it went through the publishing process, the content was already lagging. Add to that the school’s procurement time, and even the freshest knowledge would be obsolete. That’s why Dai Lijun preferred exploring things on the computer. He had considered buying a computer before, but the price was not insignificant. If he got a desktop, he had no space; if he got a laptop, he’d have to deal with the gossip from those around him. So, Dai Lijun remained in deliberation.

"Forget computer science; aren't finance books also outdated?" Wang Qiqi said with a smile. From the moment someone starts writing a book until it's published and reaches us, at least two years will have passed. For computers, the landscape might shift dramatically in just a month, while finance doesn't change as rapidly, but content from two years prior is still outdated. "Why didn't you consider buying a laptop?"

Although Dai Lijun was quite low-key, Wang Qiqi noticed that the clothes he usually wore were brands like Nike, suggesting his family situation wasn't bad. Still, buying a laptop was no small expense.

Dai Lijun gave a wry smile. "Buying a computer isn't easy. Not to mention the money—if I buy one, what about my roommates?" Even among men, envy could strike.

"So you'll just keep fighting for the computers bit by bit," Wang Qiqi said, certainly not intending to delve deeper with Dai Lijun. "Oh, right, I asked Shi Man and the others to bring dinner over."

Since Wang Qiqi hadn't given Han Meina a pleasant look last time, the atmosphere in the dorm had become somewhat strange. There was also the factor that Wang Qiqi mentioned wanting to buy a computer. It must be said that such a grand gesture immediately elevated Wang Qiqi's standing in the dorm. Whenever others saw her, their gazes held many implications. Sometimes, when Wang Qiqi returned, conversations that had been lively would abruptly stop because of her arrival. This made Wang Qiqi feel thoroughly bored. Since the dorm environment was like this, Wang Qiqi was getting tired of it and opted to stay in the library instead, justifying it by saying she had many books to read.

Dai Lijun acknowledged this with a hum. Everyone had gotten used to it these past few days, but he suddenly remembered something. "I heard you're buying a computer."

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected Dai Lijun to know about her plan to buy a computer. She hadn't mentioned it to him in front of him; how did he find out? This struck Wang Qiqi as very odd.

"That, uh, I accidentally overheard Jiang Xin asking Shi Man about it," Dai Lijun rubbed his nose sheepishly.

So that was the explanation. "You scared me! I thought the news had already spread to the computer science department." She worried that if that were the case, she would become a figure of unwanted attention.

Dai Lijun had initially thought Wang Qiqi was upset that he knew about her laptop purchase, but it turned out that was the reason. "Um, could I possibly borrow your laptop in the future?" Dai Lijun knew his request was a bit much, but he couldn't help it. "I'll pay rent for it."

Wang Qiqi certainly didn't care about a small rental fee; she found it strange. "You could just buy one yourself."

Dai Lijun offered another wry smile. "I want to buy one, but if I did, what would I say when others ask to borrow it? And what would they say?"

Wang Qiqi rolled her eyes at Dai Lijun. "Are my roommates going to have no opinion just because I buy one?" I haven't even bought it yet, and I'm already trending toward isolation in the dorm. Once I actually bring the laptop back, I expect the isolation to worsen.

After hearing Wang Qiqi's words, Dai Lijun stopped reading and stared at her for a long time. Yes, if he bought a laptop, did he have to worry about their reactions? Moreover, even if he didn't buy a laptop, his relationship with his roommates wasn't going to improve much. And he remembered a suggestion from a senior student some time ago, but Dai Lijun hadn't made up his mind. Now, it seemed he should consider it too. Should he give up what he wanted just because of how his roommates might look at him? "Thank you."

Wang Qiqi didn't understand why, but seeing Dai Lijun lower his head and return to his book after saying that, she just shrugged and didn't dwell on why this kid suddenly thanked her. However, Wang Qiqi remembered something. "I have a friend who also studies computer science; I can introduce you later." This kid seemed quite knowledgeable in their major; she wondered if he and Han Tao would have common ground.

Dai Lijun responded with a simple "One who is smart." This was a habitual remark from Dai Lijun; he was truly exhausted by having to answer simple questions multiple times, which was too much for him to bear.

Wang Qiqi gave an "Oh," then said, "Whether someone is smart or not, you’ll only know after you interact. I don't understand much about computers." She only knew basic office software, browsing the internet, and light photo editing. As for more complex programming, Wang Qiqi admitted she knew nothing.

Know nothing? Dai Lijun found this strange upon hearing it. He looked up at Wang Qiqi. "You don't know computers, but you're still buying one?" That wasn't a toy worth tens or hundreds, but thousands. Dai Lijun truly admired Wang Qiqi’s extravagance; she was simply a spendthrift child.

"If I don't know, I can learn." Wang Qiqi recalled how rarely she had even touched a computer before. If she suddenly claimed to be computer-savvy, it would surely shock people. "So, I'll need you to give me some pointers then." This was perfect; having a ready-made teacher to guide her.

Dai Lijun finally understood; it seemed she came prepared. "I get it. I'll teach you then, but there will be a tuition fee."

"No problem. Are five steamed buns enough?" Wang Qiqi named her price.

"Let me study it, or perhaps I can use it when I need to," Dai Lijun stated his terms. "Maybe I’ll buy one next semester too."

On Saturday, Wang Qiqi, the other two from her dorm, Jiang Xin, and Dai Lijun, who had arrived, met up and headed to the IBM specialty store downtown to purchase the laptop.

Shi Man looked at the large, bustling crowd. "Qiqi, now you can relax. Your computer will definitely be safely brought back for you." Originally, only four people were going to buy the computer, but Jiang Xin insisted on joining, and Dai Lijun added himself, saying he could help offer advice. Wang Qiqi thought this was a perfect chance to let Dai Lijun meet Han Tao, and she had already discussed it with Han Tao, who didn't mind exchanging ideas with a peer in the same major.

Zhu Lina watched Dai Lijun, walking ahead with his head down, seemingly lost in thought. She asked Wang Qiqi with a bit of concern, "Do you think he and Han Tao will get along?" Han Tao was also a rather proud young man; while two proud people might actually connect, it was more likely they would instantly dislike each other.

"They can exchange ideas. If someone has real ability, I think there will be room for common ground," Wang Qiqi replied. Although Dai Lijun wasn't great at socializing, Wang Qiqi believed he likely admired capable people. And while Han Tao’s social skills weren't top-tier, they were decent enough. As long as one of them conceded a little, they might become friends. "Besides, I'm just introducing them; whether they become good friends isn't my responsibility." Did she need to act as a matchmaker? Wait, no, she wasn't arranging a match; why was she thinking about that?

Han Tao went to his tutoring job first thing in the morning for two hours before rushing to the computer store to meet Wang Qiqi and the others. By the time he arrived, Wang Qiqi and the others had already received the computer and were preparing to leave. "Sorry, I'm late." Han Tao instinctively took the cardboard box from Wang Qiqi's hand.

Dai Lijun hadn't expected to meet another man at the entrance. After greeting him, he naturally helped take a box. Though he wasn't usually adept at such social interactions, he noticed that as soon as the man appeared, Shi Man and the others’ expressions became strange. Did this man have a very close relationship with Wang Qiqi?

"Finished with your tutoring?" Wang Qiqi knew Han Tao took several tutoring jobs, charging quite high rates, but that was something he earned through his skill.

Han Tao affirmed with a sound, "I have another one tonight."

Wang Qiqi inquired, "So, should we find a place to eat, or...?"

"Let's go back and check out your computer first," Shi Man had been eager to play with the new behemoth Wang Qiqi bought but hadn't found a chance to do so earlier. "We'll grab some noodles for lunch, and then have a good meal tonight."

Hearing Shi Man say that, Jiang Xin's eyes darted around. "Can we get some chicken wings or something?" She hadn't gotten much last time; this was a perfect opportunity.

Wang Qiqi shook her head. "No."

"Yes!" Shi Man had eaten cafeteria food for a week. While she could switch cafeterias for variety, she wouldn't refuse something delicious. "This time, let's buy a little less, and don't take it to school." Shi Man knew if she brought it back to the dorm, Qiqi would definitely have to bring hers too, otherwise, it would be hard to justify.

Wang Qiqi watched Shi Man and Jiang Xin openly debating whether chicken wings, chicken legs, or gizzards were tastier, feeling speechless. Meanwhile, Han Tao, standing by, slowly began conversing with Dai Lijun.