Daili Jun had initially assumed that this bespectacled boy, who showed a penchant for computers, couldn't be overly bright, but after a conversation, he realized that although the boy was a complete novice in computing, he was inquisitive, asking questions whenever he didn't understand, and grasped concepts quite quickly—a realization that brought Daili Jun a measure of relief.

When Wang Qiqi had previously mentioned that her friend was a computer science freshman, Daili Jun hadn't been entirely unconcerned, but his overwhelming admiration for Wang Qiqi’s new computer eclipsed everything else. He certainly hadn't anticipated that his first meeting with Han Tao would occur under such circumstances. Still, he had to admit the young man possessed decent conversational skills. “Daili Jun, a sophomore majoring in Computer Science at C University.”

“Han Tao, a freshman in Computer Science at A University.” Han Tao looked at Daili Jun, who possessed a slight air of the bookworm. Recalling what Wang Qiqi had said, he had to agree the kid did look rather nerdy, but when it came to computer topics, he spoke with great fluency and authority. Han Tao didn't know if it was accurate, but it didn't matter; soon enough, he would have a machine of his own for practical application.

Back at the apartment, Daili Jun snatched the computer from Han Tao’s hands and efficiently began the assembly. In no time, all the cables were connected. Upon booting up, when Wang Qiqi saw the familiar Windows interface, a flood of emotions washed over her. Although it was only version 95, it was a glimpse of the interface she knew from the future. “Han Tao, Daili Jun, you two carry on; we’ll go clean up.”

The windows and doors of the room were shut, yet dust still permeated the air. Wang Qiqi knew Shi Man’s primary focus was food, so she ushered them out to buy provisions. Jiang Xin naturally tagged along. Wang Qiqi and Zhu Lina were left to pick up mops and rags to clean the apartment. Thankfully, it was mostly dry dust, making the task quick. Daili Jun had exchanged a few words with Han Tao initially, but once he entered the world of the computer, Wang Qiqi never heard his voice again.

Han Tao watched Daili Jun deftly tinker with one component then another. Though he desperately wanted to follow Daili Jun’s movements, he found himself completely lost. He retreated to the kitchen to help with the cleaning.

When Wang Qiqi turned back, she found only Daili Jun sitting alone at the dining table. Assuming Han Tao had gone to the washroom, she was surprised to discover he was actually cleaning the kitchen. “Aren’t you going to study the computer?”

Han Tao shook his head, speaking softly. “It’s just too advanced. Is he really a sophomore?” Han Tao had seen the sophomores in the computer lab before; they certainly weren't as fluid with the machine as Daili Jun was.

Wang Qiqi nodded. “He is a sophomore, but rumor has it he’s brilliant in CS. Sometimes he discusses problems with the juniors.” In Wang Qiqi’s view, he was a talent, though she wondered how his future would unfold—would he work for someone or start his own venture? Starting a business wasn't easy, of course. For employment, finding a decent job in computer science wasn't hard right now, especially if his grades were good.

Hearing Wang Qiqi confirm this, Han Tao sucked in a breath. “No way.” To be able to discuss subjects with juniors, rather than just asking for help, indicated the bookworm possessed some real skill. “It looks like I’ll need to ask for his guidance often in the future.”

“With his personality, he’ll only converse with those who are truly capable.” Wang Qiqi had often observed Daili Jun keeping to himself, his relationship with his roommates quite lukewarm. Yet, Wang Qiqi was also curious—with his demeanor, how had he ended up sitting next to them that day? Of course, she wouldn't press him on the matter; even if she did, would he answer?

“We wouldn’t bother with those lacking ability,” Han Tao stated, supremely confident he would find common ground with Daili Jun.

Wang Qiqi observed Han Tao’s confident expression and smiled, nodding. That was Han Tao, a man perpetually sure of himself. “I believe you’ll succeed. Do you have tutoring tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow evening.” Han Tao had a thought now. “Someone contacted me about tutoring their son. I’m planning to turn them down.” In recent days, Han Tao had been closely monitoring the stock market and noticed that the stocks he followed Wang Qiqi into were also rising. “Oh, Qiqi, about the stocks…”

“Don't worry, we won't sell until it hits fifty,” Wang Qiqi murmured, repeating what someone had said at the brokerage firm that day. “Besides, I estimate the market is good right now, and with some people still manipulating things, putting in more money wouldn't hurt.”

“You’re not adding more?” Han Tao wasn't clear on Wang Qiqi’s full assets, but he knew the money she had already invested wasn't nearly all of it—perhaps not even half.

Wang Qiqi knew some things couldn't be hidden from Han Tao, or from Zhu Lina and the others, who were aware she possessed substantial funds. “I’m just messing around with this little bit of principal.” What would more money achieve? While the stock market was profitable, Wang Qiqi worried about creating too large a butterfly effect with her rebirth, and her understanding of stocks wasn't deep enough, so a steadier approach was better. “Once I have more funds, I’ll buy a house in the capital.”

“You just love buying houses,” Han Tao noted, seeing Wang Qiqi speak of property ownership almost like a vow. Yet, Han Tao wasn't lacking motivation regarding property himself. “By the way, Qiqi, didn't you mention wanting a simple translation job? A parent of one of my tutoring students runs a translation agency, though it’s not very big. Why don't you go try it out sometime?” Han Tao had heard Wang Qiqi bring it up twice before but knew he couldn't assist. It was serendipitous that he knew a parent in that line of work, so he mentioned it casually. “They want to conduct an interview.”

Wang Qiqi hadn’t expected such a fortunate break. “Really?” Wang Qiqi knew her spoken English was weak, but simple text translation should be manageable. “How strict is the interview? And when should I go?” The thought of earning some extra income made Wang Qiqi’s heart flutter. Although she occasionally read English originals, she always looked at the Chinese translation first, so her comprehension was patchy at best. Translation, however, demanded a higher standard. Even though she had some background in foreign trade in her previous life, it had been over a year since her rebirth, and most of her energy had been focused on mathematics.

Strict or not, Han Tao didn't know. “Go try. If it works out, it works out. If not, it doesn’t. You’re not depending on this small amount of money.”

Wang Qiqi conceded the point. “Alright, I’ll try. Thanks. If I get it, I’ll treat you to a meal.” Hahaha, if she actually got hired, she could earn some manuscript fees to cover living expenses, and it would be preparation for going abroad.

“Just one meal?” Han Tao was a little displeased with Wang Qiqi’s perceived stinginess. “You should treat me to a proper feast! Too bad my English isn’t as good as yours.” Otherwise, he could also earn some money, which would certainly be better than tutoring. What a pity.

Wang Qiqi sensed Han Tao’s regret. She knew he hadn't fully shifted his mindset yet; he was still focused on earning tuition and living expenses to ease his mother’s burden. This wasn’t an ideal situation. “I’m studying finance; stock trading counts as practical application for me. But do you intend to tutor forever? Becoming a tutoring king, or maybe teaching high school later, or perhaps you want to be a translator?” The latter two paths would require significant dedication. “I just want to earn some money flexibly while improving my English.”

Han Tao found Wang Qiqi’s words slightly baffling. “I never planned on being a teacher or a translator. Although I don't know much about computers now, the future society will be an information society; the Computer Science major is the fastest way to achieve my goals, isn't it?” While teaching was respectable—educating the youth—Han Tao didn't think he’d enjoy being a teacher, even with improved salaries now.

“I know, but you’re sighing about me taking a translation job for money. To be honest, I bought this computer because once I move out, I want to set up an internet connection to look up data online—it's much better than reading newspapers.” Although less information was published online now, at least stock market quotes could be checked via the computer without him having to run to the trading floor every day.

If Han Tao still didn’t understand now, he truly was foolish. Yes, he had been preoccupied with earning tuition and living expenses to lighten his mother’s load, completely forgetting his actual university major. “I’ve been dense. I should be focusing my energy on my Computer Science major.” Even tutoring was just for covering living costs and tuition; he couldn't simultaneously aim for tutoring money and translation money. “Are you suggesting I should learn more from him in the future?”

Wang Qiqi couldn't make that decision for Han Tao. “That’s for you to decide. I’m going back to work.”

Shi Man and Jiang Xin returned with bags full of food, finding Daili Jun sitting at the dining table, engrossed in the computer screen, while Han Tao stood by, simply watching him operate it. They instinctively lowered their voices. “Qiqi, we’re back! I got some beef and a roast chicken.”

Wang Qiqi acknowledged them with an 'oh,' taking the noodles to start cooking. “Go tell those two it’s time to eat.”

Shi Man walked up to Daili Jun to tell him dinner was ready, but the boy didn't even look up. Finally, Jiang Xin couldn't stand it, walking over and directly snatching the laptop away. She considered yanking the power cord, but the fear of damaging such an expensive item—which would likely hasten her demise—stopped her.

Seeing the computer forcibly removed from his sight, Daili Jun was naturally annoyed. “Give me back my computer.”

Jiang Xin snorted a few times. “It’s time to eat. Why hog the computer? Hmph, the computer belongs to Qiqi, and she needs to cook for you. What kind of attitude is that?” Jiang Xin wasn't afraid of Daili Jun. In her view, this was Wang Qiqi and the others' territory, and her relationship with Wang Qiqi was much stronger than Daili Jun's connection to Qiqi.

Whether it was Jiang Xin’s fierce display or the implication in her words, Daili Jun was effectively silenced. After muttering a few complaints, he didn't manage to wrestle the laptop back.