Han Meina's face puffed up in anger after receiving Gong Yiying's call at home; she never expected Wang Qiqi to actually buy such an expensive computer. No, she absolutely had to find a way to get a laptop.

When Han Meina returned this week, she had already caused a scene, discussing with her family that someone in the dorm had bought a laptop and expressing her own desire for one. But the outcome was that only one person was buying one—it wasn't like over half the class was getting computers. Even her doting father refused, saying she was a student and there was no need to compete with others over such things. This greatly annoyed Han Meina. Her only hope was that Wang Qiqi hadn't bought a computer, or at least hadn't brought it to school, but alas, her hopes were dashed.

Every time Han Meina thought about facing Wang Qiqi's computer back at school, she could already picture Wang Qiqi's smugness. Sighing, Han Meina felt a familiar knot of worry.

Han Meina's parents understood the root of their daughter's restlessness. To be honest, the family wasn't short on cash for a computer, but her daughter’s attitude was terrible—this sense that if she wanted something, the family should just buy it for her, a habit cultivated from some unknown time. If she were arguing that the computer was for better studies, the family would certainly buy it. But the reason she cited was that her roommate bought one, so she must have one too. What kind of reasoning was that? If her classmates started buying only designer clothes next, what then? That craving had no bottom. Besides, the girl who bought the computer was parentless; all her money was in her own hands, so she could spend as she pleased.

Han Meina paced back and forth in front of her parents, but failed to capture even a flicker of their attention, which infuriated her. "Mom, I want a laptop." Even though they acted as if they couldn't see her, Han Meina still wanted to try one last effort.

"Your roommate bought one?" Han Mother glared at her, her gaze immediately returning to the television.

Seeing her parents' reaction, Han Meina pouted. "She did. Mom, you don't know, my other roommate just called and told me how arrogant she was being; even she couldn't stand it..." Han Meina endlessly recounted the news Gong Yiying had fed her, naturally adding a bit of her own embellishment, all to convey the feeling that if she didn't get a laptop, she couldn't possibly remain in the dorm another day.

Hearing her daughter speak this way, especially seeing the near-tears in her eyes, Han Mother felt a pang of sympathy. How long had it only been since school started for her daughter to be bullied by a roommate? Of course, perhaps the other party was unintentional. But that girl had no parents; how much money could they possibly save? Truly a prodigal child. Just as Han Mother was about to open her mouth to say, "It's just a laptop, we'll buy it, we have the money,"

Before Han Mother could speak, Han Father interjected, "Since you feel like you're being bullied, then you can live between the school and home." Initially, Han Father had felt sympathetic towards his daughter, but then he noticed the furtive glint in her eyes. He could tell there was a significant exaggeration in her story.

Both Han Mother and Han Meina looked at Han Father in confusion. How could he come up with that idea? Han Mother recalled that when Meina first demanded to live between school and home, her husband insisted she must stay in the dorm. How could he change his mind in just a few days?

Han Meina hadn't expected that failing to secure the laptop would lead her parents, especially her father, to agree to let her move back home. While commuting daily might be a bit taxing, she could choose to stay home during lighter class periods. However, one critical issue remained: "Will my allowance be cut?" That was the most crucial question.

Han Father shook his head. "What was agreed upon is what you get."

Hearing this, Han Meina certainly had no objections. She had already planned it out: if she was slightly more frugal, by her sophomore year, she could definitely afford a laptop, and then she could show off. For now, she would let Wang Qiqi enjoy this opportunity. "My parents are the best," Han Meina squeezed between them, hooking an arm around each, professing her love.

Han Father casually mentioned, "That little follower of yours..."

Han Meina snorted, disdain lacing her voice. "Her? Does she think I'm some idiot easily fooled? She knows I dislike Wang Qiqi, so she deliberately badmouths her to me. As if I don't know." Han Meina's expression completely shifted from how she usually spoke of Gong Yiying, now showing pure aversion.

Han Father kept his eyes on the television, seemingly unfazed by his daughter's starkly inconsistent attitude. "It's good that you know." After a pause, he spoke, "When you start working, you'll meet many people like her, and you'll realize they're just child's play. Only through seeing and experiencing more will you avoid being fooled too often once you enter the workforce." This was partly why Han Father had insisted she live at school initially.

The petulance vanished from Han Meina's face, replaced by a sharpness. Despite thinking about growing up, there were still some things she insisted upon. "Dad, I really want a laptop. There’s no reason Wang Qiqi can have one and I can't."

Han Father almost remarked that his daughter had matured quickly since entering university, but some things hadn't changed; she still wanted what others had. "Some things require you to fight for them yourself. Do you understand?"

Han Meina had truly thought her recent display would satisfy her parents, especially after her father’s words earlier. Though he hadn't stated it outright, she interpreted his meaning as subtle praise. But the moment she brought up wanting the laptop again, his attitude soured.

Han Father could only shake his head from the side. This girl wouldn't think that just because she showed slight improvement, he would automatically reward her. "I was just about to say you showed some progress, but now it seems you haven't improved at all. If you want a computer, figure it out yourself, or think about it some more."

Han Meina knew that no matter how displeased she was, her parents wouldn't concede to her demands. This left her deeply unhappy, and her fury toward Wang Qiqi only intensified. Hmph, she was beautiful and from a good family; she should be the focal point of the class and the dorm. But now, that spotlight had shifted to Wang Qiqi. Ever since her family's fortunes improved in elementary school, Han Meina had slowly become the center of attention. To suddenly realize she was merely one focus, and that another was slowly eclipsing her—with her parents refusing to intervene—it was no wonder her rage burned hotter.

When Gong Yiying returned to the dorm, the gloom had lifted from her face, though her gaze toward Wang Qiqi remained unkind. She thought to herself, Let her enjoy this day; once Han Meina returns tomorrow, she won't be so smug.

Gong Yiying knew exactly what Han Meina would do after hearing her embellished words: she would fly into a rage at Wang Qiqi. Since Meina's family was wealthy, she would certainly pester them for a laptop—that would be the real spectacle. Wang Qiqi had announced her purchase well in advance; wasn't that showing off? But Meina would be different. When she returned tomorrow afternoon with her laptop, what a shock that would cause! Gong Yiying eagerly anticipated the look of astonishment on Wang Qiqi's face. Moreover, Han Meina would be the villain, while she suffered no losses and got a good show. Thinking this, Gong Yiying felt a surge of happiness, and even her pace quickened with lightness.

Wang Qiqi ignored the way Gong Yiying looked at her upon returning. She had elevated her vigilance toward Gong Yiying above even Han Meina. This one was definitely the type to stab you in the back while acting friendly to your face, unlike Han Meina, who plainly showed her displeasure the moment she felt annoyed.

Bai Ge yielded her computer spot to Li Xin and the others, then plopped down next to Wang Qiqi. She noticed Gong Yiying’s demeanor and pursed her lips. She had stormed out looking furious just moments ago, but now she was completely transformed. With a bit of quick inference, she understood something. "Qiqi, keep an eye on Gong Yiying. I bet she went out to call Han Meina just now."

Wang Qiqi kept reading without moving, whispering back, "That's her business. At most, she’ll just stir up trouble between Han Meina and me." Sigh, I wonder if Han Meina knows that her so-called lackey is using her. Perhaps she does. Wang Qiqi didn't believe Han Meina was someone easily manipulated; her sudden extreme agitation might also be calculated.

Watching Gong Yiying's triumphant air, Wang Qiqi lowered her head back to her book. Since someone felt self-satisfied, why should she spoil their good mood? Let her watch the show. But she wondered who was truly acting for whom. "Do you really think Han Meina is someone easily bullied?"

Bai Ge, looking at Wang Qiqi still engrossed in her book, was utterly surprised. She hadn't expected Wang Qiqi, who rarely stayed in the dorm after the official start of term, to see things so clearly. If she hadn't coincidentally overheard a conversation between Han Meina and Gong Yiying, she wouldn't have known that Gong Yiying, who pretended to be a peacemaker, actually spoke of the other dorm members with such contempt in private. She hadn't told anyone, mainly because she doubted anyone would believe her. Everyone thought Han Meina disliked Wang Qiqi, but it wasn't quite that simple. In fact, Gong Yiying seemed to look down on everyone in the dorm, whereas her attitude toward Wang Qiqi was tinged with pure jealousy.

But hearing Wang Qiqi’s last question left Bai Ge stunned. What did she mean by that? Was she implying Han Meina wasn't the firecracker everyone assumed? Was this the adult world, truly so complex that people like them couldn't even grasp the surface?