The dinner concluded, and Bai Ge and the others had not unearthed the answers they were seeking, yet their estimation of Han Tao had definitely risen. Although he lacked smooth talk, the way he looked at Wang Qiqi, and the interaction between the two at the table, clearly betrayed a deep affection.

Even though Bai Ge and the others found Han Tao agreeable, they couldn't shake the feeling he wasn't the ideal candidate for a casual relationship. They conceded that Zhang Han and Deng Zhi were somewhat slick and questionable, but Han Tao was simply too reserved, often just quietly occupying a corner.

“I truly don’t understand Qiqi’s taste,” Bai Ge remarked bluntly on the way back. “Why Han Tao? It’s not that he’s bad, but he’s just too quiet. He doesn't fit the description of a Prince Charming from a novel.”

Li Xin nodded in agreement beside her, but Zhang Yan wasn't surprised by Wang Qiqi’s choice. Apart from lacking sweet nothings, Han Tao was dependable. Choosing such a man showed good judgment. Furthermore, Wang Qiqi’s parents had passed away, and from what Shi Man had mentioned, Han Tao’s mother was a genuinely good person. Such a family background seemed fitting for Qiqi. The only potential snag was that Han Tao’s father had died early, leaving him and his mother dependent on each other; such a mother might dote on her son excessively, always feeling like the daughter-in-law was stealing him away.

“I think they are serious,” Feng Yanjie offered her perspective. “While Han Tao might not be the best choice for dating, Qiqi is likely evaluating him against her standards for a husband. If it were me, I’d choose someone like him too.” She wasn't being mature so much as drawing from experience; her cousin had dated a charming, silver-tongued boyfriend like Deng Zhi, only to marry a man much like Han Tao. Yet, her cousin was genuinely happy now. She believed you needed someone smooth to date, but for marriage, you needed someone dependable, honest, and trustworthy, like her brother-in-law.

“I still think I’d prefer a charming boy to date, and then marry a man like Han Tao,” Bai Ge mused aloud, adding with a sigh, “But I doubt I’ll ever find such a good man.”

Bai Ge and the others continued their discussion as they walked toward the dorms, while Wang Qiqi led Han Tao to a nearby supermarket to stock up. Since they had been relying on previous supplies, they weren't going to waste this rare opportunity to have an extra pair of hands.

“Xiao Han, what do you need to pick up?” Wang Qiqi had bought the spices herself that day; preparing a meal without them was quite a chore.

“Just some noodles, so I can boil something quickly whenever I’m hungry.” Han Tao truly admired the five people in their shared room; when they were busy, they completely forgot to eat. By the time hunger struck, the small eateries outside would be closed, leaving only crackers, and sometimes not even those.

Noodles? Wang Qiqi shook her head. “Come to my place next time you’re hungry; I always have something to eat.” Eating noodles constantly wasn't acceptable; her man needed proper care, not malnutrition from a diet of quick starch. As they walked, she placed selected foods, drinks, and necessities into the cart. “But if you plan to go abroad later, we need to consider your diet.”

Fast food was cheap in America, but how nutritious was it? Why else would America have so many overweight people, often those with modest incomes? It was the excessive consumption of this Western fast food. Why didn't the wealthy get fat? They exercised, had nutritionists, and managed their meals carefully. Wang Qiqi didn't want her handsome man to return from three or five years in the States transformed into an overweight person, especially since he would be constantly glued to his computer programming. Sometimes, he might work all day without a break for exercise.

Diet problems? Han Tao hadn't given it much thought. “I can manage simple meals. Besides, didn't you say you wanted to go abroad too?” A significant part of Han Tao’s desire to go abroad stemmed from Qiqi’s plans. He didn't trust leaving her alone overseas; men abroad were notoriously forward, and what if his girlfriend—soon-to-be-wife—was swept away by someone else? Where would he go to cry?

Well, it seemed he had already mapped out their future—expecting her to follow him abroad to take care of him? “You see me as a housekeeper?” Wang Qiqi bristled, finding his assumption excessive.

“Don’t worry, I wouldn't let you do all the housework. I can handle simple cooking, truly. I just envisioned us going abroad together so we could look after each other. If you decide not to go, then I have no plans to go either.” Han Tao inwardly questioned if he couldn't build a career for himself even if she stayed behind.

“I just hope we can be together. Let's get married after graduation,” Han Tao said calmly, casually placing a packet of Wang Qiqi’s favorite soda crackers into the cart.

Wang Qiqi was inspecting a bottle of chocolate powder mix, habitually comparing prices and nutritional content, and didn't quite catch what Han Tao had said. She responded with a habitual, “Mm-hmm.”

“Really, that would be wonderful.” Han Tao was stunned by Wang Qiqi’s agreement. If they hadn't been in a supermarket, he might have swept her up and spun her around three times to express his overwhelming joy.

When Wang Qiqi finished comparing prices and selecting what she needed, she turned to see Han Tao with a flushed face and a look of barely contained excitement. She found it strange. “Xiao Han, what’s wrong? Is it hot in here?” She had already taken off her heavy coat.

Given her question, Han Tao knew she hadn't heard a word he’d said. But repeating it was something his timid nature wouldn't allow. “Nothing, are we done choosing?”

Wang Qiqi watched Han Tao push the cart and quickly move ahead, covering her mouth to stifle a giggle. Although her focus had been entirely on selecting snacks, she had certainly registered the crucial part of his statement; that quiet “Mm” was her most genuine acknowledgment. She had half-expected him to seriously repeat himself just to tease him, but this kid was easily spooked. Alas, he definitely needed some firm handling.

Han Tao, pushing the cart ahead while selecting snacks, was oblivious to Wang Qiqi’s thoughts. If he had known, he might have coughed up a lung.

Wang Qiqi caught up to him and saw him picking out her favorite preserved fruits, meticulously choosing her preferred brand. This man, who couldn't articulate sweet words, somehow knew all her preferences, everything she loved and everything she disliked. “Was that a proposal just now? But you made it so anticlimactic,” Wang Qiqi murmured softly, looping her arm through his.

Hearing her words, Han Tao instantly froze. He had assumed she hadn’t heard, only to realize she had heard but felt his declaration lacked proper weight. Han Tao didn't know how to respond; he was keenly aware of his own limitations—he wasn't a smooth talker, which was precisely why he chose computer science, a field that demanded the use of his mind and hands on a keyboard rather than his mouth.

“Don’t worry, as long as you don’t fail me, I won't fail you,” Wang Qiqi said, grabbing a few bags of bread. “But don’t think your position is secure; I still have options to switch partners.” Wang Qiqi threatened playfully. It wasn't false modesty; she considered herself quite a charming young woman, and finding a boyfriend wouldn't be difficult—it was just hard to gauge someone's future character or success.

Han Tao adopted an expression of being thoroughly intimidated, raising both hands above his head. “Your Majesty, your humble servant will certainly be dutiful to you.” Han Tao found the mock formality amusing, even as he said it. “Don’t worry, I will treat you well, to the best of my ability.” Han Tao knew that even if he promised Wang Qiqi a perfect life right then, not only would she doubt him, but he wouldn’t believe it himself.

The two spent the remaining time picking out items, avoiding further discussion on that particular topic. Some conversations were meant to be planted in the mind, not endlessly repeated.

“Qiqi, you came out shopping too?” Gong Yiying and Deng Zhi had just finished tidying up their room. After eating, they decided to stop by the supermarket for supplies—this was how a small home began to take shape. The thought that this place would soon be their little love nest filled Gong Yiying with delight. Seeing Wang Qiqi walking intimately with a certain man didn't sour her mood; in fact, it made her happier. She eagerly pulled Deng Zhi along.

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected to run into acquaintances while grocery shopping, and worse, acquaintances she didn't care for. “What rotten luck, running into them.” Even without turning, she knew there were two people, not just one. Given her current situation with Han Tao, their appearance together strongly suggested cohabitation.

Han Tao heard someone call Wang Qiqi’s name, and immediately noticed her complexion change. He knew this wasn't someone Qiqi liked. “Han Meina or Gong Yiying?” Han Tao couldn't think of a third person who would elicit such a reaction from Qiqi.

“Gong Yiying,” Wang Qiqi ground out through clenched teeth before turning toward the source of the voice. “Gong Yiying, what a coincidence.”

Gong Yiying approached Wang Qiqi and acknowledged her greeting with a noncommittal sound before her eyes darted to the cart in front of Han Tao. Seeing the contents—cooking oil, salt, soy sauce, rice, flour, cookies, snacks, and drinks—filled her with sudden excitement. It was almost identical to what she was buying. “Are you two living together?” Gong Yiying asked with visible agitation.

Wang Qiqi immediately saw the excitement mixed with schadenfreude in Gong Yiying’s eyes. She understood: Gong Yiying thought she had gossip—proof that Wang Qiqi was living with a man. She glanced at Gong Yiying’s cart and then at her watch, realizing it was getting late. “Aren't you heading back to the dorms? They’ll lock up at this hour.” Hmph, before you gloat about me, consider your own situation.