Wang Qiqi yawned her way to class right on time, only to hear Bai Ge calling out to her. Wang Qiqi lowered her hand, returning the greeting. After all, the fact that she could leisurely arrive right at the bell was thanks to Bai Ge and the others saving her a seat. Of course, the attendance wasn't as high as it was in their freshman year; many students had started skipping classes, especially those taught by remarkably easygoing professors, where the classrooms were nearly empty. Wang Qiqi felt that even if the professor’s material seemed somewhat outdated, lagging behind the times, they were still instructors, and she mused that perhaps some of these people might even turn out to be financial elites or stock market pundits later on.

Wang Qiqi also felt that since she was paying tuition, she ought to listen attentively, at least to honor every penny she spent on school fees. Another major, albeit persistent, reason was that her boyfriend, Han Tao, was a dedicated student who basically never skipped class and diligently studied his major subjects even after lectures ended. As for Shi Man and Zhu Lina, there was even less reason for them to skip: Shi Man skipped to deepen her French studies, while Zhu Lina had mandatory work commitments requiring her presence elsewhere. Considering this, Wang Qiqi figured that if she skipped, she’d have no company—it would just be sleeping, reading professional books, or translating manuscripts for money. Given that scenario, Wang Qiqi thought, why bother skipping? She might as well listen to the lectures. If the class was interesting, she’d pay close attention; if it wasn't, she’d just pretend the professor was speaking an arcane language, treating it as a boss berating a subordinate, thus honing her patience.

No one knew Wang Qiqi's true thoughts. They just knew she seemed quite studious, though some suspected she was putting on an act. She often considered how to leave a good impression on the professors, hoping for a chance at a campus position or a favorable recommendation for a good company. In short, everyone had their own theories. As for the faculty, professors always favored diligent students. Whenever the topic of the second-year finance majors came up, Wang Qiqi was the one who left the deepest impression on many instructors—that girl never missed a single class, not even the elective ones.

Jiang Xin watched Wang Qiqi enter the classroom still yawning and was about to ask if she’d stayed up late again and needed to take care of her health. But just as she opened her mouth, someone tugged at her shirt from behind. Jiang Xin turned to speak to the person behind her, an action that, to Wang Qiqi’s perception, looked like a deliberate avoidance of her. If it had been in the past, Wang Qiqi wouldn't have given it a second thought, but after the incident the other day, she started reading into it. She felt it was Jiang Xin’s attitude.

Wang Qiqi thought to herself, If you’ve already drawn a line and decided we’re siding with Daizi, making things awkward between us, then I have no choice but to reluctantly accept your choice. She walked past Jiang Xin and sat down next to Bai Ge.

Seeing Wang Qiqi looking as if she hadn't woken up properly, Bai Ge and the others teased her, "Were you and Han Tao up late yesterday..." Bai Ge gave Wang Qiqi a meaningful look. Although their interactions with Han Tao weren't extensive, the maturity he exuded was something many boys their age lacked. Sometimes in the dorm, they discussed whether Qiqi chose Han Tao because he possessed a certain paternal quality. Of course, these were just dormitory whispers, things Qiqi couldn't be allowed to know, lest she become furious.

"I was chatting with Manman and the others and ended up sleeping in the same bed. Then Manman's leg was draped over me, and I didn't sleep well all night," Wang Qiqi said, punctuating her story with a yawn as she recounted the morning’s events. While whether she slept with Han Tao was her private business, the fact was, they hadn't done that yesterday. Why should she admit to something she didn't do? At that moment, Wang Qiqi suddenly remembered something important: she and Han Tao had apparently rented or bought a place together. Otherwise, they were always sneaking around when Manman or Nana wasn't home, which always felt a bit like being a thief—though admittedly, it added a thrill.

Bai Ge and the others had witnessed Shi Man’s sleeping posture before. The first time they visited Qiqi’s place, they saw Shi Man’s thigh pressing down on Wang Qiqi’s chest. They genuinely couldn’t fathom how Qiqi could sleep with such a heavy weight on her. "Haven't you all moved into separate rooms now?" Bai Ge asked, puzzled. It wasn't that she suspected Qiqi was lying, but Qiqi had previously boasted about finally chasing the two mountains back to their respective rooms. Yet, only a few days later, they were sharing a bed again.

"Girls’ night chat, girls’ night chat," Wang Qiqi replied. She knew Bai Ge meant no harm, but Gong Yiying, sitting in front of them, turned around with a look clearly saying, You’re making that up. "We just stayed up talking late and drank a bit of red wine yesterday, so we were too lazy to go back to our own rooms."

Bai Ge and the others murmured in understanding. They were actually quite curious. During group meals, Wang Qiqi never touched alcohol, not even wine, yet she seemed to drink red wine almost every night. While they didn't know her exact tolerance, it must be quite high; someone who drinks daily would naturally build up their capacity. As for why she avoided drinking during gatherings, Bai Ge and the others assumed it was because Wang Qiqi worried she might lose control and make a scene.

During class, Wang Qiqi noticed Jiang Xin frequently looking at her. But every time Qiqi looked back, Jiang Xin would avert her gaze. After this happened a couple of times, Wang Qiqi decided to just pretend not to see Jiang Xin’s glances. Bai Ge and the others also noticed Wang Qiqi frequently turning to look at Jiang Xin, wondering what was going on between them, as they had always been close.

Jiang Xin inwardly wanted to talk to Wang Qiqi about her situation with Daizi. She knew walking away behind Cao Rui that day had been a mistake. She had wanted to tell Daizi that she liked someone else, but felt it was unnecessary; as long as he knew she had a boyfriend, he would understand. She hadn't expected things to escalate this way. She remembered Shi Man and the others looking at her with coldness as she left that day, and Cao Rui hadn't questioned her on the way back, nor had he spoken a word, just walking quietly back to the dorm, not even saying the customary goodnight. This left her feeling uneasy.

Jiang Xin knew Daizi liked her, and he probably had potential in computer science. But before accepting Cao Rui’s advances, she had considered Daizi. Yet, every time she pictured Daizi’s slovenly appearance, she felt a wave of futility. Jiang Xin couldn't bear to imagine telling her friends and roommates that her boyfriend was Daizi; their looks would surely be mocking. They would think she accepted Daizi only because no one else pursued her. The thought of facing such scrutiny made her retreat. Compared to Cao Rui, though she hadn't spent much time with him, a little more time would allow her to get to know him, right?

What pleased Jiang Xin most was that Cao Rui was far more considerate than Daizi. In just a few shared meals and conversations, Cao Rui already knew her favorite dishes, whether she preferred strong or light flavors—he seemed genuinely attuned to her. Daizi, however, was truly dense; he probably still didn't know her preferences. He never showed concern for her, only obsessing over his computers, computers. Jiang Xin didn't see herself as Qiqi; she had her own life to manage. So, it was fine if Han Tao was busy with his things, but Jiang Xin considered herself a small woman who couldn't accept a boyfriend preoccupied only with his own interests.

Jiang Xin sat there, lost in thought for a long time. After completing all her mental preparation, just as she was about to breathe a sigh of relief, she heard the class bell ring. Jiang Xin quickly gathered her books and hurried over to Wang Qiqi’s side. "Qiqi, can I talk to you for a moment?"

Bai Ge had been intending to ask Wang Qiqi something, but seeing that Jiang Xin needed to speak with her, she decided to postpone it. The matter wasn't urgent anyway. She said goodbye to Wang Qiqi and followed Duan Xiaomin and the others out.

Wang Qiqi slowly packed her books into her backpack. Whether Jiang Xin was in a hurry or not was not within her immediate concern.

After packing up, the two of them left the classroom. Since it was a break between classes, many people were streaming out of the teaching building; one could spot many bright-eyed individuals, clearly new students. "Time flies; we’re already sophomores," Wang Qiqi remarked with a sigh. Back then, so many classmates carried that air of youthful confidence, feeling like chosen prodigies, but now, barely a year into university, many had changed—more dating, more skipping class, fewer studying diligently. "I need to go to the library to borrow some books; mind coming along?" Although she didn't know what Jiang Xin wanted to discuss, it was probably related to Daizi.

Jiang Xin uttered a small sound, then, seeing that Wang Qiqi showed no sign of changing her mind, could only manage an "Mm." Internally, she felt a distinct displeasure. This was supposed to be a significant conversation, yet Qiqi was dragging her to the library. What if they ran into classmates or Cao Rui’s roommates on the way?

Wang Qiqi glanced at the conflicted Jiang Xin, half-expecting her to just leave and reschedule. To be honest, Wang Qiqi hadn't rested well yesterday, and on top of that, being mentally tormented by Jiang Xin during class had put her in a foul mood. A bad mood wasn't conducive to negotiation, but she was surprised Jiang Xin didn't leave. Reluctantly, Wang Qiqi led the "tag-along" to the library, already contemplating what Jiang Xin might say—perhaps claiming innocence, saying she didn't want to delay Daizi, or perhaps just bluntly stating Daizi wasn't right for her.

Whatever Wang Qiqi was thinking, she was determined on one thing: she wouldn't initiate the conversation. Since Jiang Xin had never brought up her history with Daizi before, why should she be the one to start? Wouldn't that feel like coercion? Moreover, silence could put immense pressure on Jiang Xin.