As Wang Qiqi refined her outline, she simultaneously prepared for the main body of her thesis. By the time her outline was approved by the professor, she already had a solid foundation in her mind for the paper. Though she still frequented the library, it was to search for new data to substantiate her theories. Consequently, even though she was the last in class to begin writing the main text, she managed to complete her first draft among the top ten students.

The professor meticulously reviewed Wang Qiqi’s paper. While he found it reasonably good—certainly impressive for someone her age—he knew Qiqi hadn't managed to fully unleash the formidable intellect he suspected she possessed. He looked up at her, sitting attentively, awaiting his verdict. She presented the image of a model student, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that she was merely putting on an act.

The professor scrutinized Wang Qiqi, and she, in turn, was exceedingly tense. With the departure date looming so near, she genuinely feared that if the first draft wasn't accepted, her long-awaited trip would be ruined. For Shi Man, however, this was good news. Ever since seeing the travel itinerary Qiqi had drawn up, Shi Man's lip had been persistently pursed, a gesture that became even more pronounced upon seeing Wang Qiqi, signifying her displeasure—a feeling Wang Qiqi seemed entirely unaffected by.

“While it hasn’t quite met the standard I set for you, it’s passable,” the professor said, maintaining a stern face though inwardly quite pleased. He enjoyed seeing the girl’s nervous expression; her emotional control was remarkably good for a woman barely in her twenties. It was rare to see her genuinely anxious, so he wanted to savor the moment a little longer. Still, the professor was relatively lenient with his favorite pupil and knew better than to string her along indefinitely. “When can I see the second draft?”

Wang Qiqi felt a strong urge to curse when she heard the professor deem her work "passable." She had poured over countless resources for this paper, even soliciting help from Feng Xuanxiang overseas. Her email correspondence with Feng Xuanxiang had surpassed the sheer volume of emails exchanged when Han Tao was in the States, even eliciting a few jealous remarks from her man. “Understood. However, I can only give you the second draft after the Spring Festival.” Wang Qiqi was speechless that the professor was already anticipating the next version right after reading the first draft. Professor, I'm really not built for pure academia; there’s no need to hold me to such high standards! Besides, she was certain she submitted her initial draft early. Wang Qiqi was confident that others who passed the outline stage wouldn't have such an easy time getting their first drafts approved. She was sure that even if she submitted the second draft after the winter break, she wouldn't be the last.

“That long?” The professor was taken aback. He found it strange. Wang Qiqi was one of the few in the class who hadn't taken an internship. It wasn't that she couldn't find one; she just seemed uninterested. Yet, this seemingly idle person claimed it would take two months to deliver the second draft. He truly found it odd.

Wang Qiqi nodded. “Yes, I plan to intern at a friend’s company.” She knew she absolutely couldn't tell the professor she intended to travel; that would be signing her own death warrant. “I think my theoretical knowledge is solid, but I really lack practical experience.” As for that supposed lack of practical experience, Wang Qiqi wasn't worried. She had some knowledge from her previous life, plus she could always consult Yang Jing or Feng Xuanxiang. She guaranteed that whatever her classmates encountered during their internships, it wouldn't surpass what she would be exposed to.

Interning? Hearing this, the professor’s expression softened. He knew exactly which friend's company Wang Qiqi referred to. “Fine. Remember to stay in touch. You can call or email if you have any issues.”

Wang Qiqi hummed in acknowledgment. After bidding the professor farewell, she left his office, deep in thought. She felt utterly clueless; the professor hadn't offered a single hint as to what dissatisfied him about her paper. Without knowing the specific flaws, she had no idea how to revise it, terrified that she might remove the very parts the professor did like, leading to the outright rejection of her second draft. “Ugh, this is so annoying,” Wang Qiqi sighed dejectedly.

“Qiqi.” Jiang Xin was surprised to see Wang Qiqi near the professor’s office. She found it strange that Qiqi would be there. Could she have submitted her first draft for review? But she dismissed the thought immediately; Qiqi’s outline had only just been approved a short while ago. How could the main paper already be done? Judging by Qiqi’s expression, however, it looked like she’d been lectured for failing the draft. And Jiang Xin felt this time, it wasn't an act. She had come to see the professor on a whim, so no one else in the class should have known she was coming. Therefore, Wang Qiqi’s current expression must be genuine. “Are you okay?”

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected to run into Jiang Xin, and a flicker of surprise crossed her face. “I’m fine. The paper just didn't pass.” Hmph. She puts on a show of concern, but I can see the schadenfreude in her eyes. “Ah well, I’ll just have to rework it slowly when I get back.”

So the paper hadn't passed after all. “Qiqi, don’t push yourself too hard. Your outline was approved just recently. You don’t need to rush the first draft just to keep up with the majority. The professor has high standards.” Haha, I can’t believe Wang Qiqi can actually lose her composure like this. She was already thinking about the second draft just days after the outline passed. Knowing the professor’s personality, it was inevitable that he wouldn’t let Qiqi pass immediately, regardless of how much he usually favored her.

“I know. But for the second draft, I’ll turn it in after the Spring Festival,” Wang Qiqi replied. Hearing the professor immediately ask for the second draft after barely glancing at the first made her exasperated. Professor, I’m really not a career academic; you don’t need to demand so much from me. Besides, she was confident that those who passed the outline stage wouldn't necessarily pass the first draft so easily. Wang Qiqi was certain that even if she submitted her second draft after the holiday, she wouldn't be the last.

“You need that long?” The professor was stunned. He found it strange. Wang Qiqi was one of the few students who hadn't opted for an internship. It wasn't that she lacked opportunities; she just seemed disinterested in internships. Yet this seemingly unburdened person claimed she needed two months for the second draft. He truly found it peculiar.

Wang Qiqi nodded. “Yes, I plan to intern at a friend’s company.” She knew she absolutely couldn't tell the professor about her travel plans; that would be courting disaster. “I feel my theoretical knowledge is good, but I genuinely lack practical experience.” As for this so-called practical experience, Wang Qiqi wasn't worried. She had some know-how from her past life, and she could always consult Yang Jing or Feng Xuanxiang. She dared say that the experiences her classmates gained during their internships wouldn't compare to hers.

Interning? When the professor heard this, his expression relaxed. He knew who her friend was. “Good. Keep in touch. You can call or email me if you run into any issues.”

Wang Qiqi acknowledged him with a soft sound. After saying goodbye to the professor, she walked out of his office, lost in thought. She felt completely adrift. The professor hadn't specified a single point of criticism regarding her paper. This lack of direction left Wang Qiqi unsure how to even begin revising, fearful that she might inadvertently eliminate the elements the professor actually approved of, thus sealing the rejection of her second draft. “Sigh, what a headache,” Wang Qiqi muttered glumly.

“Qiqi.” Jiang Xin was taken aback to see Wang Qiqi so close to the professor’s office. She wondered why Qiqi would be there. Did she submit her first draft for review? But that seemed impossible; her outline had only passed recently. Yet, Qiqi’s dejected look suggested she’d been scolded for failing the draft. Jiang Xin felt this wasn't an act; she had decided to visit the professor spontaneously, so no one else in the class should have known. Thus, Wang Qiqi's current expression must be completely genuine. “Are you alright?”

Wang Qiqi hadn't anticipated running into Jiang Xin, and surprise flashed across her face. “I’m fine. The paper just didn't pass.” Hmph. Even with the feigned concern, I can see the look of an onlooker waiting for a show. “Ah well, I’ll go back and grind on it slowly.”

So, the paper really hadn't passed. “Qiqi, don’t pressure yourself so much. Your outline just cleared recently. You don’t need to rush the first draft to catch up with everyone else. The professor is demanding.” Hahaha, I never thought Wang Qiqi would lose her footing like this. She was already thinking about the second draft just days after the outline passed. Jiang Xin figured, knowing the professor’s personality, that him not letting Qiqi pass was a certainty, even if Qiqi was one of his favored students.

“Right. That’s why I plan to go back and work hard on it. I’ll submit the draft after the Spring Festival,” Wang Qiqi said, knowing Jiang Xin would misunderstand. Jiang Xin would assume she meant the first draft and think she had plenty of time.

Just as Wang Qiqi predicted, Jiang Xin genuinely thought she meant the first draft. “What? That late? Qiqi, that’s going to make next semester really tight.” If the first draft takes that long, does she plan to kill herself next semester? Besides, she maliciously thought, what if Qiqi failed the first draft again? That single month would be consumed by first, second, and third drafts—was she trying to work herself to death? “You should try to pass the first draft before the break; next semester will be easier.” That way, Jiang Xin could find out if Qiqi passed the first draft and perhaps see a copy of it.

“I want to,” Wang Qiqi admitted, though she couldn't figure out why Jiang Xin was urging her to submit the first draft before the break. Perhaps it was a sudden fit of kindness from someone else? “But I’m leaving for an internship right away; I won’t have the mental energy for the paper.” She had already told the professor about the internship, so using the same excuse with Jiang Xin was natural.

An internship? Jiang Xin was stunned that Wang Qiqi was also interning. “You’re interning too?” The professor had helped introduce two excellent positions for Qiqi to intern at previously, but she had refused both. Why agree now? Was this new placement exceptionally good? A pang of resentment struck Jiang Xin; her grades weren’t bad, so why didn’t the professor think of her for such a great opportunity? “Is this internship placement good?”

Wang Qiqi smiled faintly. “It’s alright, but it’s out of town. We won’t see each other again until the semester starts.” Wang Qiqi didn't want to engage in pleasantries with Jiang Xin any longer. She had already conveyed the message she needed passed through Jiang Xin's ears, and she’d gotten the information she wanted. Why waste more time?

Jiang Xin checked the time and realized she’d spent so long talking to Wang Qiqi; she had a date that evening. She gasped. “See you after the break then!” Honestly, Wang Qiqi’s news wasn't as important as her evening date. She had expended considerable effort and called in favors just to secure this meeting tonight, and she needed to seize the opportunity.

Watching the hurried Jiang Xin, Wang Qiqi felt her friend seemed unusually anxious today. Was it related to seeing the professor? Wang Qiqi mentally chalked up her friend's intensity to that, but she thought Jiang Xin didn't need to be so nervous. The professor wouldn't be as demanding of her, certainly not as demanding as he was of Wang Qiqi—the poor soul who had to endure such intense pressure.

Shi Man’s first draft had long since passed, so she was relaxed, needing only minor polishing. Her primary concern now was whether Wang Qiqi’s paper would pass. She had been looking forward to this trip, but because a certain miserly person was being excessively stingy, Shi Man was genuinely losing enthusiasm for the journey. She had been silently chanting prayers, hoping Wang Qiqi’s thesis wouldn't pass the first review; it was the only plausible reason Qiqi would cancel their trip.

When she saw Wang Qiqi walk in with a crestfallen expression, Shi Man was inwardly ecstatic. Could the Old Master have finally understood my plight? “Qiqi, are you alright? If the thesis didn’t pass, it’s fine. We don’t have to go on the trip,” Shi Man said cautiously, though inwardly, she was beaming. Oh my god, the Old Master still loves me! I can’t believe Wang Qiqi actually failed! “Academics are more important…”

Wang Qiqi listened to Shi Man's incessant consolations, noticing the undisguised glee on her face, which clearly signaled: You failed the first draft, and I’m so happy about it.

Wang Qiqi fought to suppress the laughter that threatened to burst out. She resolved to let Shi Man gloat a little longer. The higher the initial excitement, the harder the eventual fall. Hmph. Want to laugh at my expense? Does she forget who I am? I am absolutely a model student; a mere thesis won't stump me.

Wang Qiqi found her laughter becoming uncontrollable. She immediately plopped onto the sofa, burying her head into her knees, clutching her head with both hands, producing silent, heaving giggles. She seemed to be laughing so hard that her arms twitched involuntarily—all these strange actions registered in Shi Man’s eyes as bizarre behavior.

In all the time Shi Man had known Wang Qiqi, she had never seen her cry like this (except perhaps during the incident concerning her parents’ passing). And it was just a thesis; was it necessary to weep so dramatically? Shi Man stood with her arms crossed, staring doubtfully at Wang Qiqi. The more she looked, the less it seemed like crying and the more it seemed like laughing.

But Shi Man recalled Qiqi’s unhappy entrance—it didn't seem feigned at all. “Qiqi, just give me a straight answer!” Shi Man knew she couldn’t keep consoling her now, or she might end up being ridiculed herself.

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected Shi Man to be so difficult to fool. Instead of patting her back and saying, "It's okay, it's okay," Shi Man was using a tone that suggested, Hurry up and tell me the result, or I’ll get mad. Wang Qiqi felt deeply wounded. Although she was slightly in the wrong for teasing, Shi Man wasn't comforting her. Coupled with the fact that her paper was genuinely good but the professor was still dissatisfied, she felt truly miserable.

When Shi Man finally saw Wang Qiqi’s face clearly, she realized she had completely misjudged the situation. That face was anything but the gleeful, mocking expression she had imagined. It was clearly a face full of genuine grievance. Shi Man felt terrible for suspecting Qiqi. She rushed over and hugged Wang Qiqi. “Qiqi, it’s okay. So what if the first draft didn't pass? You’ll get it next time. Feng Xuanxiang even said your paper was definitely good enough. Besides, it’s not like you’re job hunting…” At this point, Shi Man dared not mention the trip again; it would only provoke Wang Qiqi further.

Wang Qiqi leaned against Shi Man’s shoulder to compose herself. Perhaps initially, she had meant only to tease Shi Man, letting her experience the feeling of falling from a great height. But seeing her friend comfort her so earnestly, she couldn't keep up the pretense. “Actually, it didn’t exactly fail, but the professor said my draft hadn’t met his requirements…” Wang Qiqi said angrily. “Why is my academic life always so dramatic? Bai Ge’s thesis got pointed feedback from the professor, and so did yours! But mine…” She huffed. “Do you know? The professor wouldn’t tell me exactly what was wrong with my paper, just that it didn't meet his personal standard. Damn it, he should at least state his standard!”

Wang Qiqi thought, If there are no standards, how am I supposed to understand? Even the most difficult standard has quantifiable criteria for passing! But her professor just expected her to intuit it. They weren't lovers; how could they achieve perfect telepathic understanding? And even lovers rarely managed that level of connection.

Watching Wang Qiqi pace in agitation, Shi Man felt worried too. The professor had taken so long to approve Qiqi’s initial draft. Professor, Qiqi is a talent! You should push her harder! She only gives her all when you apply pressure. “Qiqi, calm down, don’t get agitated.” Shi Man grew tense seeing Wang Qiqi’s fervor. Qiqi had pulled several all-nighters to finish the draft before leaving. What if a surge of emotion caused an overreaction…?

Wang Qiqi took the water Shi Man handed her and gulped it down. Her heart had been in her throat all afternoon. “Forget it, I won’t dwell on it. I’ll go travel first. Maybe after the trip, my mind will clear up, and I can complete the second draft.” On the way back, Wang Qiqi had actually replayed the professor's academic requirements and reviewed her own paper. She had a slight inkling: her paper was probably too theoretical, lacking sufficient data. Though not certain, Wang Qiqi decided to proceed with revisions based on this assumption for the second draft.

Shi Man had assumed that Wang Qiqi’s agitation meant the trip was canceled and she would rush to finish the second draft before the break. But instead, she was still planning to go have fun! Shi Man stammered, “You’re not working on your paper anymore?” Given the professor’s lukewarm reaction to the first draft, shouldn't Qiqi be stressed and frantically revising to submit the second draft for review ASAP?

“I told the professor I was going out for an internship, and he was very pleased with my decision, agreeing that I can submit the second draft after the winter break ends.” Wang Qiqi wouldn't admit that she had requested the extension past the holiday. Besides, Shi Man wouldn't dare ask the professor why he suddenly became so lenient about the second draft submission date.

Shi Man was astonished that the professor, whom Wang Qiqi had just called unreasonable, was being so generous. “Internship?” Wasn’t Wang Qiqi supposed to be traveling? Where would she intern?

“A social company internship,” Wang Qiqi declared boldly. “What I lack right now is exposure to society, so I need to travel around and absorb new things.”

A social company? Shi Man was speechless. She shot Wang Qiqi a look of weary complaint. “I have a feeling you’re actually in a great mood today and you’re just trying to mess with me.” While Wang Qiqi’s performance moments ago seemed entirely normal, Shi Man knew her friend had likely changed her mind about something, but the reason why remained a mystery. “Ugh, never mind. I need to go look up research materials.” Since the travel plans were unchanged, she had to expedite perfecting her second draft. Truthfully, she envied Qiqi for having a professor who cared about her and held her to strict standards. Wang Qiqi’s paper would undoubtedly earn a grade of A or better, while Shi Man felt hers, despite passing quickly, would likely earn a solid B or B+.

Wang Qiqi was surprised Shi Man figured things out so quickly. “Are your bags packed? We’ll spend two days in Kunming first, then find Sister Li. We can finalize the rest of the itinerary later.” This was the best way to travel: stay longer where it was fun, leave immediately where it wasn't. “Don’t worry, even though the journey takes time, the scenery along the way is great.” Wang Qiqi had considered buying soft-sleeper train tickets but ultimately abandoned the idea, worried that pressuring Shi Man too much might cause her to back out altogether, leaving Wang Qiqi without a travel companion. Plus, at her age, she couldn't handle too much rough travel.

Shi Man knew the drill—she had traveled by train before. The incessant rattling made sleep impossible, but that was only one night. This trip to Kunming would take over forty hours—essentially two full days! This was definitely something only Wang Qiqi could dream up. “Got it. Oh, did you buy a data card?” Wang Qiqi still needed to earn money while traveling.

“I’ll buy one when we get there.” After checking the situation, Wang Qiqi decided it was better to purchase a local data card. Buying one in Beijing would incur roaming charges, a cost that would make her want to jump up and down in frustration. “We don’t need to pack too much luggage. We can just purchase what we need locally,” Wang Qiqi instructed. She worried about starting the trip overloaded with bags, knowing the sheer volume they’d have to haul back. She herself wouldn't buy much, but with a shopping-loving friend beside her, Qiqi estimated there would be extensive purchasing. If a male porter were present, Wang Qiqi wouldn't care, but since it was just the two of them, carrying everything would be a major problem. If they only visited one location, it would be manageable, but they were hopping between several spots. Wang Qiqi certainly didn't want to look like migrant workers.

Shi Man understood this perfectly. According to Wang Qiqi’s plan, they were staying mostly in local guesthouses, meaning they would have to handle most chores themselves. She wouldn't let herself get exhausted. “Don’t worry.”

Bai Ge saw Wang Qiqi dragging her luggage, radiating energy, her expression mirroring Bai Ge’s own feelings before elementary school field trips. “You look like a child again. Wait, did your thesis actually pass?” Bai Ge remembered the recent rumors circulating in class that Wang Qiqi’s first draft had been rejected by the professor, following the initial rejection of her outline, which had startled Bai Ge.

Hearing Bai Ge recount the situation, Wang Qiqi realized someone had been quite honest in spreading her less-than-glorious news. “It didn’t exactly pass; the professor just felt my first draft didn't meet his required standard and hoped I could elevate the level in the second draft.”

“Oh, so Jiang Xin was tricked like that?” Bai Ge wondered how Jiang Xin, having just suffered a loss against Wang Qiqi, could be duped again. “But she said her paper wasn't very good either, yet judging by her overly cheerful expression, she must have written something excellent.” What a hypocritical person. But Wang Qiqi was a bit cunning too, having successfully misled the other party.

"I was truly devastated that day; you know how much effort I poured into that paper. When she ran into me, I was completely crushed." Wang Qiqi thought that if they hadn't met at that exact moment, she might not have felt so heartbroken—it was precisely the timing of that encounter. "Her mouth really is leaky; she spread my news so quickly." This just showed how much she must have wanted to see her squirm.

"You have bad luck, and she has glory; the contrast only makes her seem happier. For instance, you’re about to go traveling, but me..." Bai Ge was genuinely envious of Wang Qiqi. She often wondered when she, too, might be able to live the same life as Wang Qiqi—having the free time to wander and see things. It was a pity. "By the time you get back, your brother-in-law's factory should be just starting up." Bai Ge mused that Wang Qiqi’s brother-in-law was quite capable, having spotted a lucrative venture based on just a few minor details.

Wang Qiqi wasn't entirely sure about the timeline, as Gong Peixing was still intensely focused on learning new things at his unit. It seemed plausible that his workshop would indeed open around March next year. "I’ll have to bother you then, Bai Ge." Perhaps by the end of next year, her own income would swell with two more substantial bonuses. This prospect made Wang Qiqi very happy; getting money was always the best feeling. RS