After discussing Zhao Rongrong's club matters, Zhang Yan suddenly posed a question, "Qiqi, I've always been curious, why did the Professor take us both?" Surely, the Professor possessed the best credentials and capabilities, and she wasn't so conceited as to think their standard was exceptional. Even if they could get into this school, there was no reason for such incredible luck. Perhaps at the very beginning, neither of them realized this, but after navigating university life for these past few weeks, Zhang Yan had picked up on some nuances. Coupled with the surprised looks from the reception staff during registration, Zhang Yan hadn't fully understood the situation initially. She had thought those foreigners looked down on them, but now it seemed their expressions held envy and jealousy alongside the astonishment.

Regarding this topic, Zhao Rongrong also intensely desired an answer. She was no longer naive; she had a grasp of their professor's competence—not outstanding, certainly, but not terrible either. The real puzzle was how Qiqi and the others were so fortunate to find such a fine professor. Claiming a prior acquaintance with the professor was impossible; they hadn't even known much about the faculty when applying to this institution. Yet, even though Zhao Rongrong yearned for the truth, she couldn't just bluntly ask Qiqi, as it would make her sound jealous. Now that the principal party, Zhang Yan, had voiced the concern, Zhao Rongrong certainly wanted to know the answer too.

Wang Qiqi had never dwelled on Zhang Yan's worries. Although she had occasionally wondered about her own sheer good fortune in being accepted, she didn't suspect any malicious intent behind the Professor's decision to take her and Zhang Yan in. "Don't worry. As long as we behave, the Professor won't do anything to us." The Professor had a certain level of integrity. In Qiqi's view, since the Professor had accepted them, the exact reason was hardly the most critical factor. "I'll ask Mark in a couple of days." As the Professor's most beloved student, Wang Qiqi believed Mark must know something. If even he was clueless, she wouldn't know what to do. However, she was confident Mark would have some insight; it just depended on whether he chose to share it.

The next day, Wang Qiqi entered the office carrying a large backpack, behaving as if she were engaged in espionage. Although she tried to control her demeanor and knew that carrying such a large bag was normal, she felt distinctly odd. Thankfully, everyone else was busy with their breakfast and coffee, discussing matters amongst themselves. They offered Qiqi a brief greeting upon seeing her enter before returning to their tasks. Mark did watch Qiqi for a few moments. Once Qiqi nodded to him, he withdrew his gaze and resumed chatting. If someone wasn't intently watching them, they wouldn't have noticed that momentary exchange of looks. But for a group whose focus was solely on K-line charts, such a subtle interaction was easily missed. Moreover, Mark's glance toward the door and subsequent shift of his eyes were swift, making it even less likely for anyone to deduce anything significant.

Only after returning to her individual office did Wang Qiqi let out a breath of relief. "Phew, that was terrifying." It wasn't that Qiqi was timid, but rather that the sheer concentration of powerful individuals surrounding her was intimidating. If they had noticed anything amiss, how would she manage? After all, just to bake those few loaves for Mark, Manman had been watching her like a hawk, even demanding a late-night chat yesterday to reminisce about the past. Han Tao was invariably the central topic, and Wang Qiqi knew what Manman worried about. But the problem was, she genuinely held no romantic interest in that specific person. Even if Mark achieved great success, in Qiqi's heart, Han Tao was destined for greater things than Mark, irrespective of Mark having a girlfriend.

MAY entered to tidy up her belongings; today was her final day of work. Yesterday, she had handed over the last few administrative tasks to Qiqi, feeling ready to return home for maternity leave. Although she still had to work today, she took advantage of the lull before formal duties began to pack her things, wanting to avoid a chaotic rush later. "Are you alright?" she asked upon seeing Wang Qiqi repeatedly patting her chest.

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected anyone else to be in the room and quickly lowered her hands. "It's nothing, just got a bit choked up. MAY, you won't be coming in tomorrow, right?"

MAY hummed in affirmation. Knowing Qiqi was fine, she resumed packing her personal effects. "If you need anything, just ask Mark." As for herself, MAY hoped Qiqi wouldn't bother her too much; she looked forward to several months of restful preparation. Although Steven suggested that this powerhouse of a woman might struggle to remain idle for so long, she could be busy later; the priority was the baby.

If someone back home had heard such a detached response from someone considered a mentor, they would have assumed the worst. But this was normal abroad; outside work hours, most people preferred not to receive work-related calls. MAY saying this much was already quite considerate. However, Wang Qiqi was genuinely curious why MAY directed her to Mark rather than anyone else. Qiqi's intuition suggested it wasn't simply because Mark had introduced her; it was likely due to Mark's good character. Otherwise, why would the Professor have asked him to pick her up initially? "Okay, thank you, MAY."

"There's a celebration party tonight for my baby. If you're free, you should come too," MAY remarked to Wang Qiqi as she finished packing and prepared to leave.

MAY closed the door and departed, but the parting words she left behind startled Wang Qiqi. Although she had overheard someone mentioning a party for MAY yesterday, she hadn't expected to be invited as a newcomer. To discover the host had extended an invitation filled her with surprise. After the initial shock, Qiqi pondered whether she should contribute something to the celebration, but deciding what to give became her immediate concern.

Wang Qiqi decided on baking a cake, but before that, she needed to confirm if she even possessed the skills to bake pastries. As for whom to ask, Mark would be the one.

Just then, Mark walked in to speak with Qiqi about something. Before he could utter a word, she interrupted, "MAY invited me to the party tonight. I was wondering if you all have ordered a cake yet."

Mark shook his head. "We haven't. We were just planning on having some drinks and light refreshments." Mark had actually come to ask Qiqi to stop by the supermarket during her lunch break to purchase some pastries and beverages. Hearing Qiqi ask about a cake order, his eyes lit up. "Are you planning on making a cake?"

Wang Qiqi felt a pang of disappointment upon learning the so-called party was merely light snacks and drinks. While she knew that Western celebrations were often understated affairs centered on gathering, as a rather seasoned foodie, Wang Qiqi firmly believed a real party involved a barbecue—where one could freely eat, especially meat. This arrangement felt more like an afternoon tea, despite being held in the evening when everyone would be hungry. Why didn't anyone consider something more substantial, like a buffet dinner? Qiqi dared not complain to Mark; that was just the way foreigners did things, and she shouldn't overcomplicate matters.

The current issue, however, was that Wang Qiqi realized she had asked the wrong question earlier. It wasn't embarrassment holding her back, but rather she should have directly inquired what gift they planned to give so she could decide on her contribution. Now, Mark was likely anticipating her cake. "No, I was just asking. If you ordered a cake, could I perhaps chip in?" Wang Qiqi’s mind worked quickly; in situations like this, foreigners often split the cost via AA.

Mark hadn't expected Qiqi's question to be about that. He shook his head. "No gift is being exchanged; the BOSS is just treating everyone. Oh, here is the shopping list." Although Mark was disappointed about the lack of cake, if Angel made some pastries, none of them would know what to do about it. "You have a class this afternoon, right? Finish your purchasing and return early to set up the venue a bit."

Wang Qiqi took the list and noted the items were surprisingly few. She inwardly grumbled, Well, this isn't a feast; we're here to work seriously. But since a party was being held, Qiqi felt they should be a bit more generous. She was surprised by the stinginess, though she recalled that in the normal scope of a Western party, the provisions were usually modest—unless it was a gathering of the wealthy, which this was clearly not. "Okay, I'll finish my class this afternoon and go shopping. By the way, should the venue be decorated a little?" The provisions might be simple, but this was still a celebration, and Qiqi thought this was perhaps too minimal.

"No need. Actually, people don't have much time. Being able to gather and chat about non-work things over drinks is the celebration itself," Mark explained carefully. Although, from Angel's perspective, he was just there to pick her up, Mark knew the BOSS hoped he would offer some guidance to her work. "You'll understand in time; there's practically a celebration once a week." If every gathering were elaborate, it would become too formal and a waste for the BOSS.

Wang Qiqi understood. So, the celebration was just finding an excuse to eat together, and it happened weekly. Thinking this way, Qiqi certainly abandoned the idea of making a cake. If she made one this time but not the next, what message would that send? If the focus was always on the same person, wouldn't it imply she was at odds with them? "Thank you." Regardless, she truly needed to thank Mark; without him, she could have been in serious trouble. It wasn't something that could be resolved by simply quitting her assistant role. They all shared the same university environment, had been there longer, and were the undisputed 'local snakes.' Her subsequent university life could easily become difficult.

Mark smiled. "If you want to thank me, then bake something nice. My girlfriend’s baking skills are terrible."

Qiqi found this request acceptable. Foreigners had this advantage: once they had a girlfriend, they rarely strayed publicly—though exceptions certainly existed.

As Mark turned to leave the office, Wang Qiqi suddenly recalled something. She glanced at the office clock; she still had some time. She quickly called out to Mark.

Hearing his name, Mark turned back with a look of confusion. "Is there something else?"

Wang Qiqi pursed her lips and nodded. "I just wanted to ask why I ended up under the Professor's supervision." Since she was going to ask Mark eventually, did it matter if she asked today or in a few days? Moreover, the lingering question made her feel uneasy. Wang Qiqi was desperate to know why the Professor chose her as an assistant. She had initially assumed no one had responded to the email application, but later, through certain channels, she learned that at least dozens of people had replied. How she was so miraculously chosen seemed incredible. Was she really using a cheat code, just as Shi Man suggested—was her luck simply too good? Wang Qiqi understood the unspoken implication from Shi Man: ever since her parents passed away, Qiqi's life had undergone a massive shift. Many expected her to collapse, but unexpectedly, she rebounded quickly and was living well, with everything thereafter developing smoothly. Qiqi could only offer a wry smile; based on her previous life's trajectory, she should indeed have been utterly broken.

If previously Wang Qiqi attributed people thinking she was lucky to the fact that she was a reincarnated person, this opportunity for further study in the UK, so favorable, left her truly perplexed, as it vastly exceeded her expectations.

Mark hadn't anticipated Wang Qiqi would ask about this matter. "Is this important?" In his view, since she was already pursuing her postgraduate studies under the Professor, the precise reason she joined him should be inconsequential. Why was she persistently chasing this issue?

Wang Qiqi smiled. "I didn't know the Professor's reputation before, but now that I'm here and have learned a bit about his standing, it feels very strange." Judging by Mark's expression, Wang Qiqi was highly confident he knew the answer; it was just a matter of whether he would disclose it.

Mark studied Wang Qiqi for a moment. He was slightly reluctant to speak, but since the girl wanted to know, he saw no reason to conceal it; eventually, rumors would surface anyway. "It's because no one else was willing to take on an Eastern female student like you." Although their grades were good, their resumes weren't compelling enough to attract other professors. Each professor had a quota for postgraduate students, a maximum number they could supervise. Accepting Angel and her classmate meant turning away two potentially satisfactory students, a situation other professors were unwilling to face. Consequently, Angel and Qiqi were passed around like hot potatoes until the Professor finally stepped in and agreed to take them.

Mark still vividly recalled what the Professor had said: anyone capable of studying abroad must have decent grades, sufficient to pass exams. Everything else remained to be seen. However, he was surprised the Professor had chosen her as an assistant. Over the next few days, he observed closely and found she showed no interest in the second floor. Apart from occasionally checking if the coffee needed replenishing or printing documents, she sequestered herself in the office, reading, reading, and reading. This greatly satisfied Mark and the others. They had worried about encountering some starry-eyed flirt, though they were admittedly a little disappointed that, surrounded by so many handsome men, she showed no sign of attraction—it was quite discouraging. The Professor, however, was highly satisfied. While he found her somewhat inflexible, she was quite suitable for the role of an assistant.

So that was it. Wang Qiqi had considered this possibility herself but hadn't been certain. "Thank you, Mark." As for the Professor, there was no need to thank him personally, and Wang Qiqi suspected he wouldn't appreciate a student thanking him for such a reason. As for why she, someone who seemed like a burden, became the assistant, Wang Qiqi decided she preferred not to investigate. The process wasn't important; the result was what mattered—a maxim Han Tao had often repeated, and one Qiqi had internalized.

Shi Man learned from Zhang Yan that Wang Qiqi would be attending a party that evening, and her excitement grew. She imagined Qiqi attending a lavish affair filled with gourmet food and fine wine, like those on television. But then she reconsidered: Qiqi wasn't wearing a formal dress. Did this suggest the party wouldn't be very relaxed or perhaps wasn't high-class? Yet, it was hosted by the BOSS, a wealthy man, celebrating the impending birth of a capable subordinate—in Shi Man’s eyes, the party had to be lively.

Shi Hongrui sat on the floor, ostensibly engrossed in her book and occasionally scribbling notes in her notebook, but the frequent glances toward the door betrayed her anticipation for someone's return.

Zhang Yan watched the other two eagerly awaiting details about the party. Although she knew a little about the reality, she chose not to reveal the truth, worried it would disappoint the three expectant women. Honestly, she wouldn't have believed it herself if Qiqi hadn't repeatedly assured them and presented the shopping list supposedly for the party provisions. She now understood how misleading television dramas could be; this style of celebration was inferior to the birthday parties her college roommates used to throw. Thus, she returned to her reading with renewed focus.

Zhang Yan's diligent concentration on her book impressed Shi Man and the others. They admired her self-control—who else could sit and read so intently? The three restless spirits were spurred into action and also buried themselves in their books. They understood that staring at the door wouldn't magically make Qiqi reappear, so focused studying was a better use of time.

Wang Qiqi had just parked her car in the garage. Walking through the kitchen door from the small exit into the living room, she was immediately met by three pairs of intense gazes fixed upon her.

Qiqi knew they were eager to learn how grand the party had been. She casually placed her items on the sofa and raised her hands. "Is there anything to eat in the kitchen?" Wang Qiqi knew the party would be simple, but the reality was that after everyone sat around talking for ages, there was so little food. While drinks were plentiful (coffee and such), the food was scant. Furthermore, everyone had mostly finished their professional tasks, meaning dinner would have to be self-funded. Therefore, no one ordered food. Qiqi genuinely admired those people for managing to last so long on such meager biscuits. The pastries, in Qiqi's opinion, were quite sweet, and she hadn't eaten much. The consequence of eating little was that her stomach was protesting by the time she drove back. Wang Qiqi felt if she didn't eat soon, her stomach would stage a full revolt. "If you have questions about the party, can you wait until I’ve eaten something?"

Shi Man had intended to ask Qiqi what she ate at the party—whether there was seafood or French cuisine, since her BOSS was clearly wealthy. She was surprised when Qiqi's first words upon returning were about the kitchen. She looked perplexed but told Qiqi there was some leftover rice, though no dishes remained. However, there were eggs in the fridge.

Hearing there was rice and eggs, Wang Qiqi vanished like a gust of wind, moving with astonishing speed. "Did Qiqi not eat anything?" Shi Man wondered if this was the reaction of someone who had been truly starved. Had she been denied food? That would be too much, even if she was just an assistant and not a maid.

Shi Hongrui and Zhao looked at Shi Man with puzzled expressions, indicating they didn't know either. "That's because you all expected a party with fine food, wine, beautiful women, and handsome men. In reality, it was just some drinks and a few pastries," Zhang Yan kindly explained.

Shi Man was stunned, her eyes wide. Zhao Rongrong, who had been holding her book up as a facade, let it slip from her grasp when Zhang Yan spoke. Shi Hongrui was also aghast, her mouth agape. "Oh, my heavens, was that even a party?"

Shi Man snapped back to reality and quickly reiterated, "Exactly! Is that even a party? It seems just like our weekend afternoon tea sessions." If they were all free on the weekend, Qiqi would bake some bread or cookies, filling the room with the scent of biscuits while they sipped black or green tea, casually chatting about non-academic subjects. Though the sessions were brief, usually no more than an hour, and the refreshments minimal, that was afternoon tea. Qiqi's supposed celebration party was far too simple.

Wang Qiqi quickly fried a plate of egg-fried rice. Instead of going to the living room, she started eating on the move as she walked. "Isn't it just afternoon tea? And guess what? They have this kind of 'party' once a week."

Shi Man was astonished. Once a week was an incredibly high frequency. "The provisions must be kept simple, otherwise it costs too much money." If every gathering were elaborate, the expense would be staggering, likely making Qiqi's BOSS weep. "But Qiqi, you could host a proper one once a month with much richer food." It was unheard of to come home from a party starving and demanding a meal. If this were in China, someone would already be complaining about the stinginess.

Wang Qiqi certainly had considered it, but judging by her colleagues’ reactions, “Eating is secondary; when are they not eating? They just want an excuse to unwind, a pretext for a celebration.” They were chatting and laughing heartily. Today was the first time Wang Qiqi had seen her usually icy colleague smile so genuinely, pulling funny faces. On the way back earlier, she had been too focused on her hunger to think deeply, but now she finally understood, “My BOSS really knows how to be frugal, spending the least amount of money to let them de-stress.” Although Wang Qiqi didn't fully grasp the intricacies of their work, she could certainly surmise how those impressive achievements were earned. It wasn't their peak busy season yet, but Wang Qiqi had to go up to the second floor earlier today and had spotted sleeping bags tucked away in a corner, a clear sign they were pulling all-nighters regularly. The pressure must be immense, sometimes enough to cause a breakdown; this kind of lighthearted camaraderie now would certainly help them vent a great deal. RS