After thanking them again at the doorway, Wang Qiqi parted ways with Mark and his friend, each heading home to their own respective duties. Once the three of them were back in the car, they all let out a simultaneous sigh of relief. “Whew, running into Mark just to buy some coffee.” Wang Qiqi actually wanted to say it was one thing to run into Mark, but running into his friend was another entirely. “Though I do wonder what that man’s character is like.”

Shi Man fastened her seatbelt, turning sideways before starting the car to look at Zhang Yan. “You can’t ask Mark about that man’s character? Though I suspect when he gets back, that guy will be pestering Mark to ask about Yan Yan too.” Shi Man hadn't expected such an interesting encounter during their outing; she just wasn't sure about the man’s moral fiber.

“I certainly wasn’t thinking of getting involved with a foreigner,” Zhang Yan said, snapping the daydreams of the previous two shut. “I can’t stand being with someone covered in hair.” Many foreigners had a lot of body hair, which was something Zhang Yan simply couldn't accept.

“That’s sexy,” Shi Man retorted. “Why are foreigners considered sexy? All that hair adds to the appeal.” Shi Man suddenly recalled the comments some female classmates used to make about foreigners.

That line only works on strangers, Zhang Yan thought. We live under the same roof, and someone’s careless words have already given her away. How dare she talk about me when she’s like this. “Here, take it. Your Old Feng is getting older anyway; I don’t find him sexy either, and he’s far away from you.”

“No way, I’m very devoted to my Old Feng,” Shi Man replied instantly. Hmph, she didn’t like the idea of some wild man; being sexy was one thing, but she preferred a smooth chest. Furry chests felt too animalistic. “I’m taken, I can’t do anything to betray my Old Feng. You’re single, you can consider him?”

“Fine, look at you, you won’t even take him, so why would I want him…” Zhang Yan just wanted to change the subject; otherwise, she couldn't handle the barrage from those two. “But this coffee really is quite good, and the price isn’t bad either.” Zhang Yan had assumed the coffee would be much more expensive than what they paid at outdoor cafés, but it was surprisingly cheap. “And the discount you got for us is pretty good too.” She had noticed the retail price earlier; it was nearly a thirty percent reduction. She wondered if there was that much profit built in. Businesses couldn’t possibly sell at a loss.

“It’s cost price, so there should be a small profit, but probably not much, since it’s basically self-consumption,” Wang Qiqi wasn’t entirely clear on the specifics. “It’s like our little perk. Besides, we don’t buy that much.” Buying one or two catties a month is considered a lot. For guys like Mark, if they spent all day in the office, they’d probably just sleep when they got home; they wouldn't have the energy for coffee. Plus, you can’t sleep right after coffee. If everyone bought a lot to take home and then resold it at a higher price, this benefit would likely disappear.

Zhang Yan saw her point. She wasn’t someone who sought small advantages. “I didn’t realize Qiqi would have such great perks during her internship.” Zhang Yan sighed. Lunch is provided, and the food is supposedly quite good, and now coffee is discounted too. “I wonder if there are any other benefits?”

Wang Qiqi, being new, honestly didn’t know. “I’ll tell you when I find out later.” But she figured these were probably the only perks she’d get. Without strong connections abroad, she wouldn’t likely get such good prices. Wang Qiqi was also curious why her BOSS knew the coffee shop owner and was on such good terms with him. “Should we go borrow books first, or head to the supermarket?”

“Let’s go to the library first. I plan to borrow…” Wang Qiqi and Shi Man knew Zhang Yan was trying to steer the conversation away from the topic about a certain person. Since she didn't want to bring it up, they wouldn't either. However, some things can’t just be avoided by wishing them away. Wang Qiqi firmly believed there would be a follow-up, but as a young woman, especially since Zhang Yan wasn't immediately smitten, there was no need to pry for details. Besides, Wang Qiqi always felt that ‘love at first sight’ was dubious. Can you really decide someone is your future partner after just one meeting? What’s called love at first sight is probably just satisfaction with someone’s looks or figure. When beauty fades, it’s often time to be cast aside. And overseas, you need to understand the person better—specifically, if their relationships are messy, or if they have any bad habits. These are all crucial points.

Zhang Yan was relieved when Qiqi and Shi Man stopped focusing on that specific person. She admitted John’s appearance was satisfactory, but just satisfactory. Deeply getting to know him wasn't something Zhang Yan had the time or energy for right now. And yes, the body hair on foreigners was one reason for her resistance.

The three walked along carrying a pile of things, discussing how they would prepare the seafood later. When someone called their names, they initially paid it no mind, assuming it wasn't directed at them. Most of their classmates relied on takeout, and few bought daily necessities in that area.

Mark and his group caught up. “Hey, are you guys going grocery shopping?” John hadn't expected to run into them again so soon after they separated. What a coincidence.

Wang Qiqi and the others were surprised to see John and Mark. Looking at the bag in his hand, “You’re grocery shopping too?” However, besides the supermarket bag he was carrying, he also had some miscellaneous items, clearly shopping around the area, not trailing them.

John nodded. “I just came here to buy some spices.” He thought to himself, Coming here to buy groceries, and with many Chinese residents in this area, perhaps they live nearby?

Mark raised his hand and checked the time. “Angel, do you live in the XX community?”

Wang Qiqi hummed in acknowledgement. “That works out. Could you possibly give John a ride? He’s in the same complex as you guys. I have something I need to take care of and need to leave now.” Mark thought this wouldn't delay him from picking up his girlfriend, and it conveniently allowed his friend to connect with the other party. Isn't this friend thoughtful? Of course, what happened next depended on how the other person played it, but from his observation, this path wouldn't be easy; the woman seemed somewhat resistant to John.

Since Mark had asked, how could Wang Qiqi refuse? They were in the same community after all. “Sure, no problem.” Wang Qiqi wondered if buying spices here was also a hobby of his, perhaps his girlfriend was Chinese?

John hadn't expected them to live in the same complex. He truly hadn't seen them before, even though the complex wasn't huge. “What a coincidence. Thank you so much for the ride; I told Mark I could just take a cab back.”

Wang Qiqi smiled, turned onto the road, and drove at a steady pace. Even though the traffic wasn't heavy, she habitually maintained a constant speed. “It won’t take much time. By the way, I heard you’re a graduate student?” She had assumed anyone close to Mark would be an undergraduate.

John had also assumed they were undergraduates. Most people recruited for the Steven team were undergrads; there were some grad students, but not many. He hadn't expected the young woman driving, the Asian girl, to be his assistant. While being an assistant isn’t a highly prestigious job, it’s a very popular position to recruit for among undergraduates. He hadn't expected to hire a graduate student. “I’m studying law. I did my undergrad in the US.”

So, he studied law. Wang Qiqi thought that law students were usually quite adept at applying legal clauses, often finding loopholes to defend their clients. She found it a bit strange that he would volunteer where he did his undergraduate studies; wasn’t that leaking personal information? But since he offered willingly and she hadn't asked, she felt no need to share anything about Yan Yan's situation. “Do you cook?” Wang Qiqi asked, genuinely curious. Having a man who could cook would be quite nice.

John replied somewhat sheepishly, “I only know a few simple dishes—just frying some steak and making a couple of basic Chinese dishes.”

He knew Chinese food? Even if they were simple dishes, it was still a skill. Wang Qiqi thought it was incredibly domestic for a foreigner to know that. But as soon as the words left her mouth, she realized it sounded distrustful. “You know how to cook Chinese food?” she asked, immediately regretting how it sounded. “It’s just that for foreigners, even the simplest Chinese dishes are quite difficult.” Especially when Chinese cookbooks use vague measurements like 'a suitable amount' or 'a little bit,' leaving the cook utterly bewildered. Even many Chinese people sometimes struggle to follow them, let alone foreigners who expect measurements down to the gram.

John knew it was normal for Wang Qiqi, as a Chinese person, to be surprised by his statement. He felt a bit uncomfortable initially, but her follow-up comment eased his annoyance; he just thought the girl was a bit too blunt. “My grandfather was Chinese. He insisted we speak Mandarin and eat Chinese food at home, so I learned to cook from him, but it’s honestly so hard.” He recalled the grueling days learning to cook under his grandfather’s tutelage. “Even though Chinese food tastes great, it’s just too complicated to make.”

Zhang Yan strongly agreed with this point. “Exactly! It’s so hard. I can never master it—either too much seasoning or too little, and controlling the heat is impossible.” Zhang Yan hastily chimed in, but she had another meaning behind her words: even though she was Chinese, she was embarrassed to admit she had no culinary skills whatsoever. If he assumed she was a great cook just because she was Chinese, he should discard that idea quickly. He knew a few dishes, but she knew none; she only knew how to eat.

Wang Qiqi and Shi Man felt like laughing. Zhang Yan disliked this guy so much she was exposing even what might be considered a negative trait. However, they thought if he was genuinely interested in Zhang Yan because he assumed all Eastern women were good cooks, then Yan Yan being so direct now was a good thing. It was far better than finding out later when they were already together that the man couldn't cook.

“Not many women focus on cooking these days; they put all their effort into their studies,” Wang Qiqi interjected to smooth things over. “And when it comes to cooking, it’s usually just the simplest dishes like scrambled eggs with tomatoes—it just depends on whether it tastes good or not.” Wang Qiqi knew Zhang Yan could manage that dish; she had mentioned it before, that she knew a few egg-based recipes, but that was the extent of it. For anything else, she threw her hands up.

“Oh, I know how to make that dish too! Back when…” John hadn’t expected the dish he spent so long learning would be described as the simplest by Angel, and the other woman claimed she couldn’t cook but knew this one dish. She must be being too modest.

“I also spent a long time learning it, but that’s the only dish I can make that’s edible,” Zhang Yan worried he might think she was being humble. Foreigners often see Chinese people as excessively modest, pretending they aren't very good at something they excel at. But Zhang Yan truly wanted to be modest about this, only she couldn't—she genuinely couldn't cook anything else.

Once they entered the complex, Wang Qiqi pulled over where John directed her. Although he suggested Qiqi and the others could go home first while he walked, Wang Qiqi couldn't let him know where they lived, nor could she forget her promise to Mark to drive him home. Regardless of the reason, she had to take him to his doorstep.

All the way, John had been trying to figure out where Ella lived. No matter how he phrased it, Angel wouldn’t agree to his suggestions. Frustrated, he opened his mouth as he stepped out of the car, though the words he managed were simply, “Thank you, I’ve troubled you today.”

After Wang Qiqi and the others said goodbye to him, Wang Qiqi drove toward home. “I bet he was trying to ask where we live just now,” Shi Man said excitedly. Hmph, if it was just a goodbye, why the hesitation? But this man was something else; weren't foreigners supposed to be direct? Yet he was so timid. How could he possibly pursue Zhang Yan acting like that? Hmph, just wait. “But Qiqi, you were so formidable today. I bet he secretly hates you now.” That guy was trying to use the drop-off point to guess their general location, but Qiqi didn't give him that chance. “But if you’re chasing a girl, you certainly can’t let him hook on that easily.” Shi Man had wanted to ask Zhang Yan what she thought, but noticing her gazing out the window, she realized Yan Yan didn't want to get involved in the discussion, so Shi Man wisely kept quiet.

“It’s not that he was embarrassed to ask; he was worried about scaring us off,” Wang Qiqi said. If it had been a foreigner, Wang Qiqi would have bet he would have pressed the issue, perhaps even pushing for more. But since it was them, he worried about ruining the first impression, especially since Zhang Yan clearly showed some aversion to him. If he had kept pressing, he wouldn't have a future chance. “As for him hating me? I don't agree with that. Even though he’s a grown man, carrying such heavy things, I couldn’t let him walk. Plus, I promised Mark.” Wang Qiqi thought about what a good kid she was.

“Even if he does hate me, there’s nothing he can do. For someone’s safety, I don’t mind taking a small loss.” Wang Qiqi made sure to say this last part so the intended person could hear it.

“Don’t worry, I’ll roll the dumpling wrappers very thin today,” Zhang Yan said helplessly. Sigh, she thought she had successfully derailed the topic, but running into that person after leaving the supermarket brought it right back up.

“Do you think he often hangs around this complex?” Shi Man’s eyes darted around a few times before suddenly suggesting this. “Should we expand our usual exercise route?” Although the place he lived wasn't too far from theirs, they were still homebodies. When it was hot, they used to barbecue in the yard. Otherwise, besides going out, they mostly just jogged or power-walked around the complex. But they had never walked past where he lived before. Shi Man wondered if they should create some opportunities for him.

“I dare not,” Zhang Yan warned, giving Shi Man a look that implied, if you agree, I’ll kick you out.

Shi Man chuckled. Of course, she wouldn’t do that. “We’re ladies; we must be reserved. Besides, if anyone should be anxious, it’s him. Why should we present ourselves on a platter? If we don’t make things a little difficult for him, how will he ever—”

Zhang Yan really didn’t want to listen anymore; she felt like she was going to faint. “Hurry up and wash the seafood, then we need to make dumplings this afternoon.” As she said this, both of the others froze. “Oh no, we didn’t buy a rolling pin.”

“A dough rolling pin,” Wang Qiqi had felt like they were missing something on the drive, but couldn't recall what it was until now. “I’ll drive out again. Manman, you handle the seafood.”

Shi Man hadn't expected to be saddled with cleaning all the seafood. “I’ve never done this before!” Washing it was fine, but she had never cooked it. She had only eaten it, usually at restaurants.

Wang Qiqi raised an eyebrow. “Did I do it before? Just add some clear water and stew it, then have Yan Yan add some seasoning, right? If all else fails, just use vinegar.” Didn’t the Japanese eat their seafood raw without issue? If they just boiled it briefly here, it should be perfectly fine.

Shi Man could only reply with an ‘oh’ and head to the kitchen with the bags to start. Thankfully, Zhang Yan was there to keep her company; otherwise, she’d be at it until next year.

Although the seafood was just boiled, it tasted quite good with the seasoning because it was relatively fresh. “It’s a bit too simple, but it wins on originality,” Shi Man concluded. “I just wonder when we’ll get to eat it again.” Hmph, such delicious food enjoyed so rarely was almost abusive, but eating it often would be too much for their budget; this small amount of seafood had already cost Zhang Yan a good deal of money.

The food was barely down before someone was already anticipating the next meal. “You’re treating next time. Actually, when we have a barbecue next, we could buy some scallops and grill them.” Not too many, maybe two per person would suffice.

“I’ll treat you, sure,” Shi Man agreed immediately. “How about we have a proper meal for Chinese New Year?” Even though it was months away, it didn’t stop someone from daydreaming about the reunion dinner. “We aren’t going home for the New Year this year, so the food certainly can’t be too poor.” Not being able to go home for the New Year was miserable enough; if she couldn't even have a good meal to compensate, Shi Man felt she’d be utterly depressed.

“We’ll see if there are classes that day,” Wang Qiqi also looked forward to making a lavish New Year’s Eve dinner. Not just for herself, but also to live-stream it back home to let Song Yao and the others, who worried about her, see that even though she was abroad, she wasn't mistreating herself. “If there are no classes, we’ll make something delicious. If there are classes, we’ll just have hot pot with some dumplings, and our dessert will be nian gao (rice cake).”

“But we might end up spending it with other people,” Wang Qiqi recalled that Han Tao was celebrating the New Year with a group of Chinese people this year. “It depends on Shi Hongrui’s diplomatic efforts.” She had to admit, among the five of them, Shi Hongrui was quite capable in diplomacy; perhaps under her arrangements, this Spring Festival wouldn't be celebrated by just the five of them, but possibly a larger crowd.

Shi Man thought for a moment. “If we don’t hit it off, I think the five of us celebrating will be happier.” Gathering with strangers always made Shi Man feel a bit uneasy, especially concerning the food arrangements. “Of course, more people means more liveliness.”

“We’ll see when the time comes,” Wang Qiqi also worried about this. When a large group gathers, there’s always someone who doesn’t want to spend too much money. Qiqi could compromise on other things, but food was non-negotiable for her. If she sent photos of the meal to Han Tao and the others, who knew what they would imagine about how frugally she lived abroad, leading Han Tao to feel guilty for not taking good care of her.

After eating the seafood, the three regained their energy. Zhang Yan nimbly picked up the rolling pin to prepare the wrappers. Wang Qiqi and Shi Man took on the task of wrapping the dumplings. Although both claimed they had wrapped dumplings before, when theirs emerged, Zhang Yan pointed at the excessively plump ones and laughed. “Isn’t that too much filling? They look like little fat guys, so ugly.”

Shi Man looked at her own batch. “We’re eating them ourselves, so we prioritize quantity. We want meat, the more meat the better.” It can’t be equal portions of filling and wrapper, right? “Besides, if someone finds them ugly and doesn't want to eat them, I have no objection.” What we made might look ugly, but it’s delicious! “Our slogan is: five to feel full, ten to feel stuffed.”

Ten to feel stuffed! Zhang Yan laughed even harder. After a long moment, she calmed down. “The skins are going to break if you stuff them that much! Don’t let the filling and skin separate later.” Zhang Yan was genuinely curious how they managed to wrap dumplings before. “Less filling, and they cook faster, and they look nicer too.” Zhang Yan put down her rolling pin and could only wrap a few to demonstrate; theirs looked truly unpresentable.

Perhaps Shi Man and the others had been teasing Zhang Yan earlier, or perhaps some quiet persuasion had taken place, but regardless, the dumplings they wrapped turned out quite lovely. Wang Qiqi strutted upstairs, retrieved her digital camera, and snapped a photo of the batch they had made that day. "I'll show my man," she declared, "so he can see just how skilled his woman is." While her dumplings certainly didn't measure up to Zhang Yan's in every way, the difference wasn't vast, and Wang Qiqi was quite pleased with the result.

"Oh? Why didn't you take photos of the seafood earlier?" Shi Man mused, wondering what was so special about photographing dumplings when a huge pot of seafood was far more appetizing just looking at it.

"If I had photographed that, wouldn't the secret be out?" Wang Qiqi wasn't about to admit she’d simply forgotten. "From now on, I’ll photograph every meal. Then I can look back and see just how much delicious food I've managed to consume here." Although most of it wasn't native British cuisine, it certainly proved she hadn't deprived herself while studying here.

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