After reaching such a conclusion, Qiao Nan felt that subsequent matters were not within her control. She would leave it to the men in the Zhai family to probe whether Tian Dong was a good or bad guy.

  Speaking of such using methods, she was definitely not better than her husband.

  Tian Dong was sitting opposite Qiao Nan and he was not oblivious to her inconspicuous gazes.

  Well, Qiao Nan’s gazes were not rude or overboard. They were also not ill-intentioned. Hence, Tian Dong did not have an excuse to act up.

  Most importantly, Tian Dong could not offend Qiao Nan even if he had such intent. On the contrary, he had to gain Qiao Nan’s favor.

  He had only watched one movie with Zhai Hua, yet the sensitive Tian Dong counted the number of times that Zhai Hua had mentioned Qiao Nan’s name to him. It was thirty-six times.

  The Tian family left the house very soon after the meal.

  When the family of three was sitting in the car, Father Tian looked at his already grown-up son and asked, “Have you really decided?”

  “Yes,” Tian Dong replied without expressing much emotion.

  Mother Tian, oblivious to the situation, was still feeling glad that today’s meeting was not considered a flop. At the very least, her son and Zhai Hua watched a movie together. When she suddenly heard the conversation of the father-son pair, naturally, Mother Tian asked, “Dongzi, what have you decided on?”

  \r \r \r

  Tian Dong glanced at his biological mother via the rear-view mirror. “I’ve decided that I should marry a daughter-in-law for you and let you carry a grandchild.”

  “Isn’t that so? You’re almost thirty years old and you don’t even have a girlfriend. I am very anxious for you. But that’s right too. We are Chinese. I’m used to seeing foreigners when we are staying in America. However, if you really find me a daughter-in-law who is a foreigner, most likely, I still can’t accept it. After looking everywhere, it’s true that Chinese ladies are still the best looking.” Mother Tian smiled. She was most fearful that her son would refuse to marry a wife and throw her a grenade by telling her that he liked men.

  At the sight of his wife’s good mood, Father Tian glanced sideways at Tian Dong. Thereafter, he snorted unhappily.

  “Qiao Nan, you’re heartless!” In the house of the Zhai family, Zhai Hua was kicking up a fuss with Qiao Nan. “You clearly knew my situation today but you refused to help me. You watched on as Dongzi brought me out. Don’t forget that I am your sister-in-law!”

  Qiao Nan wanted to snatch back her book but failed to do so. She gave an unhappy glare. “Didn’t you feel quite happy watching that movie? You didn’t even sleep during the show. If I really went with you, I was not treating you as my sister-in-law then.”

  Being a light bulb was not one of her interests.

  “Sister Zhai Hua, haven’t you always wished for a child? You have already decided to go on blind dates, and you are also serious about finding a man to get married and have a child. Since that is the case, why do you have to feel revulsion against Tian Dong? You can treat Tian Dong as your first blind date.”

  She was not sure why. After saying this, one sentence suddenly appeared in Qiao Nan’s heart. Tian Dong might be Sister Zhai Hua’s first blind date but it was highly possible that he would become her last one.

  “This won’t do. We don’t have feelings for each other,” Zhai Hua said awkwardly.

  “Was it love at first sight when you were together with Wei De previously?” She heard that Wei De wooed Sister Zhai Hua for a long time. Also, when they first knew each other, Sister Zhai Hua only treated Wei De as an ordinary soldier attending the training sessions. The process of them knowing each other until dating took roughly about five years, no?

  “Sister Zhai Hua, I think you are the kind who will open your heart only after a long time. To put it in cliché terms, you will grow to like someone only after knowing him for some time.” There was no love at first sight or thunder shaking the ground. This kind of love was not suitable for Sister Zhai Hua.

  “In short, a blind date is a blind date no matter who attends it. Furthermore, you’ve known Tian Dong since you were a child. You’re more familiar with him than others. It doesn’t matter if you don’t like him. You’re just interacting with him. It’s not as though you’re going to be with him. First, pick someone that you’re familiar with. When you feel that you have adjusted your mindset, and you really don’t fancy Tian Dong, you can make it clear to him and move on to the next target. I didn’t expect you to be so serious. Relax.”

  “Can it really be resolved so easily?” Zhai Hua was still worried. “Dongzi…… He seems to have changed. He is not as easy-going as before.” In particular, that 1.9-meter height of his made her feel uneasy and pressured.

  “Is he as easy to bully as when he was a child?”

  “I did not bully him before. I am not sure.” Gift blinds the eye. She had just accepted Dongzi’s present. How could she bully Dongzi into crying immediately?

  “Not sure? Then, tell me about it when you are sure.”

  “.……” Zhai Hua was not speaking. She looked at Qiao Nan without moving at all. Qiao Nan did not avoid her either. Both of them stared at each other for five minutes.

  After five minutes, Zhai Hua sighed. “You mean…… as of now, it is still worthwhile for me to interact with Dongzi?”

  Qiao Nan nodded honestly. “I can’t tell if there is any problem with him. As such, I have no reason to object to you being together with him. I heard about grandpa and father-in-law’s worries. One should never intend to harm others but should always guard against the harm others might do to him. I never believe that this society will be completely peaceful. There is peace and happiness currently because our country is strong and big. However, there is no need for us to apprehend danger at every bush and tree that we see. Take it that I’m forming an early judgment. When I listen to them, I think the Tian family does not forget their origin although they had been overseas for more than twenty years.”

  “Let’s not mention others. Just take my master as an example. He is so well respected by others because he gave up the good life overseas and returned to the country at chaotic times. He was resolute to contribute to his country. This shows that many people’s origins may not change even after they left the country. It doesn’t mean that their patriotism will be eroded by capitalism.”

  During their first meeting today, the Tian family felt that Qiao Nan was a young and upright lady. Similarly, Qiao Nan felt that the Tian family did not seem too bad.

  Qiao Nan was very clear that, in her previous life, her death would occur more than ten years later.

  She was not sure whether the Tian family came back to the country. Nevertheless, she did not hear any scandal or big news pertaining to the Tian family.

  “If there is no problem with the Tian family, given Tian Dong’s good looks, he can give us a baby with mixed ethnicity without the stereotype character. I think you can still give it a try.” What if Tian Dong was really that one in a million good guy? Sister Zhai Hua would have picked a treasure then?

  Qiao Nan was on very good terms with Zhai Hua. In the past, she was furious when Zhai Hua was with Wei De. Now, Zhai Hua and Wei De had broken up. She hoped that Zhai Hua could find someone who was really good to her and they would live happily ever after.

  “I…… I will consider it.” Zhai Hua seemed to have been fed a pile of drugs by Qiao Nan. All of a sudden, she forgot her initial intent. She looked muddleheaded as she agreed with Qiao Nan’s words and expressed that she would really consider the possibility between her and Tian Dong.

  “You should consider it. Why not? You are choosing others, and vice versa. Perhaps Tian Dong is also considering it. Why can’t you do the same? Sister Zhai Hua, you definitely have to open your eyes wide and take a good look. You have to give it very careful consideration.”


  1123 Likewise, Congratulations

  “If there are areas that you dislike, you can tell Dongzi and watch his reaction. So what if you wish to be a princess? I believe you can definitely find a man who is true to you and willing to dote on you like a princess.”

  Qiao Nan’s sixth sense told her that Tian Dong might be this man.

  Qiao Nan was very eloquent and Zhai Hua had always listened to Qiao Nan. Before she knew it, Zhai Hua had been coaxed out of the room.

  It was only when Zhai Hua returned to her room and lay on the bed did she come to her senses. She seemed to have been tricked by Qiao Nan.

  Before she could jump up and settle scores with Qiao Nan, her cell phone rang.

  Initially, she did not want to pick up the call when she sighted an unfamiliar phone number. Her finger was already on the rejection button, but it changed direction and pressed the accepted button instead. “Hello, good day.”

  “It’s me.”

  “.……Dongzi?”

  “Yes, this is my cell phone number. Save it in your address book so that we can keep in touch.” After leaving these words behind, Tian Dong hung up the phone. He didn’t even say ‘goodnight’.

  Fortunately, the big-hearted Zhai Hua did not mind at all. She even abidingly saved Tian Dong’s contact in her cell phone.

  After saving it, she then questioned, “I don’t even know Dongzi’s cell phone number. How did he know mine? Who gave it to him?”

  Zhai Hua’s late spring seemed to have finally reported, and Qiao Nan was also doing very well in her studies.

  Same as the news that Xu Shengnan had given Qiao Nan earlier, Qiao Nan’s grades for various subjects were outstanding. Her aggregate score was a cut above the rest. She had been given the school-based first-prize scholarship.

  During the class, the professor had already told Qiao Nan with certainty that she had received the scholarship.

  As one could imagine, everyone was full of shock and envy when they heard this news. Forget it that she had achieved the first-prize scholarship, but she even attained the school-based first-prize scholarship! Qiao Nan, this classmate, was truly the cream of the crop.

  Everyone was sitting in the same classroom. Who was not a top student before they came to college?

  \r \r \r

  However, Qiao Nan stood out among the group of top students. She had an extraordinary capability. It would not do if she lacked behind a little in intelligence and capability.

  Hence, the glory that came with this school-based first-prize scholarship was a lot more than what Qiao Nan had imagined.

  Qiao Nan did not care much about what others think. Xu Shengnan had given her advice earlier. In addition, she had met those few dormitory mates during her last semester. As such, besides focusing on her studies, Qiao Nan was not too interested in making friends in the school.

  Qiao Nan also learned something from Xu Shengnan.

  Given her current situation, instead of becoming good friends with classmates of the same cohort, she would rather interact more with her seniors.

  If that could not work, she would pick those who were not from the same faculty so that there would be no competition.

  She was now almost crushed by the heavy workload of studies and social practice. If she still had to spend so much time and energy on interpersonal relationships, Qiao Nan knew that that would be too tiring.

  It was not so easy to attain the first-prize scholarship. She would have to say goodbye to it if she were to slack a little.

  Qiao Nan was also fortunate to have made many friends in the new English club. In the eyes of ordinary people, Qiao Nan was not considered the arrogant kind who would look down on others. She was also not a dim-witted nerd.

  When the professors in the school assessed the students’ performance, they couldn’t get to the bottom of everything.

  Qiao Nan had good performances in academic results, social practice, and interpersonal skills. Given these three factors, the professors’ assessments of Qiao Nan was quite good.

  Qiao Nan was well aware of this situation.

  She silently made adjustments to her study plan for this semester. Qiao Nan was having a meal alone in Canteen One of the school, ignoring the eyes on her.

  Qiao Nan did not bother about the deliberate cold shoulders given by others.

  A mediocre person would not be the envy of others.

  One had to know that Qiao Nan had already encountered such a situation previously when she just entered senior high school.

  When she was in high school, Qiao Nan could already deal with this. Now that she was in college, she had no reason to become weaker emotionally. The only difference was that, when she was in senior high school, Qiao Nan was still willing to spend time and effort to build up good relationships. Now, Qiao Nan felt that her current social circle was enough. In addition, this social circle did not need to necessarily include classmates from the same cohort.

  Qiao Nan was not the least affected by others as she enjoyed her meal. However, those who were watching her were not as indifferent.

  Yu Xiaoxiao took a few deep breaths to ease her expression, which had been stiff for a few days. This was so that she could force a little smile out of the muscles on her face.

  Initially, Yu Xiaoxiao was not successful. However, when she saw that extremely distorted face of Lü Yan, Yu Xiaoxiao relaxed immediately and could really smile.

  In comparison to Qiao Nan’s school-based first-prize scholarship, Yu Xiaoxiao only received a third-prize scholarship.

  Yu Xiaoxiao consoled herself that, at the very least, she had received a scholarship. Lü Yan and Tang Jiayun did not even receive any.

  As for Qiao Nan……

  That was Mount Everest which was beyond her reach. She was afraid that her neck would be sprained if she were to keep lifting her head and hoping to climb it.

  When Qiao Nan placed the plate and utensils to the designated cutlery collection point, Yu Xiaoxiao walked over and said briefly, “Congratulations.”

  Qiao Nan was surprised and puzzled when she lifted her head. She then realized that Yu Xiaoxiao was the one who said congratulations. “Thank you. Congratulations to you too.” If she did not remember it wrongly, Yu Xiaoxiao also received a scholarship.

  There were four people in the dormitory. Half of the people in this ‘former’ dormitory had received scholarships. Hence, some people had been discussing it.

  When Qiao Nan was sitting by the side, she heard someone mention this. Hence, she had some impression.

  Yu Xiaoxiao blushed slightly, her eyes turning gentle and smiley. “I am far behind in comparison to you. If there is something that I am not sure of in the future, can I consult you?’

  Everyone liked to hear good words. Everyone hoped that others would affirm them for being outstanding.

  Although Yu Xiaoxiao might feel disappointed that she only received a third-prize scholarship, she also received something. After all, only a minority of the students received scholarships.

  It was definitely an honor for her name to be remembered by someone who received the school-based first-prize scholarship.

  “I spend very little time in school. I am in the library most of the time.” There was a flash in Qiao Nan’s eyes. Was Yu Xiaoxiao trying to curry favor with her so that they could become closer?

  It was not a big deal to share her learning experience with classmates. Qiao Nan was never petty in this aspect.

  However, the situation with these three dormitory mates in college was much more serious than that when she was in senior high school.

  She was not Virgin Mary and she had been plotted against many times. Could she still smile and treat the other party as a good teacher and friend and learn and improve together with her?

  Yu Xiaoxiao was a smart person. She understood that Qiao Nan’s words were a form of rejection.

  However, Yu Xiaoxiao did not want to give up. “Right, you don’t stay in school. Where are you staying now that you’ve moved out? Sometimes, I also feel that it is more convenient to rent a place outside. I wish to be your neighbor. Do you think that will work?”


  1124 Help Me. We Are Classmates After All

  She had seen for herself that Qiao Nan scored very well in all areas.

  In terms of technical knowledge, Qiao Nan definitely knew more than her. She had wanted to seek Qiao Nan’s advice on how the latter could excel in social practice although she also came from a smaller town.

  She had never seen Qiao Nan participate in any of the social practices organized by the faculty.

  Yu Xiaoxiao could not figure this out. However, unlike Lü Yan, she did not think that there was a problem with Qiao Nan. Lü Yan felt that the school must have helped Qiao Nan cover up and deliberately been lenient in giving her scores.

  Yu Xiaoxiao knew that the school would not do that. As such, Qiao Nan was truly capable.

  If she could become closer to Qiao Nan, learn more from her, and improve her social practice, she would be able to attain the second-prize scholarship in the next semester.

  In terms of technical knowledge, Yu Xiaoxiao was lacking a little behind Qiao Nan.

  After the scores and scholarship results were out, Yu Xiaoxiao spent a lot of effort to obtain this piece of information. She had been researching the differences between her and the recipients of the first and second prize scholarships.

  In the end, Yu Xiaoxiao discovered that the difference in the examination scores for everyone, except for Qiao Nan, this pervert, was, in fact, not huge. She even received slightly higher marks in the examination than a second-prize scholarship recipient.

  She fell behind in the area of social practice. That had dragged down the rest of her other scores.

  If she could improve her scores on social practice, she could not only receive the second-prize scholarship but also rise through the ranks.

  Yu Xiaoxiao did not hold any class committee roles in the class. She was also a loner in the club that she joined.

  As such, even if there were good social practice opportunities, it would not be Yu Xiaoxiao’s turn to participate in them.

  If Yu Xiaoxiao wanted to have a breakthrough in this area, she could only learn from Qiao Nan and find other avenues to do so. She could improve her aggregate score then.

  It was difficult to find other ways. After considering for a long time, Yu Xiaoxiao decided to bow to Qiao Nan, her former dormitory mate.

  \r \r \r

  After knowing Yu Xiaoxiao’s thoughts, Qiao Nan was amused. “If you were in my shoes, would you agree?”

  “Why not?” Yu Xiaoxiao blushed. Her eyes were evasive and she avoided looking at Qiao Nan’s eyes. She also dared not admit that she would definitely disagree if she was Qiao Nan. “In that way, we can keep each other company.”

  Yu Xiaoxiao hinted to Qiao Nan that the latter was having her earlier meal alone.

  If she were to move out and stay nearer to Qiao Nan, they could keep each other company when they left and went home.

  Qiao Nan gave Yu Xiaoxiao a thumbs-up. “You really don’t know where I am staying? You should have done your homework regarding the houses in that area. The rent is not cheap. Have you decided on which place to rent?”

  It was not because Qiao Nan looked down on Yu Xiaoxiao. The Yu family was not wealthy too.

  In a place like the capital, even the rent for a house as big as a nest was not cheap. This had been a huge headache for Beijing drifters.

  As a student, if Yu Xiaoxiao really wanted to move out, her one month of living allowance might not be enough to pay for the rent, let alone other expenses.

  Even if it was enough, would Yu Xiaoxiao be able to fill her tummy with water during that one month?

  Upon hearing Qiao Nan’s question and doubt, Yu Xiaoxiao’s face turned even redder. “Qiao Nan, we’re classmates after all. In the past, you were staying with Shi Qing. Now that Shi Qing has transferred to another school, the place that she used to stay in is unoccupied, no? Can you rent it to me at a cheaper price?”

  Qiao Nan crossed her arms. “Cheaper. In your view, how much cheaper?”

  “.……” Yu Xiaoxiao’s face was as red as fire. The number was in her throat but she could not bring herself to say it.

  Yu Xiaoxiao’s one month of living allowance was barely enough to meet her needs.

  If she had to take out another sum of money to pay the rent, she would need to suffer in terms of food consumption.

  Facing the extraordinary high property price in the capital, Yu Xiaoxiao could only afford a very low sum of money even if she were to reduce her expenses on clothes and consumption.

  She was hoping that Qiao Nan would take into account that they were classmates and lent her the unoccupied place which was previously occupied by Shi Qing.

  As for the rental fee, of course, Qiao Nan could accept a small sum as a token.

  Yu Xiaoxiao heard that that house did not belong to Shi Qing’s family. It was lent to Qiao Nan by someone. To put it bluntly, Qiao Nan was not the owner of that house.

  After she moved in, the money would go into Qiao Nan’s pocket regardless of how much she paid her.

  No matter what, Qiao Nan would not lose out as she would be renting out a place that did not belong to her.

  However, if Qiao Nan really did not lack that meager sum of money or when Yu Xiaoxiao was occasionally cash-strapped, on the account that they were classmates, Qiao Nan would not be so strict on her.

  Yu Xiaoxiao had a hundred reasons in her heart when she shamelessly put up the request of staying together with Qiao Nan. However, in her heart, she knew that she was taking huge advantage of Qiao Nan.

  However, she had no choice. If she did not do that, she would not have any more opportunities.

  In the last semester, she had been observing Qiao Nan.

  During weekdays, Qiao Nan would definitely report to school on time regardless of whether there were classes. If there were classes held, she would attend them. If not, she would nest in the school’s library for the entire day without going to other places.

  During the weekends, there were no classes. She would not see Qiao Nan in the school at all.

  Since Yu Xiaoxiao stayed in the dormitory, it was not so convenient for her to leave and enter the school.

  She had wanted to find out what Qiao Nan always did during weekends but she did not have the opportunity to do so.

  However, that would be completely different if she were to stay with Qiao Nan.

  When she heard Qiao Nan wake up, she could also follow suit. She would follow Qiao Nan wherever she went.

  After confirming the social practice that Qiao Nan was involved in, she would find a way to fight for the opportunity without the need for Qiao Nan’s help.

  What she lacked now was just a chance to find the doorsill.

  “What is wrong? Why aren’t you talking? How much are you prepared to pay me each month?” Yu Xiaoxiao did not speak but that did not mean that Qiao Nan was willing to let it go so easily.

  “I don’t have much money. Can you make an exception? Anyway, that house does not belong to you, right?” Yu Xiaoxiao mustered up the courage and said.

  Qiao Nan shook her head. “No. It’s precisely because the house is not mine. I am not so shameless as to stay in someone’s house, rent it out, and take the money at the same time. Besides, even if I pass your rent to the owner of the property, he doesn’t need it. If he did, he wouldn’t have lent the house to me. He could have rented it to anyone. One room can already fetch a rent that is more than ten times what you can afford, let alone the whole house.”

  There was no need to talk about money. Yu Xiaoxiao did not have money.

  There was no need to talk about relationships. Yu Xiaoxiao did not even know who the owner of the house was. What relationship was there to speak and make use of?

  1125 There Is a Fishy Smell

  “I suppose you’re very close with the owner of the house, no? Qiao Nan, can you help me, please?” Yu Xiaoxiao’s voice turned hoarse and tears welled up in her eyes. Since a young age, she had never pleaded with someone in this manner.

  “Yu Xiaoxiao, I’m sorry. This matter really won’t work.” Qiao Nan took a firm step back to distance herself from Yu Xiaoxiao. “That house is not mine and I don’t have the right to manage it. I don’t have the right to accede to any of your requests. If you really have any plans in mind, you can ask the owner of the house. But don’t expect me to give you the owner’s contact. If you feel that your words are solid and convincing, you can try contacting the owners of other houses too.”

  It was true that one should not take advantage of others in this way.

  Yu Xiaoxiao felt that she had already been servile enough. In her life, she had never even bowed to her biological parents in this manner.

  She had completely thrown aside her dignity and endured the humiliation by pleading for Qiao Nan’s help. She did not expect that Qiao Nan would still reject her.

  Yu Xiaoxiao had been dealt with a huge blow. Tears rolled down her face uncontrollably. “I am really sorry to have caused you trouble. I’m the one who has simplified things. Can you not tell anyone about this matter?”

  Qiao Nan restrained the look in her eyes. “I won’t spread this matter to others but this is the canteen. I cannot guarantee that no one has heard our earlier conversation.” If there were any rumors, she hoped that Yu Xiaoxiao would not immediately blame it on her.

  Yu Xiaoxiao sniffed and looked around.

  When she saw Lü Yan laughing at the side, her pupils simply formed a line. “Okay, I believe you.”

  “Goodbye.” After making herself clear, Qiao Nan carried her books and went to ‘nest’ in the library.

  Regarding Yu Xiaoxiao’s earlier behavior, Qiao Nan was not in any dilemma.

  Qiao Nan knew that she would meet many people who were more competitive and thick-skinned than Yu Xiaoxiao in the future when she stepped out into society.

  \r \r \r

  To those wily old foxes who had stepped into society, Yu Xiaoxiao’s behavior today was extremely amateurish.

  When Qiao Nan was catching up in the library, she did not know that Yu Xiaoxiao and Lü Yan had a huge argument.

  Just as Qiao Nan had said earlier, the property prices in the capital were too high. Sometimes, even those who were employed and earning money had to rent an extremely small-sized basement to save on the rent, let alone students.

  Given the situations of Yu Xiaoxiao and Lü Yan, it was most economical for them to live in school abidingly.

  Only those whose family did not lack money could harbor ideas about moving out of the school.

  After Yu Xiaoxiao and Lü Yan secretly had a huge argument, the two were being forced into submission by reality. They were compelled to continue living in the same dormitory even though they could not see eye to eye with each other.

  Now, the trio could not even change their dormitory, not to mention a serious matter such as moving out. That was because Qiao Nan had already moved out of the dormitory.

  When there were many issues in a dormitory, it would naturally draw dislike and uneasy feelings from the teachers.

  Yu Xiaoxiao was not satisfied with a third-prize scholarship. She wanted to achieve something better. She was only worried that she did not have any opportunity to perform. As such, why would she be willing to create so many troubles and continue to ruin her image in front of the teachers and the professors?

  If this kind of situation happened another one or two times, third-prize scholarships would not be associated with Yu Xiaoxiao anymore, let alone second-prize ones.

  Yu Xiaoxiao was focused on her studies while Tang Jiayun paid more attention to building interpersonal relationships. Lü Yan was the only one behaving oddly. No one knew what her plans were.

  Human hearts were complicated. When the list of scholarship recipients was out, the atmosphere in the dormitory quietly started to become strange.

  The trio never spoke to or discussed things with one another in the dormitory. They did not even look at each other. When they left the door, they would avoid eye contact. There was no interaction at all. The situation was more uptight than that between ordinary classmates.

  Fortunately, Qiao Nan had moved out and she did not need to face these troubles anymore.

  “Nan Nan, this is the award certificate that you brought home?” When Qiao Nan arrived home, the sharp-eyed Miao Jing sighted the red booklet that Qiao Nan casually placed on the study table. She was overjoyed when she opened it. “First-prize scholarship. Nan Nan, you’ve done so well in your examination?”

  Her daughter was not good in her humanities subjects. Her son had well-developed brains.

  Since Zhai Sheng graduated from school many years ago, Miao Jing could not remember when she had last seen these red booklets.

  Qiao Nan had changed into another set of clothes when she came out. “Not too bad. Not many people received scholarships, but I’m not the only one. I heard from my senior that I will have the opportunity to go overseas for studies if I attain a few more first-prize scholarships.”

  “Nan Nan, do you wish to study abroad?” Miao Jing was taken aback. Nan Nan was only a first-year college student and she was already involved in studying abroad?

  Qiao Nan turned her head and said, “Earlier on, I just wanted to do well in my examinations, attend college, and be a college student. As for studying abroad, I have never thought about it. If my senior did not tell me about it, I wouldn’t even know that there is such a practice in the school.”

  Qiao Nan only placed importance on her grades and found out about the assessment criteria. She had never thought about the other advantages that would come with good grades.

  “Do you want to consider it then? Opportunities to study abroad are hard to come by.” If the school was really willing to give Nan Nan such a chance, that meant that Nan Nan was truly capable.

  Studying abroad was not the same as migrating. She could come back after completing her studies.

  Qiao Nan took a sip of the milk that Miao Jing gave her. She knitted her brows. “This milk tastes weird. There’s a very fishy smell.”

  “Is that so?” Miao Jing took and tasted it. “No, it’s the same taste as usual. Drink more milk to replenish your calcium.”

  Qiao Nan wanted to try but before the milk came to her, her mind floated with the earlier smell of the milk. She shook her head continuously. “Forget it. Perhaps I am not used to it now or maybe my taste has changed. I feel a little nauseous when I drink milk.”

  “Are you feeling unwell?” Miao Jing was anxious. “Don’t tell me that you ate the wrong things when you were in school?”

  “Don’t think so.” Qiao Nan trusted the food in the canteen very much. “I have eaten in the canteen for half a year and have never taken any bad food before. Most likely, I just can’t stand the smell of this milk. Mom, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. It’s just that I have wasted your cup of milk.”

  Miao Jing looked carefully at Qiao Nan’s face. Besides disliking the fishy smell of the milk, her face was pinkish and eyes dewy. There were no other symptoms. “It won’t be wasted. I will drink it if you don’t want it. Right, it’s time to eat. Let’s go downstairs together?”

  Qiao Nan walked to Miao Jing’s side. “Okay, Mom. Right, the army is still making arrangements for Sister Zhai Hua. What has she been doing at home these few days?”