After finishing that satisfying meal of mala spicy hot pot with Ding Yao.
Qian Lele spent the entire afternoon feeling fulfilled and busy.
She first hurried back to the teaching building and forced herself through two sleep-inducing classes on Principles of Computer Networks.
Then, without stopping, she ran to the lab and completed every last one of today's remaining data-labeling tasks.
By the time it was completely dark outside, only the cold glow of computer screens remained in the lab.
She took off her headphones, stretched lazily, and let out a long breath.
Yet her heart was filled with a comfortable sense of solidity.
After returning to her dorm, she quickly took a hot shower.
Then she opened her wardrobe.
After hesitating for a moment, she reached inside and took out a pale pink gift box.
Inside was the outfit Tang Song had given her when he accompanied her to Ding Yao's birthday party.
A V-neck jacquard dress, a color-blocked cashmere shawl scarf, color-blocked Chanel-style open-back high heels, and a double-C necklace.
To her, it was like the outfit that had transformed Cinderella into a princess after a spell was cast.
She had always treasured it and had never worn it.
Qian Lele gently bit her lip and changed into the outfit piece by piece.
She applied a layer of tone-up cream and put on lipstick.
Finally, she slipped on a long down coat over it, something she had bought during an off-season sale. It was not particularly fashionable, but it was clean and elegant.
Looking at her refreshed reflection in the mirror.
A bright smile appeared on her face.
"Ring, ring, ring." Her phone began to ring.
She answered it. "Hello, Ding Yao."
"Oh, okay, I'll be downstairs right away."
After hanging up, Qian Lele looked at the ordinary