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Senior-year exam prep was exhausting for most students, but for Su Qing, who was quick-witted and never forgot anything she read, it was no trouble at all. Still, she had to keep up appearances. There was no need to discourage her classmates or worry her parents.
It was Saturday, and Su Qing had finally been allowed to go out alone. She decided to visit the Flower and Bird Market. Buying flowers was secondary; she wanted a plausible explanation for Little White—the name she had given the white fox—and Phoenix to appear openly. Phoenix had shrunk to the size of a canary but insisted she call it Phoenix, saying it was a matter of dignity.
The market sold flowers, birds, fish, and even snakes. People's tastes differed; plenty liked keeping mice or snakes. As long as someone was willing to pay, there was a market for it. The plants were not as beautiful as those in her space, but they were reasonably priced. Her maternal grandfather loved growing flowers, while her paternal grandfather was especially fond of orchids. She had plenty of orchids, but she could not bring them out of her space, and she could not afford the ones sold here on her allowance. The Su Family was prominent, but they were not in business. Her parents lived on their salaries and were scrupulously honest, so she and her brother received little spending money. Their spoiled cousin Lisa liked to mock Su Qing for it. Su Qing only smiled it off and looked forward to the day Lisa cried.
Dew-speckled roses, fragrant lilies, elegant Birds of Paradise, bright yet unpretentious Gerberas, sumptuous Peonies, Carnations, and more lifted Su Qing's spirits as she walked. She bought her mother a bouquet of her favorite lilies and picked up some