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Senior-year exam preparation was exhausting for most students, but it was nothing to Su Qing, who was quick-witted and never forgot what she read. 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 mainly wanted an excuse 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, claiming it was a matter of dignity.
The market sold everything from flowers and birds to fish and snakes. People had all kinds of interests; plenty liked keeping mice or snakes. As long as someone was willing to pay, there was a market for it. The flowers and plants were not as beautiful as those in her space, but they were reasonably priced. Her maternal grandfather liked growing flowers, while her paternal grandfather had a particular fondness for orchids. She had plenty of orchids, but she could not take them out, and the ones at the market seemed beyond her allowance. Though her family was prominent, they were not in business. They lived on salaries, and her parents were honest, so she and her brother did not get much spending money. Her cousin Lisa always mocked her for it. Su Qing merely smiled it off and looked forward to the day that spoiled girl cried.
Dew-dappled roses, fragrant lilies, elegant Birds of Paradise, bright yet unassuming Gerberas, stately Peonies, Carnations, and more lifted Su Qing's spirits as she walked along. She bought a bouquet of her mother's favorite lilies and picked up some