Chapter 331 - 330: Summer Job
Tao Cuizhu heard Cao Panpan’s words and said directly, "What’s wrong with that? We usually don’t even use them, why force ourselves to accept them?"
Cao Panpan couldn’t find words to reply. Although she really liked those stockings, wearing them at school wasn’t appropriate since no one else did.
Wei Xiwen chimed in, "Exactly, we’re not using them, so of course we shouldn’t accept them. Come on, let’s get ready to eat in the cafeteria. We have exams this morning."
"Yes, exams start today. We need to stay focused."
Hearing Wei Xiwen’s words, Cao Panpan quickly packed her things and stopped dwelling on An Xueqing’s issue.
But just as everyone was ready to leave, Feng Yudan returned. Seeing them, she smiled and said, "Are you heading to the exam room? Let me join you."
"We’re planning to have breakfast in the cafeteria first."
Upon hearing this, Feng Yudan quickly put her things away and said, "I’ll join you too, I haven’t had breakfast yet."
Seeing the smile on Feng Yudan’s face, no one said anything, and they all headed to the cafeteria together.
"Yiyi, I heard you’re engaged. Congratulations! I’m sorry I couldn’t celebrate with you before; I was filming with the crew."
Upon hearing Feng Yudan, Yiyi smiled and said, "No worries, your blessings mean just as much now."
Feng Yudan smiled again, then took out a small brocade box and said, "This is my engagement gift to you."
As she spoke, she handed more boxes to Tao Cuizhu and the others, saying, "I also prepared small gifts for you all. Thank you for being so understanding with me this term. I couldn’t attend classes regularly, but you always helped me with my studies. Thank you so much."
Though she later went to film with the crew, her desire to study was genuine. She read as much as she could and noted any questions, which she asked her dormmates when she came to school.
Tao Cuizhu glanced at Feng Yudan and said, "We didn’t do much. We’re classmates, so of course, we’d help with your questions. There’s no need for a gift."
"Please accept them. I made these bracelets myself; I hope you like them."
Hearing this, Cao Panpan was surprised. She opened the box to find a red string bracelet with small amber beads. "Wow... It’s beautiful, did you really make this?"
The others also opened their boxes to find similar handmade bracelets with different beads: Tao Cuizhu received one with shiny pearls, Wei Xiwen’s had translucent South red agate, and Yiyi’s featured golden beads.
"Yes, I made them myself. I love crafting, and have recently learned to weave strings, so I made these bracelets hoping you would like them."
Knowing Feng Yudan made them herself, the others didn’t refuse the gifts.
"Thank you," Tao Cuizhu was the first to respond, flashing a smile at Feng Yudan.
Though she didn’t like how An Xueqing and Feng Yudan neglected studies for acting, she preferred Feng Yudan, as An Xueqing seemed rather cunning, while Feng Yudan was straightforward and kind-hearted.
Seeing Tao Cuizhu accept it, the others took the gifts as well.
After they finished their meal, they headed to the exam hall together.
An Xueqing was already there. Seeing Feng Yudan arrive with the others, her expression twisted slightly but quickly returned to normal as she focused on her book.
After Yiyi and the others sat down, the proctor arrived. Once the papers were distributed, everyone began their exams diligently.
Exam time always seems to fly by. Three days of exams passed in a blink.
"Phew... finally done with all the exams; vacation starts tomorrow."
Back in the dorm, Cao Panpan couldn’t help but express relief and then excitedly asked, "With vacation around the corner, what plans do you all have? Going home?"
Wei Xiwen shook her head, "Not going home yet. I’m planning to explore the area first, then head back."
Tao Cuizhu also shook her head, saying, "I’m not going back either. I’ll look for a part-time job here." Her family wasn’t well-off, so she aimed to lessen her parents’ burden by working.
"Dorm leader, you’re staying?"
Feng Yudan glanced at Tao Cuizhu, then tentatively asked, "What kind of job are you looking for?"
"As long as it pays, but I’d love something in a pharmacy."
Hearing this, Feng Yudan swallowed her initial suggestion to invite Tao Cuizhu to find a temp job in the crew, seeing her determination to stick to her field of study.
Yiyi pondered and looked at Tao Cuizhu, then took the chance to discuss a job at a pharmaceutical company, "Dorm leader, I know a company hiring. If you’re interested, you can apply."
"Really?"
Tao Cuizhu was elated.
"Getting a job related to our studies is ideal. I knew such roles were hard to find. Normally, they wouldn’t hire us because we haven’t learned much yet. But you’ve given me this great opportunity."
Yiyi smiled, "Glad you like it. The company does have standards; you’ll need to prepare well."
"Yiyi, telling me this is more than enough. Don’t worry, I’ll prepare thoroughly."
Determined to secure the role, Tao Cuizhu was all in.
Yiyi smiled knowingly.
Tao Cuizhu excelled academically, so working at a pharmaceutical company should be perfect. Helping a classmate while getting a capable assistant was a win-win.
"Yiyi, when can I visit the company?"
Yiyi replied, "You can go tomorrow. I’ll pick you up from school around eight in the morning."
"Great, sorry to trouble you."
Yiyi cheerfully said, "No trouble at all. I hope brilliant students like you consider working there."
Tao Cuizhu gave Yiyi a puzzled look, but didn’t press further. With her mind focused on the company, she thanked Yiyi again and went to prepare her documents.
After packing her things, Yiyi went home.
The next day, she had breakfast and headed to school, spotting Tao Cuizhu already at the gate.
"Dorm leader, how long have you been waiting? You could’ve stayed in the dorm; I’d have come to get you."
Tao Cuizhu smiled, "I just got here. I saw it was close to the time we planned, so I came out."