Qin Yi’s mind worked quickly. She realized Zhou Tingzhi leaving the home phone wasn’t accidental; he wanted Tao Xin to answer. She handed the phone to Tao Xin. 

“Hello?” 

Tao Xin answered, and the other side became enthusiastic, “Hello, Ms. Tao, I’m Dennis, we met yesterday. Remember me? Sorry to bother you so early.” 

Qin Yi overheard, thinking the salesperson was perceptive. Zhou Tingzhi was a prominent figure, accumulating wealth for years, almost like a Pixiu (a mythical creature that hoards treasure). He’d entered a luxury store for the first time for a girl, a clear sign of a blooming romance, a Pixiu about to spit out gold coins. Regardless of his spending, he was upgraded to VIC status—like slaughtering a fat pig. 

If Zhou Tingzhi was the pig, Tao Xin was the butcher’s knife. 

She listened for a while, smiling, saying without blinking, “I’m free. Come over later.” She hung up and said to Qin Yi, “Shopping is so convenient now, they deliver to your home.” 

Qin Yi smiled, saying nothing. What could she say? That she was making a grand entrance on her first day, not fearing chaos? 

Tao Xin, unaware of Qin Yi’s thoughts, watched TV. 

The rapid pace of societal change couldn’t be fully captured in written material. Since Tao Xin couldn’t experience the past eighteen years firsthand, she used TV dramas to catch up. The bureau assigned her the task of watching urban dramas from 2002 to 2020 chronologically. 

Though Director Chen said the plots were unimportant, focusing on common knowledge, Tao Xin found the melodramatic plots unbearable—family conflicts, difficult relatives, bizarre workplaces, tangled love triangles, and villainous antagonists. 

She was overwhelmed but had to continue, as the bureau tested her every three months, requiring three consecutive passes for independent living. 

Even if she passed, it would take nine months, followed by learning to drive, getting a license, and finding a place to study… Tao Xin sighed, sinking into the sofa. 

Then Dennis and his sales team arrived. Five or six male salespeople, over six feet tall, in sharp black suits and white gloves, put on shoe covers, unpacked, ironed, displayed, and arranged everything efficiently. Dennis and a woman in a white dress approached Tao Xin, saying, “Ms. Tao, this is our model based on your body type. The fit should be similar. She can help you try on clothes if needed.” 

Dennis clasped his hands, adding flatteringly, “Your figure is excellent. We found a similar model at a dance academy.” 

Buying clothes without trying them on was surreal. Tao Xin was amazed by the convenience of 2020 life but suppressed her surprise, saying, “Um… good.” 

Seeing her calm reaction, the salespeople became more enthusiastic, offering kneeling service, “Ms. Tao, try these shoes. Your height and long legs will look great in these flats.” “Ms. Tao, this bag is a limited edition. Few are available nationwide.” 

Few could resist such enthusiasm. Tao Xin’s shopping desire wasn’t strong, wanting only clothes, but she bought several bags, even some she found ugly. 

She didn’t realize it, but Qin Yi was amazed. These salespeople were efficient; these items wouldn’t need to be removed, costing a fortune… 

Qin Yi considered calling Zhou Tingzhi to report when hurried footsteps sounded from the stairs. 

Everyone looked up, seeing an angry teenager at the doorway, glaring at Tao Xin, “Who let you bring these people here!” 

Tao Xin jumped onto the sofa, “Didn’t your dad tell you? This is also my home.” 

“You—” Zhou Nian, unable to argue, flushed, saying, “Fine! I’m leaving! You wait!” 

He stormed out in his pajamas. 

Tao Xin didn’t worry, just chuckled indifferently. 

Qin Yi’s anger flared. 

Tao Xin never tolerated injustice. She had told Zhou Tingzhi she wouldn’t tolerate Zhou Nian and would fight back if he bullied her. 

She was ready to fight with him. 

But Zhou Tingzhi wasn’t worried about a fight or argument. The worst outcome, he said, was Zhou Nian running away to a friend’s house. 

Seeing Zhou Nian run off, Tao Xin almost laughed. Zhou Tingzhi truly understood his son. 

After sending the salespeople away, Tao Xin massaged and reported to Zhou Tingzhi: [As you predicted, your son fled after a brief encounter.] 

Zhou Tingzhi replied quickly: [He’s having a hard time accepting it. Don’t mind him.] 

So formal. Tao Xin pouted, typing quickly: [I want seafood for dinner.] 

Zhou Tingzhi replied: [Okay, I’ll make a reservation. I’ll pick you up around six.] 

Bored. 

Tao Xin turned off the massage chair, stretching, watching sparrows in the courtyard, remembering her first meeting with Zhou Tingzhi. 

That summer, the lotus flowers near the school were spectacular, covering the lake, making headlines and leading to the first lotus festival. Students from nearby schools flocked to take pictures. 

Tao Xin disliked crowds but, as a photography enthusiast, was dragged along by her classmates. 

It was almost evening. The sunset cast a warm yellow glow. Girls found a quiet spot to take a picture before dark. Tao Xin was guiding their poses when someone shouted for help. Two children had fallen into the lake. 

Tao Xin gave her camera to a classmate, running towards them, seeing two people jump in. An adult rescued a girl, but another boy struggled amidst the lotuses. A man pulled him out, handing him to the adult, then sank. 

Tao Xin had saved him. 

It was hot, and everyone wore thin clothes. Tao Xin wore a white dress, now soaking wet and clinging to her. Zhou Tingzhi, pale and flushed, quickly took off his black T-shirt and gave it to her. 

Nineteen-year-old Zhou Tingzhi, in jeans, thin, broad-shouldered, long-legged, fair-skinned, and soaking wet, knelt before her, shy and handsome. 

Tao Xin only thought—I’ll repay your life-saving grace with my body. 

Tao Xin sighed. 

Qin Yi, thinking she was worried about Zhou Nian, approached, “Ms. Tao, have some fruit. I bought it this morning.” 

Qin Yi was a rare and valuable housekeeper. Tao Xin was polite, thanking her. 

Qin Yi said, “You have such a good personality, no wonder Mr. Zhou likes you. I’ve worked here for ten years, and you’re the only woman he’s brought home.” 

“Really?” Tao Xin smiled, “You’re the only one who’s ever complimented my personality.” 

Qin Yi, prepared, stuttered, “Mr. Zhou, despite his success, is a good man. His family is simple—only his deceased wife’s son, who’s well-behaved. If you’re kind to him, life will be good. Others will envy you.” 

“What if he keeps targeting me? My mother said women shouldn’t endure, it causes breast cancer,” Tao Xin said sadly. “And he has his father. My parents are gone…” 

… 

Zhou Tingzhi returned later than expected. He messaged Tao Xin, and she slowly came out. 

“It’s almost 6:30. You said around six.” 

“Sorry, a company emergency. Traffic was bad.”