Upon their initial interaction, Qin Chaoyu found her roommate to be quite pleasant. She could tell the girl had some self-esteem issues, but she wasn’t overly sensitive—her personality was good, and she seemed like someone worth deepening a friendship with.
The ease of getting along with her first roommate filled Qin Chaoyu with high expectations for the other two. For the next four years of university, she truly hoped for a joyful experience, so having easygoing roommates was crucial.
*Knock, knock!*
Just as Qin Chaoyu finished tidying up, the dorm room door was knocked on.
“May I come in? I’m also part of this dorm!”
The voice was sweet and well-mannered, and the gesture alone suggested someone with good upbringing. After all, she didn’t *have* to knock—today, the dorm was a shared space where anyone could come and go freely.
This small act left a positive impression on Qin Chaoyu.
Given Miao Zhaodi’s personality, she clearly wouldn’t take the initiative to open the door. With no other choice, Qin Chaoyu got up from her bed, walked over, and pulled the door open. Outside stood a family of three.
“You can come in,” she said, stepping aside.
The trio entered, each carrying large and small bags. The girl who had spoken earlier dropped her things on the floor with a sigh. “Ugh, Mom and Dad, you made me bring *so* much stuff! I’m exhausted!”
Then, she turned to Qin Chaoyu and Miao Zhaodi with a bright smile and a wave. “Hi! I’m Qian Fangyuan, a local. I’m really interested in medicine, but my parents thought clinical work would be too tough, so I went with Traditional Chinese Medicine instead. I hope to become a great doctor someday—nice to meet you both!”
From this introduction alone, it was clear Qian Fangyuan was lively and enthusiastic. For now, that was all Qin Chaoyu could discern—she’d need more time to observe further.
Mr. Qian chimed in, “Our little Fangyuan has been spoiled rotten, so if she ever does anything wrong, please correct her and help her improve! Don’t worry about anything else.”
Qian Fangyuan pouted. “Dad, other parents always say, *‘Be tolerant of my child!’* Why are you breaking the script?”
Her tone was playful, and despite her words, her smile made it obvious she was just teasing.
Mrs. Qian, a woman of action with an air of decisiveness, had already started unpacking for her daughter while her husband and child chatted.
She said, “Why should other kids—who were also raised with care—have to put up with the flaws *we* spoiled into you? They’re not your relatives. Besides, college is the perfect place to recognize and fix your bad habits. Otherwise, you’ll only learn the hard way once you enter society!”
“*Mom…*” Qian Fangyuan whined, tugging at her mother’s sleeve.
It was clear this was a happy family—the kind of happiness Qin Chaoyu had always longed for.
Sadly, in both lifetimes, she had never gotten it.
She felt a twinge of regret but no resentment. She was content with who she was now. In the eighteen years under her master’s care, she had learned what family meant. And soon, she would have even more friends, a thriving career, and her own ambitions.
With a gentle smile, she said, “Hello, Uncle, Auntie, and Fangyuan. I’m Qin Chaoyu, also studying TCM.”
Qian Fangyuan bounced over and grabbed Qin Chaoyu’s arm without hesitation. “Wow! *Chaoyu*—such a pretty name! The moment you opened the door, I was stunned. How can someone be *this* gorgeous? Compared to you, I’m just a mess. Oh, and sorry if I talk too much—hope you don’t mind!”
Her expressions and gestures were animated, shifting seamlessly between exaggerated despair and awe.
Qian Fangyuan’s sudden touch made Qin Chaoyu stiffen slightly—she wasn’t used to such familiarity from strangers.
“Not at all. You’re actually very pretty too—in a… *moe*, cute kind of way.”
And it was true. Qian Fangyuan *was* adorable—heart-shaped face, waist-length glossy black hair (clearly well-maintained), and most strikingly, large, bright eyes that sparkled like grapes. Her small, eloquent mouth revealed neat white teeth when she smiled, radiating warmth.
Today, she wore a pink-purple dress with a touch of anime aesthetic, making her look like a real-life *moe* character.
Qin Chaoyu then gestured to the timid Miao Zhaodi. “This is Miao Zhaodi. She’s also studying TCM, but she’s a bit shy and might not talk much.”
As she said the name, she discreetly watched Qian Fangyuan’s reaction. Seeing no mockery, she relaxed.
Though she personally saw nothing wrong with the name, some people looked down on others they deemed “inferior,” unaware of their own absurdity.
Luckily, such a person wasn’t her roommate.
Noticing Miao Zhaodi’s nervousness, Qian Fangyuan turned up the enthusiasm. “Hi! So nice to meet you!”
Miao Zhaodi kept her head low, her voice barely audible. “H-Hi… I-I’m happy to meet you too.”
Seeing her roommates—each more stylish and beautiful than the last—only deepened her insecurity. She feared they wouldn’t want to be friends with her.
“Hey, no need to be shy! Sure, we just met, but the more we talk, the closer we’ll get!” Qian Fangyuan linked arms with Miao Zhaodi, completely unfazed by her plain attire. “Just don’t mind *me*—I never shut up!”
Miao Zhaodi shook her head hurriedly. “N-No, I wouldn’t… mind you. I just… worry you’d mind *me*.”
The last word was whispered so softly Qian Fangyuan didn’t catch it, still grinning obliviously.
Mr. and Mrs. Qian finished quickly, and Qian Fangyuan promptly shooed them off. In her words: *”You live nearby—you can visit anytime! Staying now would just interrupt our bonding!”*
No doubt about it—Qian Fangyuan was a brutally honest girl, wielding her words without mercy.
Thanks to her antics, the atmosphere among the three lightened considerably. Miao Zhaodi was no longer as tense, her words less shaky.
Just as they were chatting happily—
*BANG!*
The door was flung open violently.
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