Xu Xiaoya handed her a card. "You had a cold a few days ago and didn’t come to the store, so I took the liberty of upgrading your card and transferred it to your personal name. It has US dollars in it, already exchanged. I don’t quite understand the specifics, but I asked at the counter. She said it’s been processed and can be used abroad. From now on, I’ll deposit money into it every month. You don’t have to worry about a thing."

Yan Xixi laughed. "Why would I need so much money?"

"Why wouldn’t you need it? You should live the same way abroad as you do here. In fact, things should only get better and better for you."

She was deeply moved, but between them, words of thanks were unnecessary.

"I’m going abroad to study, not to walk a runway. Besides, this opportunity didn’t come easily. I have to give it my all, so I really won’t have much time to go out and enjoy myself. In other words, no matter how many fancy clothes I have, I’ll rarely get a chance to wear them. Why bother?"

Xu Xiaoya had long noticed that Xixi now came to the store every day dressed in simple clothes. All her luxury brand outfits had been put away.

Her eyes widened. "But you can’t dress *too* plainly, can you?"

Yan Xixi chuckled. "It’s not exactly about being plain. In the past, when I saw others with luxury bags and designer clothes, I can’t tell you how envious I was. Once I had the means, I really went all out. During those few months, I changed into new clothes and new jewelry every day, drove luxury cars, carried designer bags, and paraded around like a peacock."

Competing with Ms. Huang, competing with Zhou Ting, competing with Zhou Xiaoxuan... I even deliberately flaunted in front of Rina. Looking back on it now, how ridiculous. So vain it was childish, truly blush-worthy. But if a woman has never experienced vanity in her life, how can she truly say she was ever young! One hasn’t lived their youth if they haven’t done foolish things. Lady Daqing is absolutely right.

"Later, when I thought about it, I realized it was really nothing more than that."

Nothing more than that—easy words to say, but how difficult to actually live by. You might say driving a Ferrari is "nothing more than that"—but you have to be able to afford a Ferrari to have the right to say it. Otherwise, if you’re just a broke nobody, on what basis are you fooling yourself? 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

"I’ve eaten delicious food and worn beautiful clothes, so I have no regrets. Now, I truly feel that this opportunity to study is precious and rare. In this lifetime, there will be countless chances to eat, drink, and be merry, but an opportunity to dedicate myself to studying like this? This is it. So, I must cherish this chance."

Xu Xiaoya looked thoughtful.

Yan Xixi patted her hand. "Xiaoya, don’t rush. Let’s earn money for another couple of years. Once our foundation is solid, you can properly train an assistant. Then, you can also go abroad to burnish your credentials, perhaps do some short-term studies or travel. Even if it’s not for a diploma, broadening your horizons is always good."

Xu Xiaoya’s eyes lit up. "Really? Can I do that too?"

"Why not? Once I get settled and familiar with things over there, I’ll keep an eye out for you."

"But I’m not good at studying; I’m a bit slow-witted. I probably couldn’t get into any school."

"It’s not like you have to attend some prestigious university. We’d just be going to broaden our horizons."

"Alright then, Xixi! As long as I can go, I’d be willing even if it’s Clyden."

"Haha, deal. Once I’m settled there, I’ll get it sorted for you right away."

"That’s wonderful! Then, we’ll both be considered ’returned overseas students.’"

Yan Xixi laughed too.

Just then, Xu Xiaoya’s phone rang. She glanced at it and didn’t initially want to answer, but the phone kept ringing persistently, so she finally picked up. "Mom, is something wrong?"