On the other side, although Chi Qingya had been lightly comforted by her young ladies and had gathered her spirits to pull herself together,
she never imagined that her opponent would turn out to be the Landlady.
This situation was somewhat difficult to handle.
Bai Huizi not only looked more mature and stronger than her, but also, because of her age, had far more experience.
The image of Bai Huizi appeared vividly in her mind.
Bai Huizi was the kind of woman whose cotton white T-shirt naturally molded to a soft, smooth curve—like a ripe but not fallen apple.
When she sat down, the fabric stretched smoothly, forming two crescent-shaped lines.
When she turned around to get something, her back caused the fabric to ripple slightly, always reminding people of a balloon filled with warm water swaying under the sun.
As she walked, the muscles on her calves flexed like mountains hidden beneath a snowdrift, each step carrying just the right amount of spring, as if the Creator had kneaded the dough a little longer before shaping it.
Chi Qingya slowly lowered her head, her body slightly leaning forward, and a wave of inferiority began to swell within her heart.
Even while she was still spending her parents’ money, the Landlady was already able to do various things with money she had earned herself.
Not to mention, she could provide a place for Su Li to live, and as a Landlady, Bai Huizi could offer Su Li an even bigger and better home.
No matter what, in the competition against Bai Huizi, she would never be the winner.
The situation was overwhelmingly disadvantageous for her at this moment.
Chi Qingya looked at the busy Janitor and Repairman she had called in and fell into deep thought.
The most crucial point was that Su Li didn’t even listen to her anymore.
She couldn’t even get close to Su Li’s friends, so there was no way to communicate with Su Li at all.
Meanwhile, the relationship between Bai Huizi and Su Li was undoubtedly harmonious, unlike her own, which was strained due to conflicts with Su Li.
Though she thought her own appearance was exceptionally outstanding, compared to Bai Huizi, who exuded a mature aura from head to toe, she felt utterly inferior.
Even if she found a chance to communicate with Su Li to ease their relationship, Su Li probably wouldn’t believe her words.
Just as Chi Qingya was strategizing, the Janitor and Repairman spent several hours thoroughly cleaning the room and successfully fixing the clogged drain.
After paying them nearly a thousand yuan, Chi Qingya looked at her refreshed room and felt an indescribable sense of relief.
It was as if nothing could defeat her.
Even if Su Li wasn’t by her side, what did it matter?
She could still live well, perhaps even keep the room cleaner than when Su Li was there.
Confidence began to sprout inside Chi Qingya; she felt as if nothing could stop her anymore.
Even the Landlady was no longer a concern.
Just a moment ago, she had thought the Landlady’s difficulties were a huge problem.
But after solving things with her own efforts, she realized it was nothing at all.
Chi Qingya’s mood was incredibly light, and her mind grew clearer.
To her, she had now washed away all impurities; like a light boat, she had passed through countless mountains.
In the end, Chi Qingya decided to make a Bento for Su Li. There was nothing better to truly show the feeling of home than a lovingly prepared meal.
Moreover, she could find a suitable excuse for it.
Last time, Su Li had treated her to Boiled Fish at the cafeteria; this time, she could return the favor with a heartfelt Bento.
A back-and-forth like this would better ease and maintain their relationship.
Besides, preparing a Bento for Su Li was one of her strengths.
The Landlady was, after all, a member of society, but she and Su Li were different—they were Students.
The feelings between Students were still pure, not so materialistic.
Compared to the Landlady who could only give Su Li money, her handmade meal could better express her sincerity.
Sincerity was always a Trump Card.
She didn’t believe Su Li would still be so stubborn after facing her heartfelt Bento.
If one person had to take a step back, she could do so as well.
The heartfelt Bento would be a way to welcome Su Li home—a step Su Li could understand.
Compared to the Landlady, a stranger she met halfway, she and Su Li were true Family.
She believed Su Li would definitely understand this and grasp her meaning.
Family members don’t hold grudges overnight.
Chi Qingya thought this as the image of meeting Su Li and seeing her moved face after tasting the Bento appeared in her mind.
Chi Qingya didn’t think cooking was difficult. Although she hadn’t cooked before, others could do it, so if they could succeed, she could too.
“Su Li is so lucky; my first time cooking is just for her.”
“I hope she can understand my feelings and not betray my sincerity.”
Chi Qingya hummed to herself as she took out her phone and started buying groceries online.
Since Su Li had treated her to Boiled Fish last time, she naturally wanted to return the favor with Boiled Fish.
Besides, judging by the name, Boiled Fish didn’t sound difficult.
If it’s called Boiled Fish, then just boil it, right?
Chi Qingya stared at the menu filled with various kinds of fish, feeling a bit overwhelmed. They all looked the same to her.
But she didn’t hesitate and directly chose a Grass Carp.
Compared to the other fish, Grass Carp’s name was relatively simple.
She thought it would be easier to handle.
The image of her eating Boiled Fish popped into her mind—there were lots of Soybean Sprouts and Tender Tofu in it.
But she didn’t pick those; instead, she chose plenty of Lotus Root Slices, planning to add them while making the Boiled Fish.
“‘Lotus roots may break, yet the fibers remain connected, lotus roots may break, yet the fibers remain connected…’”
“The meaning behind Lotus Root Slices is so beautiful. I hope Su Li can understand what I mean.”
“We are like Family. Even if we have conflicts and can’t see each other often, we are still connected.”
Then she checked the condiments at home, all bought when Su Li was around. Comparing them with the menu on her phone, she planned to buy some she didn’t have.
She would just add all the condiments in.
Chi Qingya thought to herself, she would make sure Su Li could feel all her sincerity!
Though she hadn’t cooked before, she could handle cleaning and unclogging drains, so cooking a meal shouldn’t be difficult—simple and straightforward!