[Gold Powder GL] True Elegance Comes with Knowledge - Chapter 4

Leng Qingqiu rose early the next morning and opened her wardrobe, contemplating what to wear.

It wasn’t every day she made a new friend. Today would be their first outing together, and naturally, she wanted to dress her best. But when she looked through her modest collection, she realized there wasn’t much to choose from—only a few new outfits made from the fabric gifted by Yanxi, and the pearl necklace he’d given her for her birthday.

One of the dresses had already been worn the previous day, and the necklace had been seen before too. She changed into the other new dress, spent a long-time choosing accessories, but ultimately found nothing suitable. The thrill that had lingered since last night slowly faded.

She stood before the mirror for a long time, then finally took off the dress and changed back into her usual clothes.

Because of all this, she was delayed. Just as she was finishing up, she heard Han Ma’s voice from outside:
“Miss, your guest has arrived.”

Qingqiu didn’t have time to dwell on her earlier hesitation. She quickly gathered herself and stepped out, where she saw Yan Hui sitting in the parlor, chatting with Mrs. Leng. Her mother, who had little to do most days, was naturally delighted to have company.

Just as she was about to invite Qingqiu to stay for breakfast, Yan Hui gently interjected, explaining that she had already made breakfast plans with Qingqiu, and even invited Mrs. Leng to join them.

Hearing the commotion, Yan Hui turned and smiled warmly at Qingqiu.

Today, she was dressed more simply than yesterday—wearing a robe that was neither new nor particularly stylish, her hair tied back in two braids in a refreshing and novel style suited for the summer heat.

Seeing Yan Hui dressed so casually, Qingqiu’s anxiety over not having new clothes instantly faded, and a smile returned to her face.

Mrs. Leng chuckled, “We just accepted your treat yesterday—are you asking me to treat you now?”

“No, no,” Yan Hui laughed. “Qingqiu’s treating me today. Auntie, consider it her way of showing respect.”

Mrs. Leng didn’t object. She loved her only daughter dearly and encouraged her to make friends and broaden her world. But every outing cost a few dollars, which wasn’t easy for their household to spare.

So, she replied with a small excuse: “I haven’t been feeling well these past couple of days—just some plain porridge for me. You two go enjoy yourselves.”

Of course, Yan Hui understood this was just a polite refusal. Elders’ go-to excuse hadn’t changed in a hundred years: “I don’t like it, I’m not hungry.” It was really about saving money.

She said nothing more, but quietly made up her mind—it was time to start thinking seriously about earning money.

Not only did Qingqiu’s situation reflect this, but her own did too. Even though her older brother was generous with her, she couldn’t rely on him forever.

Still smiling, she gently took Qingqiu’s arm and led her outside.

Once in the car, Qingqiu glanced at Yan Hui in the driver’s seat. Dressed in traditional attire yet driving a modern car, the image should have been jarring—but with Yan Hui, it felt oddly natural. Perhaps it was the confidence with which she carried herself—people accepted it because she accepted it.

Since arriving in this era, Yan Hui hadn’t eaten out much and didn’t know which restaurants were worth trying. She had asked Xiaoping the night before, but the girl couldn’t offer any suggestions. So, she turned to Qingqiu.

Qingqiu was relieved. If they dined at the usual place, the cost would be minimal—one or two dollars for both of them. Anywhere else might’ve been beyond her means.

She pointed out a familiar place, and the car soon arrived. Yan Hui found a spot to park with some difficulty, and they entered the restaurant.

Yan Hui had never visited Beijing in her past life, but she’d seen plenty of food vlogs online. She hesitated before ordering, eventually settling on fried liver and soybean paste noodles, skipping the soy milk.

Though it wasn’t a large order, the side dishes of shredded vegetables nearly filled the table.

Qingqiu ordered only a basket of steamed buns and a simple noodle soup.

Looking at the spread, she grew uneasy and nearly asked the server to bring some cold cuts—but Yan Hui gently stopped her.

“This is more than enough. I can’t eat much.”

Qingqiu appreciated the gesture. She didn’t like waste and understood the value of money. There was no need to put on airs.

Still, she grew quiet afterward. Yan Hui tried various topics to lighten the mood, but Qingqiu remained distant.

After breakfast, Yan Hui brought her to her home. The courtyard she lived in alone was even larger than Qingqiu’s family house, on par with the one where Yanxi lived. The sight lifted Qingqiu’s mood a little.

Yan Hui introduced her to Uncle Zhao, Aunt Zhao, and Xiaoping, then asked Xiaoping to bring snacks and tea to the study. The two girls headed there to chat.

When Yan Hui had first moved in, the study had been nearly barren—a table, a few chairs, and a half-empty bookshelf with only textbooks. Over time, she added a cozy little sofa and filled the shelves with books.
“What do you usually do at home?” Yan Hui asked once Qingqiu had looked around.

“Mostly reading and homework,” Qingqiu replied. “Lately, I’ve been helping a teacher copy scripture.” She felt a pang of guilt—she hadn’t touched the scriptures since her conversations with Yanxi had started. She made a mental note to finish them soon.

“I’m about the same,” Yan Hui said. “But I don’t have many books here—do you think there’s anything you’d like?”

“Maybe not a lot, but the topics are rich,” Qingqiu said. “Though… I can’t read most of them.”

Yan Hui laughed. “Ah, you must mean the ones in English, French, and German. I had to get those for language study, but I haven’t made it very far.”

Qingqiu felt a little self-conscious. Her school didn’t offer such subjects. Comparing herself to Yan Hui, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of inadequacy. She smiled lightly, “Still better than knowing nothing.”
“Would you like to learn?” Yan Hui’s eyes lit up. “I could teach you!”

Changing Leng Qingqiu’s fate—it was something Yan Hui had thought deeply about. Breaking her up with Jin Yanxi was a temporary fix. Real change had to come from within. If Qingqiu didn’t grow, she would always be vulnerable. To truly change her life, she needed education and independence.

Yan Hui firmly believed that many of women’s tragedies stemmed from not having read enough books or seen enough of the world.

So let her read more. Let her see more. Until a man like Jin Yanxi no longer had any appeal.

But then Yan Hui hesitated. “Actually, I might not be qualified to teach you… I might end up misleading you.”

Qingqiu had been moved, even inspired, by her words. For the first time, she began to think about closing the gap between herself and Yanxi. But Yan Hui’s self-doubt cooled her enthusiasm—until—
“But,” Yan Hui added, “you could learn with me.”

Qingqiu was taken aback. She didn’t want to seem too eager, so she merely asked, “What do you mean?”

“To be honest, my language skills are so-so. I’m just barely keeping up with school. So, I’ve hired three tutors from Peking University to help. Class starts in a few days. They’re very capable—and teaching two students instead of one won’t be a problem.”

“How could I possibly attend classes you paid for?” Qingqiu said, biting her lip.

“What’s the harm?” Yan Hui smiled. “I’ve already paid them well. Whether they teach one or two students, it’s the same. They might give us both homework, but they’ll only grade mine.”

She laughed at her own joke. The truth was, the teachers were generous and accommodating, and wouldn’t mind another student.

Seeing Qingqiu still hesitant, she added, “Why not wait and ask them? If they say no, then forget it. Honestly, I’d prefer having a study buddy. Practicing by myself gets boring.”

Qingqiu finally laughed and nodded. “Then… I’ll give it a try.”

At this stage in life, Leng Qingqiu was not yet the girl lost in love. She had ambition, goals—she even dreamed of attending university. This offer felt like a gateway to another world.

As she pondered this, Yan Hui slipped her arm around hers.

“Qiuqiu, you’re so lovely.”

“…What kind of name is that?” Qingqiu asked, half-laughing.

“My nickname for you!” Yan Hui declared proudly.

She went on, “Your name is beautiful, but it’s so cold. The poems that come to mind—‘Since ancient times, parting brings sorrow, autumn is especially lonely’ or ‘I climb the west tower in silence, moon like a hook, the solitary wutong locks the autumn’—they’re all so melancholic. With a surname like ‘Leng’ and a name like ‘Qingqiu’, you sound twice as cold. ‘Qiuqiu’ feels warmer—something closer.”

Zhang Henshui had given Qingqiu that name with symbolic intent, and it could not be changed. But Yan Hui believed a nickname could change a fate.

To Qingqiu, the name felt awkward, even a little childish. It wasn’t something a well-read girl would call herself. But… it was intimate. And from a close friend, it felt different.

Before she could object, Yan Hui grinned,
“Too late! I’m taking that as your agreement. If you’re not happy, call me Yan Yan. Fair trade, right?”