Doumiao nodded vigorously, quickly turned around and prepared all the materials, and started stuffing and sewing the bags according to Wang Wang's instructions.
Wang Wang didn't have time to speak either, her fingers danced swiftly as she wove.
Some things couldn't be woven in time, so they took apart broken dolls, patched them up, and used them on the new ones.
Time ticked by, minute by minute.
By the time they finished the last step, it was already three thirty in the morning.
Wang Wang didn't even want to go back to her own room. She and Doumiao collapsed onto the bed and fell into a deep sleep.
After sunrise, the two dragged their tired bodies to clean up, barely holding on until the training instructor came to check last night's work.
When Shen Keke handed in her project, Wang Wang and Doumiao finally understood what she meant last night: "My craft is way more valuable than yours!"
In their eyes, Shen Keke's work was already pretty extravagant.
They were all handbags woven entirely from real pearls.
It really was worth a lot more than the dolls they made out of cotton, fabric, and thread.
Zhao Jing's project was a clay sculpture. Although it was a bit abstract, everyone had read mythological stories, so they could tell from the colorful clay that it was Zhu Bajie.
Li Fen's work was simple—a longevity peach made from flour.
Yep, it looked good and tasted good too.
Very practical.
After Wang Wang and Doumiao handed in their work, the training instructor didn’t say anything, just nodded and said, "Let’s start today’s class. My time is precious. If you have any questions, wait until I finish the lesson before asking."
The whole morning flew by.
As soon as the class ended, Wang Wang wanted to go ask the instructor some questions, but Zhao Jing and Li Fen were already pestering the teacher, asking this and that, leaving no time or chance for Wang Wang and Doumiao to ask anything.
The instructor came in a hurry and left in a hurry.
After answering their questions, the instructor rushed off.
When Zhao Jing saw Wang Wang and Doumiao looking furious, she instantly flashed a proud, smug smile. "People should know their place. Don’t overestimate yourselves!"
With that, Zhao Jing strutted off, full of herself.
Doumiao glared at Zhao Jing, tugged Wang Wang’s hand, and said, "This afternoon, we have to ask our questions before Zhao Jing does."
Wang Wang nodded; she was angry too.
What happened last night was definitely done by one of Zhao Jing, Li Fen, or Shen Keke.
But there’s no proof right now, so they could only endure it.
But when it came to asking the teacher questions, she wasn’t going to hold back anymore.
At lunch, Wang Wang looked at the usual plate of bright red chili peppers in front of her and finally decided she’d had enough.
She slapped her chopsticks down, went to the kitchen, grabbed some tomatoes and eggs, and in no time whipped up a dish, brought it back, split half with Doumiao, and made a makeshift rice bowl for lunch.
Zhao Jing saw Wang Wang acting like this and instantly got upset. "What, you think what I made isn’t good enough?"
"That's right, I do dislike it," Doumiao replied slowly. "We're splitting the food costs evenly, so since we're paying too, why can't we eat what we like?"
"Sister Zhao, if you only know how to make Sichuan cuisine, then let me handle the cooking from now on," Wang Wang said calmly. "I can cook Sichuan, Cantonese, Shandong, and even some Northwestern dishes. And I'm open to feedback and improvements."
Zhao Jing slammed her spoon on the table. "What do you mean by this? Li Fen, Shen Keke, what do you two think?"
Li Fen's eyes darted around and she tried to play dumb. "I don't have anything to say."
Shen Keke replied slowly, "We've had Sichuan food for two days. It's fine to switch things up."
Zhao Jing didn't expect Shen Keke to answer like that and was about to speak.
Doumiao quickly said, "We voted on it our first day here, so let's vote again. Raise your hand if you agree to let Wang Wang cook."
With that, Doumiao and Wang Wang both raised their hands.
Shen Keke slowly raised her hand too.
Zhao Jing's eyes instantly reddened. "You guys!"
"It's three to two now, so starting today, Wang Wang will be in charge of all three meals a day, and Sister Zhao, you'll handle cleaning the yard!" Doumiao quickly stamped the decision. "That's settled!"
Zhao Jing angrily poked at her food, but Wang Wang and Doumiao pretended not to notice at all.
After class that afternoon, Doumiao dashed over and hurriedly asked all her questions.
Wang Wang joined in, flanking the instructor from both sides, leaving no chance for Zhao Jing.
Zhao Jing angrily slammed the table.
Shen Keke sneered and turned to go back to her room.
At dinner, the dishes on the table were much more varied.
Sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty—exactly five dishes.
Everyone's taste preferences were met.
Zhao Jing didn’t even get a chance to start a fight.
After dinner, Wendy Parker helped Mia Dou clean up, and instead of going back to their rooms to rest, they both ended up sitting in the yard for a while.
"Mia, do you think we'll pass the assessment this time?" Wendy's eyes were a bit dreamy. "I just feel like it's not going to be that simple."
"Who knows?" Mia sighed. "Just do our best and leave the rest to fate! It's only a week anyway. If I don't get picked, I'll go back and help my mom sell veggies at the market! It's tough, but you can still make tens of thousands a year."
Mia is a local.
Her parents wholesale and retail vegetables at a market, earning a living through hard work.
So Mia was raised to be quick with chores and sharp-tongued.
She didn't major in home economics, but thanks to her smarts, she started a simplified lunch service, helping families in her neighborhood who were too busy to pick up their kids.
Later, because of an investigation, Mia had to shut down the lunch service since she didn't have the proper credentials.
By chance, she saw the Yin Group's recruitment ad and signed up just to give it a try.
She never expected to make it all the way to the end.
She also wanted to work at Yin Group—it would be such a point of pride. Her parents could hold their heads high and brag that their daughter was successful.
But Mia knew that despite her bold personality, she had plenty of shortcomings—like not being good at crafts.
Maybe her future clients would need someone skilled at crafts?
Whatever, no point worrying. She’d just take things one step at a time.
As Mia mulled over her own worries, Wendy was lost in thought too.
She had a lot more on her mind than Mia did.
She thought about how her savings were running low. If she couldn’t find a decent job soon, she’d have to move and rent a basement.
She also had to cover her younger brother’s expenses.
Her brother had gotten into big trouble, and the family owed a lot of money. No way could she just stand by and do nothing.
Her parents were getting older and couldn’t earn much anymore. She had to help out no matter what.
This job pays a base salary of thirty thousand a month. If she got it, she could save up for a year and settle her brother’s problems.
Another year of saving, and she could buy her parents a retirement insurance plan before they retire.
That way, even if something happened to her in the future, her parents wouldn’t go hungry or cold.
Sigh, she really wanted this job!
The two girls glanced at each other and started talking about their families.
As they chatted, the sky grew dark.
Eventually, they had to go back to their rooms to rest. Before bed, Mia called out to Wendy, wanting to say something, but ended up saying nothing.
Time flew by, and just like that, a week had passed.
Finally, the day of the final assessment arrived.
After handing out the test papers, the instructor said, "After seven days of study and training, I've taught you all I can. How much you learn depends on your own luck. Finish this test, and you can leave."
All five of them grew tense.
This was the moment that would decide their fate.
Each person waited for the instructor’s signal, then immediately picked up their pen and started writing answers on the test.
Once the tests were done, the instructor calmly collected them, nodded to the group, and said, "I hope to see you all again at the company."
With that, the instructor left with the test papers.
Now that the training and exams were over, there was no reason for anyone to stay.
The five of them went back to their rooms, packed up their things, dragged their suitcases to the villa entrance, and got ready to leave.
Just then, five cars pulled up at the gate, and they were told to get into separate cars.
Wendy was curious, not understanding why they had to be sent back separately, but she got in as instructed.
As soon as she got in, she saw a stranger sitting across from her.
Wendy was extremely nervous. "Hello."
"You're Wendy Parker, right? Here's the thing, I have something to ask you." The man didn’t bother with pleasantries. "I just heard some news. Ms. Mia Dou, who trained with you, has a family emergency. Her mother was diagnosed with severe kidney disease and needs a transplant. The total cost is at least six hundred thousand, and her family can’t afford it."
Wendy’s face changed instantly. "What?!"
"I just saw your test—you did excellent. Normally, you’d be accepted. But our company isn’t cold-hearted, so I want to ask: would you be willing to give up your spot to Mia Dou? With a job at Yin Group, she could quickly raise the money for her mother’s treatment. She wouldn’t have to be desperate and at a dead end over the money."
Wendy was stunned, instantly torn.
She really liked Mia as a friend. In these seven days, they’d supported and helped each other, and even though it wasn’t long, their bond was deep.
Now that Mia’s family was in trouble, she wanted to help, but she didn’t have the money.
Now the company was actually asking her to give up the job for Mia. Should she agree?