In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Becoming Professor Hoffman's doctoral student and receiving the President's Special Scholarship, a symbol of the highest honor, brought about a significant change in Yang Guangming's situation at Stanford, as if injected with a powerful driving force.

This change spread like ripples to every corner of his life, bringing about a real turning point.

The recognition of his academic standing led to a shift in resources, and the department quickly demonstrated its efficiency and emphasis on talent by adjusting his accommodation arrangements.

He moved from a shared room with Mark that inevitably caused mutual interference and limited privacy to a single dormitory room reserved for outstanding graduate students.

This dormitory is located in a relatively quiet corner of the graduate student apartment building, away from the noise of the stairwell and the hustle and bustle of the public activity area, ensuring sufficient privacy and tranquility.

The room is not large, about 30 square meters, but the layout is extremely ingenious and the functions are highly integrated. It can be described as "small but perfectly formed".

Pushing open the door, on the left is a small but fully functional independent bathroom, equipped with a flush toilet, ceramic sink, and powerful shower facilities.

To the right is a simple kitchen countertop cleverly embedded in the wall. Although compact, it is fully equipped with a single-burner electric stove, a small stainless steel sink, and a humming mini-fridge, which is enough to meet his simple daily cooking needs and allow him to occasionally satisfy his Chinese stomach.

Inside the room, by the window where the light is best, there is a single bed with a clean checkered sheet, a large, heavy, sturdy wooden desk, a three-tiered open bookshelf, and a fairly spacious double-door wardrobe.

With the windows facing south, the California sun seems to favor this place, pouring in unobstructed for most of the daytime, illuminating the entire space brightly and warmly.

For Yang Guangming, who places great importance on personal privacy, having a completely private space that he can lock at any time and is free from any external interference is something that makes him feel at ease, satisfied, and genuinely happy.

This small space was not just a place to live, but also a spiritual fortress and an incubator for his thoughts.

Here, he can immerse himself in difficult literature undisturbed, draw up theoretical models in a free-flowing manner, and carry out some "secret" planning concerning future technological paths and industrial layouts that is not convenient for outsiders to know.

When Mark moved out, his cheerful and sociable American roommate seemed a little reluctant to leave, and even showed a hint of genuine disappointment.

"Hey Yang, it's a shame you're moving away."

Honestly, although you're a complete 'study machine,' and most of the time as quiet as a wall, you're also the most respectful and tidy roommate I've ever had.

Mark offered to help Yang Guangming carry a heavy bag full of books and odds and ends, and walked him all the way to his new dormitory building. His tone was filled with genuine regret, "If you ever need inspiration for a party, or just want to relax and clear your head of formulas, feel free to come back to me anytime! My door is always open for you, buddy!"

"Thank you, Mark. I'm really grateful for your care and understanding during this time, especially for my... well, irregular and even crazy schedule."

Yang Guangming stopped, turned around, and sincerely shook hands with Mark, then shook him vigorously, a gentle and friendly smile on his face. "Thank you for the vibrant parties you brought, which showed me another side of American campus culture."

Wishing you all the best in your studies, and of course, your parties—may they always be full of creativity, music, and energy.

"You too, future PhD! Keep it up, I believe in you! Maybe I'll need your help when I'm looking for a job in the future!"

Mark grinned, revealing his signature healthy white teeth, and patted Yang Guangming on the back forcefully. This slightly rough way of saying goodbye made both of them laugh easily, diluting the sadness of parting.

Saying goodbye to Mark also means officially saying goodbye to a period of shared living that was sometimes noisy but also warm.

Yang Guangming settled into his new dormitory.

He carefully selected professional books from China and shipped them from afar, along with his densely written notes that embodied his hard work, and neatly arranged them on the bookshelf according to their frequency of use and subject area.

He carefully wiped the framed family photo, which held the warm smiles of his family, and still placed it upright in front of the left side of his desk, making the gaze of family affection the first background color and an eternal spiritual comfort in this new space.

Next, he quickly organized the clothes and limited personal items he had brought from the old dormitory, finding the most suitable and convenient place for each item according to his usage habits.

In just one hour, this originally empty and cold space with only standard features was filled with his careful arrangement and items full of personal touches, creating a unique and warm atmosphere of life and academic ambiance.

Standing in the center of the room, looking around at this small world that is completely under my control and bears my mark, a rare sense of security, stability, and control arises spontaneously.

This place will not only be his residence at Stanford for the next few years, but also the starting point and base for many of his important plans.

This independent, private little space is really important and necessary for him.

After settling in, the first thing he thought of was the two visiting scholars who had come to Stanford at the same time as him—Wang Ruzhou and Li Sihan.

These two individuals represent the group of Chinese intellectuals who traveled overseas in this era, cherishing the ideal of serving their country with their knowledge while silently enduring the enormous pressure brought by reality.

Yang Guangming deeply understood the financial difficulties the two were facing at that time.

With the country's foreign exchange reserves currently tight, the living expenses provided to international students and visiting scholars are very limited, barely enough to ensure their basic survival. Daily expenses must be carefully calculated; if any expense is overspent, the only recourse is to cut back on other necessities.

During my first month at Stanford, the sun was shining brightly because I had enough supplies in the refrigerator to keep up with my living expenses. Even so, I always felt like I didn't have enough money.

Wang Ruzhou and Li Sihan don't have his advantages, so their living pressures would only be greater.

Now that they've moved to a new house, Yang Guangming decided to invite the two of them over for a get-together.

This is not only based on the mutual warmth and support of compatriots, but also an opportunity to improve the meals for the two of them and to further strengthen their relationship.

Yang Guangming went to invite them, and happened to run into Wang and Li as they were walking into the campus.

"Gentlemen," he addressed them more warmly, "I just moved to a single room with a kitchenette, which is quite convenient. I'd like to invite you over for lunch tomorrow, as a simple celebration of your move, and also to catch up and exchange experiences about studying and living here. Would tomorrow lunch be convenient for you?"

Wang Ruzhou pushed up his black-rimmed glasses, a gentle smile appearing on his slightly thin face:
"Guangming, you're too kind. First of all, congratulations! You passed the doctoral qualifying exam with excellent results so quickly and won the rare President's Scholarship. Now you even have a single dormitory room. You're truly a force to be reckoned with! You've put pressure on us old folks."

We'll definitely go, and we can also learn from your experience of adapting at Stanford.

Li Sihan nodded with a smile, his round face filled with undisguised anticipation. He rubbed his hands together and said, "That's right, this is a great occasion and we must celebrate! We'll definitely be there on time. We'll also take a look at your 'luxury single room' and broaden our horizons to see just how good the treatment is for the Principal's Scholarship recipient."

The three quickly agreed to meet at Yang Guangming's dormitory at 11:30 a.m. the next day.

After seeing the two off, Yang Guangming began preparing for tomorrow's dinner party.

His consciousness sank into the refrigerator space, and considering the current environment, those ingredients unique to China were not suitable to be taken out and used.

After careful consideration, he ultimately selected only a few kilograms of Japanese Wagyu beef steaks that were of exceptional quality, with delicate texture and evenly distributed marbling, resembling works of art.

This top-quality meat is considered a high-end and scarce ingredient even in the United States today, and it only needs simple seasoning with sea salt and black pepper to bring out its ultimate, original flavor.

Having only been in the United States for a short time, Li and Wang probably wouldn't have a clear understanding of the quality of steak, making it a perfect choice as the main ingredient to entertain them.

The next morning, Yang Guangming made a special trip to a large supermarket in Palo Alto to do some shopping.

He bought freshly baked, crispy baguettes, a variety of mixed salad greens, some seasonal fruits, a block of high-quality unsalted butter, some sliced ​​Swiss cheese, a bottle of good quality, smooth and easy-drinking Napa Valley wine from California, and some snacks such as cola and potato chips.

He bought a generous amount to ensure that the three of them could enjoy it to their heart's content, and there would even be some left over so that Wang and Li, who were struggling financially, could take some with them, which could be considered another form of implicit subsidy.

Back in his dorm, he got busy.

Wash the vegetables and fruits, soak them in cooled boiled water and drain them. I prepared a large bowl of colorful salad that looked refreshing and appetizing.

Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest at room temperature. Then, marinate it simply and evenly with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the seasonings time to slowly penetrate deep into the meat.

Although the separate kitchen is small and has limited counter space, it is still convenient for one person to work in.

Around noon, Wang Ruzhou and Li Sihan arrived on time, each carrying a small gift as a token of their appreciation.

Wang Ruzhou brought a box of simply packaged Longjing tea from China, clearly a precious reserve he had saved up; Li Sihan brought a small bag of red apples that he had bought at a convenience store near the campus, which looked fairly fresh and plump.

"This is just a small token of my congratulations on moving to your new home and wishing you continued academic success." Scholar Wang handed the tea wrapped in kraft paper to Yang Guangming with a sincere tone.

Li Sihan also handed over a bag of apples.

"Thank you, Brother Wang." Yang Guangming quickly accepted the gift, stepped aside to let the two of them into the house, and gently closed the door behind him.

"Wow! This is really nice! It's sunny and bright, and it even has a separate bathroom and kitchenette!"

As soon as Li Sihan entered, he looked around curiously, his tone filled with undisguised envy. "This is so much better than the attic provided by the family we were staying with! We had to be very careful when cooking and bathing, afraid that any big movements or taking too long would disturb the host family. We always felt restricted, like we were guests under someone else's roof."

Wang Ruzhou nodded in agreement, glancing at the neatly arranged books on the bookshelf. "Indeed, having your own independent space makes studying and living much more convenient and free, saving you from a lot of unnecessary interference and trouble. Guangming, you've already stepped into the 'moderately prosperous' life we ​​all yearn for, which makes us quite envious."

Yang Guangming invited the two to sit down in the only two chairs next to the desk, while he sat on the edge of the bed and said with a smile:

"You flatter me, gentlemen. I was just lucky to pass the exam, and my supervisor also valued me."

Compared to my two brothers being able to focus on their research in Stanford's top-notch labs, with access to the most cutting-edge equipment and knowledge, my slight improvement in living conditions is really nothing.

Here, have some water first, then we can chat.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the conversation naturally turned to their initial experiences and observations at Stanford.

When Wang Ruzhou talked about the advanced lithography machines and electron beam exposure equipment in the integrated circuit laboratory of the Department of Electronic Engineering, which cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, as well as the large-scale computer-aided design software that had just been introduced and was still shrouded in mystery, his tone was full of the excitement of a technician and a clear understanding of the huge gap. He also revealed his great appreciation for being able to operate and access these valuable resources firsthand.

Li Sihan praised Stanford Main Library's vast collection, convenient computer search system, and highly specialized subject-based branch library system. He also lamented the high cost of photocopying materials, saying that each time he used the photocopier, it felt like cutting flesh from his meager living expenses.

Yang Guangming also shared his experiences in choosing courses, as well as his insights into adapting to American-style classroom discussion-based teaching, dealing with massive amounts of reading and rigorous paper writing, emphasizing the importance of initiative and critical thinking here.

After chatting for about twenty minutes, the atmosphere gradually warmed up, and Yang Guangming got up to start preparing lunch.

Wang and Li felt embarrassed to just sit there, so they offered to help out.

Li Sihan rolled up his sleeves and skillfully washed the apples and grapes at the sink, while Wang Ruzhou helped mix the salad dressing and carefully sliced ​​the baguette and plated it.

The small dormitory was instantly filled with the bustling atmosphere of daily life and the harmonious camaraderie among fellow students.

Lunch was prepared quickly.

Chef Ming Sunshine meticulously pan-fried three large, thick-cut Wagyu beef steaks.

He precisely controlled the heat and time, searing each steak to create an enticing, slightly charred, crispy crust with a grid pattern, effectively locking in the rich juices inside. You could feel the elastic resistance when you touched it with your fingertips.

Once cut open, the inside retains a perfect pink color, with myoglobin slowly seeping out, forming an attractive gradient, but it is by no means bloody, and the cooking time is just right.

Paired with a colorful and refreshing mixed vegetable salad, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside baguette slices with a rich wheat flavor, and softened, creamy butter, a simple yet high-quality and nutritionally balanced Western lunch is presented before you.

Yang Guangming also sliced ​​tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, arranged them alternately, drizzled them with olive oil, and sprinkled them with a few fresh basil leaves to make a simple yet authentic Italian appetizer, Capri salad.

"Come on, gentlemen, don't be shy, eat while it's hot. Help yourselves, and you'll have plenty to eat," Yang Guangming said, pouring each of them a small glass of red wine.

"This steak looks delicious! The color is perfect, the aroma is wonderful, and the thickness is just right!"
Guangming, I didn't expect you to be such a good student, and also a great cook!
This steak is cooked so well, it looks like it was prepared by a professional chef!

Li Sihan's eyes lit up as he looked at the sizzling steak on his plate, which was still trembling slightly. He couldn't help but swallow, his appetite fully aroused.

Wang Ruzhou also carefully examined the cross-section of the steak, gently pressing it with his fork, and exclaimed, "The texture of this meat is truly beautiful, with the fat evenly distributed like delicate marble patterns. I have never seen beef of such quality in China."

Just from its condition, you can tell it's worth a fortune. Guangming, you've gone to so much trouble; this must have been expensive. We're really lucky to have had this.

"Don't be so polite, gentlemen. It's a rare and precious thing that we can meet in a foreign land."

"I'll need your guidance and support when I encounter academic problems in the future."

Yang Guangming raised his glass, his gaze sweeping over his two slightly excited compatriots. "Come on, the first glass is for our good fortune to meet at Stanford, and for our future academic and research success in our respective fields, so that we can graduate early and serve our country. Cheers!"

"Well said! Cheers to this缘分 (fate/destiny)!"

"Cheers to academic success and to our country!"

The three clinked their glasses together, making a crisp sound, and then each took a small sip of red wine.

The California red wine, with its rich fruit aromas and soft tannins, perfectly balances the richness and fat of the steak.

Then, the three of them began to focus on enjoying their meal.

The Wagyu beef steak requires almost no chewing; the delicate fat melts quickly in the mouth at room temperature, resulting in an extremely tender texture and an explosive, rich meaty aroma with nutty notes. The succulent juices fill the mouth, bringing the three of them immense satisfaction and happiness.

Accustomed to a frugal diet, with fast food and simple homemade meals usually filling their stomachs, Wang and Li ate with exceptional relish and immersion. As they used their knives and forks, their faces were filled with satisfied expressions, and they didn't have time to say much.

The atmosphere at the meal was relaxed and pleasant.

Alcohol and food served as a good social lubricant, and the three of them shed some of their initial restraint and academic politeness, discussing their firsthand observations of the differences between Chinese and American campus culture, social atmosphere, and educational philosophies, as well as exchanging interesting anecdotes or technological developments they had heard in their respective fields.

When Yang Guangming discussed certain emerging technology trends, such as the potential applications of personal computers, the development prospects of the software industry, and even his bold predictions about the future of semiconductor technology, his unique insights and forward-thinking vision once again impressed the two scholars. They felt that this young man was quick-witted, had an extraordinary vision, and a keen sense of technological trends. He was definitely not someone to be underestimated and his future achievements were limitless.

A 750ml bottle of red wine was quickly emptied, with most of it ending up in the stomachs of Wang and Li. Yang Guangming only took small sips each time they clinked glasses.

Under the gentle influence of alcohol, the two gradually became more talkative, discussing the various difficulties they encountered when they first arrived in the United States in terms of language, lifestyle, and way of thinking, the funny things they did, and their deep longing for their families and young children back home. Their tone inevitably revealed a hint of vulnerability, homesickness, and the fatigue of middle-aged scholars bearing the dual pressures of family and career.

"To be honest, Guangming, I'm really envious of your current situation."

Slightly tipsy, Li Sihan patted his somewhat round belly and spoke more than usual, with a touch of drunken sentimentality, "I heard that your principal's scholarship, after deducting tuition and miscellaneous fees, leaves you with a considerable amount of living expenses, much more than what we have."

With our meager living expenses, we had to count every penny on our fingers. Even buying a professional original book required much hesitation, as if we were cutting off our own flesh. Not to mention, we couldn't even think about improving our meals occasionally.

"We wouldn't even dare to dream of having a feast like today."

Wang Ruzhou also sighed, picked up his water glass and took a big gulp, trying to dilute some of the effects of the alcohol. His tone was calm yet resolute, revealing the integrity of an older generation of intellectuals:

"The country is currently facing a shortage of foreign exchange, and all industries are waiting to be developed. Money is needed everywhere. It is already very difficult for them to squeeze out precious funds to send us out to study and broaden our horizons. We all understand this and are very grateful."

What we can do is seize every minute and second here, absorb as much new knowledge as possible, master new skills, and stay informed about the latest developments, so that we can truly be of use when we return, solve some practical problems, and live up to the expectations of the country and the cultivation of the people.

His gaze held a profound sense of responsibility and historical duty, a weight that belonged to the previous generation of intellectuals—simple yet resolute.

Yang Guangming nodded in understanding; he could feel the heavy pressure and earnest expectations.

He took the opportunity to say in a natural way, "Brothers, you two have had it so tough. The burden on your shoulders is much heavier than that of us students."

If you don't mind that my place is small and simple, feel free to come over often when you have time, chat, and change your mood. Just treat it as a place to relax.

My kitchen is a bit basic, but it's enough to cook simple home-style meals, make coffee, and brew tea.

We can get together more often like today, improve our meals, exchange information, and share resources.

"I might not be able to help with other things right now, but providing a place for a get-together, so we can eat something good and get some nutrition, is no problem."

His tone was sincere and his attitude natural. He cleverly integrated substantial assistance into the framework of "compatriots having a meal together," "exchanging information," and "relaxing," which greatly avoided the psychological burden and embarrassment that direct economic aid might bring. It seemed natural and full of human touch.

Wang and Li exchanged a glance, both seeing the interest and gratitude in each other's eyes.

They knew that being able to come to Yangguangming's place regularly for a good meal would not only effectively replenish their nutrition and strengthen their bodies to cope with the heavy scientific research tasks, but also greatly alleviate their homesickness and mental stress. It would also save them a considerable amount of food expenses from their extremely tight budget.

For Wang Ruzhou, who was keen on buying large quantities of expensive original professional books and journals, and Li Sihan, who frequently paid more for transportation to search for scarce materials, the money saved was undoubtedly attractive and a timely help, solving their immediate problems.

"Haha, that's great! Guangming, you've made up your mind, so we won't stand on ceremony!"

Li Sihan readily agreed with a smile, his face glowing with joy. "I'll definitely have to bother you sometime in the future and give you a good beating, you 'little tycoon'!"

Wang Ruzhou also pushed up his glasses and made a rare joke, making the atmosphere more relaxed and harmonious: "It seems that we are really lucky to be able to come to Stanford with Guangming."

If other visiting scholars and international students knew that we had a decent, free "regular cafeteria" and "information exchange station" here, they'd be incredibly envious, and might even line up to apply for an exchange program at Stanford.

Yang Guangming smiled, feeling at ease, knowing that this bond had been initially established.
"You're most welcome, I couldn't be happier. Eating alone is lonely, it's more lively with others, my appetite is better, and I have more inspiration when discussing issues. Let's do this on a case-by-case basis, and stay in touch often." (End of Chapter)