Sandra was not at the training ground and learned of Tiffany's public challenge to Kenneth later. The news sent alarm bells ringing. "What is she trying to do? Does she want Kenneth's attention again?" she wondered.
Kenneth hadn't given her a defined status. When Sandra mentioned it, he'd say his family objected, leaving her feeling increasingly threatened. She couldn't even warn other women as his girlfriend; she was nothing, while Tiffany was his fiancée. This realization was difficult for Sandra to accept.
Tiffany was unaware of Sandra's feelings; otherwise, she would have laughed. While Kenneth was important to Sandra, Tiffany didn't care about him.
Sandra's anxiety led her to leave the dormitory and search for Tiffany at the training ground. En route, she encountered Mia, the daughter of a prominent Lovell City real estate tycoon, who was also participating in the trials. They hadn't met before due to different training groups.
Sandra was surprised. "What can I do for you?" she asked.
"Let's make a deal," Mia said confidently. "A deal you'll like."
"Oh?" Sandra, unsurprised, flipped her hair. "Tell me." She sensed a grudge between Mia and Tiffany, recalling Mia's recent week-long suspension for a fight.
As expected, Mia explained, "The real trial starts next week. Everyone will be assigned to different rooms, and you'll be with that b*tch. I need your help…"
In the empty dormitory corridor, the two women conspired. By the time Tiffany returned to shower after training, Mia had left, and Sandra was gone. Tiffany was relieved.
She showered, dried her hair, and sat on her bed. She retrieved her hidden phone (electronic devices were prohibited except for the training base landline). Several missed notifications awaited.
She called June. "What's wrong?"
June replied, "The Hampton family says the patient is stable and wants to know when you can visit. I can reschedule if needed."
"Reschedule," Tiffany said. "I've been in training."
"Okay," June said. "Conner, the real estate tycoon, offered two million dollars for your services. What do you think?"
"Conner?" Tiffany pondered. ("Mia's father," she realized.) "The price isn't enough."
"I understand," June said, hanging up. They had a long-standing unspoken understanding.
Tiffany checked her phone and saw calls from Zoe, updating her friend on her situation. They laughed.
"Tiffany, I'm eating barbecue. Can you smell it?" Zoe teased.
Tiffany retorted, "That's mean. Goodbye."
There were no other urgent calls, so Tiffany turned off her phone.
Meanwhile, Zoe was at a barbecue restaurant, not eating but working as a waitress. She had been fined for breaking a plate and was hiding in the restroom during their call. Her smile faded.
After a long day, Zoe's father scolded her upon her arrival home.
"Wretched girl, where were you? You're always out during the holidays. Don't bother studying next semester; tuition is expensive. You might as well stay home and get married!"
Zoe, weary of this, went inside. She found her mother injured in a corner.
Zoe confronted her father. "You hit Mom when you're drunk. Be a man!"
Her father slapped her. "Again!" Zoe stormed out, leaving her bag behind.
Penniless and homeless, she felt suicidal. A car horn interrupted her despair. It was Sidney, a former online acquaintance who had flirted with her. Embarrassed by her current state, Zoe ran, but Sidney pursued her.
"Are you done?" Zoe shouted, turning around angrily. "Stop following me!"
Sidney got out of the car. "What's wrong? I'm your savior. Are you going to abandon me?"
Zoe recalled a past embarrassing encounter, further fueling her anger. She tried to escape, but Sidney persistently offered her a ride. Zoe refused.
Late at night, walking along the river, Zoe's accumulated negative emotions threatened to overwhelm her. Sidney, however, wouldn't leave her alone. A final confrontation ensued when Sidney blocked her path, prompting an angry outburst from Zoe.