CIA Tip #5: Act as if you have nothing to hide, act as if nothing is wrong. That's the best way to adapt to your current environment.
It was Friday. I made it through the whole week without acquainting with anyone except other Vietnamese and Chinese students. Still, I was disappointed that I couldn't acquaint with Mei Wang. I'm not good at making friends.
After school, I decided to go get a cup of Lee's coffee to help me as I did my homework and do more thorough research for my current target, Mei Wang, along with the Chinese mafia. I typed in 'Vietnamese coffee shops in New York." A couple of results appeared. Nam café, Paris Sandwich, An Choi...I'll go with An Choi. Even if it's slightly far away, I can still travel around; Boss Indo gave me a Metro card.
My plans were interrupted by a girl about the same height as me. She tapped my shoulder, greeting me with an unknown phrase. "Szia Xie!" The girl had sandy brown hair and cool green eyes. An orange flower was clipped to her right side.
"I'm sorry?" My attention shifted from the coffee shops to the girl. The girl gave me a sheepish smile at my confusion.
"Ah, sorry. Earlier, I said 'hello' in Hungarian," she answered. "My name's Elizaveta Héderváry."
"Hello, I'm...wait, I don't need to introduce myself. You just said my name earlier. How do you know my name?" I asked. I was quite shocked by how quickly news spread. I just hope I don't get noticed.
"The news of a foreign exchange student spread like wildfire! Usually, when someone comes from a different country, we're always excited! In fact, we all fight over for attention from the new student!" Elizaveta beamed with joy while she spoke. I could feel my cheeks growing warm at the thought of attention.
"Elizaveta! Where were you?"
Three girls ran towards Elizaveta. One had short, wavy blonde hair with bright emerald eyes. Another one had bronze-tanned skin with dark brown hair tied into low pigtails. The other one had a large pink plum blossom on her head, with a curl touching her forehead. She had round chocolate eyes and wavy chestnut hair.
"Oh, just talking to the new student." Elizaveta pointed at me. I waved shyly Elizaveta's friends, which they returned with bright smiles. The one with the curl stuck out especially. She seems quite familiar…
Wait! Chestnut hair? Round chocolate hair? Pink plum blossom? No doubt this is Mei Wang! Yes, this is splendid! I've met my current target today and the target's clique.
"New student? 你好，我叫王美，認識你很高興 (Hello, I'm Mei. Pleased to meet you!)" 'Mei' bowed slightly at me, which I did so in return. I'm surprised this midget knew about me.
"I'm Michelle Mancham," the girl with pigtails said. "Nice to meet you!"
"And I'm Bella Maes!" the wavy blonde hair one greeted.
"Hello, I'm Xie, as most of you already know." I introduced myself. I stuck out my hand to shake hands with them.
After brief greetings, Elizaveta asked, "Hey, Xie. Would you like to come with us to Starbucks? Then we can go to Forever 21 and shop! After all, today's Friday!"
"Err...umm..." The thought of going to Forever 21 sickened me a little. However, I knew I could refuse no offer to get closer to my target.
"Why not?"
"Hey! What do you think of this shirt?" Elizaveta picked out a floral printed cropped top and held it up at me.
Cropped tops weren't my style. I feel like a prostitute wearing these outfits. "I like the baseball tee." There was a black and gray one. Mm, my style.
Elizaveta looked at me strangely. "You're strange, Xie. Why not go for something more fashionable?" She continued looking further back into another rack, searching for shirt with her size.
Mei walked over, carrying a pair of short shorts and two sleeveless shirts with her. "Hey Mei! Did you find anything you like?"
Elizaveta selected an opaque black kimono from a rack below her. "Hmm…I'm thinking this is a nice one." She continued browsing around, eager to try on more clothes.
"You?" Mei's attention shifted to me. I pointed at the black and gray baseball tee, which Elizaveta shook her head in reply.
Clucking her tongue, Mei grabbed my arm and dragged me around the store, her eyes scanning around like an alert cat. Nervously, I sputtered, "U-um…Mei? Where are you taking me?"
"To Bella and Michelle! They're currently browsing around for t-shirts, so if you're interested in it, you should go ask them!" Mei exclaimed excitedly. She halted into a stop as soon as she saw them.
Bella looked up. "Oh hi Xie!" Then Bella looked at Hungary, who had a smirk on her face. "What's wrong?"
"Well, it seems that Xie wants to get a baseball tee here, but of course, I didn't agree to that. You can get that baseball tee at an even cheaper price. Like, Shilin Night Market. Anyway, please help Liên find a decent t-shirt. We aren't leaving until she at least buys something." Mei dashed off to unite with Hungary.
"Well, hi," I said shyly.
"Hmm…" Michelle thought. She looked around the aisles of t-shirts until she picked out a white cropped top, piling along with a couple more that she thought would be my 'style'.
"Alright, let's go to the fitting room with Elizaveta and the others!" Bella exclaimed happily. She took out her phone and texted them with flying fingers.