"You're about to put in the wrong chemical," reported Ruan Mei absently, not even looking at the beaker in your hand. "If you put that in, the entire thing will explode." The all-but-genius handed you a different vial, regarding you with mild interest. "This will work." You obeyed and poured in her recommended mixture, and the concoction bubbled pleasantly. "There, now," said your lab partner with the faintest rare smile.

Frankly, you'd be lost in chemistry class without Ruan Mei. She was a natural, absorbing the basics and the advanced of the science with startling ease. It was as if she lived and breathed knowledge, and wasn't sparing in sharing it with you despite only having become her lab partner a week prior. She was supportive in her own quiet way, offering approval and criticism in equal dosages when either were appropriate. You felt at ease in her presence, even if your classmates tended to find her unsettling.