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devoted to women’s hair accessories. Street vendors stood along the sidewalk, selling steamed buns and roasted eggs. The energy of Xi’an was invigorating. “Where are we going?” Cece said.
    “You will see,” Peter said mysteriously. “Just follow me.”
    Before long, they came to a corner and stood in front of the golden arches—McDonald’s! Cece had never seen anything more beautiful in her entire life. Forget Chinese food—she would get in touch with her heritage at lunch.
    “Egg McMuffin, anyone?” Peter pushed open the door.
    “Excellent.” Cece promptly went inside and stood in line. The place was packed with locals. “Man, Chinese people must like this place.”
    Peter grinned. “A lot of young people here like things from the West. It is a dawn of a new era!” he announced. “I said that right, didn’t I?”
    Cece nodded as she studied the menu. A breakfast sandwich was almost the same price as in the States. “But isn’t McDonald’s kinda expensive here?”
    “It is. However, Chinese citizens are getting richer. We do not all work in the factories and the fields, you know.” He smiled.
    “I see.”
    “But do not be mistaken,” Peter went on. “We like our Chinese food, too. I know I will find something local you will like here. However, this morning, I think you need a break, yes?”
    Cece let out a breath. “Definitely.” It was their turn to place their order, and as Peter spoke with the boy behind the register, Cece was glad she had Peter for a host. Mark had been right. Peter would be invaluable to her experience here. He made everything feel that much more doable.
    After a satisfying breakfast, Cece and Peter walked back to the university.
    “So why do you like America so much?” Cece said, pointing to Peter’s T-shirt. “I mean, I know you explained the Chinese are interested in the West, but I get the feeling you’re more enthusiastic than most.”
    “This is a good question,” Peter said. “I have always been a big fan of the USA. My cousin, he lives in Los Angeles. He tells me all about Hollywood. Making movies. One day I will save enough money and go there. I want to apply for film school and direct big blockbuster hits.”
    “Yeah?” Cece said.
    “Maybe you can help me.”
    “Me? How?”
    “You can help me with my application.”
    Cece shook her head. “Oh, Peter, I know nothing about filmmaking.”
    “That is not what I mean,” Peter said. “You know a lot about English. I want my essays to be perfect.” He checked his watch as they approached the gates. “But we can talk about this some other time. You are late.”
    Cece stopped at the gate. “Thanks for breakfast.”
    “You’re welcome,” Peter said. “So maybe I will see you this afternoon? I can show you around. We can see Pizza Hut, KFC, Starbucks. . . . ”
    Cece laughed. “How about something I can see only in Xi’an.”
    “Oh, right,” Peter said. “I guess we can try that. Let us meet here after orientation. Twelve o’clock?”
    “Okay,” Cece said.
    Peter turned to walk away and waved. “Zai jian!”
    “Zai jian!” Cece repeated, certain that meant good-bye.
     
    When Cece stepped into the lecture hall, the other program students were already seated. Mark and Jenny were standing in the front along with several members of XU faculty. They welcomed the group. Cece spotted Jessica and Lisa toward the middle, but instead of an empty spot waiting for her, Will and some other guys occupied the seats around them. It was just as well. She’d rather not face Will today after what happened last night. She plopped down by the door and noticed Kallyn was only a couple of seats away.
    “Hey,” Cece whispered.
    Kallyn smiled. “Hey.” She was holding a yellow sheet of paper. “They passed this out. You want to share?”
    “Sure.” Cece moved over, then listened to what Jenny was saying.
    “Over the next nine weeks, you will spend six hours in class every day in language, culture,