Compared to those clunky, heavy low-end models, something sleek and small is fashionable. Others can tell it's high-end at a glance, so it's naturally easier to show off.

As for why Su Zelin is so familiar with its specs, well, that's because he used it before his reincarnation, also during his university days, except it was two years later in this timeline when the price of the Nokia 8210 had dropped, and he bought it then.

Back then, Su Zelin was quite satisfied with the phone, and now it's just a bit nostalgic for him.

So he quickly made up his mind and pointed at the 8210, saying, "Does this model come in sapphire blue?"

"Yes, we have a complete range of color options for all our phones in the mall!"

The saleswoman perked up; she could tell Su Zelin was very interested in purchasing, so she hurried to introduce it.

"This Nokia 8210..."

She barely spoke two sentences before Su Zelin interrupted her, "How much is it?"

He didn't plan to waste time in the big mall.

"Uh, three thousand five hundred!"

"Could you give me a discount, sis? I'm just a broke student!"

Su Zelin flirted a bit, using his charm.

The saleswoman thought to herself, who's going to believe you claiming you're broke while buying a phone worth over three thousand!

She cleared her throat, "Sorry, at King's Communication, our prices are already very competitive, low profit and speedy sales. This price is very reasonable. But, since you're a student, let me ask the manager to see if a discount is possible!"

"Alright, thanks, sister!"

Su Zelin smiled. He knew for sure they could discount it.

The phone market in 2000 had terrifying profits; it wasn't nearly as transparent as in later years!

A phone priced over three thousand could easily net the mall over a thousand in profit.

So, those who had money to open big mobile phone malls in this era could almost certainly make a fortune, though it also required considerable investment.

First consulting the manager was the usual ploy for sales reps, even though they could make decisions themselves.

But if they gave the discount outright, the customer might feel there's still room to haggle.

Thus, sales staff used consulting the manager as an excuse to make it seem hard to win a discount, so customers wouldn't push further.

There were a few thicker-skinned customers who would have sales consult two or three times; in fact, further discounts could still be "approved."

After a while, the saleswoman returned, "The manager said, since you're a student and it's just out in the market, you can have a discount of one hundred, plus a free mobile SIM card with a hundred bucks of credit — that's like getting two hundred off total!"

The price could still be negotiated a bit further but not by much. Even if the saleswoman consulted again, at most, it would be another fifty to a hundred off. Su Zelin didn't want to hassle; it would just make him look stingy.

So he simply said, "Alright, I'll take it. Make sure it's unopened, no display models. Please get me a new sapphire blue unit, and I'll unbox it myself!"

Some malls sold display models as new, claiming they were checked in the warehouse. Selling display units earned higher commissions.

Su Zelin didn't want to end up with a slightly used phone, hence the specific reminder.

The saleswoman glanced at him and thought this high schooler was quite savvy.

"Sure, please wait a moment!"

Soon, she brought a new, indeed unopened, unit from the warehouse.

After opening the box and checking, the appearance was fine, and it booted up smoothly. Su Zelin swiped his card and completed the invoice. His first phone in this life was now in his hands.

Later, he used the voucher given by the saleswoman to get a SIM card at the mobile desk in the mall. At this time, mobile was still reasonably priced in many areas, no worse than Unicom, unlike the unfair pricing of later times.

The "M-Zone" for young people hadn't launched yet, so he went for a Global Pass.

Though called Global Pass, you'd still need to visit a service center to pay a deposit and enable international roaming if you really went abroad, and international roaming fees were ridiculously high.

He got a number starting with 139, the middle code, no 4s or 7s, easy to remember. Su Zelin wasn't after fancy numbers; before reincarnation, he was a big boss but always used a regular number from his college days.

Once the card was set, the mobile rep added a hundred yuan credit directly to the card.

He inserted the card and left. He had little interest in playing with the new phone. Compared to future smartphones, the Nokia 8210's functions were too basic – it was just a communication tool without much entertainment value.

Leaving the service hall, Su Zelin was lost in thought.

The phone was purchased, but who should he give the number to?

His parents weren't urgent — that could wait until he was home.

Qin Shiqing needed it too. He wanted to keep some distance but not become strangers.

Besides, if he didn't give his number, his parents would.

Whether to give it to his uncle and aunt wasn't a concern; they probably wouldn't randomly call him, and if necessary, they could get it from Qin Shiqing or his parents.

As for friends, the first that came to mind was Lu Haoran.

He'd find the guy later to get online and let him note it down.

There was also Xiaoyanzi, but he could have the rat pass it on to her, giving his buddy and Xiaoyanzi another reason to chat.

Upon further thought, Su Zelin couldn't think of anyone else.

Before reincarnation, he had countless connections, an extensive network, almost always finding a friend to PM him when he posted in any big city, arranging dinner, drinks, and a full night out.

But now, among those he was closer with, he could count on one hand.

In high school, his relationships with others beyond Lu Haoran and Xiaoyanzi were pretty ordinary, including his roommates.

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