Time slowly marched on, and finally, the debate competition finals arrived.
As usual, Yan Baitao took the debate team of four and set off the day before.
Due to an increased budget, this time they had secured a good lodging, complete with all three meals.
"After we eat, we'll head to the hotel conference room. Your Teacher Yan wants to give you some pre-competition guidance."
"Is Little Teacher Yan also coming?"
To distinguish between the two teachers, they called one Old Yan and the other Little Teacher Yan.
"Yes, she was on a business trip and happened to be driving this way."
"Alright, then we'll go after we eat."
"No rush, let's fill our stomachs first."
"Mhm, mhm."
...
The next day, inside the venue, as soon as the topic was announced, the discussion time began to countdown.
"It's the same as what the teacher predicted, it's going to be tough."
Upon receiving the topic, Qiu Xi felt it. Her teacher had said that hitting the prediction wasn't necessarily a good thing, because the opposing side likely knew it too, especially since everyone had reached the finals.
"Yes, hurry up and prepare, don't waste time."
...
"Be mindful of the opponents' traps, compete with a calm mind."
Watching the children preparing to take the stage, Yan Baitao offered words of encouragement.
"Mhm, mhm."
Though they replied verbally, all four wore serious expressions, determined to give their all in the upcoming match.
After all, since ancient times, it's been the victor who is remembered, and who remembers the perennial runner-up?
Therefore, they had to go all out.
...
"What should we do?" After the one-on-one cross-examination, the four-person team found themselves at a disadvantage. At this moment, Zhang Shu's mind felt like it was filled with mush.
Ning Tianyu, standing beside her, wasn't faring any better, feeling a surge of anxiety.
Seeing the result leaning towards two to one, Qiu Xi was also a bit surprised. The opponents were indeed quite strong.
However, she didn't feel anxious. After all, there was still free debate. She had been caught off guard here, but she could be more cautious later. As she thought this, she noticed that the two beside her seemed a bit off.
So, Qiu Xi immediately patted Ning Feiyu beside her. "You two, calm down. It's okay, there's still free debate! Organize your thoughts properly."
"Mhm!"
Time was pressing, and as soon as the statements were finished, free debate arrived.
The opposing side, believing they had seized an opportunity, immediately launched into a rapid-fire barrage against Ning Feiyu and Zhang Shu. However, they didn't expect that the two, having calmed down, would handle it with ease.
"How can this be? Weren't they just fumbling moments ago!"
This was something they hadn't anticipated. They thought they had the situation under control, only to see the other side suddenly stand up.
"Let's pick their fourth speaker. This girl hasn't been seen interacting with the others, so she's probably not very good."
Looking at the beautiful Qiu Xi, the opponents mistook her for a decorative piece, placed at the end to go through the motions.
"Mhm." If the four-person team knew their opponents' thoughts at this moment, they would probably burst out laughing on the spot.
The three of them had prepared together for so long, and their deepest thought about Qiu Xi was that if she could be a teammate, they would never want her as an opponent.
"Hello, opposing fourth speaker..."
"..."
This was a brave soul. As soon as they heard the opponent's opening, Zhang Shu and the other two breathed a sigh of relief. Their first reaction was, "We've got this!"
"..." Qiu Xi also didn't expect to have an opportunity to shine.
She stood up, greeted the opposing debaters courteously, and then delivered her speech with logic, evidence, composure, and steadiness.
Although she spoke very well, she completely confused the opponents. What happened to the supposed vase? The person standing looked at their teammates.
Well, this person was even more stunned than he was, his mouth agape, unable to close.
In the end, after a final struggle, realizing they were no match, they slumped back down dejectedly.
...
"The scoring results are out. The team from Minhua University has won."
"...The final awards go to Minhua University Team One, Southeast University Team One..."
"And the Best Debater is Qiu Xi from Minhua University!"
"Ahhh! It's really us!!!"
"This is incredible!"
Zhang Shu jumped up and hugged Qiu Xi. She was incredibly excited. She had thought her mistake would cause their score to drop, but it had still been salvaged.
The two boys watched from the side, and the moment they heard the results, they leaped up in excitement.
"They really did it!"
"Let's go, it's time for the awards ceremony."
"Beep!"
"University English Debate Competition task complete. Award rewards have been distributed."
Double the joy, it never gets old no matter how many times it happens!
"Old Yan, how was it?"
As soon as she came down, Zhang Shu showed her certificate to the teacher. The question sounded like an inquiry, but Zhang Shu's posture was anything but.
"Excellent!"
The children had performed exceptionally well. He, who had been watching from the audience, had felt uncertain towards the end but was surprised they managed to turn the tide.
"Pack up, we're going for a big meal tonight!"
"Old Yan, are you still paying out of your own pocket?" Hearing the familiar words, Qiu Xi made a jest.
"Thanks to you all, we have reimbursement this time!"
"Yay! Let's go for a big meal~"
...
"Xiao Xi!"
"Congratulations on your second consecutive academic championship!"
As soon as Qiu Xi returned and opened her dorm room door, a small bouquet was thrust at her.
Turning her head, she saw three smiling faces.
"Thank you!"
Seeing this scene upon her return, Qiu Xi felt a pang of emotion. Meeting these three wonderful roommates in college was enough for four years.
"Here!"
"Then I won't be polite! Just a heads-up, I'm not really greedy for this cup of milk tea, you know~"
Taking the milk tea that Qiu Xi handed over, Song Daiyao immediately inserted the straw and started drinking.
"Little Feifei, Yanyan, come and drink the champion's happy water!" She didn't forget to share the joy with others while enjoying it herself!
"Mmm! Finally, I can relax."
Sitting on the bed, Qiu Xi mentally recounted the journey she had taken since starting university.
Finally, she could calm down and properly immerse herself in studying.
This was also something she had discussed with Old Yan on the way back. He had said that with the recent major competitions over, she could finally rest a bit, have some fun on campus, and experience a normal university life.
Qiu Xi felt that what Old Yan said was quite right. She still lacked a bit of grounding.
Coincidentally, there was a drama competition coming up, which she could participate in for fun. Then, she could get her driver's license and pass the CET-6.
Yes, enjoy classes properly, and this semester would be nearly complete.
"Xiao Xi, what are you thinking about?"
"I'm thinking about how to study well in the future."
"..."
Regardless of what others thought, her roommates felt the impact up close!
"Stop thinking about it and start thinking about your drama makeup instead."
Shen Yan reminded Qiu Xi, as she had additional tasks.
"Xiao Hua, arrange the makeup courses for me quickly, including film and stage makeup, preferably comprehensive."
"Okay, Xiao Xi."