The next day—
Early in the morning, after understanding Teacher Yan's class schedule, it was found that he had classes all day.
There was no other option, so Yan Baitao had someone find a time before the first major class to meet him.
His morning class didn't start until nine-thirty, so it was perfect for Qiu Xi to rush over.
Thus, Qiu Xi got up early, and after getting ready, she set off.
After a light breakfast at the cafeteria, she headed to the classroom where Yan Baitao was to teach.
"Teacher Yan, you're here so early."
When Qiu Xi arrived, she saw Teacher Yan already seated at the front of the lecture hall, tinkering with his presentation slides.
"Qiu Xi, you're here. Perfect, come take a look at this for me."
Upon seeing Qiu Xi, Yan Baitao immediately waved her over with a happy gesture.
"Old Yan, what's with the excitement? What's the matter?"
Qiu Xi asked as she walked over quickly.
"It's not a big problem, I just wanted you to look at this slide presentation..."
Qiu Xi nodded. "This is simple, let me take a look."
It turned out he was fiddling with the courseware he was about to use for his class.
"Qiu Xi, how do you feel after this trip out?" Yan Baitao, having nothing pressing to do, began to chat while watching Qiu Xi busy herself.
He was aware of the student going out to participate in this international exchange event.
He had made it a point to inquire when Qiu Xi had mentioned completing her work ahead of time.
Therefore, seeing the student appear before him now, he was quite interested.
"Old Yan, I must say, going out has truly broadened my horizons." Qiu Xi replied to Teacher Yan while clicking the mouse.
"I met so many people on this trip, including many senior figures whose names I only knew, and a lot of excellent peers..."
"Among them, the one who left the deepest impression on me was Mr. You Nai... and also the young people around my age brought by the teachers who accompanied Teacher Ding, they were also very accomplished..."
Since there was still time, Qiu Xi was also happy to share these things with Old Yan.
"Mmm..."
"It seems the trip was worthwhile; it sounds like you gained a lot." Yan Baitao nodded with satisfaction, looking at Qiu Xi, who was speaking with a light tone and a smile.
He had watched this student, Qiu Xi, for all four years of her undergraduate studies; she was truly an outstanding student, and he believed she would become even more so in the future!
Indeed, although he was getting old, his judgment of people was as good as ever, perhaps even better.
"That's for sure~"
"Alright, Old Yan, take a look. Are there any other issues?" Qiu Xi shifted her position, allowing Yan Baitao to examine it closely.
"It's good, no problems."
"Okay, there's still some time. Sit here and chat with me for a bit." Yan Baitao invited Qiu Xi.
He didn't believe that Qiu Xi would come specifically to find him for a chat without having other matters to discuss.
"Sure." Qiu Xi readily nodded.
"Come over."
"Just tell me what's on your mind. The students will be here soon, and time will be short."
Qiu Xi nodded.
"Old Yan, actually, I don't have much else. It's just that my thesis defense is coming up soon, so I came to ask if there's anything else I need to do, as I want to save time and go out for something."
"Ah, this... you'll have to let me think about it carefully."
When Qiu Xi said this, he didn't believe it was simply an inquiry about her graduation defense.
If it were solely about that, there would be no need to set aside time for a private discussion.
"It's only mid-April now. For graduation matters alone, there shouldn't be much. However, in a while, I expect you'll have some things to be busy with."
"Oh? What is it?" Qiu Xi asked, puzzled.
"It's related to the graduation ceremony that the school is preparing. As the jewel of your department, the 'Outstanding Graduate' award, you'll likely be quite occupied with that."
"There's one more thing you probably can't escape."
"What is it?" Qiu Xi's eyes widened again.
"This should be after your defense. It's an old school tradition: you outstanding graduates have to participate in a promotional video for the school together."
"..."
Qiu Xi genuinely had no idea about this.
It seemed some of her schedule would need to be adjusted...
"As for the rest, they're minor matters and not particularly important."
Yan Baitao briefly mentioned the more significant matters based on his current recollection.
"Okay, thank you, Old Yan."
This was more than enough.
"You're welcome. Even if I didn't tell you, you would find out yourself in a while."
"Mmm..."
"However, your arrival has reminded me. There's something else I intended to discuss with you." Yan Baitao became a little excited as he remembered something he needed to talk to the student about regarding her thesis.
"Old Yan, take your time, no rush." Qiu Xi quickly interjected, fearing Old Yan might get too worked up.
"It's about your thesis."
"Recently, I've spent time studying your final submitted thesis. I'd like you to make further revisions and improvements, and we can try to submit it later."
This was an idea Yan Baitao had been contemplating for several days.
"This..." Qiu Xi paused in her speech.
This was something she had never considered before, nor had she anticipated it before Old Yan brought it up.
"Your thesis is fine, it just needs a little more refinement."
"After the defense, consider the feedback from the defense committee, and I'll take another look. It shouldn't be a major issue."
"Of course, this is just a suggestion. If you're really unwilling, then consider this conversation as if it never happened."
He had only carefully studied it and felt it was feasible. If the student wasn't willing, he would simply act as if nothing had occurred.
"No!"
Upon hearing Yan Baitao's words, Qiu Xi immediately interrupted.
"Teacher, I'm so grateful you're willing to give me this opportunity; how could I be unwilling!"
Putting aside other things, she would be a postgraduate student starting in September.
How could she be unwilling to have her thesis published?
It could only be said that fate intervened beautifully, and she was incredibly lucky!
"Teacher Yan, let's do as you say. After the defense, you can find me again, and I'll revise it carefully."
"Great!" Yan Baitao also smiled with satisfaction, looking at Qiu Xi's smiling face.
As expected, he had an eagle eye, spotting such a promising talent at first glance.
"Then it's settled. I'll find time to discuss the details with you later."
"Okay."
...
After the teacher and student finished discussing the important matters, they chatted casually for a while longer. Then, they saw quite a few students entering the classroom.
"Teacher Yan, it seems about time. I won't disturb your class any further..."
"Mm, you can go back now."
"If there's anything later, just contact me."
"Alright, goodbye Teacher Yan."
"Mm."
...
After Qiu Xi left, the classroom gradually filled up, and the sounds of discussion grew louder.
"Senior Sister Qiu Xi is really so beautiful~"
"Yeah! The way she was chatting with Teacher Yan, I'm so envious~"
After all, if one isn't outstanding in some way, they wouldn't dare to chat with Teacher Yan...
"Isn't that the truth!"
"If only I had come earlier today, I completely missed the chance to see a beauty..."
The people below chattered away, their excitement and gossip evident to varying degrees.
...