"Alright, see you later."
"Mhm, see you."
Back at school, it was the same time, not exactly late, but the sky had indeed darkened.
After speaking with the teacher and Li Du, Qiu Xi headed towards the dormitory alone.
This time, she felt lazy. If all else failed, she’d just eat the instant noodles that the little foodie Song Daiyao had stockpiled.
She was tired today anyway and wanted to rest early.
Lost in thought, Qiu Xi had already returned to the dormitory.
"Yanyan, why are you the only one here?"
Didn't she not have class today?
Shen Yan was sitting at her desk, wearing headphones, her keyboard clacking non-stop.
She only turned around and took off her headphones when she felt a shadow cast behind her.
"Xiao Xi!"
"You're back!"
"How was the competition?"
Seeing the person who was suddenly more excited than her, Qiu Xi felt relaxed and a little happy.
"It was okay. I got the tickets for the March tour."
"Xiao Xi!"
"You're really a god!"
After hearing the simple sentence, Shen Yan directly stood up and hugged the person in front of her, truly excited.
Although she had experienced such "news attacks" numerous times, hearing similar news still surprised her!
This was her best friend!
It was simply delightful to hear!
"Okay, let's keep it down a bit, we don't want to get complained about later."
"Okay, okay, I'll tell the other two right now!"
Saying that, Shen Yan immediately let go and sat back down. With a few quick taps, the message was sent.
At Xi Guang Company.
Liang Yunfei was chatting with the few people currently in the company when she felt her phone vibrate.
Since they were just chatting, Liang Yunfei picked up her phone and casually glanced at it.
"Huh?!!!"
After just a few seconds of surprise, she sent a string of congratulatory messages.
"Yunfei, what did you see? You have such a surprised and joyful expression."
Everyone was gathered around chatting, so Liang Yunfei's sudden change in expression made a few people curious.
After sending the messages, Liang Yunfei realized that her demeanor seemed a bit too... foolish.
After all, who would look at their phone with shock, then joy, and then a doting smile... for no reason?
So, she cleared her throat as if to cover up and then spoke.
"It's our boss. Her finals ended today, and she's already entered the qualifiers. I was just happy for her."
"Sister Xi?!!!"
"That's great news!"
The people present were somewhat aware of Qiu Xi participating in the competition.
They weren't that surprised by the news, it was… expected!
But it was still worth celebrating!
With that, the few people started sending congratulatory messages in their shared group chat.
Not many, just a couple of sentences from each person, but everyone unanimously requested a get-together for a meal.
"Alright~"
"Let's find a time later and get together."
Qiu Xi agreed readily. They had been at the company for some time, and with the renovation nearing completion, they would have time. It would be a good way to let everyone rest.
"Great! Sister Xi is awesome~"
"Looking forward to it~"
After chatting with them for a couple more sentences, Qiu Xi, feeling completely exhausted, put down her phone. After washing up, she fell asleep as soon as she touched the bed.
...
Two days later, it was another day off.
Early in the morning, after getting ready, Qiu Xi drove to Teacher Ding's place.
Teacher Ding and Grandma Ge had made plans with her a couple of days ago. She was going over today for a casual meal and to chat with her master.
"Xiao Xi, you're here."
The door was just opening when Qiu Xi arrived. Grandma Ge was tidying things up.
"Grandma Ge, you're busy."
Casually, Qiu Xi took the items from Grandma Ge's hands and started helping.
"Oh, just this little bit left. Go inside and call the old man. We can leave soon."
"Okay."
Saying that, Qiu Xi took the tidied items she was holding inside.
Then, she shouted inside, "Teacher Ding, we're ready to leave."
A muffled reply came, "Mhm."
After a slight delay, the three were already on their way.
"Old Du, where is he?"
As soon as he got out of the car, Ding Yujing started calling out to his old friend Du Bin.
This immediately made Ge Jiaojie and Qiu Xi beside him want to laugh.
Teacher Ding's simple-minded demeanor now was somewhat similar to the elderly men she had met when she visited Yan Yan's house before.
Qiu Xi suppressed a smile. "Teacher Ding, shall we go in first?"
"Let's go, let's go."
"Okay."
"Grandma, why are there only you two? Where are Grandpa and Master?"
As soon as she entered, Qiu Xi saw her own grandmother and Grandma Li sitting in the hall, seemingly chatting about something. Her grandfather and master were nowhere to be seen.
"Xiao Xi~ How are you? Did you eat breakfast?"
As soon as Grandma Qiu saw her granddaughter, she became happy.
She hadn't seen her for half a month and missed her dearly.
"Your master is playing chess with your grandpa in the back."
"Mhm, Grandma, I've already eaten breakfast."
Qiu Xi replied, not forgetting to explain that she had already eaten, lest her grandmother rush to the kitchen.
"Right, where's Xiao Ge?"
Qiu Xi still had her brother in mind, remembering that he had already arrived home last night.
"He's still sleeping. He probably slept late last night."
"Okay, don't just stand there, let's go sit and chat."
Grandma Qiu turned to look at the two who were already engrossed in conversation and quickly pulled her over to sit.
Ding Yujing, who was a step behind, saw the few people chatting enthusiastically and quietly moved to the back.
The gentlemen's territory wasn't here, so it was better for him to leave first.
Qiu Xi hadn't spent time with her elders for a long time. After chatting for a while, she even took them to wander through the vegetable market and supermarket.
On the way back, the joy of Grandma Qiu and the other two was evident without anyone needing to ask.
"Xiao Xi, are you staying home for two days this time?"
"Grandma, yes, I'll leave Monday morning."
"Good~"
Getting the desired answer, Grandma Qiu's mood elevated significantly.
Spending time with her children and grandchildren was different from spending time with friends.
Although she had been having fun with her new friends, it wasn't the same.
"For these two days, you and Xiao Ge should just stay at home. We elders will take good care of you."
"Look at you, you've lost so much weight after going to school..."
"Yes, just looking at your eyes, I can tell you've lost quite a bit of weight!"
"You're right!"
"I heard from Old Ding that this child had exams or competitions every month, no wonder she's so worn out!"
"..."
The three grandmas chatted enthusiastically on this topic.
And as they chatted, it subtly shifted towards Grandma Ge's efforts to nourish her well at school...
Finally, Qiu Xi couldn't sit still. If she wasn't driving, she would have gladly explained to the three grandmas.
She really hadn't lost weight!
In the end, Qiu Xi could only keep emphasizing it verbally, but it was understandably not very effective...
With no other choice, Qiu Xi simply shut her mouth and let them chat among themselves.
Now, all she had to do was drive safely home.