Qiu Xi and Ming Shuyu, having been told by Teacher Yang Yue, obediently followed her to the cafeteria.
However, neither of them expected that they would simply be following their teacher to have dinner.
As soon as they finished eating, the teacher said she had to leave and told them both to go back and rest well.
"Senior Sister... did Teacher Yang just want to treat us to a meal...?"
Qiu Xi was still dazed. "Perhaps... maybe..."
Watching the receding figure, the two stood at their original spot, looking at each other blankly for a good while before starting to move their legs.
"Let's head back too. Standing here feels a bit silly."
Having stood for some time, they were still wearing the uniform attire required for the conference. Qiu Xi could already feel the gazes of passersby glancing at them.
Ming Shuyu also felt it. As soon as Qiu Xi spoke, she immediately replied, "Okay..."
Then, the two placed their trays and headed towards the dormitory.
...
In the dormitory.
Before Qiu Xi even entered, she could hear Song Daiyao's excited voice from inside.
Smiling, Qiu Xi pushed open the door.
"What are you guys talking about? You're so excited."
"Xiao Xi!"
Upon hearing the voice, Song Daiyao stopped her ceaseless chatter and lunged over, "You're back~"
Qiu Xi instinctively raised the hand holding her small bag and steadied herself. "I just had dinner with Teacher Yang, so I'm a bit late."
"Ah? Teacher Yang is also approachable like this?"
Song Daiyao made a joke.
It was because Teacher Yang was usually very strict with them. She didn't think such a thing would happen to students.
Qiu Xi nodded. "Mm."
"I went to the newly added exchange session in the back this afternoon to help out. Teacher Yang pulled me aside when I came out."
Qiu Xi could understand why Song Daiyao asked that question.
After all, when she and her junior sister were training with Teacher Yang, the teacher was always serious and proper when it came to official matters.
It was only later, as the conference approached and their performance was considered decent, that they received this treatment.
However, this also showed that Teacher Yang Yue was indeed a responsible teacher, and fundamentally, a very gentle one.
"Xiao Xi, how was it working overtime?"
The three people in the room were no longer interested in whether they ate or not. They were more eager to know about working overtime.
Before Xiao Xi returned, Daiyao had already told them a little bit.
Since Xiao Xi hadn't returned yet, they figured she was called by the teacher to help with the exchange session that was decided to be added at the last minute.
They had also heard some content about it, but the list of participants hadn't been released, so she was just guessing.
After all, Xiao Xi was so capable, it was natural for her to go and help.
Even if they wanted to talk, the teachers wouldn't let such a capable assistant go.
Qiu Xi looked at the three curious pairs of eyes and felt helpless.
She had no choice but to drag Song Daiyao towards a nearby table.
"It wasn't great. I just felt more tired."
Weren't they tired!
They had been standing for almost half the afternoon!
As soon as the previous session ended, they went in to help. They were said to be following the teacher, but in reality, except for the very beginning, the teachers were even busier than them later on, and they never saw any teacher idle.
Song Daiyao was curious, "Wasn't there anything particularly memorable?"
After she finished her work, she went to watch the exhibition with her teammates, and they didn't have the chance to attend the exchange session.
The teacher said that the number of participants was limited, and they could only wait for the next opportunity.
However, she also knew that it was unlikely for her to participate in similar activities as a student for the remainder of her undergraduate studies.
But her good sister had been there, so by extension, it was like she had been there.
Therefore, her curiosity now would only make her happier.
"There actually was one thing."
Qiu Xi recalled the person she met earlier who liked to discuss culture.
Thinking it was quite interesting, Qiu Xi mentioned it to the others.
The three, "......"
Given Xiao Xi's personality, it was considered good that she noticed this.
This good sister was truly dedicated and responsible...
Seeing the slightly disdainful looks from the three, Qiu Xi felt speechless.
She thought that if her junior sister Ming Shuyu met Song Daiyao, they would probably have a very enjoyable conversation during discussions at the exchange session...
"Alright, let's not talk about this. I need to take off my makeup and take a shower."
Whether it was physical or mental exertion, she had put in a lot today. Now she needed to de-stress and lie down in bed.
The three did not stop her further. "Go ahead. We three haven't eaten yet, do you want us to bring anything for you?"
Qiu Xi waved her hand. "No need~"
"Okay, then we'll go eat first."
"Go ahead."
...
After finishing up, Qiu Xi lay on the bed, not yet asleep, just closing her eyes.
Her mind replayed the day's events, starting her usual self-reflection.
After reviewing the day's experiences, Qiu Xi thought about her arrangements for the upcoming period.
Once she finalized things with Teacher Yang in the next couple of days, the matter of this trade fair should truly be coming to an end.
And at this time, it would be nearing the end of December.
In terms of time, Teacher Ding's training for the Century Cup competition had actually been delayed.
According to what her master and Teacher Ding had previously agreed upon, they would definitely need to hurry to make up for the missed classes during this period.
And the arrival of January also meant that the final exam period was approaching. Although this semester didn't have many courses, they were all significant ones, and for the future, there could be no mistakes.
Therefore, in the coming period, in addition to diligently training with her master and Teacher Ding, she would also have to busy herself with the final exams.
And according to the schedule she received from Teacher Ding last time, it was estimated that after the school break, she would still have to stay and continue training, likely until before the Lunar New Year.
Phew~
It seemed she really had to plan her final exam review well, aiming to make it a bit easier.
With that thought, Qiu Xi had sorted things out.
And just as she was preparing to get some early rest, their small group chat for the conference suddenly became lively.
She heard Song Daiyao from the next bed exclaim urgently.
"Xiao Xi, hurry and look! Something seems to have happened in the conference group chat!"
"What?"
Qiu Xi, unsure why, put down the hand that was about to put on her eye mask.
Song Daiyao didn't explain, just urged, "I haven't finished reading it either. You'll know when you look."
Qiu Xi, feeling a bit bewildered, replied, "Okay, I'll go take a look."