“Xiao Xi, where are you going?”
Qiu Xi, who was putting on her shoes, heard Song Daiyao’s question and explained, "I'm going to the academic affairs office to find Secretary Pan."
"To get the second foreign language elective form?"
Song Daiyao thought for a moment and recalled the course selection notice Qiu Xi had forwarded in the group chat earlier.
Qiu Xi nodded, "Yes, and also a printout of other elective courses for next semester, so we can get everyone to sign it when I get back."
For students majoring in foreign languages, the university typically offered second foreign language elective courses during their sophomore and junior years. According to the talent training plan for their cohort in the School of Foreign Languages at Minhua University, their second foreign language elective courses were scheduled to commence next semester.
The second foreign languages offered by their school included French, Japanese, German, Spanish, and Russian.
However, offering them was one thing; if the number of students in a class did not meet the required minimum, the second foreign language elective course would likely not be offered. In such cases, students who chose that language would have to select another one.
So, while everyone was still on campus, the teachers decided to have them make their preliminary selections first. This would allow for statistics to be compiled and the situation to be assessed.
This way, the academic affairs office could directly input the data into the system, preventing issues that might arise from students making random choices online during the holiday break.
“Then hurry up and go. We can discuss it when you get back.”
“Okay, I’m leaving.”
…
As soon as she returned with the materials, Qiu Xi posted a notice in the group chat, asking everyone to make their selections in advance. It would be convenient to fill them in during the end-of-term class meeting tomorrow.
As soon as she saw the notice, Song Daiyao asked, "Xiao Xi, is it done?"
"Yes, let's begin."
The matter of second foreign language course selection triggered the nth dormitory meeting for dorm 310.
Just yesterday, the notice had been released, and several teachers in the class had explained the situation and offered plenty of advice.
Afterward, Qiu Xi had privately messaged Old Yan, and now the group was ready to exchange their gathered intelligence.
“So, who wants to go first?”
“Xiao Xi, you first.”
Let the academic ace go first; the other three would observe and then decide.
“Me? I haven’t thought about it too much. I’m just going to choose whatever I like.”
For her, learning was no longer a burden.
As long as she kept up with her studies, she could excel.
“So, what do you actually like, Xiao Xi?”
“French!”
“Uh…”
This was somewhat unexpected. The three of them were left speechless for a long time.
Finally, Qiu Xi interrupted their thoughts, “What about you guys?”
“I’m learning Japanese.”
This time, Shen Yan spoke up unexpectedly.
Then Song Daiyao chimed in, “Yanyan, me too!”
Qiu Xi looked at them, half-understanding, “What made you two decide to learn Japanese?”
“I plan to pursue postgraduate studies, and learning Japanese might be more beneficial.”
This was Shen Yan’s reasoning. She had already consulted her family and senior students, and they had all given her the same advice. After careful consideration, she decided to learn Japanese.
“What about you, Daiyao?”
“Me? Everyone says Japanese is easier to learn.”
Song Daiyao didn’t have any other specific plans at the moment.
“…”
It remained to be seen if she had heard the saying that learning Japanese was like entering with a smile and leaving in tears.
“Xiao Feifei, what about you?”
After discussing for a while without seeing Liang Yunfei, the three of them turned their attention to her.
“I… I’m also choosing Japanese.”
She had been spacing out while listening to Shen Yan speak. If all went according to plan, she might also choose to pursue postgraduate studies in the future.
“Yay!”
“…”
Qiu Xi looked at the three of them hugging each other, truly a little surprised.
Putting aside their reasons, this was the first time she had seen all three of them make the same choice.
Suddenly, Song Daiyao looked expectantly at Qiu Xi, “Xiao Xi, are you still going to study French?”
She hoped that if the top student chose the same course as her, her studies might become a lot easier. Although she already had three study partners, who wouldn’t want more?
“No, I’m sticking with French.”
Since she had the option, she naturally wanted to choose something she liked.
“Okay then…”
So sad— ༼;´༎ຶ༎ຶ༽
“But… I can go and audit your classes, though.”
The people who had been feeling a bit down immediately perked up upon hearing Qiu Xi’s twist.
“Ah~”
“Xiao Xi, I believe in you!”
“…”
Such a quick change… Qiu Xi really didn’t understand how Daiyao’s mind worked.
Not only Qiu Xi but also Liang Yunfei and Shen Yan, who had been watching from the side the whole time, were confused.
“Alright, alright, since everyone has made their choices, let’s end the meeting!”
If they didn’t end it now, Qiu Xi didn’t know what more surprising remarks Song Daiyao’s mouth would utter.
“End it, end it!” Song Daiyao said with a cheerful tone.
In her heart, she thought, her wish had come true, and there were no more worries!
It felt great to be able to prepare for the final exams happily!
…
The next day, the final class meeting.
“Alright, that’s it for the class meeting. If anyone has anything else to say, we’ll wrap up now.”
Seeing everyone shaking their heads, the class advisor smiled and called Qiu Xi over.
“Sister Xi, it’s your turn.”
“Mm.”
Without delay, Qiu Xi distributed the two forms and urged everyone to hurry.
Since they had been notified in advance, all that was needed now was to verify and submit them.
A few minutes later…
“Okay, if there are no omissions, I’ll be leaving now.”
“None.”
Seeing that no one responded, Qiu Xi nodded and took the collected forms to the office.
…
“Qiu Xi, what are those materials you submitted?”
After handing over the documents to the secretary and turning to leave, Qiu Xi ran into Old Yan.
“The class’s second foreign language elective form, and the verification signature form for next semester’s elective courses.”
“Mm,” Yan Baitao listened and nodded.
“How is it? Which second foreign language did you choose?”
“French.”
“Mm, good choice.”
“And based on usual data, it should be offered. Prepare to study hard.”
If learning Japanese was like entering with a smile and leaving in tears, then French was like entering in tears and leaving with a smile.
Therefore, learning this language required perseverance.
Qiu Xi nodded, “Mm.”
“Don’t worry, Old Yan!”
“Alright! Then go back and study well. Exams will be next week.”
“Okay, goodbye, Old Yan.”
To maintain her GPA and complete the task, she wouldn’t let herself fall behind.
“Mm.”
…
More than ten days later, the exams concluded.
“Finally, it’s over!”
“Pack up! We can prepare to go home!”
“Let’s eat! Let’s eat! Let’s eat!”
This last shout was truly a cry from the soul!
Going out to eat after the final week of exams had become a long-standing tradition for their dorm 310.
This year, the School of Foreign Languages’ exams were scheduled for the last day. Consequently, they were among the group who finished their exams today and would have a holiday tomorrow.
So, on the evening of the last exam day, the four of them went out directly, eating and drinking until late before returning. Fortunately, it was the holiday season; otherwise, if they had relied on the sealed-up “dog hole,” they might have had to find an auntie to open the door for them.