As Qiu Xi's award ceremony concluded, Teacher Yan received celebratory news from the non-professional group: Nan Hua had secured first prize.
This was truly a profitable venture. Should he ask the boss for a raise upon returning?
Look at my discerning eye; every person I've chosen is outstanding.
Teacher Yan's eyes crinkled into a smile. Was he on the cusp of a second career spring?
No, this news absolutely had to be shared with the group chat.
Thus, Nan Hua's first prize in the non-professional category was freshly announced in the teachers' group chat.
Huang Fang: "What do you mean by this, Old Yan?"
Liu Min: "How come all the good things fall into your lap!"
Yan Baitao: "Ah, it can't be helped, luck strikes when it's unstoppable."
Yan Jingyi: "..."
Huang Fang: "..."
...
This bout of showing off certainly made him feel refreshed.
As Qiu Xi descended from the awards stage, she saw Teacher Yan engrossed in his phone, his smile unrestrained.
"Teacher Yan, I've collected mine."
Though reluctant to interrupt, ten minutes had passed, and if they didn't leave soon, no one would be left.
"Ahem! You've collected it, then let's go. We can find Nan Hua, he also won an award, first prize."
As he spoke, he was earnestly trying to mask his joy, but his happiness was too palpable.
"Really!"
Although she knew Nan Hua would win, hearing it still made her very happy. This was first prize, after all.
Not bad, not bad. She couldn't wait to congratulate him.
"Teacher, let's hurry then!"
"Alright, he should be outside the venue by now. Let's go find him."
"Okay."
With that, the two headed towards the exit of the venue.
"Teacher Yan, Qiu Xi, over here."
Finally, he was out. He had been waiting here alone for quite some time.
If they didn't come out soon, he would have to go in to find them.
"Teacher, over there."
Hearing the voice, Qiu Xi looked up and saw Nan Hua.
He was standing at the entrance of the venue, waving.
As they walked over with the teacher, Qiu Xi couldn't help but speak first, "Congratulations!"
They had known each other for about a month in total, and Qiu Xi was genuinely happy for him.
"You too, with a special prize."
Nan Hua had learned about it from the teacher when the results were announced earlier.
"That's different. I'm in the professional field; this is what I study."
"You're also in the finance department, more impressive than me."
Qiu Xi smiled, looking at the young man before her. She admired him. As a science student, although his English was good, his fundamental skills were primarily focused on speaking. Therefore, to win first prize, she truly felt Nan Hua was very capable.
"Well, you haven't seen how I learned."
"Alright, you two, stop bragging. I, your teacher, am still standing here."
"You're both excellent, each with your own strengths. No need to be modest."
Yan Baitao was in a great mood and joked with his two students.
However, he was also speaking the truth.
He had seen the potential in both of them from the start and had actively sought them out.
Especially Qiu Xi, he had even gotten ahead of other teachers.
"That's all thanks to your guidance, teacher."
Looking at Teacher Yan, Qiu Xi expressed her sincere gratitude.
It had been nearly two months from registration to now, and she had relied heavily on the teacher's materials in many areas.
In the early stages, with various problems, she would find time to have tea and chat with the teacher.
"Qiu Xi is right; it's all thanks to your efforts, teacher," Nan Hua originally had little interest in participating in this competition, but he couldn't refuse when the teacher approached him.
Thinking back now, he was grateful he hadn't lost his mind back then and had agreed.
Otherwise, he didn't know where he would be crying now.
"Haha, but that also requires your hard work, and of course, talent."
"Alright, alright, enough said. If we keep talking, I, this old man, won't be able to handle it." If they continued, he might get too carried away, which would be improper for an elder.
Stay grounded, stay grounded!
"Do you two want to take some photos or anything? If not, we'll head back, okay?"
It was getting late. Seeing the certificates in the students' hands, he wondered if they wanted to commemorate the moment before leaving.
"Sure, thank you, teacher!"
Upon hearing this, Nan Hua was the first to pull out his phone and hand it to the teacher.
This excellent opportunity could not be missed.
"You rascal!"
Seeing Nan Hua's eagerness, Teacher Yan was reminded of something he had discovered earlier.
He was a bit like his younger self.
Thinking about how dashing he was back then, he even touched his thinning hair.
"Alright, then thank you, teacher."
Seeing Nan Hua's enthusiastic response, Qiu Xi did not decline.
This was, after all, a very memorable day.
"Come on, come on, stand properly."
"Let's first hold our certificates, and then we'll take one with this scenic spot."
These words clearly indicated he was an experienced photographer of such moments.
"Okay, thank you, teacher."
"Teacher, you come too. Let's take a selfie, the three of us."
Looking at the photos on Nan Hua's phone, Qiu Xi thought they were quite good.
With that in mind, she called the teacher over to take a photo together.
"Sure, sure."
"Are we done? Don't forget to send me a copy of these photos later."
"Will do!"
After saving the photos, Qiu Xi planned to review them carefully later, retouch them if possible, and then send them over.
"Then let's go, back."
"Tonight, the teacher will treat you to a good meal out of his own pocket."
He wasn't being stingy by saying this; traveling for work was quite unfortunate.
Unlike at school where he could eat in the cafeteria, eating out meant relying on his own expenses, or else it would be boxed meals.
Having a good meal occasionally required a substantial budget.
They hadn't held much hope for this trip; the department's intention was just to test the waters, and if it didn't work out, there was always next year.
But unexpectedly, they produced two winners. Although Nan Hua was not from their department, he had been guided by Teacher Yan, so it was partly related.
Would things not be so bleak from now on? At least more funding could be approved.
"Alright, thank you, teacher."
"Let's go."
In the evening, Yan Baitao took his two students out for food.
They ate their fill before returning to the hotel to rest.
By the time Qiu Xi returned to her hotel room, it was quite late. She hadn't expected her night owl roommates to still be so awake.
"Xiao Xi, when are you coming back?"
When the results were out, Qiu Xi had already sent them photos.
She hadn't expected them to be concerned until now.
"I'm taking the car back tomorrow at noon."
"Alright, then we'll wait for you to come back to chat."
"..."
Wait, it was this late, and these three silly girls only called to ask this one question?
She couldn't understand it!
After thinking for a long time without any answers, and unable to sleep, she took out the photos taken that afternoon to look at.
She selected a few, retouched them, and sent them to Nan Hua and the teacher.
"Got it."
As soon as Yan Baitao received them, he immediately posted on his Moments, showing off his two outstanding students.
"Why aren't you sleeping yet?"
Looking at the photos sent, Nan Hua asked.
"Not sleepy. Hurry and give me the group photo, I want to see it."
Thinking that he had photos of the two of them together, Qiu Xi wanted to see them.
"Sure, sent it to you."
Nan Hua selected two photos he thought were good and sent them over.
"They're okay. Wait for me to retouch them, then I'll send them back to you."
For beautiful girls, she wouldn't allow herself to have unflattering photos, especially when they were in others' hands.
"Okay!"
Actually, he thought the original photos looked quite good, but Qiu Xi didn't think so.