As the new year approached, the household grew even more lively.
On this day, Qiu Xi was busy decorating the main hall with her family, preparing for the New Year, when she was called by the trio in the group chat.
"What's the occasion today? Why are you three so organized?"
Qiu Xi found it quite interesting, looking at Song Daiyao and the other two on the screen.
After the holiday began, the four of them had been busy with their own activities, whether it was playing or studying. They rarely chatted like this, only occasionally posting in the group chat at night.
So, situations like today were relatively infrequent.
"Xiao Xi, I'm telling you, the clothes your aunt made and sent us have arrived."
"They're absolutely perfect!"
When Qiu Xi had mentioned sending clothes, she had already been a little impatient.
As soon as she received the clothes, she immediately tried them on and was incredibly pleased.
"Yeah! This craftsmanship is truly! Amazing!"
"We'll send you photos later, straight from the original camera!"
"That's true. Once school starts and the weather warms up, the four of us can go out for a photoshoot. These clothes are worth it."
It was rare to find clothes that were both suitable for everyday wear and for photoshoots!
And the most important thing was that they were so beautiful! That was the key point!
"..."
Qiu Xi watched the three of them chatter away.
Finally, the main point was that the clothes had arrived and they were good.
"You've been talking for ages, but why haven't the unedited photos come out yet?"
"..."
After all that boasting, they were just waiting for her to ask for photos.
"Alright, send them, send them!"
If she had known, she would have saved herself the trouble and sent the pictures directly.
"Send them quickly!"
Qiu Xi was somewhat curious about these clothes, which her mother had packaged directly without her even seeing them.
"Sent. Give us your thoughts after you've seen them."
"I feel like our pieces are much more interesting than yours."
"..."
Of course, that included the ingenuity of the younger generation!
Feeling proud, Qiu Xi clicked on the photos the others had just sent.
They looked similar when viewed without zooming in, but after Qiu Xi zoomed in, she noticed the subtle differences.
While the tailoring and design of each piece were unique, Qiu Xi realized that her mother, having gained experience, had become even more meticulous.
Setting aside the fabric, which was a result of her trip to the flower and bird market,
What was noteworthy was the small embroidery. Qiu Xi only discovered now that her mother also possessed this skill.
Regardless of the technique, the effect at least looked good.
She would have to ask her mother later when she learned this skill, as she hadn't heard a word about it.
"Xiao Xi, what do you think? Speak up!"
After waiting for a long time without a response, Song Daiyao, unable to contain herself, urged her on.
"Does that even need to be asked! Look at whose mother's craftsmanship it is!"
Qiu Xi understood, but she didn't say anything.
Since she was at home, getting another piece was just a matter of saying so.
In any case, her mother's skills were improving daily. At worst, she could take the design to her mother in person and ask for help.
"..."
"Boring!"
After all that talking, it felt like she had said nothing.
Xiao Xi was still the same, not exactly indifferent, but her expression didn't change.
"Alright, if there's nothing else, I'll go back to what I was doing."
Remembering the work she had left outside, Qiu Xi lost the desire to say more.
"No, please thank your aunt for us."
"Yes, if possible, we'd like a few more pieces."
"Yes, yes! In different styles."
"..."
So that's why they were talking so much, the real reason was still to come.
"I'll keep a note of it. For the specifics, you'll have to wait for my mother's news."
After all, Qiu Mama's business hadn't officially launched yet, and she wasn't very familiar with the specific details.
Perhaps after the new year, once she and Aunt Zhang had discussed it, there would be results.
"It's okay, we're not in a hurry. We can take our time."
"Mm-hmm."
Indeed, there was no rush. The reason they wanted the clothes was that they found Auntie's creations to have a unique charm, though they couldn't quite describe it.
Branded clothes all looked the same after a while, so why were they so expensive? Wasn't it just because they were a famous brand!
"Okay, that's all for now then."
"Mm-hmm, bye-bye."
After hanging up the call, Qiu Xi went out.
As soon as she came out, she pulled her mother and described what had happened, finally conveying the wishes of the three.
"Xiao Xi, your roommates are quite interesting."
After hearing the story, Qiu Mama grew even fonder of her daughter's roommates.
"It's a good idea, but we'll have to wait until after the new year."
She and Zhang Xiu had agreed to officially start after the new year.
Just the two of them, they planned to take it slow, see how things went later, and if it went well, they would contact a factory.
As for hiring staff, she hadn't thought about it yet, but her younger sister had expressed interest a few days ago, so she'd ask her then.
"Mom, I'm just mentioning it. This matter depends on you. Don't rush."
"Why would your mother be in a hurry? With you here, I don't lack money."
Qiu Mama said this with great happiness on her face.
"Mm."
Qiu Xi felt it was wonderful that her parents were now in a state of leisure, occasionally pursuing their hobbies for retirement.
"Alright, hurry up and tidy up. If we delay any longer, it'll be the New Year."
...
Time flew by, and it was soon the New Year.
What was different about the Qiu household this year was that it was the first time they were celebrating the New Year in the renovated old house.
It was decorated with lanterns and streamers, full of festive spirit.
And to the joy of the elder Qiu couple, their eldest son, Qiu Jue, and his daughter, Qiu Xin, had also moved back.
When the elderly couple had first looked at the house, they had already considered this entire family.
Unfortunately, after each of them had established their careers and families, they had moved out, leaving the elderly couple alone.
Now that the whole family could reunite, the elderly couple was naturally overjoyed.
"Big Brother, it's better to stay at home."
"That's true."
"Then why were you unwilling to come back at first?"
"There were difficulties back then."
Thinking back to those days, how could he have dared to return?
"It's okay, it's all in the past."
Saying this, Dad Qiu patted his elder brother's shoulder.
For over twenty years, it was all thanks to that detestable, troublesome woman.
Not only did she commit those dirty deeds, but she also embezzled a large sum of money from the family and left.
At that time, their entire family was poor. His brother adamantly refused to return, and he wandered south and north alone, raising Qiu Xin.
Now he was considered honorably retired. Qiu Xin had been doing well in recent years, but she was not concerned about settling down.
"That's right, I'm home to retire."
He hadn't planned to, but his brother insisted that their parents were old and missed him dearly. Since the conditions were now favorable, he decided to spend more time with the elders.
Thinking about it, he was right.
Coincidentally, his daughter's job transfer had been approved. After discussion, he followed his daughter's advice, split the renovation costs with his brother's family, and moved back from the neighboring city.
There was a bit of a dispute when the money was paid, which was resolved with the help of the elderly couple.
"Uncle, you should do just that! Stay here and rest well. Later, when you have free time, take Dad, Grandpa, and Grandma out for a stroll."
Qiu Xi, who had come out at some point and overheard the conversation, finally interjected.
"Okay, I'll listen to Xiao Xi."
"Mm-hmm."
Qiu Xi looked at her uncle with a lot of emotion.
Their family's relatives were simple, just these few connections.
Since childhood, her uncle had doted on her. Although they only met once or twice a year, he never forgot to bring her gifts and took them out to play whenever he had free time.
As she grew up, even her cousin Qiu Xin treated her exceptionally well.
Therefore, she was one hundred percent in agreement with their decision to move back and live together.
When she heard the news a few days ago, she had actively helped with the preparations for a long time!