The next day, at the entrance of the base—
"That's all the way I'll be seeing you off. May we meet again if fate allows."
"May we meet again~"
...
"Xiao Xi, shall the four of us have a meal together before we head back?" Qiu Xi asked Zhao Mu Chu and the other two, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.
At this hour, it seemed a bit early. Although they had been on the road for over two hours, it wasn't quite mealtime yet.
"Yeah, isn't this perfect timing? That's exactly why I wanted to ask you," the three nodded.
Qiu Xi looked at them for a while before nodding, "Alright, then let's have a light meal before we go."
"Great!"
"My treat!"
"The three of you can't refuse. Consider it my thanks for your help during this period." Gu Rou, upon hearing Qiu Xi agree, immediately and eagerly spoke up.
In the beginning, she knew her own personality well, and others didn't quite welcome her. It was Qiu Xi who helped her. Later, Zhao Mu Chu and Wang Yan Yan arrived, and she was truly grateful. Her biggest gain from coming to this training base was meeting these three people.
"Gu Rou, you snatched it before I could!"
"I should be the one treating!" Wang Yan Yan immediately protested upon hearing Gu Rou's words. Among the four, her skill level was the lowest. Initially, Chu Chu guided her, and later Qiu Xi and Gu Rou arrived. These two also helped her immensely, especially Qiu Xi; this activity would have been impossible without her leading the way. Therefore, this meal should rightfully be her treat.
"You two, stop arguing. I'll treat this meal then." Zhao Mu Chu stepped forward. Her greatest joy from this trip was meeting these three. She had truly learned a lot, not just in terms of knowledge, but also in how to handle affairs and communicate with people. Being able to make these three friends was a stroke of luck.
"..." Qiu Xi shook her head helplessly. Why were they so enthusiastic about treating? It was just her good fortune; these were friends worth befriending.
"Alright!"
"You two, stop quarreling. I'll be treating this meal. Consider it my thanks for your meals previously." Qiu Xi said to the lively bickering group.
"Xiao Xi?"
"How can that be!"
"This won't do! It must be the three of us."
Treating Qiu Xi to meals was what they should have done, though she hadn't been entirely pleased at the time. With that, the three started arguing again.
Qiu Xi: "..."
"How about we just go Dutch? If that's still not agreeable, then we might not get to eat this meal at all." This was Qiu Xi's suggestion, with a hint of threat audible in her voice.
The three: "..."
"Okay, then we'll do as Xiao Xi says."
"Mm..."
In the end, after much argument, the four decided to go Dutch. The meal didn't take long, and the four finished it.
"… We four must keep in touch more often~" Gu Rou felt a bit sentimental, having made such good friends here. She didn't want to rely on fate to meet again; she preferred to meet whenever they wished! If everyone believed that destiny was predetermined, she might never encounter the fate she desired in her life. Therefore, sometimes one had to take the initiative. Just like coming to this training base, it was something she had sought out herself. And in the end, it proved that she had indeed gained something. Gu Rou's words were met with agreement from Qiu Xi and the other two.
"Yes, okay~"
"Alright!"
"It's a deal."
...
Upon returning from the base, Qiu Xi followed Teacher Jin's instructions and sent out the sharing draft that Teacher Jin wanted within a day. Seeing the reply at that moment, Qiu Xi felt truly relieved. The learning that had spanned several months was now truly concluded.