"Sister Duan, what are you talking about? Should I join in too?"
Mao Jinyan, sitting next to Duan Siyin, peeked over, his eyes full of gossip.
She had heard everything the little girl had said just now. She was an interesting child.
No wonder the usually stoic Sister Duan could chat with someone with a smile.
The others, "......"
"Old Liu, I think you should wait a moment..."
The people in front had already started conversing. It looked like the next person to go on stage was coming up soon.
"That's fine, there's no rush. We can chat again later." Mao Jinyan's eyes narrowed into slits as he smiled, showing none of the composure expected of his age.
Qiu Xi, "......"
While these few were happily chatting, she felt like a small green vegetable in a farmer's market, being stared at.
Qiu Xi shook her head helplessly.
Things seemed a bit complicated. It was better not to think about it; it only caused more trouble.
......
"Alright, now we can continue our discussion!"
Mao Jinyan poked his head out, looking at the people next to him, still smiling.
"Little girl, what did you jot down this time? Tell me about it."
Qiu Xi, "......"
"If Senior is interested, you can take a look yourself."
As Qiu Xi spoke, she handed over the notebook she had by her side.
"Senior, if you don't mind, please."
"Mind what? I don't mind!"
"And you, stop calling me Senior. My name is Mao Jinyan. You can call me Brother Mao, Uncle Mao, Old Mao, whatever you like."
After all, names are meant to be called. As long as he acknowledged it, it was fine.
After Mao Jinyan finished speaking, Qiu Xi was stunned again.
This Mao... Uncle seemed to have quite a personality. He didn't sound like a serious... refined gentleman at all?
At least, it didn't match his appearance...
Qiu Xi glanced at Mao Jinyan and secretly formed a conclusion in her mind.
His appearance was refined and scholarly, but when he spoke, he had a bit of... chivalrous spirit about him.
"Okay, I'll do as you say, Uncle Mao."
She had already called Duan Siyin Aunt Duan earlier, so calling Mao Jinyan Uncle Mao was reasonable.
"Fine, Uncle Mao it is."
Though he would have preferred the younger generation to call him Brother Mao, or even Old Mao. That sounded so familiar!
"Let me take a look first, then I'll chat with you all."
As soon as he finished speaking, Mao Jinyan took the notebook Qiu Xi handed him and began to read.
It was written a bit messily, but the content wasn't extensive, so he could still read it clearly.
He had also heard what she said when the first person went up.
"Interesting~"
"You, little girl, have a rather sharp perspective on things!"
After finishing, Mao Jinyan opened his mouth with two exclamations.
Just by reading this notebook, he could probably figure out some of the content.
He just didn't know what exactly the little girl was thinking...
Duan Siyin, seeing Mao Jinyan smiling happily, took the notebook and glanced at it, nodding silently in her heart.
No wonder the trainees from this batch were of a different caliber. With a child like this around, the influence should be quite significant.
"Little Xi, come~"
"Tell me, Uncle Mao, what are your thoughts? Let's discuss them together."
Mao Jinyan was very enthusiastic, and Qiu Xi didn't refuse. She would definitely gain a lot from discussing these topics with a senior.
After all, chatting with people was a way to broaden one's horizons, especially with someone as knowledgeable as him.
"Uncle Mao, since you're willing, I have no problem with that."
She was happy to have someone to discuss with.
"Good!"
"Then let's chat while everyone else is discussing..."
The group sat there. Wang Yanyan simply listened, occasionally asking a small question if she encountered something interesting but didn't understand.
Or if everyone was having a lively discussion, she would jot down the question, planning to chat with Qiu Xi later.
Then there was Liu Qingxi. She listened and nodded frequently but spoke very little. Mostly, Mao Jinyan was the one talking, and occasionally Duan Siyin would chime in.
After the discussion, the atmosphere among them improved quite a bit.
"You're an interesting young girl. If you have time after the event, we can chat more."
"Okay." Qiu Xi nodded with a smile. "If I have time, I'll definitely chat with you, Uncle Mao."
After this chat, she greatly admired Mao Jinyan.
If she had the chance to chat and learn from him, it would be excellent.
"Alright!"
"Then, Fellow Daoist Qiu, we've agreed!"
After speaking, Mao Jinyan sat back down, a broad smile on his face.
Qiu Xi smiled and shook her head. This old uncle was truly an interesting person.
"Alright, let's continue," Duan Siyin said from the side. Although she hadn't said much, she already had her own thoughts.
......
The sharing session was extended because there were quite a few people who went up.
By the time it ended, it was an hour later than the originally planned conclusion for the morning.
They were supposed to have lunch and a break at 12 o'clock, but now it was 1 o'clock. It had indeed dragged on a bit.
"Alright, your work for the morning is done. Get ready to go out for lunch."
"Although the morning session ran an hour late, the afternoon schedule will proceed as planned. Don't forget the time!"
Liu Qingxi reminded Qiu Xi and the other girl, afraid they might make a mistake in the afternoon and not be on time.
"Sister Liu, don't worry, we've noted it down."
"Good, then go eat."
"Okay, goodbye, Sister Liu."
......