"Xiao Xi, why are you home so early today?"
Du Bin was quite surprised to see her arrive home so early in the afternoon.
He hadn't seen her return this early since she took on that temporary assignment.
Her early return today was truly a bit surprising.
Especially since she had mentioned planning to work overtime again the day before yesterday and wasn't even going to attend classes. Today, it was odd that she was back so early.
"Master!" Qiu Xi was happy to see him and exclaimed.
"We can have our normal class soon!"
"Mhm, you don't have to work overtime today?"
"We've caught up with the overtime work with my colleagues, so we can have our normal class today," Qiu Xi explained.
Because of this overtime work, she hadn't been able to attend classes properly for the past two days. Today, she could finally continue her lessons with her master.
Du Bin nodded. "Mhm, since that's the case, you go rest for a bit, and we'll continue with our class shortly."
"Okay~ See you later, Master."
It was still early; there might even be extra time after class.
"Mhm, go ahead."
Once Qiu Xi was out of sight, Du Bin saw her leave to prepare.
It had been two days since her last class, so a proper assessment would be needed to resume. He also needed to sort out what content the upcoming classes would cover.
After resting for about ten minutes, Qiu Xi went downstairs to find her master.
"..."
"Time is almost up. We'll end today's class here. We'll continue tomorrow."
Du Bin had a clear understanding. The children were free for the next two days, so he didn't teach too much at once. Instead, he chose to let them rest well and practice more on their own.
"Mhm, I'll listen to Master," Qiu Xi nodded.
"Right, it's almost the New Year. You should plan with your family how you want to spend this year's New Year..."
They had gone back last year. This year, everyone was basically present. He and his wife could spend it anywhere. Perhaps they would go back to the old place to do some sweeping...
"Mhm, I know. I'll talk to my family these days when I have time."
She had almost forgotten with how busy she had been. New Year was just around the corner.
"Master, what are your and Grandma Li's plans?"
Although Master and Grandma Li were living with them now, New Year was still New Year. They must have some thoughts.
"Your Grandma Li and I have discussed it the past couple of days. We'll go with you. If you go back, we'll go together. If not, your Grandma Li and I plan to go back to our old house to sweep in a few days and have a simple New Year."
"Mhm..." Qiu Xi paused.
"Master, I'll think about it. If we go back, we'll go back together."
Master and Grandma Li had come because of her. Otherwise, they might be enjoying their retirement at home right now.
Thinking about this, Qiu Xi had some thoughts. If there was nothing else, it would be best to go back. Her uncle was still at home, and it would be good to have a family reunion.
"Mhm, it's up to you. Just let us old folks know if you decide anything."
They kept informed at home. Everything else was fine, except for this little disciple's mother, who was still busy. The two women were busy every day, and even the older ones in the family were busy with them...
It was only the two old men here who would occasionally boss around Qiu Dad, who seemed to be idle...
"Okay, I know. I'll definitely tell you if there are any changes."
"Mhm..."
"If there's nothing else, you go and attend to your business first. If you have any problems, just tell me again."
"Okay..."
...
In the evening, after dinner-
Although the weather had turned cold, the room was exceptionally warm.
Since they had just finished dinner, it was a good time for a post-meal rest.
After getting up from the dinner table, Qiu Xi pulled her family to sit on the sofa and have some tea.
"Xiao Xi, why are you pulling us all together to rest today?"
She used to be someone who, as soon as she finished a meal, would rush back to her room to work. It wasn't surprising that everyone was curious about her sudden leisure.
"I finished being busy these past couple of days, and now that I finally have some free time, I thought I'd chat with you all~"
It had been a long time since they had chatted together, and she missed it!
"This is rare!" Qiu Dad smiled. "Come on, let's chat. Anything interesting?"
Qiu Dad was truly idle. He had been thinking about expanding his hobbies in his spare time recently.
"Dad, looking at me day after day, do I seem like someone who can uncover interesting things?" Qiu Xi glanced at her dad.
"..." Qiu Dad was a little speechless.
This girl left early and seemed to return early. After returning, she still had to attend classes with Master Du. She really didn't seem like it...
"Then why are you bringing this up? It's not interesting... Little Pigeon isn't here either... It's almost New Year, and I don't know what..."
"Dad, you've hit the nail on the head!" Qiu Xi smiled and looked at her dad. "Now that everyone is here, we can chat about the New Year."
"What do you want to talk about? Buying New Year's goods, what to eat, or how you want to spend it?" Qiu Dad rattled off several possibilities.
"..."
"Dad, before we talk about that, shouldn't we first discuss where we'll spend New Year?"
"Is there even a need to discuss this!" Qiu Dad shook his head. "Of course, we're going back to Jinhai City!"
There weren't many of them, and this was the first year. They should go back there to celebrate.
Besides, they had the means now, so if they could go back, they should. This wasn't an issue at all.
Qiu Xi nodded. She thought the same way...
"Mom, Grandpa, Grandma, what about you?"
Qiu Mom was sitting on the sofa, looking at her design drafts, seemingly a bit distracted...
However, when Qiu Xi spoke, Qiu Grandpa and Qiu Grandma's eyes lit up.
Being elderly, they naturally wanted to go back if they could...
So, when their granddaughter looked at them, they nodded without hesitation.
"That's good~"
This is good...
Seeing the smiles on their faces, Qiu Xi also nodded inwardly.
Since that was the case, they would go back.
"Mom, are we planning to go back for New Year this year then?" Qiu Xi glanced at Qiu Mom, who was busy beside her.
"Sure, we'll go with whatever you decide," Qiu Mom nodded, having no objections.
Qiu Xi's gaze swept around, and she finally settled on a decision.
"Then we'll plan to go back for New Year this year!"
"I'll book your tickets for you these next couple of days. You all go back first, and I'll return immediately after I finish my work here."
Once the decision was made, Qiu Xi had already figured out the subsequent arrangements.
They would need to rest and organize upon their return. Since there was nothing much left to do here, it would be better to go back early to avoid being rushed and tired.
"Mom, what do you guys decide?" After speaking, Qiu Xi looked around to see everyone's thoughts.
"I have no problem! We can go anytime," Qiu Dad nodded.
"We're the same. We're ready."
Another year was ending, and they had been thinking of going back for a long time.
"Okay, then I'll show you the tickets now, how about it?"
Since she had time, it was good to buy them early.
"Sure!"
"Xiao Xi, you just pick them. If you buy them, we'll start packing right after."
"Mhm," Qiu Xi nodded and then picked up her phone to look.
"Can we go back next week?" Qiu Xi asked casually as she browsed the flights.
This year's New Year was later, in early February. Even if they went back next week, they would still have some time upon arrival.
"Sure, when next week?"
Qiu Xi glanced at her phone. "Next Wednesday."
"Mhm, okay."
Today was Thursday, so there was still time.
"So, it's settled then? Flights for Wednesday noon next week. If there are no problems, I'll buy them?" Qiu Xi confirmed again.
After looking at each other back and forth for a while, they finally nodded.
"Yes, let's go with that time."
"Okay, then I'll buy them." Qiu Xi operated her phone, nodding subconsciously in response as she booked the tickets.
"Alright!"
"You buy them."
"..."