"When are your tickets for? I'll come see you off."
Speaking of which, he was able to get out today thanks to Xixi; otherwise, the old man probably wouldn't have let him go.
When he received the news, he had only seen her message saying she was preparing to return to Jinhai City for the New Year. He hadn't even had a chance to ask for details yet.
The main reason was that Qiu Xi's decision was made so quickly. Before this, he thought they would be staying here for the New Year. After all, her family members had been in Chongxi City for the entire year.
"The tickets are for early in the morning, so you don't need to rush over. My brother will take both of us," Qiu Xi explained to him.
This time, only she and Xiao Gezi were going back. Xu Xuanming would likely be delayed for about another week due to company matters, so they had discussed it and decided to let her and Qiu Ge go back first.
"Why buy such early tickets?" Nan Hua reached out and squeezed the girl's small hand.
"We discussed it with the family. This flight is convenient for picking us up, and they think arriving a bit earlier is safer..."
"Alright... then it's fine," Nan Hua said, nodding helplessly after listening.
"I thought you were going to spend the New Year here today..."
"We did have that idea initially, but after the family talked it over, we decided to go back."
"Besides, Grandma Li and the others have been here for over a year, so it's good to go back and visit them at the end of the year."
"Yes, it's very good, but my grandfather will start complaining again then!"
"A few years ago, he kept mentioning getting together with Grandpa Du. Now that it's finally possible, and at this crucial moment, the person is going back. If he finds out, the house will probably be filled with his complaints."
If he remembered correctly, the last time he went home, his grandfather was already arranging things...
"This... I'll have my master call Grandpa Nan then!"
"Hmm..."
This should be acceptable, he thought. When he couldn't find anyone before, he just wished he could contact them. Later, he did, but Grandpa Du wasn't very keen on keeping in touch, so he would occasionally visit on behalf of his grandfather.
If Grandpa Du were willing to chat with the old man in his family, it shouldn't be a big problem.
"Alright~ Anyway, we'll be back right after the New Year. We have a lot of things to do, so we won't be staying there for more than a few days," Qiu Xi shook her head.
She understood this.
Apart from the elders in the family, everyone else had things to do. And these elders didn't include her master.
Her master was very busy... though her busy schedule was all about him...
The most important thing was probably urging her to prepare for the international exchange meeting.
"I know," Nan Hua gently shook his head.
"Let's go. We still have time today, so let's go for a stroll."
As for other matters, they would naturally find a way to deal with them when the time came.
"Okay~"
With that, Qiu Xi linked her arm with Nan Hua's and walked forward.
...
Three days later-
"Xiao Gezi, are you ready?"
"..." Qiu Ge, who had been comfortably settled on the sofa downstairs for a while.
"Sister... can't you see a grown man like me here?"
He had been waiting here early, alright?
It was just her running up and down...
"Hehe..." Qiu Xi's eyes darted around, and she awkwardly touched her nose.
"Well... since you're ready, let's go."
She was used to calling out, she hadn't noticed him at all just now...
"Let's go," Qiu Ge said, holding his head high and pulling out a suitcase with each hand.
"Brother, my sister is done dawdling, we can get ready to go."
Qiu Xi, "..."
"Xiao Xi, get in the car, don't delay the time,"
Xu Xuanming greeted Qiu Xi with a smile.
As for his younger cousin, who had already sat down, he was already starting to worry for him.
Did he not understand his sister's personality? He was still complaining about her right in front of her. If she didn't get revenge for that, then she wouldn't be Qiu Xi.
"Okay, thank you for your trouble, Brother."
"Mm, it's a small matter."
"Brother, remember to call me when you come back, and I'll pick you up then."
On the way, Qiu Xi remembered that Xu Xuanming would also be going back soon, so she brought it up.
"We'll see. I might drive back then."
Several of his brothers were still here and hadn't gone back yet. It would be good to go together, and they could take turns driving so as not to get tired.
"Mm, that's fine too," Qiu Xi nodded.
"Oh, right. The company was doing accounting recently, so the money for you should arrive soon. Remember to keep an eye out," Xu Xuanming suddenly recalled the busy month of December for the finance department and mentioned the money to her.
"Mm, got it," Qiu Xi nodded casually.
Qiu Ge, "..."
He was just a prop, and a well-behaved prop at that...
All the way to the airport, Qiu Ge hadn't said a single word. He just listened to his sister and brother chat.
When he found a topic he was interested in, before he could even open his mouth, his sister would pull him away...
The short ten-minute drive felt like a "long journey" to him.
This amount of time wasn't even enough to play a game, yet he sat there feeling like every second was an eternity.
"We're here."
"I think the time is about right. You two shouldn't have to wait long after you go in and get everything done." Xu Xuanming placed their luggage.
"There are many people, remember to be safe."
"Send me a message when you arrive safely."
"Got it!"
"Brother, you're quite the nag, just like my mom..."
Xu Xuanming, "..."
This cousin?
He's unlovable!
"Alright, hurry up and go in."
After all, someone would deal with him...
With that, Xu Xuanming watched the two of them walk in from a distance. After confirming there were no other issues, he drove away.
...
"Xiao Xi~"
"Here!"
In the most conspicuous spot, the person wearing a brightly floral jacket was truly striking.
"Pfft~"
"Dad, why are you dressed like that?" Qiu Ge laughed heartily, his eyes showing a look of amusement at his foolish father.
"This is called trendy!"
"What do you know!"
"Xiao Xi, what do you think?" Qiu Dad looked at his daughter.
Although he was indeed smiling a little, Qiu Xi held back her laughter.
She pulled her dad's sleeve and began to praise him, "Isn't it! The most fashionable person in the entire plaza~"
"I knew it~"
"Let's go! I'll take you home!"
Qiu Ge, "..."
"Dad, I also think you're very fashionable!"
Qiu Ge, who was walking behind, came up and praised him immediately.
"..."
Qiu Dad glanced at him, "You... you're too late!"
Qiu Ge, "???"
Did they have to check the calendar even for flattering people in their family now?
Following behind, Qiu Ge returned home with a dejected look.