The next day, the four of them spent the entire day outside.
Around four or five in the afternoon, Qiu Xi decided it was time to go home.
"Alright, I'm heading back. You all should head back too."
Qiu Xi hadn't expected that her casual inquiry would lead to her carrying a pile of things back home before she even got to ask...
"Okay~ Be careful on your way back, Xiao Xi~"
"...Okay..."
She would take her time going back...
After saying goodbye to the other three, Qiu Xi left with her load of items.
...
"I'm back!"
When Qiu Xi, the main person, returned with a large pile of things, she immediately drew attention.
"Xiao Xi, what are you carrying?"
"We don't lack anything at home, why did you bring this back?"
"......"
Qiu Xi was a little helpless, "I didn't want to buy these..."
After putting the things down, Qiu Xi briefly explained to her family members.
"That's fine. We're only halfway through the preparations, and Teacher Ding and the others haven't arrived yet. You can chat with them when they get here."
Upon learning that it was an important matter for the children, the adults didn't say much more. Instead, they turned to Qiu Xi and gave her detailed instructions.
"Alright~ I know, you all go ahead and be busy. I need to tidy up."
"Okay, you tidy up. They'll be here any moment. You entertain them."
"Okay~"
When Qiu Xi finished tidying up and came downstairs, not only Teacher Ding and the others had arrived, but Nan Hua had also brought Grandpa Nan. Everyone, except for those cooking, was gathered around chatting.
"Grandpa Nan, Teacher Ding, you're here~"
"Oh~"
"This is great, with both of you here, we can offer our congratulations properly~" Grandma Qiu said, her eyes crinkling as she looked at the two youngsters.
"Grandma Qiu, I'll accept your well wishes then~"
Nan Hua naturally knew the other person she was referring to was him, and he accepted them openly.
"Good~"
"You child, what are you being modest about!"
Grandma Qiu truly liked this child, Nan Hua, more and more.
Now, she treated him almost as much as she treated Qiu Ge.
However, it was also due to Nan Hua's own efforts; he had spent a significant amount of time here during the past summer vacation.
He probably spent less time at home than he did at the Qiu family's.
"Xiao Xi, come here~"
Grandpa Nan, standing nearby, was not to be outdone and waved vigorously at Qiu Xi, who was not far away.
He liked this child, Xiao Xi, too!
Moreover, she was the little disciple of that old fellow Du Bin, making their connection even closer. Seeing her made him smile with joy.
Qiu Xi saw this and strode over, "Grandpa Nan, after so long, you look even more energetic and handsome~"
"Hahahahaha~"
"I knew it, it's you, girl, who knows how to speak!"
A single sentence could make someone incredibly happy.
"Cough cough~"
With a gentle reminder, Qiu Xi immediately reacted. Without thinking, she turned and said, "And Teacher Ding, you too~ I'll have something to ask you about later~"
"Mmm~ Just ask me directly. With our current relationship as father and son, you don't need to be so formal~"
"......"
Teacher Ding Yujing's remark, however, earned him subtle hints of disapproval and eye-rolls from the surrounding crowd.
"This old man! He even has to quibble about this~"
This was a subtly uttered remark of disdain from Ge Jiaojie.
Ding Yujing, "......"
As long as he stood his ground, these things were not a problem!
"Alright, Xiao Xi, if you have something to discuss, talk with Teacher Ding and the others first. We'll go and help out."
"Okay~"
After they left, only Qiu Xi, Teacher Ding, and Du Bin remained.
Nan Hua, with Grandpa Nan, also went to join the hustle and bustle and lend a hand.
"Master, Teacher Ding, why don't we finish our discussion first, and then we can all go together?"
Qiu Xi probably understood; leaving her, her master, and Teacher Ding alone meant they could finish their discussion early and then go together.
"Alright, let's talk first then."
It wasn't a difficult matter, and discussing opinions was acceptable.
"Go ahead, tell me what the young ladies are thinking."
As Teacher Ding Yujing began, Qiu Xi took out the small note from her pocket.
"Teacher Ding, take a look." Passing the item over, Qiu Xi added, "Shen Yan plans to talk to Teacher Fan Yiqi first; Song Daiyao wants to find Teacher Kong, Kong Xiangxi; and Liang Yunfei wants to contact Shang Mingjie, Teacher Shang, first."
"......"
"Each of you is more capable than the last..."
After reading the small note in his hand, hearing Qiu Xi's words, Teacher Ding Yujing was a little surprised.
Looking at these individuals, putting aside Qiu Xi's own situation.
This Shang Mingjie, in his early fifties, was known for his stern temper in the institute and held his students to very high standards.
Next, this Kong Xiangxi, a gentle teacher, was notoriously demanding and paid great attention to detail.
Finally, this Fan Yiqi was the youngest among them, exceptionally good-looking, and as everyone put it, a solid academic powerhouse, not to be underestimated.
"Xiao Xi, you children have done an excellent job. I have no other suggestions."
"It's just that for Young Liang and Young Shen, I feel it might be good to consider switching them."
Teacher Ding Yujing thought for a moment and then analyzed for Qiu Xi, "Regarding Young Liang's situation, you've already told me. This child is busy with your and Xi Guang's careers, so choosing Teacher Fan would be a good match."
"Young people, it's good to have some ideas. Following her, she can learn a lot of new things."
"Although Young Shen is a bit lively at times, she is also steady. She'd get along a bit better with that old man Shang Mingjie."
"This way, Young Shen will also have enough time to handle her mentor, which is also good."
After Teacher Ding Yujing spoke for quite a while, Qiu Xi pondered it.
She thought it did make sense after all...