"Teacher Ding, what you said does seem to have some truth to it..."
"But the ranking difference between them is quite significant..."
One at the bottom, and the other in the top few. It wasn't that Qiu Xi was overthinking things; this was also a concern for them, especially Shen Yan...
"Xiao Xi, I have to say something about you!"
Ding Yujing glanced at Qiu Xi and then spoke, "You all earned your spots based on your own abilities, which is already a big step forward. What's the harm in trying?"
"I actually think that by trying, you might even find a pleasant surprise~"
"Okay, then I'll listen to you, Teacher. I'll talk to them when we get back."
To be fair, there was some logic to it. She would discuss it with them when they returned. What they decided to do then would be up to them.
"Alright, that's settled then. For the children's matters, it's ultimately up to them."
As children grow older, they develop their own ideas. Those of us who are older can only offer advice.
Qiu Xi nodded. "Okay~"
"Then you chat with Master, and I'll go help out."
Having asked what she needed to ask, she decided to go join the fun.
"Go ahead."
After saying that, Qiu Xi slipped away, leaving Ding Yujing and Du Bin to continue their conversation. wap.kanshu伍.net
"Old Du, have you started the plans for Xiao Xi's future that we discussed?"
Once the young lady left, Ding Yujing inquired.
"It's not that fast. Xiao Xi's internship isn't over yet. We plan to start after her internship concludes."
"Besides, they've been busy with these interviews recently, so they have even less time."
"That's true..."
"In that case, our preparations after the New Year will get quite busy, won't they?"
Before the children graduate, there's still an international exchange event. While not exceptionally important, it still warrants several reminders.
"Mhm... but there's no other way. What needs to be practiced must be practiced."
It was something decided long ago, and they had to do it well.
"But there's no need to worry. Xiao Xi's level is already good enough; there shouldn't be much of a problem."
Du Bin nodded. "You're right. I was wondering if something might be wrong with Xiao Xi."
It was just for an exchange study. As long as she didn't encounter any strange people, she would perform steadily.
Even if she did, he believed that with her sharp tongue, there wouldn't be any major issues.
"That's true, Xiao Xi is capable."
"Mhm, so we should focus on what to eat now and put other things aside for the moment."
"Okay."
...
When Qiu Xi went to join the commotion, she found that everyone except her father was busy outside.
The elders chatted while prepping vegetables, and the young people did the heavy lifting. Not a single person was idle.
"Dad, should I help?" After wandering around all day, Qiu Xi realized the kitchen was the only place for her.
Qiu's father glanced at his daughter and casually said, "Xiao Xi, if you want to help, do it here. If you don't, then go stay outside."
Qiu's father doted on his daughter immensely. If she didn't want to do this small task, he didn't want her to come, lest it hurt her hands.
As soon as Qiu's father finished speaking, the group of grandmothers sitting outside chimed in.
"Xiao Xi, why don't you just stop and wait outside? We'll be quick, and we'll come out to chat with you soon."
"Mhm, your grandmothers have a point. If you really don't want to, you can just sit there and listen to us chat, or join in the conversation for a bit."
...
"..." After several such remarks, Qiu Xi found herself amused and exasperated.
If she didn't know her own cooking skills, she would have started to wonder if everyone thought her culinary abilities were lacking...
"Grandmas, it's fine, I'm okay~"
"Besides, I can chat with you all while I'm in here."
Qiu Xi smiled. "I'll stay in here. Just chat with me from time to time."
"Hahaha~"
"Since you like it, child, then so be it!"
"We'll just sit here outside and chat like this."
The smiles on the three grandmothers' faces were exceptionally evident, and they spoke with cheerful expressions.
...
"Brother Hua, look at my sister's status. Aren't you worried?"
It was Qiu Ge, speaking in a somber tone, then quietly whispering to Nan Hua.
"Worried? What's there to be worried about!"
"I've long since accepted it. Xi Xi is like this at my home too..."
"Uh..." Nan Hua's response instantly rendered Qiu Ge speechless.
So Brother Hua was in a similar situation as him...
He had even hoped that his brother-in-law would allow him to "swagger around" for a while...
Turns out, it was all wishful thinking!
"...Alright, Brother Hua, you should cherish these present moments!"
Nan Hua, "..."
What was the meaning behind that earnest tone?
"Little Ge, you're overthinking it. Your sister treats me and you quite differently."
Qiu Ge, "..."
Was he really that insignificant?
It couldn't be... right?
Qiu Ge stood there, holding a large scallion, lost in thought for a good while.
"Qiu Ge!"
"This water is overflowing. What are you doing? Preparing for a bath?"
Qiu's father's shout snapped Qiu Ge back to reality.
"Ah... oh!" He immediately turned off the water.
"You're already such a big boy, yet you're still so careless. Look at Brother Hua next to you..."
"Truly!"
"It's one thing that you don't look as good as him, but to be outdone in doing this simple task too..."
Qiu's father's teasing words made Qiu Ge roll his eyes again.
Despite being trained since childhood, if it were someone else, they might already be filled with grievances.
It was only him, with his robust heart, who could withstand the pressure!
That's right!
Withstand the pressure!
"Uncle, please don't say that. Little Ge is actually quite reliable. We were just chatting a moment ago."
Nan Hua said this with a smile, covering for Qiu Ge.
"Little Hua, it's only you who covers for him..."
"Qiu Ge, get back to work properly!"
Qiu Ge gave his father a look, then turned to Nan Hua. "Brother Hua, it has to be you, you're amazing!"
"Regarding you and my sister, I've now approved of your relationship one step further!"
Nan Hua's lips curved into a shallow smile. "Mhm, it's all minor matters."
Indeed, his relationship with Xi Xi was the major matter!
"......"
Later, Grandpa Nan, who had arrived not long ago, stared at his grandson for a long time, then cast a subtle, pitying glance at Qiu Ge opposite him.
My child~ Your Brother Hua was already pulling strings when you were likely not even born yet... kΑnshu伍.ξà
Nan Shan watched for a while, then shook his head and wandered off to the side.
He worked alongside everyone, occasionally glancing at the two young men.
The more he looked, the more he found it interesting.
How could there be such a pure-hearted child?
...
At this moment, the Nan grandfather and grandson, who believed they had seen through the situation, failed to notice the fleeting glance in Qiu Ge's eyes.
Don't think I'm stupid; it's all an act!
(Family hierarchy doesn't necessarily mean being an outsider!)