The entire family, from the oldest to the youngest, was stunned into silence.
After a long pause, Mom Qiu finally managed to speak, "Xiao Xi, are you sure you're not kidding us?"
"Or did something happen to you outside? You can tell us."
Qiu Xi found it both amusing and exasperating that her words had completely baffled her family.
"Mom, what are you talking about!"
"You know your daughter, I have money."
Mom Qiu nodded repeatedly, "We know, we know."
How could she not know? She had even specifically encouraged Dad Qiu to visit the school about this matter back then.
But knowing was one thing, and she still couldn't quite grasp the fact that her daughter was so wealthy now, buying not just one but two houses.
Considering the property prices in Chongxi City, where every inch of land was precious, it wasn't an easy feat!
While everyone was still in shock, Qiu Ge chimed in, "Sis, tell me how you earned it, so I can learn too."
Having quickly accepted the reality, Qiu Ge felt a twinge of envy.
His sister was already the family's financier in her first year of university, while he was still "begging for a living"...
So now he had to get ahead of the curve!
However, as soon as he spoke, his mother shooed him away.
"You, kid, go on, we adults haven't finished talking yet."
Mom Qiu had just finished processing the news when she saw her son eagerly approaching.
Finding him bothersome, she raised her hand and delivered a classic parental pat.
"..."
Qiu Ge squatted to the side, feeling truly pitiful and helpless. In the end, he could only watch himself, remaining silent.
But he planned to approach his sister for advice as soon as she was free.
After all, you shouldn't go against money!
Especially not when it was his own sister!
Even if he couldn't get a house, getting some snacks was still good.
"Xiao Xi, tell us more about these two houses."
Mom Qiu conceded; her daughter had already bought them anyway.
"Mom, both of these are villas, and they're close to each other. I don't really know how to describe them specifically. Perhaps you can bring everyone to see them sometime?"
"Oh! Right!"
"I also bought a small one outside the school, just enough for two people to live in."
Qiu Xi suddenly remembered the small house outside the school that she had almost forgotten.
She had only visited it twice since buying it, and it wasn't meant for the whole family to live in, so it didn't really register. She had completely put it out of her mind when talking about the important matters earlier.
"..."
The family was now completely speechless.
Two houses were one thing! But two villas!
Although they didn't know how large they were, everyone's mind was filled with thoughts of money.
Before they could even finish processing that, another sum of money joined the calculation...
This girl was determined not to stop until they were completely stunned!
"Girl, you need to give us old folks a moment to breathe, let us have some water first..."
Grandpa Qiu and Grandma Qiu felt their legs go weak upon hearing all this. They supported each other as they sat down, grabbed the water they had just brought out, and started drinking.
However, their movements were rather mechanical...
"Dad, Mom, Uncle... Little Ge!"
Qiu Xi turned to look at the others, hoping for some response.
"Little niece, your Uncle's brain hasn't quite caught up yet, so I'll just join your grandpa and grandma in having some water first."
Uncle's response was indeed a response, but it wasn't what Qiu Xi was looking for.
After going around, Qiu Xi also joined the line and sat down to drink water...
Letting everyone calm down first.
...
Mom Qiu finally managed to compose herself with great difficulty. "Xi, what are you telling us all this for?"
"Mom, I just wanted to ask if you'd like to visit occasionally and liven the place up, or we could all move there as a family."
The latter part was Qiu Xi's own little wish, but she knew it was unlikely.
One returns to their roots. Now that they had the means and lived comfortably here, a complete family relocation was indeed unlikely. At most, they might stay for a while.
However, Qiu Xi's future studies and work would likely keep her in Chongxi City, so the houses were necessary.
Furthermore, if things went as expected, Qiu Ge would probably also go to Chongxi City in the future.
"That won't do, we're all going to retire here!"
As expected, Grandpa Qiu was the first to speak.
After a lifetime of hard work, the elderly man only wished to spend his twilight years in this small plot of land.
Of course, having his children and grandchildren around would be the ultimate fulfillment.
Even Dad Qiu and Mom Qiu echoed, "Yes, what your grandfather said is right."
"I knew this would happen, which is why I suggested you visit there occasionally, perhaps for a month or two before returning."
"Moreover, the places have yards, so you can grow flowers and vegetables, it won't be boring."
"Coincidentally, Master and Grandma Li will also be there in the next year or two, so you can think of it as a vacation."
Qiu Xi tried her best to persuade her family.
"That's possible..."
With Qiu Xi's persuasion, everyone seemed to have no objections.
However, Uncle Qiu had his reservations, "I'll stay here. Guarding this small courtyard is also quite good."
As the elder uncle of his younger brother's family, it felt somewhat inappropriate for him to go along.
"Uncle!"
"We're family, no need for formalities. Besides, you're helping Mom with the work now. Money aside, even if it's just room and board, you should come along."
It wasn't that Qiu Xi was being overly saintly or scattering her kindness. Her Uncle and Cousin Qiu Xin had treated her exceptionally well since she was young.
They had been nothing but supportive to her family. When they were poor, Uncle's family, with only Xin sister, had helped their family quite a bit.
"Brother! Your niece is right!"
"Mom and Dad are still with us, and you have to go to serve them too."
Uncle Qiu hesitated, "This..."
"You silly fellow, you weren't smart as a child, and now in your old age, your mind hasn't changed a bit."
Just as he hesitated, Uncle Qiu received a scolding from Grandma Qiu.
"Your niece is looking out for you, and for us old folks. Now that Xiao Xin is busy elsewhere, you can't be a burden. When we go, you'll go with us, and come back together."
"Alright..."
"Then I'll shamelessly tag along."
Having made up his mind, Qiu Jue, without any of his earlier hesitation, became remarkably hearty.
And so, the matter was definitively settled by Grandma Qiu.
Finally, Grandpa Qiu concluded, "Alright, then that's how it is."
Although Grandpa Qiu's expression was stern, he was smiling inwardly.
He never imagined that in his grandchildren's generation, their old Qiu family would be living in villas. They were truly blessed!
With this thought, Grandpa Qiu took Grandma Qiu's hand and leisurely walked outside.
His lighthearted steps mirrored his current mood, feeling utterly content!
As the two elders left, Uncle Qiu immediately followed. Only Dad Qiu, Mom Qiu, and the siblings remained.
"Xiao Xi, when do you think would be a good time to go and see?"
Seeing that everyone had no objections, Mom Qiu was already planning.
She was the only one in the family currently occupied with tasks, and she needed to think carefully.
"Mom, why not right now?"
"Qiu Ge is expected to go to Chongxi City as well, and I probably won't be back this summer."
"You go ahead first. When summer approaches, and Qiu Ge's admission notice should have arrived, then you can come back. What do you think?"
Mom Qiu nodded absentmindedly, "It's possible, but I still need to think about it."
"Okay, Mom, take your time to think, there's no rush."
Her mother having thoughts meant there was hope.
"Alright, I'll go back and strategize."
With that, Dad Qiu and Mom Qiu also ambled out of the courtyard.