"Remember to pack your bags properly when we get back. Our flight is at 4 PM, so keep an eye on the time."
They had traveled during the day on the way here, with plenty of time, which is why they chose to take a bus for a long half-day.
Returning in the afternoon, it was already quite late, so they bought plane tickets.
Speaking of which, they had to thank these two children. Their grades were good, and plane tickets home were a minor matter...
After leaving the awards ceremony, the four of them sat in the car returning to the hotel.
Teacher Huang was reminding the two students to pack their things carefully and not to forget anything.
"Teacher, we didn't bring much. We'll definitely check thoroughly before we leave."
"Mm."
After the reminder, the two teachers very coincidentally picked up their phones and spent the entire ride back chatting.
"Look~"
"Look~"
These two sentences, along with several photos, managed to attract quite a few people in the group chat.
In fact, they had already sent the news back to the department when the rankings were announced.
But!
That didn't stop them from showing off a bit now!
The photos were taken beautifully!
Yes!
They would also post them on their Moments later!
"Congratulations, Teacher Huang~"
This was from someone they were on decent terms with, offering genuine congratulations.
"Old Huang, Old Zhang, you're so happy. You have to treat us all to a good meal when you get back, right?"
This was from someone they were extremely close to, practically asking for a handout.
"Oh~"
"You two teachers have really made it this time, finally holding your heads high!"
Hmm... This remark, with its ambiguous tone, seemed to carry a hint of envy.
...
In short, the atmosphere in the group chat was harmonious, and the department was already waiting for the students to return to put up banners!
A small banner in a corner would add to the festive mood!
While the two teachers' phones were buzzing incessantly, Qiu Xi and the other girl were not far behind.
On one hand, there was Yu Xin Xin, who was ordinary yet super excited, showing off with her close girlfriends from school. More importantly, she was gossiping with them!
Regarding the competition, everyone was happy to just know the results, but this gossip was rare and had to be shared!
So, even though time was limited, it was enough for her to spill all the beans!
On the other hand, Qiu Xi had already sent out her messages and was now discussing arrangements for when they arrived back at school that evening.
Song Dai Yao, who was clearly very busy and seemed like she could barely keep her feet on the ground, was the loudest one!
She talked about work-life balance, how this was such a happy occasion, how they hadn't seen each other for several days... In short, she said a lot, and Qiu Xi felt anxious just looking at her.
However, the effect was also very noticeable; no one had any objections, and they decided to go for a meal.
And... to accommodate Qiu Xi, they even allowed everyone to bring their significant others...
Although, it wasn't a big deal... when Qiu Xi saw the message, her bright eyes were filled with a tangible smile.
She immediately shared the news with Nan Hua.
When she saw the reply, she became even happier.
This made even Yu Xin Xin, who was chatting happily beside her, notice.
It was hard not to notice!
Look at her, without being coy, yet exuding more shyness than usual, her entire demeanor radiating joy...
Truly... a feast for the eyes!
However, she only looked for a moment, because the car had already arrived at the hotel...
"Alright, you two go up first, and remember to pack your things well."
"Understood, goodbye Teacher."
After speaking, the two of them headed towards the elevator.
They didn't have much luggage, so packing was very quick.
After finishing, they even had some snacks.
In the afternoon, at 4 o'clock.
The car departed on time.
When the four of them returned to school, it was exactly mealtime for everyone.
"You two go back to your dorms first. Don't forget to go to the department office tomorrow."
"Understood, goodbye Teacher."
The news of the two of them winning awards had already spread among the teachers in the department. As the news department had been a bit idle recently, they decided to have Qiu Xi and the other girl talk with them, conduct a private interview, and then write one or two news articles.
After all, everyone had performance assessments, and it wouldn't look good for the news department to be idle all the time...
"Xiao Xi, I'll head back first then. See you tomorrow."
As soon as the two teachers left, Yu Xin Xin bid farewell to Qiu Xi and said she was leaving too.
Qiu Xi waved, "Okay~ See you tomorrow."
After everyone else left, Qiu Xi, dragging her suitcase, quickly walked towards the person waiting nearby.
"Slow down~"
"Why didn't you just wait for me to come over? No need to rush." Nan Hua took the girl's suitcase with one hand and held her hand with the other, his voice filled with doting affection.
"That won't do~"
Leaning against the person beside her, Qiu Xi started to tell a white lie, "I'm very tired, my arms ache~"
Even though he knew it was just an excuse the girl had made up, Nan Hua couldn't help but tighten his grip on her hand, trying to alleviate her supposed discomfort.
Qiu Xi couldn't help but chuckle, "Ah Hua~"
"I was just teasing you~"
"Mm, I know..."
*Happy to be teased by you.*
"Why are you alone? Where are the others?"
They had agreed to go out together, and Qiu Xi was a bit confused.
"They're waiting at the parking lot. I came to pick you up."
"Let's go, we'll head over there first."
"Mm."
In the time they had been talking, they had almost reached their destination.
They would take the suitcase together and talk after they ate.
"Xiao Xi~"
"We haven't seen each other for almost a week, I missed you so much~"
Seeing the person hug her, Qiu Xi had no choice but to let go of the hand she was holding and hug her back.
Nan Hua, who was forced to let go, "... "
*Feeling a bit of an eyesore...*
*Should have just let them leave first!*
Everyone had cars; why did they need to wait?
"Dai Yao, why don't we... go over there first?"
In broad daylight, with acquaintances around...
"Okay!"
Looking at the two of them walking back, and Nan Hua following with the suitcase, the group chose to selectively ignore the scene that had just transpired.
"Xiao Xi, congratulations~"
Another trophy added to her collection!
Bringing significant others, bringing significant others; the group today was quite large.
Qiu Xi walked over and greeted everyone one by one.
"Thank you all~"
"You've all been waiting for so long; you must be hungry. Let's head out first, and we can chat once we get there."
With that, the group, in two or three cars, drove out of the school.
As it was a celebratory banquet, Song Dai Yao and the others had chosen a proper large hotel.
Eight people, one private room. After ordering the dishes, the drinks were served first, and they chatted while drinking.
"Come, before the dishes arrive, let's have a toast."
Considering they had to drive, everyone's cups contained either drinks or fruit wines with only a hint of flavor.
During this time, Ding Yi Bai also had quite a conversation with Qiu Xi.
As for the reason, one had to ask the old man at the school.
After a few sips and just as they started talking, the dishes arrived, and the conversation continued while eating.
With such a large table, it was fortunate that they were all very familiar with each other, so there wasn't a situation where everyone looked down at their phones.
Over the course of the meal, they chatted enthusiastically.
During the meal, Zhou Fei, being a computer science major and having gone out with them before, found himself particularly in sync with Nan Hua and Zhao Hua Sheng.
As for the protagonist of this gathering, Qiu Xi, she was pulled aside by three young girls, with Teacher Ding's good grandson beside them. The others didn't engage in much conversation with them.
As the conversation continued, it inexplicably turned into a gossip session among the eight of them.
They chatted until very late, truly reaching a point where the tea had gone cold, simply becoming a tea party.
If Nan Hua hadn't kept an eye on the time and thought the young girl must be tired after a day of events, the group might still be here.
And now, about four hours had passed since they first set off.