The day the results came out, the four teachers spent the entire day finishing the grading of the mock exam papers for the students in the training.
In the training room—
Jin Qiong closed the folder she had brought. "Alright, we've finished going over this exam. There's one more class period left. If you still have any questions, you can ask us teachers."
"Of course, if there are no further questions, you can all pack up and head home early."
It had been a long day, so letting them go back to relax and ease their minds was a good idea.
As Jin Qiong said this, she was already by the door. Just as she was about to leave, she called out to two people.
"By the way, Qiu Xi and Nian Lanqi, please come to the office later. I have something to discuss with both of you."
"Okay, Teacher Jin," the two replied immediately, looking up.
After they left, Qiu Xi began tidying up her desk.
Since Teacher Jin had said they could leave, she would pack up and head straight out from the office.
Nian Lanqi, who was in front, was quite eager. As soon as Teacher Jin walked out, she followed behind.
Finally, when Qiu Xi had finished packing and arrived at the office, the two were already chatting.
"Teacher Jin, I'm here," Qiu Xi said, standing at the office doorway and knocking twice.
"Mm, come in."
After Qiu Xi entered, Jin Qiong casually pointed to a nearby seat. "Have a seat here."
"I assume you two know why I asked you to come?"
The teachers had already explained this matter in detail when they first arrived.
Even Qiu Xi, when she came over, had been thoroughly briefed from beginning to end.
The two nodded seriously after hearing her. "Mm."
"Good, then I won't bore you with other things. Let's get straight to the point."
"Only you two passed this assessment, so you no longer need to attend the training sessions with everyone else."
"You two can spend these few days preparing. When the others are on holiday, your practical training will begin."
Training was just training; they would still have their holidays.
The only difference from their usual winter break was that it would be half the length.
They would have to return right after the New Year holiday, starting with exam preparation, followed by a month of practical training, and then officially participating in the March events.
So, the timeline was quite tight. With these two additional people, they would have a lot to manage.
"Therefore, you can come here these next few days if you wish, or not. It's up to you."
"As for the specific details of the practical training, we'll discuss them on-site when the time comes."
With that, Jin Qiong felt she had said enough.
She paused to take a sip of water, then looked at the two of them, asking again with a hint of concern,
"After all that, do you two understand clearly?"
"Mm, we do."
There wasn't anything unclear. Whatever had just been said wasn't urgent for now, and they could always ask later.
"Alright, if you have no other questions, you can head back now."
"Okay, goodbye, Teacher Jin."
"Mm, be careful on your way back."
With that, the two left the office.
"Qiu Xi, congratulations on getting such a high score."
As soon as she stepped outside, Qiu Xi heard Nian Lanqi say this.
She couldn't quite articulate how she felt; it was just a bit strange...
"...Congratulations to you too..." After a moment of thought, Qiu Xi replied.
"I wouldn't dare. My score feels rather embarrassing compared to yours."
"..."
This time, Qiu Xi truly didn't know what to say.
If there had been even a slight hint of inflection in Nian Lanqi's tone, she wouldn't have been so at a loss for words.
Her expression was blank, and her words carried a strange undertone that was truly baffling.
Perhaps sensing a bit of Nian Lanqi's true feelings, Qiu Xi finally let out an awkward chuckle.
"Heh heh..."
"It's getting late. I'll be heading back now."
With that, she strode away.
Nian Lanqi watched her go, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Qiu Xi, I hope you can always remain this composed.
...
Although Jin Qiong had explained to the two students that attendance at training was optional after passing the assessment, Qiu Xi still reported in every day.
One reason was that she had promised Teacher Qi she would occasionally cover classes for her.
Another reason was that by coming here, she could visit the teachers in the office anytime to learn more about the upcoming practical projects, which was more helpful than staying at school by herself.
Furthermore, Gu Rou and a few others still chatted with her frequently, making it more convenient for her to come here directly.
On a deeper level, Gu Rou and the others had also helped her quite a bit.
While she herself had strong comprehension skills, she didn't possess the peculiar angles that they did. Therefore, through her interactions with them, she was able to learn a great deal from different perspectives, which indirectly broadened her horizons and was beneficial.
"Xiao Xi, meeting you is truly a stroke of fate for us!"
During this period, because Qiu Xi no longer had to attend training sessions, Gu Rou and the others had also made considerable progress due to this.
"Yes! I feel like my chances of success will be even greater during next year's assessment."
"Xiao Xi, thanks to you~"
Qiu Xi looked at the three and jokingly said, "You're too kind. Just remember to treat me to more meals."
"No problem with that!"
"Right! That's all on us!"
"Yes, even more meals wouldn't be a problem; they're minor matters~"
Compared to the help Qiu Xi had provided them, treating her to more meals was only fitting.
The key point was that Qiu Xi was now willing to let them treat her, and that was what mattered.
They had also realized that Qiu Xi wasn't as easy to get along with as she appeared on the surface.
The fact that they were now friends was largely due to their own thick-skinned persistence.
"Okay~" Qiu Xi smiled and nodded at them.
Making a few more friends might not be a bad idea...