"Xiao Xi, why are you here?"
Du Bin looked at the person who suddenly appeared before him. "Weren't you supposed to go out with your teacher today? Why are you back?"
"It's because your disciple here is exceptionally talented. I finished work early on the very first day~" Qiu Xi said with a grin.
"......"
"Why does that sound so fake?" Du Bin teased.
"Master, you really underestimate me!"
"Let me tell you, today at the logistics department!"
"There's this rule that really suits me – you can clock out once your work is done. That's exactly what I did today. The task was so easy, I finished it ages ago."
"......"
"Look at you, so proud!" Du Bin glanced at her.
"Aren't you afraid you'll blind yourself!"
"Hehe~"
"Don't worry about that, Master. I'm quite humble when I'm out."
She was only a little mischievous around her family.
Outside, she was perfectly normal and serious!
"Alright, alright. If you keep talking, I'm going to leave."
Du Bin waved his hand. "Hurry up, get to the point. Once you're done, get going so this old man can have a good rest."
He had finally gotten a moment to relax, and this child had come back early...
If it was like this every day, would he ever get any peace?
"Alrighty~"
"You really know me best, Master. I'll tell you right away~"
Du Bin raised his chin. "Alright, hurry and tell me."
"Mhm mhm."
After nodding, Qiu Xi scooted a little closer and said cautiously, "Master, can my German progress be accelerated?"
Du Bin's eyes widened. "What? You're just getting started, and you're already eager for success?"
Although Qiu Xi's learning progress was fast, in his opinion, the next stage of learning should wait until after the new year, after she had consolidated her foundation further.
"Master! Don't you know what kind of person I am!"
"If I weren't ninety-nine percent sure, would I dare to bring this up with you?"
The fact that she could discuss this idea with her Master now was indeed due to her own considerations.
With the system's assistance in learning German, she had already solidified her foundation and even squeezed in some extra practice. Starting the next stage of learning now would not delay her at all.
"Hmph~ You certainly know how to talk. Then tell me, how are you so sure?"
"Also, why the rush to further your studies? Do you already have something in mind?" Du Bin sat there with a stern face, looking expressionlessly at Qiu Xi.
"Master!"
"As for this certainty, that's for you to test. You're the one in charge. I believe you know best." Qiu Xi smoothly bypassed the first question with a smile.
"As for the plans, I do have something in mind. My training at the base is complete. According to Teacher Jin, the practical project study might finish before next year. I have plenty of time."
"Moreover, after the new year, I'll need to prepare for thesis plagiarism checks and defense. During this period, I might also need to visit my graduate advisor. So, I was thinking of starting the next phase of learning with you now. This way, I should be able to keep up with my planned schedule."
"Hmm... Your considerations are quite thorough, but as for the standard, I'll have to test you again!"
After listening to Qiu Xi's explanation, Du Bin didn't say much more and directly kicked off the preparation for testing the child.
He understood his disciple to some extent, but he wasn't entirely sure of the specific benchmark.
After all, his disciple often figured things out on her own, and he wasn't watching her every day. As for her current level, it should be quite high.
Since she had brought it up, he would test her thoroughly to see if she was truly ready to begin the next stage of learning.
"Master, go ahead and test me. I'll answer seriously."
If it was all within the scope of what Master had taught before, she would have no problem.
As for anything beyond that, she could probably manage to say a thing or two.
"Alright then, sit properly. Let's have a good chat, master and disciple."
"Okay, Master~"
With that, Qiu Xi sat up straight, ready to seriously face her Master's impromptu test.
"Alright, I'll begin then."
"Mhm."
As he spoke, Du Bin's questions started coming one after another.
From the very beginning, letters, phonetics, then simple words, short sentences... progressing step by step, essentially covering all the previously addressed difficult points.
Language can be so dry and tedious sometimes, especially when you're just starting out. You really have to focus on building a solid foundation. Otherwise, trying to get by with just a few familiar phrases is like playing house.
This was also why Master Du was hesitant to let his young disciple start the next stage of learning directly. It was more stable to allow for a period of consolidation and practice.
The reason he acted this way was because he understood Qiu Xi. Even if you weren't supervising her, she could always maintain her enthusiasm for learning and study diligently.
Perhaps because of this, he was happy to let the child rest for a while longer.
However, when the child came to him now, wanting to start the next stage of learning immediately, he was quite surprised at first.
But now, after hearing the child's answers, he could understand.
The young girl had indeed prepared very thoroughly. All that was left was for him to say, "We can start the next stage of learning."
"Master, what do you think? Can we start the next stage of learning now?"
Seeing her Master remain silent, Qiu Xi spoke up directly.
Du Bin stared at her, silent for a long time.
"Master?"
"Alright, I'm listening!" Du Bin gave his young disciple a pointed look.
He truly didn't have the fortune to enjoy a leisurely life...
Du Bin couldn't help but feel grateful for having such a good disciple.
"Alright, since you have your own plans, I naturally have no objections."
"Prepare yourself well. From now on, whenever you have time after returning, you can come for classes."
Qiu Xi's lips curved into a smile as she nodded, "Okay, Master!"
"......"
"But I'm making myself clear! If this later affects your practical studies or causes you to fall behind, then our classes will have to be postponed!"
This was a matter of principle. It couldn't affect her future learning.
"Okay, Master!"
"That's absolutely fine. If anything is affected in the future, you'll have the final say."
"Mhm, that's settled then. Go back and prepare. As long as you have time, we can start learning anytime."
"Okay!" Qiu Xi nodded heavily.
As long as she started, she was confident she would have no problems.
"Alright, now hurry along and let this old man get some rest."
"Alrighty~"
Qiu Xi said playfully, then quickly walked out, a smile still lingering on her lips.
......