"Master, what's on the curriculum for today?"
After nearly two months of study, Qiu Xi had, to some extent, managed to get started.
Besides learning from her master, she had also begun attending systematic online courses, diligently completing her daily tasks.
She figured she'd be properly initiated before the Lunar New Year.
"Today, I won't introduce any new material. I've prepared a practice test for you. After you finish it, we'll work on your oral skills, and that will wrap up today's lesson."
Having spent these past two months together, Du Bin had a good grasp of his young apprentice's level.
Her learning progress was remarkably fast, and crucially, she grasped concepts tightly.
This had put him at ease, prompting him to add extra courses he hadn't initially planned to include for her.
"Okay."
Qiu Xi naturally complied with her master's arrangements.
"Here, it's just this one sheet. Just finish it."
"Mm, alright."
After about thirty minutes, Qiu Xi put down her pen.
"Master, here you go."
After quickly scanning it from beginning to end, Qiu Xi handed over the test paper.
"Alright, let me take a look. You can rest for a bit."
When it came to reviewing Qiu Xi's papers, Du Bin usually didn't spend much time.
Her answers were concise, to the point, and directly addressed the core issues. Coupled with her beautiful handwriting and neat paper presentation, a quick glance down was incredibly pleasing to the eye.
As he read, he occasionally made a mark with his pen. This entire practice test took only a few minutes.
"You've grasped the material well. It seems you've really put in the effort at school," Du Bin praised his young apprentice sincerely.
Qiu Xi smiled, "That's all thanks to your excellent teaching, Master~"
"You're not wrong," Du Bin agreed, tilting his head slightly.
"Come on, let's not waste any more time. Let's see if your oral skills have improved as much as your theoretical knowledge."
"Certainly, Master, please proceed~"
As she said this, Qiu Xi playfully made a gesture.
"Then let's begin. Today, we'll keep it casual, just a general chat."
From this point onwards, Du Bin initiated the oral practice.
Qiu Xi immediately responded, "Okay."
...
"It seems you've practiced a lot at school. Your speaking ability has also taken a significant leap forward."
Du Bin's words were filled with immense satisfaction.
He had always known Qiu Xi was capable, but he hadn't expected her to be so genuinely talented in language.
"Good~ Good~ Very good~"
With three "goods" in a row, Du Bin was practically floating with joy.
"It seems I don't need to worry about you anymore..."
After a brief pause, Du Bin continued, "Xiao Xi, Old Man Ding mentioned he'd like you to undergo some practical experience before the international exchange conference next year. What do you think?"
Qiu Xi looked surprised and a little perplexed. "Practical experience? Where would I go?"
With Teacher Ding, she couldn't imagine where else she could gain such experience.
"We'll need to discuss it with him after you agree."
Du Bin knew of potential places, but the specific destination would depend on Qiu Xi's own choice.
After her selection, they would still need to secure the other party's agreement for her to participate.
"However, this place won't be insignificant. If you're interested, you can go find Old Man Ding at school the day after tomorrow to chat about it."
He decided not to interfere with this decision, letting the child make her own choice.
"Okay," Qiu Xi nodded. "Then when I return the day after tomorrow, I'll find Teacher Ding if I have time."
Regardless of whether she ultimately went, Qiu Xi was quite curious about what kind of experience it would be.
"Alright, don't feel pressured."
"If you want to go, then prepare yourself. If not, just focus on your studies."
Although he believed practical experience offered greater learning opportunities, they wouldn't force her if Qiu Xi wasn't inclined.
"Okay~"
"Don't worry about me, Master! Look at me, your apprentice, have I ever let you down~"
"Good, then this old man won't worry anymore!"
He was already delighted by his promising apprentice's success!
"Great~ Then, Master... shall we continue?" Qiu Xi tilted her head, looking at him.
"..."
Du Bin shot her a gentle glare. "Forget it. Just a moment ago you were telling me to rest more, and now you're pulling me back to work..."
"I'm going to rest. You stay here and be good!"
"If you have time, finish the remaining homework assignments, and you won't have to bring them over the day after tomorrow."
He wasn't planning to give her any lessons tomorrow either. The remaining tasks were minimal, and it would be good if she could complete them in advance.
Qiu Xi, "..."
"Master, since you're going to rest, I'll head off too."
"Goodbye, Master~"
As for homework, that could wait for later.
The old man was quite old; he shouldn't be like her, thinking about her homework all day.
She'd rather talk about it next time she returned.
Qiu Xi called out, clutching her books and a homework sheet, and dashed out.
Du Bin watched from behind, smiling and shaking his head. This girl, even in her final year of university, was still so impetuous, showing none of the gentle demeanor she displayed outside.
With that thought, he slowly ambled back.
...
Early Monday morning, Qiu Xi ate breakfast and then drove to school.
At this point, students in their final year were generally not required to be on campus.
Many were currently doing internships, and a significant portion of those who had finished and weren't continuing their work had already left school.
Students like Qiu Xi were a minority.
They were a living testament to the phrase "always learning!"
Take, for instance, Qiu Xi, who had just arrived at her dormitory and saw two heads bent in serious study.
As for the other roommate, there was no need to guess; she was likely already sitting in her company's office.
"Xiao Xi, you're here!"
"Perfect timing! The two of us have noted down some viewpoints these past couple of days and are ready to discuss them with you~"
Yes!
They had "grown up"!
They were no longer asking questions!
Instead, they were ready to engage in discussions!
Qiu Xi felt a mix of genuine happiness and a touch of exasperation...
Early in the morning, she hadn't expected that the first thing she'd do upon entering the room would be to discuss studies with the other two.