After the graduation ceremony, Qiu Xi and the others only had some miscellaneous matters to handle.
Once all the trivial matters were concluded, and they received their degree and graduation certificates from the department, they could prepare to move out of the dormitory and leave campus.
The notice from the academy stated that all matters must be completed and students must leave campus by June 23rd.
With a few days left, Qiu Xi decided to treat everyone she owed meals to.
The first people she wanted to treat were Zhao Yingying and the other younger students from the debate team.
Afterwards, she had a few more meals before finally resolving this matter.
As for Qiu Xi's own dormitory, they didn't have such thoughts at all.
Although they were temporarily moving out and leaving campus, they would return when they started their graduate studies later.
Even if the dormitory area might be different, they would still be at Minhua University and in the same major. They might even be lucky enough to live together again.
In any case, there would still be plenty of time to gather, so there was no need for a farewell dinner.
Therefore, the two of them, the four of them, didn't spend time thinking about these things and went straight to packing their belongings in the dormitory.
"It's a pity for all these things; we spent so much time preparing them," Song Daiyao said, looking at the dormitory they had decorated for so long, only to leave nothing behind in the end.
"What's there to be a pity about? You can take what you still need. For dormitory accommodation in graduate school, you can continue to use them. For what you don't need, you can give them to junior students or donate them to the school's second-hand corner."
Shen Yan didn't have as many emotions about the belongings, but she felt a bit of attachment to this dormitory, having lived there for four years.
"Even though that's the case, the four of us are already considered lucky. At least for the next three years, we'll still be together, instead of truly going our separate ways," Liang Yunfei was more open-minded and somewhat rational.
"Xiao Feifei is right. At least we're still together. Perhaps for the next three years, we can continue to be together like this."
Qiu Xi nodded in agreement with Liang Yunfei.
Although this graduation season was indeed a time filled with hope and also with separation, the four of them were truly fortunate.
At least in her opinion, it was a very good experience.
"Alright," Song Daiyao twisted her body. "I understand. It's just that everyone is like this, and I'm just sighing a little."
Qiu Xi was silent for a moment. "That's true."
Song Daiyao, who couldn't stop talking, had been chatting with people in their class every day for the past two days, and occasionally visited some classmates next door.
Forget it!
Let her be sentimental. After all, it was unavoidable.
Even the most rational person would have a sentimental side when they encountered certain things. This was normal.
"Then let's do this. We should hurry up and pack," Shen Yan thought for a moment. In some ways, she agreed with the words of Xiao Xi and Xiao Fei.
Her heart was too small to accommodate too much, so being rational at times was also good.
"Okay, let's pack."
Their individual luggage was piled together, and there was indeed too much.
"For things we won't use anymore, it's better to mail them back first."
Things that were not used much in four years were unlikely to be used much in the future, so it was better to mail them back directly.
"You can do as you see fit. I can accommodate them all, so don't worry," Qiu Xi glanced at Shen Yan and Liang Yunfei's luggage and nodded casually.
They discussed among themselves that since they would be back in September, they wouldn't take some things back.
Coincidentally, she had a school district apartment off-campus, very close to the school. The short driving distance made it convenient.
"Alright, I'll handle it," Liang Yunfei also nodded.
Unless it was absolutely necessary, they wouldn't mail things back, to avoid unnecessary panic.
"Mm."
For now, they just needed to pack well. They would think about the rest after leaving. After all, nothing would be missing.
And so, busy yet casual, the four of them packed for two days and finally finished packing all their belongings.
"Hold onto your keys. Let's get ready to go down."
Looking at the empty dormitory, Qiu Xi said to the other three.
"Mm."
Goodbye!
With a final glance, they locked the door and the four of them pulled their last suitcases and walked down.
After the dormitory supervisor checked, Qiu Xi submitted her things and walked out of the dormitory building.
"Let's go. Why don't you two go grab something to eat first?"
Shen Yan and Liang Yunfei had both bought tickets for today and were planning to go out and play with their boyfriends before returning home.
Especially Shen Yan, she and Ding Yibai had spent a lot of time coordinating to make this time work.
As for Liang Yunfei, they had graduated together and had been together for almost seven years. It was another significant time, so they also planned to go out together.
Otherwise, given Liang Yunfei's personality, she might already be sitting at her office desk, looking at the computer and working.
"Go ahead. We still have plenty of time. Instead of waiting at the station, it's better to stay with you and eat something."
"Mm, Yan Yan is right," Liang Yunfei nodded.
"Okay, then let's go grab something together first."
"Let's go then."
"Let's go."
Around 2 PM, Qiu Xi and Song Daiyao saw the two off, and then they each went home.
The two of them were also going on a trip, but since their home was in Chongxi City, they weren't in a hurry.
...
The day after returning home, Chu Sheng brought Grandpa Nan to the Qiu family's home.
The pretext was to celebrate the graduation of the two children.
For this occasion, Dad Qiu started preparing early.
Nan Hua, who came along, immediately became the errand boy and Dad Qiu's dedicated driver for the day.
They were busy until around 4 PM before finishing their tasks, and only then did the two families sit down together.
...
At the dinner table.
"Come, everyone, don't be polite today. Eat and drink as much as you want. Consider it for the sake of these two children."
Dad Qiu spoke with a bit of豪气 (háoqì - a sense of pride/magnificence), but it was just the beginning. After this, it would be the women and the elders' turn.
He was caught in the middle, and apart from his brother-in-law, he couldn't get a word in.
"Xiao Xu, let's have a drink ourselves," Dad Qiu raised his small wine glass to Xu Jingcheng.
"Okay."
In fact, besides these two, there were two others on the other side.
They were Qiu Xi and Nan Hua.
With both sides talking, the two of them couldn't interject.
Cousin Xu Xuanming had something to do and hadn't returned yet. As for Qiu Ge, she had various exams and activities recently and didn't have time today.
As for the only child next to them, it was Xu Yiyi.
She was currently nestled next to the elder, not understanding much, but smiling happily.
Xu Yiyi: I've grown up, and I've learned how to stay away from my cousin!
So in the end, Qiu Xi and Nan Hua finished eating early and walked out hand in hand.
...
"Xixi, I've already bought the tickets. The train is at 9:30 AM on the 26th."
While strolling, Nan Hua mentioned their upcoming travel plans to Qiu Xi.
Qiu Xi nodded. "Okay, come to my place a day in advance!"
Anyway, seeing her mother's reaction, if Nan Hua came to stay for a day, her mother would probably be overjoyed and treat her exceptionally well.
As for her father's opinion... in front of her mother, it was nothing.
"That can be arranged. I'll mention it to Aunt Qiu when I get back, and I'll come over tomorrow. We'll set off early the day after tomorrow."
"Okay," Qiu Xi smiled and nodded.
"Mm."
After they discussed it and walked for a while longer, seeing the sky gradually darkening, they walked back.
...
When it was almost time to leave, Nan Hua mentioned their travel plans to Mom Qiu.
Seeing Qiu Xi nod, Mom Qiu naturally welcomed it.
So she pulled Nan Hua and started talking, "Hua kid, you should come over tomorrow then."
"Come early, have dinner together."
Hearing this, Nan Hua smiled. "Aunt Qiu, I'll come early tomorrow and help Uncle."
"Okay." Seeing that.
"Your uncle doesn't need your help. Just you coming is enough," Mom Qiu said with a polite smile.
"Okay."
And so, with a few words, the two of them settled the matter.
Dad Qiu stood aside, his expression changing repeatedly, before finally nodding silently.
The head of the household with no status.