Zhou Qiqi was looking down, wondering how to cook so many grapes, when Deng Cuixiang bumped her arm and she looked up. Her eyelashes fluttered and her eyes lit up.
She handed the corner of the bag to Deng Cuixiang, then told her to look after Zhouzhou before rushing forward to greet her.
"Teacher Fei, why didn't you tell me you were coming? Have you been waiting long?"
Teacher Fei habitually pushed up his glasses and hurriedly waved his hand.
"No, no, I live in the staff quarters behind the school. I just finished eating and came over for a walk. I haven't been here long."
Zhou Qiqi quickly took out her keys from her pocket, opened the door, and welcomed Teacher Fei in to sit down. Just as she was about to go back to pick up Deng Cuixiang and Zhouzhou, in the blink of an eye, Deng Cuixiang had already helped carry the grapes into the yard.
Seeing the sweat on her forehead, Zhou Qiqi called out, "Come in, wipe your face, and have some water."
Deng Cuixiang shook her head.
"No, no, you should go and take care of Teacher Fei. The guests are important, I'll head back now!"
Zhou Qiqi didn't stand on ceremony. She smiled at her and then turned around to make tea for Teacher Fei. She also peeled an apple, cut it into small pieces, and brought it over.
Teacher Fei hurriedly got up to take the tea tray, rubbing his fingertips on the rim of the cup, but his eyes couldn't help but wander around the room.
Her hand gently stroked the off-white fabric cover on the sofa, her fingertips caressing the fine stitches.
"Your room is so elegantly decorated. I've never seen this sofa fabric and tablecloth pattern in a department store before. Where did you buy them?"
Zhou Qiqi smiled slightly, "I made all of these myself."
A hint of disappointment flashed in Teacher Fei's eyes, but she didn't say much and quickly got down to business.
Previously, Zhou Qiqi had asked her to find an art teacher for Zhouzhou. She had contacted two people who were artists she had met during her time in the countryside, and whose character and skills were trustworthy.
One is Teacher Ji, who teaches art at the G City Children's Palace. She is a graduate of the Provincial Academy of Fine Arts and has one-on-one private lessons on weekdays, which are held in the south of the city.
Another teacher, Ms. Wu, is even more remarkable. Her whole family is involved in art. Her father was a professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and she herself graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts. She works at the G City Artists Association and usually takes on students. She gives individual guidance to those who paint well. The location is in the north of the city.
After the introduction, Teacher Fei concluded.
"I think it would be better for Zhouzhou to learn painting from Teacher Ji."
Zhou Qiqi was a little confused. She handed Teacher Fei a piece of apple and asked a question.
"Oh, why? Isn't it because Teacher Wu's place is closer? And Teacher Wu sounds more capable."
Teacher Fei took the apple, took a small bite, and explained.
"That's right. It's not just you; most parents think the same way. That's why there's a fierce competition for places with Teacher Wu. If you want to study there, you have to pass the exam first."
As she spoke, she glanced at Zhouzhou, who was obediently drawing in the room, and lowered her voice.
"The test consisted of still life drawing and figure sketching. Zhouzhou doesn't have much of a foundation in these areas, so it's estimated that she'll have a hard time passing."
"In comparison, Teacher Ji's approach is less formal. Although the registration period has passed, we have a long-standing friendship, so a word from her will suffice. Zhouzhou can study with Teacher Ji for a year or two, and then take the exam with Teacher Wu later."
Zhou Qiqi could tell that every word Teacher Fei said was for Zhouzhou's sake.
But given her personality, she either doesn't do anything at all, or if she does something, she does it to the best of her ability, and this applies to learning art as well.
Since there are better teachers available, I should give it a try. Even if it doesn't work out, I'll still gain experience and have a direction for my future efforts.
After the incident in the dark room, Teacher Fei thought Zhou Qiqi had a straightforward personality and liked her quite a bit. Now, hearing what she said, he felt even more enlightened, and his eyes lit up.
"Aunt Zhouzhou, your idea makes sense. Then I'll help you contact Teacher Gong first?"
Zhou Qiqi shook her head.
"Don't rush. This is just my own idea. We'll have to ask Zhouzhou herself and her uncle for their opinions on how to decide."
After all, Shen Huaichuan was the closest person to Zhouzhou, and also her blood relative.
Teacher Fei's gaze softened as she looked at Zhou Qiqi.
"Okay, once you've decided, call the school's phone office and I'll get in touch with them for you as soon as possible. If you miss this weekend, you'll have to wait another week."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Teacher Fei prepared to go home. As Zhou Qiqi saw her to the door, she remembered something and quickly followed after her.
"Oh, by the way, if you like any of the tablecloths I have at home, Teacher Fei, you can choose some patterns you like, and I can customize a set for you."
"Really? That's wonderful! I'm getting married in a few months, and I haven't been able to find a satisfactory match. I'm really worried about it! Aunt Zhouzhou, you've been a huge help to me!"
Teacher Fei was overjoyed, and Zhou Qiqi smiled too.
"Don't call me Aunt Zhouzhou anymore, it makes me feel old. Just call me Qiqi."
Teacher Fei gently patted her hand.
"Okay, Qiqi, I'm a bit older than you, you can just call me Sister Xuemei."
After seeing Fei Xuemei off, Zhou Qiqi went straight to Zhouzhou's room.
Although the little girl was drawing all the time, her ears were perked up, clearly showing how much she cared about learning to draw.
Zhou Qiqi directly told her her thoughts and asked if she was willing to give it a try.
Although the little girl didn't quite understand the intricacies of the situation, she nodded blankly upon hearing that Teacher Wu was a remarkable teacher.
“Okay, I’ll call Teacher Fei in a bit. We’ll go to Teacher Gong’s place tomorrow, and then to Teacher Ji’s place on Sunday. We’ll visit all of them. That’s the plan.”
As Zhou Qiqi was about to leave, the little girl got a little anxious, grabbed her sleeve and shook her head, then handed her the drawing she had just finished on the table.
Zhou Qiqi had already seen the painting; it depicted a hospital, and the little girl wanted to visit her uncle.
But she pretended not to understand, bent her knees, tilted her head and asked softly.
"What is this drawing? Auntie doesn't understand it."
The little girl was extremely anxious. She opened her mouth to speak, but couldn't utter a single word. She was so anxious that fine sweat appeared on her forehead.
Zhouzhou's inability to speak is purely a psychological issue; she suffered a traumatic experience and closed herself off emotionally.
Previously, Zhou Qiqi had asked her to express her thoughts through drawing, which had been somewhat successful.
Zhouzhou draws every day now, and her drawings have filled an entire drawer. In addition, she plays with her peers, and her little face is already showing expressions. Now it's time to move on to the next step.
Zhou Qiqi took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat from her forehead, tucked her stray hairs behind her ear, and gently stroked the back of her hand with her fingertips.
"No rush, take your time. You don't need to say it aloud, just mouth it, and Auntie will understand."
"Just tell your aunt who you want to visit at the hospital?"
Her tone was gentle, her eyes filled with trust and tenderness.
Zhouzhou, who had been feeling uneasy, gradually calmed down, looked into Zhou Qiqi's eyes, and slowly opened her mouth.
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