Qi Shuang and Qi Yan were both preparing for the New Year. Every now and then, the two of them would send a message or a photo in their small group chat. When Shi Jing had free time, he would browse through their chat history or chime in with a few words.
Right now, people in the group are chatting about what delicious food they're making at home. Qi Shuang's mother is off today and is learning how to make steamed buns by following a tutorial.
After the Qi family's downfall in the past two years, Qi Shuang's mother learned a lot, and Qi Shuang assisted her. Although the mother and daughter were still clumsy with their skills, they were very happy making the wrappers.
Shi Jing looked at the finished product photos posted by Qi Shuang in the group and thought they were pretty good.
She gave Qi Shuang a thumbs up, and soon Qi Shuang sent her a message.
"Did you finish your work or just find some time to climb the stairs?"
"That's about it. I'll treat Sister Mengmeng to dinner tonight, and then I'll go back tomorrow."
"Then I'll come find you. I made a lot of steamed buns, I'll bring some for you to try."
Shi Jing smiled and agreed, "Okay."
Qi Yan also sent a message: "Our housekeeper made some local snacks. We'll bring them to you when you come back."
Shi Jing then gave an "ok" gesture.
She chatted with Qi Shuang and Qi Yan for a while when Zhang Ningyuan suddenly called. They hadn't been in contact for a while, and she didn't know why Zhang Ningyuan was calling.
As soon as I answered the phone, I heard Zhang Ningyuan's cheerful voice.
"Shi Jing, are you busy right now?"
"No rush, Brother Zhang, is there something you need?"
Zhang Ningyuan replied, "It's nothing major. It's just that the workplace drama we invested in is airing tomorrow. I just wanted to let you know, remember to watch it when you have time."
Shi Jing was stunned for a moment. She remembered that the drama started filming at the end of March and lasted for about three months. How come it was going to be broadcast in January?
"It's airing so soon? I thought it wouldn't be until next year."
"That was the original plan, but the quality of the drama was good, and the platform wanted to take the opportunity to boost it, so they moved it up," Zhang Ningyuan explained.
Shi Jing didn't quite understand these tactics either, but after listening to Zhang Ningyuan, he knew that the platform would do this because it would benefit from it.
"Okay, thank you, Brother Zhang. I'll take a look when I have time," Shi Jing replied.
With the year-end holidays approaching, Zhang Ningyuan was very busy, so the two only chatted for a few minutes before hanging up.
Shi Jing opened the entertainment app and searched for the drama that Zhang Ningyuan had just mentioned. Sure enough, she found the release date information.
She glanced at the trailer and felt the quality was pretty good; no wonder the platform was eager to promote it, and Zhang Ningyuan's attitude wasn't opposed either.
After reading this, she exited the entertainment app and reopened the group messages. In no time, Qi Shuang and Qi Yan had already made plans to go shopping together before the Lunar New Year.
Shi Jing thought that his schedule was also suitable, so he also joined in.
"I'm going back tomorrow, I'll come find you then."
The dinner party that evening was very pleasant. Although she didn't interact with Lin Mengmeng very often, Lin Mengmeng was someone who paid great attention to maintaining a good customer experience. During the time Shi Jing had known her, whenever she needed her help, Lin Mengmeng had generally given her positive feedback.
Chen Rongtai had been working hard on her office building during this time, and Shi Jing was especially grateful for it.
She had originally intended to treat them, and even went out early to pay the bill, only to find out that the other party had already paid. Since that was the case, Shi Jing didn't insist. If the interaction was comfortable, she would continue to associate with them in the future.
After the dinner, Shi Jing rested for one night and then returned to Tianyuan City. Zhang Sumu also officially began his vacation, waiting for the design plan to be completed after the New Year before officially starting the renovation arrangements.
Upon arriving in Tianyuan City, Shi Jing immediately informed Qi Shuang and the other person of their news in the group chat.
The Qi family had almost finished preparing for the New Year. Qi Shuang was doing her homework when Shi Jing sent a group message. She glanced at it briefly, took a picture of her homework, and posted it in the group.
"I've been busy preparing for the New Year during this holiday, and I haven't done any homework. I'm trying to catch up today."
Qi Yan saw this and replied in the group chat: "Are you planning to finish this early so you can have fun after the New Year?"
"No, I still need to study after the New Year, otherwise I won't be able to catch up with the progress of Shi Jing and the others in their dorm. I still want to stay in the advanced class in my senior year of high school."
Shi Jing chuckled: "Don't be modest, your grades are already very good."
"But you've reminded me that I haven't even touched my homework lately."
Shi Jing has been extremely busy lately. These days, she has barely managed to finish her daily exercise routine, and in her spare time, she can only read books. She hasn't done a single word of her homework.
"When are you planning to finish your homework? Can you help me?" Qi Shuang asked in the group chat.
Shi Jing usually finishes her homework first thing after the holidays start, but this time she really had no choice. Since she wasn't busy anymore, she naturally wanted to finish the assignment before the New Year. Once the design plan was completed after the New Year, she would definitely have to work on it. Besides, the winter break was short anyway, so finishing it early would allow her to have some peace and quiet.
She thought for a moment and replied in the group chat, "Aren't we supposed to go shopping tomorrow? Let's go shopping first and have a good time for a day, then we can start the day after tomorrow. Two days should be enough time to finish the homework."
"Okay, whatever you say."
After they finished chatting, Qi Yan replied, "See you tomorrow then."
The three of them agreed to go shopping together. The next day, Shi Jing slept in late, had a late breakfast, and then went out to meet them.
"Let's go, let's go eat first!" After meeting, Qi Yan first pulled the person to have lunch.
They had arranged to meet at 11:30, and it was indeed at a restaurant. Shi Jing touched her stomach, thankful that she hadn't eaten much for breakfast.
During the meal, Qi Shuang suddenly thought of something. It had been mentioned before that most students at private high schools would go abroad to study during their junior and senior years, which was also Qi Shuang's previous plan. Now, due to her family's circumstances, she had changed her course, but Qi Yan was still following the same old path.
Thinking about this, she asked curiously, "Xiaoyan, what are your family's plans regarding going abroad?"
Qi Yan hadn't taken this matter to heart until Qi Shuang brought it up, which reminded her to mention it.
“I told my mom that I would take the college entrance exam in China and then apply to schools abroad, and she agreed.”
"That's great!" Qi Shuang was very happy.
Shi Jing also thought this was a good idea, as it would allow them to spend more time together.
"By the way, Xiaojing, what are you busy with? Have you finished everything?"
"It's still a little short. I might be busy for a while after the New Year."
She didn't mention that she was going to buy an office building in Dingdu. It wasn't that she was trying to hide it from them, but she just wouldn't normally bring up the topic.
Qi Shuang happened to ask about it today, so Shi Jing simply explained it to her.
Qi Shuang almost dropped her chopsticks while eating, while Qi Yan, perhaps having been mentally prepared for the summer wave, managed to stay composed.
"Um, Xiao Jing, you've been keeping your true abilities hidden..."
The more familiar people are with each other, the harder it is to hide their true feelings.
Shi Jing didn't want to keep it a secret from them, so she said, "Actually, it's not bad. I'm just lucky and have gained some extra income."
As for what it was, Shi Jing didn't say, and they didn't ask either.
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