Chapter 11: The Gift of the Last High School Reunion

  We spent the entire third year of high school in tense review. The repeated exams put a lot of pressure on us, but there was no way around it, this is the sprint stage. During this period, the most important thing is to review and prepare for the exam, and other things unrelated to learning should be put in a secondary position.

  This is the last New Year's party in high school.

  The head teacher said, "Tomorrow is the New Year's Day. First of all, I wish you all a happy new year! During this period, students have worked hard in their studies. This is the last gathering of our high school era, and we teachers have discussed and arranged to give you some time to celebrate. You can relax this afternoon, and then seize the time later, make a spurt, and strive for every student to be admitted to their ideal school."

  As soon as the class teacher's voice fell, the classmates applauded: "The whole afternoon belongs to us."

  The classroom became a sea of jubilation, with everyone cheering and jumping for joy.

  The class monitor and each of the class cadres began planning this party half a month ago. I hope that every one of us can have an unforgettable time at this party.

  They asked each classmate to prepare a gift, write their name on the packaging box, and hand it over to the class committee. The class committee helped to number them and had the classmates draw lots. Whoever drew which number would take away the corresponding numbered gift. Classmates handed over the gifts in their hands to the class committee one after another, and the class committee quickly numbered them.

  My gift's number is twenty-three. Looking at this number, a number that doesn't have any special meaning, I don't think of anything. I sit there calmly, watching them being so lively, as if I'm an outsider, as if I'm looking at a world that has nothing to do with me. This is because of my personality, I'm a person who is calm and peaceful, sometimes only quietly watching everything around me. But later on, I realized that this was wrong, the world is complicated and noisy, I must blend in, some things if you don't strive for them, will slip away before your eyes.

  Suddenly hearing He Xiyin's voice, he said: "Mine doesn't need a number, I'll deliver it directly. I want to give it to Lin Qingyi. Lin Qingyi, you take it."

  My heart skipped a beat when I heard my name. "What's going on, we haven't spoken in ages and you suddenly want to give me the gift directly, in front of all these people."

  He wanted to stand up and hand me the gift, but his gift had already been taken by a girl sitting in front of him, who was more familiar with him, and she quickly passed it over to me.

  At this time, the class that was originally very noisy suddenly became quiet. It seemed as if there was a kind of power urging them on, and this power was even more effective than the bell ringing for class to start. What followed was a burst of applause like raindrops, no less enthusiastic than the applause after the head teacher's speech earlier.

  He is the most handsome boy in the class, admired by many girls. His character is also very good, willing to help others, and has a good relationship with his classmates, so his actions naturally have a great influence on the class.

  His gift was passed around among classmates until it reached my desk. Those classmates' eyes were either envious, jealous or friendly.

  Following the gazes of those classmates, I saw him, he was looking over here, with a very friendly expression, his face was full of radiant smiles, his eyes were filled with deep laughter, shining with some kind of light. That light burned me, making me so shy, my face was already burning hot.

  Some classmates said: Hurry up and give Lin Qingyi's gift to He Xiyin.

  And so we were pushed into performing a program. We stood shoulder to shoulder singing songs.

  They laughed. The joyful atmosphere spread throughout the class.

  Class 3 (4) of Senior High School is worth our eternal memory.

  I've always thought that in the most lively moments, there's often a hidden sadness. How many more days until we leave this campus? Then everything will come to an end.

  Back home, I opened his gift. The gift was a frostbite ointment, a velvet notebook and an exquisite mirror.

  "There's a note in the box: "Qing Yi, I saw that your hands were frozen and it must be very uncomfortable for you! I've been wanting to give this gift to you for a long time, but because last time I said I wanted to be with you, you rejected me, so I felt too embarrassed to give it to you. However, I also hope you can get better soon, so when I saw the opportunity today, I gave it to you. Don't blame me for being so sudden, I had no choice! I know you like writing, use this notebook to write whatever you want. This mirror doesn't have any special meaning, someone gave it to my mom and I thought it was pretty, so I took it and gave it to you. Hope you like it."

  That mirror is rose-red, with roses carved on it and inlaid with rhinestones, very delicate and beautiful. That satin notebook is also my favorite color, with the flowers I love on it.

  I carefully collected that mirror and diary. Thinking of my beautiful and sorrowful heart affairs.

  Xī yǐng, you've always been thinking for me, you're so meticulous, what kind of sentiment would make you think of me at all times like this?

  But I neglected you, and now I finally realize that the gentle rejections I once gave you have become an indelible pain in my heart. And yet we still can't help but be like this.

  At this moment, even if there are a thousand words, only one sentence remains: "Thank you." Everything is in the unspoken. You will always be my best and most considerate friend.

  Without you, I would be very lonely. Without you, everything around me would seem dull and uninteresting. Only you can shine like a star in someone's heart for a long, long time.