Chapter Eleven: Centennial School Anniversary

  The new semester started just in time for the 100th anniversary of the school. To welcome the centennial celebration, all teachers and students were exceptionally busy.

  The Red Weekend Literary Society, in order to celebrate the school anniversary, published a special collection of writings and prepared a singing program for the anniversary evening party. Li Han and Zhang Li rehearsed a crosstalk performance. Zhao Yi Nu and Li Han were appointed by the School League Committee Secretary as the hosts of the evening party. The school issued a notice that in order to celebrate the school anniversary, the start of term was set on the sixth day of the first month.

  Li Han ended his final exam and rushed to the airport that night, flying across the ocean to reunite with his parents.

  Xia Meng returned to her hometown B City for the New Year, where her parents and grandparents all lived. Upon returning home, Xia Meng found that the atmosphere in the house was a bit unusual.

  Xia Meng's mother looked gloomy, without a hint of a smile. Right after the New Year's Day, her mother had already made plans with Xiaoyi to go on a trip to Hainan. When Xia Meng was little, she used to call Xiaoyi "Auntie". Xiaoyi was a kindergarten teacher, full of ideas and strong-willed, while her mother was someone who lacked determination, often seeking advice from her younger sister on major decisions.

  Xia Meng felt that something must have gone wrong between her parents. She wanted to ask her father face-to-face what had happened, but he smiled and comforted her, telling her not to worry, everything was fine at home, and she should just focus on studying. He said his company had an urgent matter to attend to and hastily left the house.

  Xia Meng vaguely guessed something from her conversation with her grandparents, that her parents were having a conflict, but what exactly happened, even the grandparents didn't know.

  Xia Meng's parents were university classmates, Xia Meng's mother was a beauty in the class when she was young, and their university is located in City A.

  Xia Meng's mother grew up in the suburbs of City A. As the eldest daughter, Xia Meng's grandparents did not want her to marry far away. In pursuit of true love, Xia Meng's father, as the only son, abandoned everything and followed Xia Meng's mother to stay in City A.

  Such a decision, Xia Meng's grandparents considered it to be their son's greatest unfilial act! Xia Meng's parents' wedding was held in City A, and at the wedding, only the groom appeared from the man's side. Xia Meng's grandparents announced that they would completely break off relations with their son, and they blamed this debt on Xia Meng's mother.

  The birth of Xia Meng did not bring any joy to her grandfather and grandmother, who were biased towards boys over girls. They refused to visit their own granddaughter in City A. It wasn't until Xia Meng started elementary school that her father took her and her mother back to City B to see her grandparents.

  Xia Meng's grandparents superficially accepted her and her mother, but behind their backs, they tried every means to make things difficult for and humiliate this daughter-in-law from the countryside. Young Xia Meng saw her mother secretly crying in the toilet countless times.

  But his father repeatedly taught him that no matter how bad his grandparents were, as a junior he must respect his elders, because without the kindness of his grandparents, he would not exist. Later, his father and mother resigned from their state-owned enterprise jobs and went into business, with their business getting bigger and bigger.

  Xiǎ Mèng's grandfather had high blood pressure and diabetes, her grandmother took care of his daily life. However, after a fall in the bathroom, her grandmother's physical condition worsened. Xiǎ Mèng's father was worried, so he moved the company to B city. Since Xiǎ Mèng's household registration is in A city, she stayed behind and continued high school there.

  The Spring Festival was spent in such a dull atmosphere, and Xia Meng didn't have time to talk to her mother about what was on her mind before the day of school reopening arrived.

  Xia Meng packed her luggage and returned to school, throwing herself into the intense rehearsals for the singing program. From morning till night, Li Han was nowhere to be seen; the principal looked for him, Director Lai looked for him, the League Secretary looked for him, the class teacher looked for him, Yi Nuo looked for him, Zhang Li looked for him - he was spinning around like a top, and the literary club's program was left in Xia Meng's hands.

  In the third month, the campus is filled with red lantern flowers like fire, white jasmine flowers like jade, and pink peony flowers like clouds, all competing to bloom. Some have buds on their branches, some are just beginning to unfurl, and others are proudly in full bloom. The fragrance of the flowers attracts countless small bees, humming as they sing and dance. The centennial school anniversary is also being held this season.

  When the first ray of sunlight shines on A Middle School in City A, the centennial anniversary celebration officially kicks off! The library hangs red lanterns and banners to showcase the charm of the century-old middle school to the whole city.

  The campus is filled with a festive atmosphere: red lanterns are hung on both sides of the campus road, and colorful flags are flying all the way. The large steps in front of the library are surrounded by four flower beds "Centennial Birthday". A huge banner hangs on the outer wall of the library "Inheriting the essence of the century, creating a brilliant century".

  The roads leading to the main venue of the celebration were lined with flower baskets sent by various congratulatory units. The reception team was in place, and the military band from the security district was ready to go. Teachers and students from all over the school entered the venue one after another.

  Li Han and Zhao Yino were in charge of reception work at the reception desk, while Xia Meng, Zhang Li, Chen Yu Meng and Wang Qi were assigned to the news interview group.

  When the military band at the gate began to play the welcome song, alumni arrived one after another. Director Lai called on classmates who had performances during the day to go to the dressing room for makeup, and everything was proceeding in a tense and orderly manner.

  The city TV station's most advanced broadcast van drove into the campus, conducting live recordings of the celebration ceremony. Seeing such grandeur, Xia Meng couldn't help but feel nervous inside. Zhang Li smiled and comforted her: "Don't be nervous, they're all alumni, look, the first alumnus has arrived, let's go interview him!"

  After interviewing the first alumnus, Zhang Li and Xia Meng came to the track and field stadium, where they found many firecrackers placed outside, eager to go off! Next to the classroom was piled up with gifts prepared for alumni, while Sun Biao, tall and strong, was in charge of taking care of these gifts. He was very satisfied with this task assigned by the team secretary.

  "Sun Biao, you're really suited for this job!" Xia Meng smiled and looked at Sun Biao standing straight. Sun Biao gave a loud "crack" and saluted: "Greetings, commanders!"

  The chairs for the guests from all walks of life were neatly arranged on the track and field, and the students entered in an orderly manner. Zhang Li and Xia Meng came to the school broadcasting station with the written news manuscripts and photos they had taken, where it became a graphic live broadcast room.

  Xia Meng saw Li Han, who was wearing a suit and tie, standing tall and handsome alongside Zhao Yi Nu, who was dressed in a cheongsam and looked elegant and refined, next to the principal. They were all smiling as they welcomed the endless stream of alumni returning from all over the world.

  "Summer, we must capture some touching moments of alumni reunions!" Zhang Li dragged Summer into the crowd. Li Han turned around and saw Summer's fleeting back, wanting to rush up and greet her, but Zhao Yi Nuo nudged him with his arm.

  Li Han lowered his head and found that Zhao Yino, who was standing beside him, had a slender figure, a light and airy physique, black hair as shiny as lacquer, skin as white as jade, beautiful eyes shining brightly, and a subtle charm that couldn't be put into words. She was like a blooming rose, beautiful and enchanting, with a thousand charms and no equal. Zhao Yino's voice was soft and gentle, her expression coquettish, and her watery eyes seemed to be on the verge of tears as she gazed at Li Han with a hint of a smile. She puckered up her lips and smiled, instantly exuding a charming aura that was unmatched in beauty. Leaning close to his ear, she said in a playful tone, "Today you have to listen to me!" It was both an enticement and a command.

  Alumni are pouring into the school's track and field stadium, with a sea of people cheering and drums beating loudly.

  Wang Qi and Chen Yu Meng, the journalists in charge of interviews, also followed into the main venue to conduct interviews and video recording. Director Lai led Li Han into the backstage rest room of the track and field stadium and briefly informed him of the matters needing attention for his upcoming speech.

  After the city leaders took their seats, the celebration ceremony began.

  The activity was presided over by the Director of Education Bureau. When he announced the start of the celebration, firecrackers were fired and cheers and whistles filled the sky.

  Then the host's various official tones and polite words, when the host read out the alumni donations: Alumnus Li Shengjie donated 80 million to donate a library! Xia Meng couldn't help but exclaim: "This alumnus really loves the school! We must go interview him!"

  Zhang Li smiled and said, "Haha, loving the school doesn't necessarily depend on how much money you donate!" Zhang Li turned his head to look at Xia Meng, who was standing close in front of him due to the narrow space. As long as he lowered his head, he could smell the fragrance of her hair.

  This was Zhang Li's first time observing a girl at such close distance. He lowered his head and gazed at her, seeing that she had skin as smooth as cream, curved eyebrows, a small nose slightly upturned, thin lips, and eyes that sparkled with life, so beautiful it was like a lyrical poem! Xia Meng's entire being radiated the pure emotions of a young girl and the vitality of youth. Especially those lake-like clear eyes, and her long, flashing eyelashes. It was as if she were inquiring, caring, or greeting him. Zhang Li couldn't help but stare blankly.

  When the host announced that student representative Li Han was about to speak, Xia Meng couldn't help but perk up her ears and listen carefully.

  Respected leaders and guests; dear alumni, teachers and fellow students:

  Good morning everyone!

  Today, on this sunny March day, our beloved alma mater is celebrating her 100th birthday. First of all, please allow me to represent all the students in school to extend warm welcome and heartfelt thanks to all the guests attending the celebration ceremony, to send sincere wishes to our alumni, to express deep respect to our hardworking teachers, and to say to our beloved alma mater: Happy Birthday!

  One hundred years ago, our alma mater was born in the midst of turmoil and hardship within and outside China. It was destined to shoulder the heavy responsibility of revitalizing the nation and national education. From the sound of books being read aloud, our alma mater began an extraordinary century-long journey.

  A century of spring blossoms and autumn harvests, a century of peach and plum fragrance. A century of tireless struggle, a century of unbroken music. This is the cradle of dreams, where batches of students start their journey to realize their dreams. They are in every corner of the world, in every field, in every era, tirelessly striving, creating outstanding achievements, showcasing the spirit of A Middle School people daring to be the first, pursuing excellence. Facing the seated alumni and teachers who have returned to their alma mater, we are filled with gratitude and admiration, it is your hard work that has forged the glory and splendor of A Middle School for a century.

  My grandparents, parents and I are all Ant Tribers. My childhood memories are filled with stories of Ant Tribers. This year, I am also honored to have become an Ant Triber. From then on, I look forward to witnessing the touching moments of Ant Tribe's centennial celebration, sharing the glory and pride of being an Ant Triber for a hundred years.

  Today, our century-old alma mater is exceptionally beautiful. She wears the festive attire and with a broad and profound mind of "peach and plum blossoms all over the world", warmly welcomes students and guests from all directions.

  Every flower in the campus has bloomed with hope, every green leaf has swayed out of vitality, every track is galloping with the magnificent posture of life, and every door and window has opened up the memories of history. As A Middle School student on campus, being able to welcome the centennial birthday of our alma mater in our middle school era is an extraordinary fortune and honor for us.

  A century of civilization has accumulated the spiritual character of "diligence, perseverance, sincerity and sensitivity" in A Middle School people. Today, as the new generation of A Middle School people who inherit the past and usher in the future, we are immersed in the profound historical heritage of our alma mater, exploring knowledge under the tireless teachings of our teachers. Looking to the future, we stand together with our alma mater at a higher starting point for the new century. Our success and progress will become the footprints that start the glorious journey of A Middle School's new century. From this, the glory is great, the responsibility is heavy.

  "Today we take pride in our school, tomorrow the school will be proud of us." We will follow in the footsteps of our brilliant alumni, taking a firm and determined step forward as A Middle School students, striving hard on the path to knowledge, carrying on the legacy, and working together with millions of A Middle School people to write an even more glorious future for A Middle School! Remember this moment, cherish this moment, may the fleeting moments of a century become eternal memories. Thank you everyone.

  Li Han's speech won rounds of applause. Next came speeches by various leaders. Finally, the cultural performance officially began. Xia Meng and Zhang Li returned to the resting room beside the stage to prepare for the literary society's chorus program. The cultural performance was hosted by a well-known host from the alumni with Li Han and Zhao Yi Nuo.

  Zhao Yino's program is ranked third, Li Han and Zhang Li's cross-talk program is ranked seventh, and Xia Meng's literary society chorus is ranked second to last.

  After Zhao Yino finished performing, Li Han called Zhang Li and asked him to go to the opposite side of the stage.

  Xia Meng, who was backstage, heard Li Han and Zhang Li's crosstalk, which was humorous and interesting. The audience below applauded and cheered continuously. During this time, Li Han showed off his various talents: playing the erhu, blowing a flute, and playing a violin. It's true love, Xia Meng thought to herself.

  Chen Yu Meng watched from below as Zhao Yi Nuo wore a noble and elegant white dress, standing slender and refined beside Li Han who was dressed in a suit and tie, looking handsome and tall. Occasionally when Zhao Yi Nuo exchanged glances with Li Han, the passionate love in her eyes seemed to melt him.

  Chen Yu Meng couldn't help but feel a little self-pity, she didn't have Zhao Yi Nuo's beautiful voice, nor her elegant dance moves, and even less the fiery figure that made boys drool. What right did she have to compete with Zhao Yi Nuo for Li Han? But she had a heart that loved Li Han more than Zhao Yi Nuo ever could, and even if it meant fighting till her last breath, she would never give up on her most beloved.

  Wang Qi looked at Chen Yu Meng, who was sitting next to her with an uncertain expression, and pushed her. "Hey, look! It's Zhao Yi Nu's program! She's singing Li Wen's 'Back Home'!" Chen Yu Meng raised her head and saw that Zhao Yi Nu on stage had a devilish figure, with a big wavy black hair shining brightly, and her long legs wearing a red super short mini skirt, showing off her perfect figure. "Hmm, let's go find Xia Meng in the backstage, our school's program is about to start!" Chen Yu Meng was unwilling to look! She couldn't easily lose to Zhao Yi Nu.

  It's the Literature Club's turn, and it's almost the end of the show. Xia Meng and the club members confidently took the stage, after more than half a year of rehearsals, they were very in sync, the performance form was also very innovative, and they received rounds of applause.

  After the performance, Xia Meng received a text message from Zhang Li: "The school is setting off fireworks tonight, come to the top of Building 1 and wait for me, okay?" Xia Meng's heart skipped a beat. Is this a date?