Chapter 21.2| Becoming 18
Yin followed Xipei to the girls' dormitory to change clothes, but the other roommates had already changed and returned to the classroom. Established during the era when Lu Xun gave up medicine to pursue literature, the school held a coming-of-age ceremony for the high school seniors each year, where they would wear custom-made "May Fourth suits."
Yes, the ones you see in TV dramas - the blue shirt and black skirt with standing collars and four pockets, a modern version of the Zhongshan suit for students.
Due to temperature considerations, the girls' modern Zhongshan suits were made of sapphire velvet and black cotton.
"How is it already the last day of December?" Xipei lamented while changing clothes, expressing disbelief, "I'm about to come of age, this feels more unreal than the beginning of school."
Their daily routine revolved around studying and exams, with the hallways always filled with students playing and chatting, and arguments during meals were constant yet not boring. "Shall we play 'Don't Want to Grow Up' for you?"
Yin had already dressed neatly and was fixing her stray hair. The haircut from September had grown to shoulder length, and she usually tied it up casually with a few black hair clips.
Lin Xipei shouted, "I don't want to grow up, because the world won't have him when I do," as she opened the door of the cubicle. Although the pitch wasn't quite right, it had a touch of readiness to sacrifice oneself.
"Darling, I suggest we find a good teacher to help you open the door that God has closed for you," Yin paused, then winked at Xipei, "Or should I accompany you to escape the coming-of-age ceremony?"
Lin Xipei was taken aback by Meng Yin's words, scrutinizing her face, noticing how Meng Yin was becoming more and more adorable!
"Meng Yin, your idea is quite dangerous! I'm afraid I'll be beaten up by a certain someone." Yin raised an eyebrow, "You want me to cover for you?"
Xipei took a deep breath, "... "Is this the arrogance and confidence that comes from dating Bro Yi?!
After tidying up, the two returned to the classroom.
As soon as they sat down, Yin was handed a hand warmer, a cute little alpaca the size of a palm.
Meng Yin tilted her head to look at Xu Zhiyi for a while before asking, "Where did you get this from?"
She had seen Xu Zhiyi dressed formally before, but it felt different this time. Wearing a black Zhongshan suit, he seemed to exude a youthful vigour, Yin thought that if he were born in that era, he would definitely be a remarkable young man who left a mark in history.
"Bought it a couple of days ago," he replied.
She was wearing a thermal inner layer, her own coat draped over it, and wool stockings, so she didn't feel very cold.
Holding the mini alpaca in her hands, Yin stole a few more glances at the young man.
"Look good?"
"Indeed quite charming."
"You look good too."
Meng Yin thought: Why is this hand warmer so hot?
At the classroom door, Mr Wang raised his hand to signal everyone to head to the auditorium. The weather was great today, with the temperature hovering around zero but the sunlight shining warmly on everyone.
They walked towards the auditorium in groups or pairs, basking in the lazy winter sun.
Xipei had one arm around Yin and held a GoPro in the other hand, while Xu Zhiyi and Nie Hai followed a few steps behind them.
Their coming-of-age ceremony was scheduled to begin in an hour.
The school encourages and invites parents of senior high school students to witness their children's coming-of-age ceremony. As they approach the auditorium, more and more parents come into view.
A huge billboard stands at the entrance of the auditorium, featuring enlarged calligraphy by Chen Lao for this year's coming-of-age ceremony - "At eighteen, one stands with aspirations high." It is sharp, grand, and bold, resembling a blazing fire.
Many parents and students stop by to take photos in front of this billboard.
The "Foodie Group" managed to capture parents dressed in their best attire near the billboard. Yin's parents just returned last week and both are present this time, while Xu Zhiyi and Nie Hai's moms are in attendance, and Lin Xipei's parents and grandmother are here.
Without the younger generation leading introductions, adults have their own way of socializing and interacting. A few moms have already planned to go for a skincare session together next week.
Along with Xu Zhiyi's mother, Xing Xiuze's father and daddy also arrived - they are posing for a victory V-sign photo in front of the billboard.
Throughout Xing Xiuze's growth, both parents have usually taken a backseat, but after last year's incident, the family unanimously decided that for future events where Xing Xiuze needs both parents present, they will attend together.
When your child can confidently say, "There is nothing different about our family compared to others," they have already won beneath the gaze of society.
Lude Xing and Lian Pu both stand out in terms of height, appearance, and demeanour, creating a magnetic field when standing together. They blend well with each other, while Xing Xiuze's reluctant and helpless expression somehow makes people want to applaud him. Lin Xipei internally shouts with excitement, wondering if the scene could get any more thrilling! Not only did she witness their parents meeting in person, but she also experienced an aesthetic of love.
This could probably be considered witnessing history, right?
Xing Xiuze noticed a few onlookers taking photos of him compared to V and waved at them, deciding to break the ice by saying, "Are we still going to have a meal together or take a group photo? Hurry up and come over for a picture before this opportunity is gone!"
The group approaches while laughing. Lin Xipei politely greeted Xing Xiuze's fathers and then told him, "Xing Xiuze, I suddenly feel like you lowered the average attractiveness of your family."
Xing Xiuze raised his head, being the top student in liberal arts, showing disdain, and then turned to Hai, asking, "Do you think I lowered the average attractiveness of our family?" Apart from a hint of arrogance in Xing Xiuze's nostril-flaring question, his tone was quite serious.
Before Nie Hai responded, Xing Xiuze's own father playfully tapped him on the head, saying, "You rascal."
Xing Xiuze quickly touches the back of his head and takes out a small mirror from his front pocket to check his hairstyle, saying, "Dad, please appreciate the laborious effort I put into styling my hair for the whole morning. This is a significant achievement for me."
His father, unimpressed, replies, "I don't see any difference."
Xing Xiuze: "..." A typical interaction between father and son.
Xing Xiuze's father took the mirror from Xing Xiuze's hand and reminded him, "If we don't take a photo soon, the ceremony will begin shortly."
With the exception of Xu Zhiyi, several individuals were witnessing the interaction style of the Xing family for the first time. The father was reserved and open-minded, while the daddy's figure was gentle and discreet, radiating warmth and love, making them seem quite endearing and not much different from other ordinary families.
During the group photo with the "foodie group," Xing Xiuze showed no signs of reluctance as before. In fact, he became the biggest flaw in the photo session, resulting in everyone else smiling and joking around, capturing a moment that would later become a cherished memory.
Upon completing this significant event, Xing Xiuze walked proudly into the auditorium with his father on his left and his dad on his right, leading the group to their unique and singular ceremony.
They received gift boxes prepared by the school at the entrance, bid temporary farewells to their families, and proceeded to their designated seats. Inside the red gift box, there was a school emblem, a copy of "The Analects," a copy of the "Constitution," an adult ceremony oath, and a calligraphy piece by Principal Chen.
Everyone instinctively pinned the school emblem on the left side of their chest, once again imprinting the school motto deep in their hearts.