Chapter 21.4| Becoming 18

The carnival came to an end lingeringly after the school bell rang, with some classes continuing the festive "Double Festival" with their own activities, and the school did not intervene. 

Originally planned as separate class dinners, Class 2 and Class 12 ended up merging into a "Science and Arts Department Mixer" at the same restaurant. To add a touch of flair, a banner was hung in the banquet hall with the slogan "Science and Arts Department: Friendship Forever, Never to Separate." 

Casualness in certain matters seems to be a common trait among all teachers at times. There are no strict rules for seating arrangements during gatherings, not even a requirement to separate between teachers of different subjects. Apart from fostering relationships between teachers and students, each table is seated with a teacher who teaches a particular subject.

Fortunately, all the subject teachers present today are able to connect well with the students. The "foodie group" naturally gravitated towards sitting together, and their table happened to be joined by Mr Wang, the homeroom teacher of Class 2.

Xing Xiuze and Mr Wang are quite familiar with each other, with Xing Xiuze even calling him "Lao Wang" among the group from Class 2. 

With a mischievous grin, Xing Xiuze leaned forward and asked, "I'm quite curious, Lao Wang, do you prefer British English or American English?"

Mr Wang chuckled and pointed at Xing Xiuze, "You're always up for some fun, stirring up trouble." 

As the homeroom teacher and English teacher of Class 2, most at this table are from that class. Following the curriculum, Mr Wang usually teaches American English, with the exception of Meng Yin, who prefers British English and is quite skilled at it.

As one of the homeroom teachers at the school, Mr Wang has seen it all and is not fazed by Xiuze's playful question about accents. He gestured towards Xu Zhiyi and said, "Xu Zhiyi, as the top student in the science stream, why don't you answer on behalf of our top student in the arts stream?"

"Wait, Lao Wang," Xing Xiuze interjected, "This won't be fun if we play it this way. After all, today is our coming-of-age ceremony. Let's show some sincerity and satisfy the curiosity of adults."

Mr Wang helped himself to some cold dishes, chuckled at Xiuze, and reiterated, "You, this kid." He then continued, "These two things are closely related. Why rush things? Our class has the best in American English with Xu Zhiyi and the best in British English with Meng Yin. They could challenge anyone in the school."

There was a sense of pride and satisfaction in his expression. 

Lin Xipei patted Xing Xiuze on the shoulder sympathetically, "Xing Xiuze, some attempts at causing discord are destined to fail."

In essence, what Lin Xipei meant was, "Xing Xiuze, are you not afraid of inviting trouble indirectly to my sweet Zhiyin CP?".

Xiuze wholeheartedly agreed with her statement and playfully patted Nie Hai, who was sitting beside him, "Some failures are predestined, but not all. Bro, new year, new hopes. Do you need me to help boost your Chinese grades?"

Nie Hai:"..." Why are you dragging me into this mess?

He looked earnestly at the other members of the 12th class at the table and asked, "Is this really the face of your arts class?"

"If you judge solely by appearances and grades, then yes."

Hai shook his head, "Truly an ironclad fact."

As the hot dishes were served one after another, the laughter and conversations from different tables blended together, all coming to a halt at the sudden 'click' of the microphone. 

Under the banner, a small stage with an LED screen behind it displayed the message "Eighteen and Aspiring, Happy New Year." 

The head teacher of the humanities class, named Chu Yan, a humorous educator in the field of chemistry, temporarily took on the role of the host. Beginning with a 5-minute stand-up comedy routine, Miss Chu concluded by reminding everyone of the evening's main event, "Tonight's cultural and scientific exchange is a rare opportunity, so don't just sit around! Whether you want to show off, confess, or showcase your talents, come forward now." Pointing a finger, Miss Chu earnestly stated, "Everyone needs to realize one thing deeply, what we, the students of FHS, are most fearless about is not our grades, but our audacity. So, who's up first?" 

With that, she shook the microphone in hand. 

In contrast to audacity, the students of FHS were more fearless about making a scene. Leading the charge this time was Zang Kai, "I want to see the top student in science and the top student in humanities battle it out." 

The chorus of agreement filled the room, and within seconds, the entire banquet hall echoed with chants of "battle! battle! battle..." 

Xing Xiuze looked relaxed, smiling as he glanced at Xu Zhiyi, "Bro, I didn't expect your class to enjoy watching us 'become enemies' so much." 

Xu Zhiyi glanced over, "Your class seems pretty enthusiastic too." 

Before the gathering, many people changed into adult ceremony attire, and the "foodie Team" was naturally among them. 

Xing Xiuze and Xu Zhi each wore a coffee-coloured suit, one in black and the other, both paired with a pair of Oxford shoes in the same colour range. 

With a tall and handsome figure, these two outstanding individuals walked towards the red podium. 

Wearing a complete suit to important events is often a symbol of a young man coming of age. Among those dressed as formally as these two, the number was neither many nor few, but the distinction lay in how this attire seemed to instantly give them a sense of formally transitioning into adulthood.

The "battle" noises turned into more enthusiastic applause and cheers. 

A server brought another microphone, handing it to Xiuze, and the two exchanged glances. Xiuze raised the microphone and said, "Xu Zhiyi has already shined brightly today, and my father has also made way for me. While Xu Zhiyi and I often battle in private, I must admit defeat under the tyranny of your Bro Yi."

"Isn't it because you're just not good enough?" Zhiyi interjected. 

Laughter erupted below, with chants of "awesome" echoing. 

Unperturbed, Xing Xiuze held the microphone and began to tease Xu Zhiyi, "Xu Zhiyi, I haven't exposed your secrets, so show me some respect." 

Xu Zhiyi shot back a 'right' look, while onlookers wore expressions of amusement.

Clearing his throat, Xing Xiuze continued, "After all, we both achieved first place, and on the first day of adulthood, we battle, risking being labelled with a 'black history' for losing face. So, after careful consideration..." Xing Xiuze leisurely scanned the banquet hall, adjusted his well-fitted jacket, cracked his knuckles, and in a mysterious tone, concluded, "We have adulthood, suits, and alcohol, but the only thing missing to have an exciting battle with Xu Zhiyi is..." 

"Are you ready?" Xing Xiuze teased. 

Xu Zhiyi returned a similar expression and replied, "Let's begin."