Chapter 21.6| Becoming 18

Mr Wang's proposed game rules for "Whispering Microphone" are as follows: designated person Xing Xiuze starts speaking to the designated individual, with the speaking length limited to one sentence. After speaking, the other person can choose to respond or pass the microphone to the next individual. 

Xing Xiuze took the microphone from the waiter, stood up, his gaze wandering within sight, his brow slightly furrowed as if contemplating who among the audience deserved a few words of praise. The microphone switched from left hand to right hand, then back to the left, his lazy voice filling the air, pointed to Nie Hai sitting on his left, saying, "Nie Hai, stand up." Hai stared at Xiuze in bewilderment, his expression questioning, "Bro, are you sure you're not calling the wrong person?" 

"No mistake, it's you." 

Hai stood up without much delay, confusion giving way to curiosity. Xiuze shed his laziness, adopting a formal demeanour, a faint smile playing on his lips as he said, "Nie Hai, you are quite clever, but sometimes your literary brain fails you. How about considering letting the 'top in Literature' give you a hand?" 

His words were casual, similar to when he bantered with Hai, but Zhiyi knew him too well. This seemingly offhand remark was Xing Xiuze's coming out, a subtle hint of "I have feelings for you." 

This wasn't the first time Xing Xiuze had said such things to Nie Hai, who found it amusing. Nevertheless, he decided to "fight back." 

Hai took the microphone, saying, "Xing Xiuze, don't you have any creativity? You've already said that before." 

Xiuze shrugged, remaining silent, leaning back in his chair and teasing, "I fear you can't handle too much creativity." 

His relaxed expression mirrored what Hai was accustomed to, playful yet sincere, with a hint of seriousness in his deep brown eyes that sent a shiver down one's spine.

Nie Hai did not respond, pulled his gaze back, and chose to sit next to Lin Xipei on his left. Before he could speak, Xipei put one hand on his hip and raised a GoPro with the other hand, taking the initiative by saying, "Nie Hai, think carefully before you speak." 

Hai furrowed his brows, truly beginning to think, that choosing Lin Xipei as the interlocutor could be considered an act of habit. The five members of their "foodie group" all sat together, and Xing Xiuze chose to sit on his left, to which he complied, also choosing to sit next to someone on his left.

"Lin Xipei," Hai called her name. 

Lin Xipei listened attentively, while Hai rubbed his styled head and said, "Although your personality doesn't match your cute face, I enjoy being friends with you."

For those who hadn't really interacted with her, it was easy to be deceived by her cute appearance. Her personality contained some masculine traits, so if Lin Xipei and Xing Xiuze were like a drawn sword in the "foodie group," then she and Hai's relationship was more like brothers.

Based on the friendship and understanding of Hai's literary level, Xipei sincerely smiled and said, "I'm happy to be friends with you too." Then, she tilted her head and looked at Xing Xiuze, saying, "Xing Xiuze, I think your suggestion to tutor Nie Hai is quite good."

The onlookers burst into laughter, and the smile on Xing Xiuze's lips grew even wider. He raised his hand in a high-profile manner, making an "OK" gesture.

Lin Xipei, upholding the fine virtues of the "foodie group," chose to sit beside Meng Yin on her left. 

When girls face each other, delicate emotions can be triggered without conflict. "Meng Yin," Lin Xipei said, "I cherish my time at FHS, but thanks to your presence, I have seen a different perspective." 

Skilled in social interactions, she had a good reputation at school and maintained her social boundaries. Although intrigued by gossip and curious about the social lives of Xu Zhiyi and his group, she never thought of prying. Meng Yin's transfer to Class 2 of the third year served as an opportunity. Curious about the girl who called out Xu Zhiyi in front of the whole school, she wanted to befriend her, leading to the formation of the "foodie group." Approaching this group, she discovered that Xu Zhiyi, who appeared to maintain a moderate distance from most people and was a popular topic at school, was actually a calm yet passionate individual who occasionally revealed a youthful spirit. People often overlook his abilities and focus on his appearance, academic achievements, knowledge, and even family background. However, this did not make him arrogant; instead, he humbly positioned himself as an ordinary person, striving with direction and purpose, honing himself through perseverance and self-improvement. People often rush to admire the superficial beauty of flowers without delving into the buried roots. Meng Yin enabled her to see her classmates, friends, and school in a different light, helping her realize the essence of loving FHS - democracy, freedom, integrity, and love. 

Yin remained silent, hugged Lin Xipei, rested her chin on her shoulder, and whispered in her ear, "Thank you for meeting you at FHS."

Lin Xipei sat down, feeling the slight layer of sweat in the palm of her hand as Meng Yin held the microphone. She lowered her head with a smile, feeling just as nervous as she did before giving a speech at the beginning of the school year. Nevertheless, she had to do it just like before. 

Yin chose Xu Zhiyi as the spokesperson. 

Zhiyi stood up, locking eyes with Yin. The three people in between involuntarily shrunk their upper bodies and lowered their heads. The rest of the audience in the banquet hall, including the teachers, looked over with anticipation, waiting to hear what Meng Yin would say next. With a determined gaze, Yin said, "Dear comrades, please continue to guide us and let's strive for the peak together." 

This was a blend of subtlety and directness found only in youth. They were classmates, good friends, and mutual admirers who had worked together and individually, faced setbacks and successes. They harboured desires to reach for the stars but more so to climb to their respective peaks in the prime of their lives. 

With almost no hesitation, Xu Zhiyi replied, "Alright." His eyes were clear and bright like a tranquil sea under the sunlight, shimmering irresistibly.