Slowly finished drinking a bottle of soda, and it was time to gather.

Back at the school gate, with the number of people checked and correct, everyone rode their bikes, grandly heading out.

There wasn't much to say about the farewell party; just eating and drinking. With the college entrance exams over, everyone was free of pressure and chatted happily together.

Someone brought a notebook for everyone to sign and write a message for remembrance.

The teachers weren't as serious as usual and even joked around as many students offered them toasts.

Su Zelin also toasted to each of the teachers. Honestly speaking, a troublemaker and idler like himself was unlucky for whoever taught him, but his high school teachers were quite tolerant.

When toasting Old Guo, the class teacher was already a bit tipsy. He pulled Su Zelin aside and whispered, "Zelin, it doesn't matter how you did on the exams. I've been teaching for thirty years and have seen all kinds of students. There are quite a few like you—maybe not great at studying, but smart and a bit cunning. You might end up doing the best in the class out in society later!"

Such words were definitely not something the class teacher would say at any other time, or else students might take it as an excuse for laziness. But post-exams, it was different.

Old Guo's words were partly to encourage Su Zelin and also the truth.

He had quite a few rebellious students who were now big bosses, doing very well, and often treated him to meals and gifts.

Old Guo sure knew how to judge people!

You were right about that.

The troublemaker thought to himself that he, Su Zelin, would surely be the one who succeeds the most!

"I appreciate your kind words, teacher!"

Su Zelin raised his glass, "Old Guo, I'll finish it. You can do as you please!"

"Alright, alright..."

Old Guo chuckled and joined him for a drink.

The class teacher had a good tolerance for alcohol, which was evident from his protruding belly.

At the farewell party, they had beer. Even with thirty-some boys in the class, if each toasted him once, he could handle it.

Though everyone was happy at the start of the farewell party, as it neared the end, the mood suddenly became heavy.

High school life might be the most memorable time on campus in one's life.

In the future, nearly everyone they gathered with would be high school classmates.

Soon, everyone would go their separate ways, and certainly, they all felt quite sad.

At this farewell party, everyone hoped it could last a little longer.

However, all good things must come to an end.

When the time was about right, Old Guo went to the center and gave the final speech to this year's students.

"Three years ago, you met in this beautiful campus, like-minded; agreed in the most beautiful season, friendship priceless; gathered in the ocean of youth, passionate and exuberant; parting in the graduation time, reluctant and hard to leave!"

"You are reluctant to leave your alma mater, and we are just as reluctant to see you go. However, eagles must spread their wings and soar higher into the sky. High school is not the end of campus life. Awaiting you are the beautiful Ivory Towers. Go and enjoy it!"

"Finally, in this July graduation season, on behalf of all the teachers in our class, I wish each and everyone of you a brilliant future, filled with even more wonderful sights along the way!"

As soon as Old Guo's words ended, there was thunderous applause from below.

No wonder he's the class teacher and a Chinese instructor; his graduation speech was so moving that everyone was deeply touched, with several girls even crying on the spot. Qin Shiqing and Tang Yan's eyes were a bit red.

The teachers left first, followed by the students.

Zhao Mingxuan stood at the door, feeling it was his duty as the class president to stay till the last moment to see off each classmate.

Those leaving the door either hugged him or shook hands.

With each familiar face that left, Zhao Mingxuan's heart grew heavier.

The last to leave the hotel were Qin Shiqing and Su Zelin.

On seeing Qin Shiqing, Zhao Mingxuan felt a burst of excitement, eagerly spreading his arms.

However, Qin Shiqing only smiled and extended her hand.

A bit awkward, Zhao Mingxuan could only shake hands with her.

Still, it wasn't too bad. Zhao Mingxuan planned not to wash his hand for at least three days after going home.

Next was Su Zelin, and this scene was a bit tricky.

The two had been at odds throughout their three years of high school. As class president, Zhao Mingxuan looked down on troublemakers like Su Zelin who ranked at the bottom and affected the class's reputation. Moreover, because of Qin Shiqing, he regarded Su Zelin as a rival in love.

Similarly, Su Zelin didn't like him, so Zhao Mingxuan thought he might just turn his face away and act like he didn't see him.

Unexpectedly, Su Zelin strode up, spreading his arms to give him a bear hug. The troublemaker's strength was so great that Zhao Mingxuan almost couldn't breathe.

The bespectacled man was a little taken aback. Of all the farewells, his with Su Zelin ended up being the most enthusiastic. Anyone uninformed might have thought the two were best friends.

And it didn't stop there; Su Zelin even planted a big "smooch" on his face.

"Zhao Mingxuan, fuck you, goodbye!"

After saying that, Su Zelin finally let go.

While he had had grudges with the bespectacled guy, he realized after being reborn that it was quite childish, and now at the end of high school, those trivial matters all disappeared like smoke.

Moreover, he admired Zhao Mingxuan for staying at the farewell party until the last moment.

Because the last person to leave is inevitably the saddest.

"Ugh, ugh, ugh, what are you doing? That's disgusting!"

Zhao Mingxuan, exasperated, ran to the bathroom to wash his face.

After washing, he suddenly remembered he had also washed his hand, and now the scent of the goddess was gone.

"Damn Su Zelin, that kid is insane!"

Zhao Mingxuan grumbled as he walked out of the bathroom, only to find that Su Zelin and Qin Shiqing had already left.

The large restaurant was empty, and his heart suddenly felt hollow as well.

No longer able to hold it in, Zhao Mingxuan collapsed onto the table, wailing his heart out.

...

On the way home, Su Zelin and Qin Shiqing leisurely rode their bicycles side by side.

Compared to other classmates who left the farewell party feeling lonely, he was fortunate because he still had his childhood sweetheart by his side.

Moreover, Qin Shiqing accompanied me for a whole seventeen years!

The understanding girl next door brought me countless beautiful memories.

However, just like the others at this farewell party, she and I will eventually part ways.

There's just over a month left, and she has to go to Yanjing, while I stay within the province, separated by miles.

From now on, there will no longer be a girl like her accompanying me to and from school, sharing the winds and rains together.

Thinking of this, Su Zelin couldn't help but feel melancholic.

Back home, the faint sadness lingered, until after dinner, it was still hovering in his heart.

Entering his room, sitting in front of his desk in a daze, even Su Zelin found it a bit strange.

After living over thirty years in a previous life and experiencing high school graduation farewell for the second time, I still feel sentimental. This is so unlike me.

Could it be that one's state of mind is influenced by the environment?

Back in high school, facing a group of youngsters every day, has my mindset subtly become immature?

Su Zelin sighed and picked up the red cotton guitar in the corner of the wall.

Apart from not being good at studying, or to be precise, having no interest, he knew almost everything and played the guitar well, having performed solos at school arts evenings.

When you feel lonely, cigarettes and guitars are always the best friends.

Wiping the dust off the guitar, he gently plucked the strings and started to sing.

...

I once thought graduation was far away

Unknowingly, we have gone our separate ways

The parting summer, I am so reluctant to leave you

But yesterday can never return

Missing the classroom where we were together for three years

Missing the afternoons walking with you on campus

My deskmate, can you not leave

I'm already used to having you

Could time stop forever in this graduation season

Don't let the years take away the memory of our youth

Every exam, you cheered me on

Even if I failed, you helped me prepare

Could time stop forever in this summer

Afraid that after tomorrow, I won't see you again

...

A song of 'Graduation Season' ended with the gradually fading sound of strings, and Su Zelin's eyes were a bit misty.

Many people do not know how to cherish campus life when they are young; only after many years, when they glance back suddenly, do they understand what they missed.

At that moment, only teary eyes commemorate the youth that has long since passed and will never return.

"You sang quite well..."

Qin Shiqing's voice came from behind, his childhood sweetheart somehow standing at the doorway.

Su Zelin discreetly wiped the corner of his eye and looked back as if nothing had happened.

Qin Shiqing had just showered, her soft black hair still damp, wearing a set of loose cartoon pajamas with the Cherry Maruko theme, yet unable to conceal her youthful and graceful figure.

She sat down in front of Su Zelin, a faint fragrance quietly wafting over; it was the unique scent of girls, like orchids, like cinnamon, fragrant and elegant, refreshing and very pleasant.

"I thought you would never be sad about parting."

Qin Shiqing smiled.

After the farewell party, she too felt blocked tonight while at home alone, so she came over to chat with Su Zelin.

"Oh please, it's not like I have no emotions!"

Su Zelin pouted slightly.

"When you encouraged me to apply to Qingbei, you didn't seem this upset!"

Qin Shiqing looked into his eyes and spoke slowly.

Su Zelin casually placed the guitar back in the corner.

"Didn't I want the best for you? Even Old Guo said, an eagle must spread its wings and soar to a higher sky. You are an eagle; you should fly as high as possible. As for me, I'm just a little sparrow fluttering here and there, just to see the nearby scenery at a low altitude."

Qin Shiqing frowned: "Is that all it is?"

"What else could it be?"

"Alright, I believe you."

After chatting in Su Zelin's room for a while, Qin Shiqing had to go back.

Having left early in the morning today, taking graduation photos and attending the farewell party, she was a bit tired and planned to rest early.

Before she walked out the door, Su Zelin spoke again: "Qin Shiqing!"

"Yes?"

"No matter what, these seventeen years along the road of life, thank you for being there!"

"Oh!"

Qin Shiqing responded lightly, then turned and left.

Perhaps, it's not just seventeen years.

...

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