Wan Da became more and more immersed in his own fantasy as he spoke. Xie Yu nudged He Chao with his elbow and said, "Brother, isn't it a bit inappropriate for you to participate in a coming-of-age ceremony at your age?"

He Chao reached out to grab his neck, but missed.

"...Come here, what do you mean?" he said.

"I wasn't clear enough?" Xie Yu said, "I meant you're old."

As Wan Da was lost in thought, he looked up and saw these two fighting again.

They were always openly physical with each other, not caring about their surroundings.

But this time was different, as their roles were reversed and Xie Yu was the one being chased and hit.

He Chao didn't really want to fight, he was just having fun. He took a few steps and stood at the door, beckoning Xie Yu to come back.

Xie Yu stopped and leaned against the window, watching him.

He Chao said he wouldn't hurt him and walked towards the corridor. But when he got closer, he still grabbed Xie Yu and asked, "I'm old?"

People were coming and going in the corridor.

These two were tall and had long legs, wearing school uniforms. Just looking at their overlapping figures made people's imaginations run wild.

Wan Da shook his head, accustomed to it, thinking that these two people's image had long been shattered beyond recognition.

The specific itinerary for the coming-of-age ceremony was like a bird with wings, spreading throughout the entire grade within the duration of a few classes.

There were three tentative locations, the History Museum, a famous person's former residence, and a temple fair in the evening.

"You're all very enthusiastic."

Old Tang didn't want them to be distracted, planning to talk about the coming-of-age ceremony during the class meeting a few days before it happened. He finally managed to hold it in until a week before the ceremony and found that he didn't need to say anything anymore. These people already knew everything: "Prepare whatever you need...We'll take the bus at 8 a.m. and go to the People's Memorial Hall first."

Not knowing what to prepare, they basically followed the style of the spring and autumn outings. Except for simple changes of clothes, they packed a large bag of snacks. Before departure, Liu Cunhao said with a guilty conscience, "I didn't bring my homework. Is that too much?"

"What homework? Leave it in the dorm," Luo Wenqiang said. "It's responsible and will take care of itself."

The weather was hot, and there was a strong smell of formaldehyde in the bus.

Xie Yu took off his mask, smelled the odor, and put it back on.

He Chao adjusted the angle of the air conditioner above his head and the cold air blew directly at Xie Yu. "Uncomfortable?" he asked.

"A little stuffy," Xie Yu replied.

He Chao then said, "I'll lend you my shoulder to lean on."

"What's the damn use?" Xie Yu said.

Although he said that, Xie Yu lowered his head and sent a message to Madam Gu, reporting the situation. Then with the slight swaying of the carriage, he fell asleep leaning on He Chao's shoulder.

He Chao raised his hand and lightly touched Xie Yu's ear, hooking the black string behind it to help him remove one side of his mask.

He couldn't help but stare for a few moments.

Then He Chao came back to his senses and also took out his phone, intending to send a text message to his father to show some similar care.

He thought his father would probably just reply with a simple "I know," but after waiting for a few minutes, he received three other words: "You've grown up."

The car ride was about two hours long, and at first, this group of people could still make some noise and sing.

"What are you singing? Don't sing," He Chao signaled for them to stop, "My desk mate is sleeping."

Someone in the back row shouted, "Brother Chao, you're spoiling Brother Yu too much."

As soon as this sentence was spoken, everyone else started to join in the teasing.

He Chao had no intention of denying it, but Liu Cunhao and the others next to him had a stronger reaction than the person involved.

"Between good brothers, of course we should cherish each other," Liu Cunhao said, putting his arm around Wan Da's shoulder. "Right, Da-zi? Don't I spoil you often?"

Wan Da gritted his teeth. "Spoil! You spoil me a lot!"

"..."

Their commotion was too loud, and Xie Yu, who had been sleeping lightly, half-opened his eyes. The other half of his mask slid off naturally. "Spoil what?"

"Nothing, don't ask." He Chao said, "These two seem to have some problems with their heads today."

By the time the third year group arrived at the People's Memorial Hall, it was almost noon. Before the official visit, the school arranged a simple ceremony nearby.

Old Tang stood at the front of the line.

The Mad Dog changed his style, dressed in a suit and leather shoes, standing under the scorching sun without feeling the heat. "The coming-of-age ceremony is not for you to play around. Students, you are now 18 years old, officially adults."

As soon as the words "officially adults" were spoken, the audience fell silent.

Thinking about the new and inexperienced faces of the first years in No. 2 High School, just like when they first entered school, they realised that they had already reached this stage in the blink of an eye.

"As adults, you must learn to take responsibility, possess virtues, perseverance, and diligence. Stay grounded and work hard. I am sincerely happy and proud of you all..."

"No matter where you go in the future, no matter how far you go, never forget the pure heart! It is the motto of our No. 2 high school!"

"The spirit of the No. 2 High School!"

Halfway through his speech, the Mad Dog suddenly paused for a second.

Then he turned around and wiped something off, and Xie Yu stood by the side, clearly saw Head Teacher Jiang wiping away tears. But afraid of being discovered, he wiped his forehead again, pretending to be wiping away sweat.

It was a very official speech, and the hot weather made people feel hot and bothered.

But no one showed any impatience.

Finally, Head Teacher Jiang gave a rare smile, his voice softened, different from his usual sternness and severity, showing a hint of tenderness: "Congratulations, you have become adults."

"Be brave, and go to even further places."