Chapter 1912: Chapter 640: School Uniform
When they came out of the old bookstore, the sky was already completely dark.
The nights in Jing County come earlier and quieter than in Yan City.
Liu Qingning specially asked the owner for a plain kraft paper bag, carefully packing the album inside.
She held it tightly in her arms, as if holding a rare treasure.
The two walked aimlessly for a while.
Liu Qingning seemed to finally recover from her emotions and couldn’t help but raise her eyes to look at Tang Song beside her.
"Did you draw all of these yourself?"
"Yes," Tang Song smiled proudly, "Are they good? The main thing is that the heroine inside is beautiful."
"Hmph, what a glib tongue. So when did you actually learn to draw?"
"Maybe I was naturally gifted, but it was suppressed by schoolwork. When I went to college, suddenly ’ka’, my channels opened up. What can I say, that’s genius for you. Just like how I used to envy you for having good grades without studying so hard."
"Tch, so vain." Liu Qingning pursed her lips and smiled, lightly punching him.
The two of them chatted, walking side by side on familiar streets, talking about the changes around First Middle School.
Finally, they stopped in front of a slightly shabby little shop.
Tang Song ordered two bowls of chicken soup rice noodles and then ran next door, laughing, to buy two rustic pastries.
The wooden table was somewhat greasy, and the plastic stools a bit shaky.
Amidst the rising steam, they sat in the corner eating rice noodles and pastries.
Occasionally their eyes met, and the atmosphere was warmer than ever.
Each ordered a steaming bowl of chicken soup rice noodles.
Tang Song went over to the shop next door that hadn’t changed its sign for over a decade and bought two freshly baked rustic pastries.
During the evening rush, the sound of footsteps coming and going was constant, and people frequently glanced at them sitting in the corner.
After finishing this dinner full of nostalgic flavors, the two held hands and walked back.
Suddenly, lively musical prelude blasted from the loudspeakers of a roadside record store.
Then came Su Yu’s highly recognizable, ethereal and pleasant voice.
Liu Qingning abruptly stopped, took out her phone, and checked the time, "Su Yu’s new album is online, released globally tonight at seven."
Tang Song’s heart stirred slightly, "Su Yu’s new song..."
Liu Qingning adeptly opened a music app to purchase the digital album, then pointed at the album cover on the phone screen and praised, "Su Yu is really beautiful; this album cover has such a feeling."
Tang Song glanced at it and nodded, "Very beautiful."
"What? It seems like you really like Su Yu’s looks?" Liu Qingning turned her head, her clear eyes carrying a hint of subtle probing.
Tang Song’s eye twitched, and he immediately changed the subject, "Not really. By the way, do you need headphones? I have some."
"No need." Liu Qingning didn’t dwell on the topic, taking out AirPods from her bag and giving one to Tang Song.
They clicked play.
The clear voice flowed quietly around their ears like an evening breeze.
The melody carried a youthful feeling, mixed with the alienation and courage of growing up.
Liu Qingning listened quietly, her gaze gradually softening.
In truth, she was indeed a fan of Su Yu from way back, having liked her since the Echo days.
If it didn’t involve Tang Song, she’d be more than willing to be friends with the other party, even feeling greatly honored.
Unconsciously, the two returned to the entrance of First Middle School.
"Beep beep—" the electric scooter unlocked.
Just as Tang Song grasped the handlebars, a phone ringtone suddenly came through the headphones.
Liu Qingning answered the call, speaking softly: "Hello? Teacher Li."
On the other end, the voice of their homeroom teacher, Li Gaisu, sounded somewhat troubled: "Qingning, it’s about that matter..."
"Oh, what did the school say?"
"Ah—it’s not easy to handle!" Li Gaisu paused for a moment: "By the way, where are you now?"
"At the entrance of First Middle School, just out for a stroll with Tang Song."
"Ah? That’s perfect, I’m at the Zhende Hotel next to the school, it’s also where we’re hosting out-of-town alumni, why not come over? We can talk in person."
Liu Qingning hesitated but eventually agreed, "Alright, I’ll head over."
She knew that Teacher Li was just a regular teacher, not in control of a lot of things, and considering their good relationship, it was about time to pay a visit upon returning home.
She hung up the call.
Tang Song asked, "What’s up? Teacher Li needs something?"
Liu Qingning’s face broke into a smile again, her tone light, "Nothing much, just that for this school celebration, there’s been a last-minute shuffle with the guest seating, doesn’t seem to be enough..."
She briefly explained the situation, not making too much of it.
"Then just sit in the observation area, it’s all fine." Tang Song laughed, "Besides, I haven’t seen Teacher Li for ages, come on, let’s go meet her together."
Unlike Liu Qingning, who was a star pupil, Tang Song’s relationships with most teachers were just average, and he had almost no contact since graduation.
Looking back now, those faces that had once made him feel fearful and oppressed had turned into vague yet warm memories.
The scooter’s headlight lit up, illuminating a small patch of the road ahead.
The two rode slowly into the night.
The Zhende Hotel was only a few hundred meters from First Middle School; it took just a turn to get there quickly.
This time, First Middle School had not only invited numerous outstanding alumni, but also some leaders from domestic university admissions offices.
Arranging accommodations for these people was a must.
So technically, the school was providing lodging for all the guests.
However, someone like Liu Qingning, whose home was in the county, naturally wouldn’t stay at the hotel.
The banquet hall on the left side of the hotel’s second floor had been temporarily converted into a reception area for the school celebration.
