In this life, I will no longer be a scumbag to my childhood sweetheart - Chapter 31

After slowly finishing a can of soda, the time to gather had arrived.

Back at the school gate, after confirming that everyone was present, the group set off on their bicycles, riding out in a grand procession.

The farewell banquet was nothing special, just eating and drinking. With the college entrance examination behind them, everyone felt relieved, gathering together to share laughter and stories.

Someone had brought a notebook for everyone to sign and write a farewell message as a keepsake.

The teachers were also less strict than usual, even cracking jokes, and many students toasted to them.

Su Zelin also raised a glass to each teacher, acknowledging that with his notorious reputation, any teacher he had would be picky on him, yet his high school teachers were surprisingly tolerant.

When toasting old Teacher Guo, who was already somewhat tipsy, he pulled Su Zelin aside and whispered, “Zelin, it doesn’t matter how you performed on the exams. I’ve been teaching for thirty years and have seen all kinds of students. Students like you, who might be a bit academically challenged, are not uncommon. You may not excel in study, but you’re clever and a bit of a trickster. When you step into society, you might just end up being the most successful one from our class!”

Such words were certainly not something the teacher would say to any student, as they might interpret it as an excuse for laziness. But after the exam, everything felt different.

Teacher Guo wanted to encourage Su Zelin with genuine honesty. He’d seen many rebellious students during their school years who later became big bosses, thriving in life and often treating him to meals and gifts.

Old Guo was sharp-eyed indeed!

Su Zelin could only think, “I, Su, will definitely be the one who does best in the future!”

“Thank you for the kind words, Teacher!” Su Zelin raised his glass. “Old Guo, I’ll drink to that!”

“Good, good…” Old Guo laughed, accompanying him in downing a glass.

The teacher didn’t lack any drinking capacity, evident from his sizeable belly.

At this farewell banquet, which included over thirty boys, he could withstand a single toast from each student without much trouble.

Everyone started this banquet in high spirits, but as the end approached, the mood gradually turned somber.

High school life may be one of the most cherished periods in a person’s life.

After this, everyone would be heading out into society, and it’s typically the high school friends they would see most.

Soon everyone would go their separate ways, and that brought on feelings of sadness.

Everyone wished this farewell banquet could last just a little longer.

However, every gathering must eventually come to an end.

When the time was up, Old Guo stepped in among the crowd to give his final speech to this batch of students.

“Three years ago, you all met here at this beautiful campus, kindred spirits. You shared the best season of your lives, building priceless friendships, and you bonded over your youthful exuberance. Now, as we part ways in this moment of graduation, it is hard to say goodbye.

You are reluctant to leave your alma mater, and the school is equally reluctant to see you go. But eagles must spread their wings and soar to greater heights. High school is not the end of your academic journey—there are still the ivory towers of higher education awaiting you. Embrace it to the fullest!

Finally, as this July graduation season concludes, on behalf of all your teachers, I wish every single one of you a bright future. Ahead lies a road filled with even more spectacular scenery waiting for you to discover!”

As soon as Teacher Guo finished, thunderous applause erupted.

As expected from a homeroom and Chinese teacher, his graduation speech was quite moving, leaving everyone teary-eyed, with a few girls, including Qin Shiqing and Tang Yan, having red eyes.

A few teachers left first, followed by the students.

Standing at the door was Zhao Mingxuan. He felt he should stay until the last second to bid farewell to each classmate; it was his duty as the class leader.

Those leaving the room either hugged him or shook hands.

With each familiar face departing, Zhao Mingxuan felt a weight grow heavier in his heart.

The last two to exit the banquet were Qin Shiqing and Su Zelin.

Seeing Qin Shiqing made Zhao Mingxuan’s heart race, and he quickly opened his arms wide.

However, Qin Shiqing only smiled and extended her hand.

Feeling a bit awkward, he could only shake her hand.

But it was better than nothing; Zhao Mingxuan planned to go home and not wash his hands for at least three days.

The next encounter with Su Zelin made things more awkward.

For three years of high school, they had never gotten along. As the class leader, Zhao Mingxuan looked down on Su Zelin, finding his behavior troubling, concerned that it might damaged the class’s reputation. Adding to this, he considered Su Zelin a rival due to Qin Shiqing.

Su Zelin also regarded him with disdain, so Zhao Mingxuan thought, it’s likely that Su would turn away, pretending not to see him.

However, unexpectedly, Su Zelin stepped up confidently and embraced him tightly. The force of the hug nearly squeezed the breath from Zhao Mingxuan.

Zhao was confused; among everyone, Su Zelin was the most affectionate during farewells. Those uninformed might have thought they were best buddies.

Moreover, Su Zelin sealed the hug with a hearty kiss on his cheek.

“Zhao Mingxuan, screw you, goodbye!” Leaving behind those words, Su Zelin finally released him.

While there had been grievances, after being reborn, Su Zelin realized how childish they had all been. With high school behind him, this moment made all grudges feel distant.

Besides, Zhao Mingxuan’s determination to stay until the very end was commendable.

For one who was left last, surely it was the hardest.

“Ugh ugh ugh, what was that for? Disgusting!” Zhao Mingxuan said angrily as he rushed to the restroom to wash his face.

After washing up, he suddenly remembered that he had washed his hands too and that the traces of the goddess had vanished.

“Damn Su Zelin, that guy is insane!” Zhao scolded angrily as he exited the restroom only to find Su Zelin and Qin Shiqing had already left too.

The once-bustling banquet hall was now empty, and Zhao Mingxuan’s heart felt hollow.

Unable to hold it in anymore, he laid his head on the table and broke into sobs.

……

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

Compared to other classmates returning home, feeling alone after the banquet, he felt lucky because he still had his childhood friend by his side.

Moreover, Qin Shiqing had been by his side for a full seventeen years!

The understanding girl-next-door had brought him countless wonderful memories.

However, just like everyone else at the banquet, he and she would ultimately have to part ways.

With just over a month remaining, she would move to Yanjing, while he stayed in the province, separated by miles.

From now on, no girl would accompany him to and from school through rain or shine.

Thinking about this brought a touch of sadness to Su Zelin.

Once home, a slight melancholy lingered as he had dinner, refusing to fade from his heart.

Entering his room, he sat at his desk, lost in thought, finding it strange.

He had lived over thirty years in his past life, experiencing this farewell banquet yet again, and still feeling sentimental; that didn’t seem like him.

Could a person’s state of mind be influenced by their environment?

Back in high school, surrounded by those little rascals, had it subtly transformed his state of mind back to one of innocence?

Su Zelin sighed, picking up the red cotton guitar that had been tossed in the corner.

Aside from his lack of interest in studies, he was well-acquainted with many things, and he played a guitar, even performing solos at school talent shows.

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

Dusting off the guitar, he began to pluck the strings and sing.

*****

Always thought graduation was far away

Unknowingly, we’re heading our separate ways

The summer of parting, so reluctant to leave you

But yesterday can’t be recaptured

Missing those three years shared in class with you

Longing for strolls on campus in the afternoons with you

My desk mate, can you not leave?

I’ve grown accustomed to having you around

Can time forever pause in this graduation season

Don’t let the years take away our youthful memories

Every exam, you cheered me on

Even if I failed, you’d be there to review with me

Can time forever pause in this summer?

Fearing that tomorrow, I’ll never see you again

*****

As the last notes of “Graduation Season” faded, Su Zelin felt his eyes moisten.

Many young people do not cherish their school lives in their youth, only to realize what they missed years later when looking back.

In that instant, only the warm tears shed could commend the youth that had irretrievably vanished.

“It sounded pretty good…” A voice came from behind him, startling him.

It was Qin Shiqing, standing at the door without him noticing.

Unbeknownst to him, his childhood friend had been there, quietly listening.

Wiping his eyes subtly, Su Zelin turned to face her as if nothing had happened.

Fresh from a shower, her damp hair hung loosely, and she wore a loose cartoon pajama set featuring Chibi Maruko-chan. Despite the casual outfit, it couldn’t hide her graceful figure.

She sat down in front of him, bringing with her a soft, pleasant scent unique to girls.

“I thought you’d never be one to get sentimental over a farewell.”

“I have feelings too!” Su Zelin scoffed.

“You didn’t seem this upset when you encouraged me to apply to Tsinghua or Peking University.” Meeting his gaze, Qin Shiqing spoke softly.

Placing the guitar back in the corner, Su Zelin replied casually, “I just wanted the best for you. Like Mr. Guo said, eagles must spread their wings and fly higher. You’re an eagle, destined to soar high. As for me, I’m just a little sparrow, fluttering low to see the nearby scenery.”

“Is that really all there is to it?”

“What else could it be?”

“Alright, I’ll believe you.” After chatting for a while, Qin Shiqing said her goodbyes.

Having been out all day for graduation photos and the banquet, she was tired and planned to rest early.

As she reached the doorway, Su Zelin called out to her.

“Qin Shiqing!”

“Yes?”

“No matter what, thank you for being part of my life for these 17 years.”

“Alright.” Qin Shiqing replied faintly before turning to leave.

Perhaps, it’s not just 17 years.