Chapter 9: The Mass Criticism and Struggle Rally

  I have no exceptional talent, I am just loyal and honest, not deceiving myself or others. I want to be an ordinary person who educates people by setting a good example. — Wu Yuzhang

  Near the mock exam, something big or small happened in school. A female student in Class 7 of Grade 3 got pregnant and was naturally ordered to drop out. This news reached the Provincial Education Commission, ordering a full-school inspection.

  That girl, Zhao Shuiguan, was familiar with her. They were from the same junior high school. The girl's name was Chen Ran. She was already a legendary figure in junior high school. Zhao Shuiguan couldn't remember what she looked like, not because Chen Ran wasn't pretty, but because she really didn't understand what she looked like. That girl had been wearing makeup to school every day since junior high school. Although she was still beautiful with makeup on, nobody knew what her face looked like under all that heavy makeup. The teacher told her many times, but she wouldn't listen and continued to do so. Classmates pointed fingers behind her back, everyone knew about this person in the attached middle school of the Normal University, but she didn't care. Until graduation day, she did something that made everyone's jaw drop. That day, she didn't wear any makeup, just two braids on either side, and came to school. She went straight to a certain high school student in the main building of the high school and confessed her love. The truth was revealed, Chen Ran's pure look was dozens of times more beautiful than when she wore makeup, after all, she was a beauty.

  Zhao Shuiguang saw Chen Rong, she was still fully made up with eyeshadow and foundation, nodded slightly and passed by. Zhao Shuiguang sighed that he had also been famous back in the day due to his hopes. Famous people meeting famous people, both eyes were brimming with tears.

  Zhao Shuiguan later also heard various rumors about Chen Rong, such as being with people outside the school and having an abortion. Although Zhao Shuiguan was a gossipmonger, he didn't say a word about these rumors. Xi Miao also knew about Chen Rong's glorious deeds and said: "I like this woman!"

  In the afternoon, all the teachers and students of Grade 3 stayed behind for a grade meeting. In the auditorium, the principal said with a heavy heart: "Nowadays, children don't study hard, what are you thinking about every day? You're making fun of your own future, not taking your life seriously..."

  Zhao Shuiguan felt a little numb below, Gao Xun patted her and talked about the book ink, this man really looked good in anything, a purple bamboo-colored woolen fine-grid open-neck sweater and navy blue trousers, with a slender figure. A row of teachers were standing there, and when they glanced over, they saw him first.

  "Look, even when our teacher plays with his mobile phone, he has style." Gao Xun whispered to Zhao Shuiguan.

  Zhao Shuiguang was speechless, but this talk about book ink was too exaggerated, the principal on stage was speaking with flying saliva, while he leaned against the wall with a careless expression.

  The principal finally finished his great speech, looked at the silent crowd below the stage, and was very satisfied that his speech could patiently persuade these ignorant children. Then the criticism meeting began, the head teacher went on stage to make a statement, and each subject teacher went on stage to speak, all with an expression of hating iron for not being steel.

  Below is Tan Shu Mo stepping onto the stage, he stood on the stage with his eyebrows and eyes standing out, exuding an air of nobility that came naturally to him.

  Tan Shu Mo adjusted the height of the microphone, put his hands in his pockets and started speaking: "What do you think disappears as people get older?"

  The whole school was in an uproar, and even the principal stood there holding a large teacup, looking bewildered.

  Once a person gets older, they will understand shame, become timid, and learn to pretend not to see or hear. Although this is called growing up, by the time you realize it, growth has already stopped. As age increases, the first thing that disappears is courage.

  "Just like in every English class, his beautiful reading of famous quotes, he said: 'You don't understand because you lack experience, so you don't know how to be afraid. There will be times when you can't even see the people and things around you, entangled by unlovedness and emptiness. Cherish the time that passes second by second, but some people get lost in their anxiety about the present, yet there's no need to belittle yourself for being immature, nor fear losing face.' His clear voice echoed through the grand auditorium."

  On the empty podium, he stood proudly, a man in his late 20s with a clear and captivating gaze: "Do what you think, let go of your inhibitions. If you realize your mistakes later, you can start anew. You won't be hurt, your minds are capable of withstanding these gentle blows. You're young and extremely intelligent. You should love those who are immature, take this immaturity as your greatest weapon, stand up straight." Tan Shu Mo stood upright and finished speaking, then stepped down from the stage.

  "With a 'clink' sound, the principal's water cup was knocked over. Zhao Shuiguan saw Chen Siyang clapping his hands, and everyone else followed suit with loud applause. She felt her heart swelling up, and she also joined in the applause. Gao Xun's palms were red from clapping, and he turned to Zhao Shuiquan saying: 'This Tan Shuming is too awesome, too awesome! I love him even more than Ai Xiaogu!'"