“Manman, tomorrow is International Women's Day, and today is Girls' Day, our festival!” He Lele whispered to Wang Muman during the morning reading session, her movements furtive, her eyes frequently glancing back.
Wang Muman also looked around and replied, “I haven’t really heard of this festival before.”
“I’m going to treat myself to some fried chicken today!” He Lele’s mind was no longer on her books; it was as if the aroma had already reached her nostrils.
Wang Muman knew she could always connect things to food and could already imagine the other person’s behavior at noon.
The day before Arbor Day, during extracurricular activities, Teacher Xu came to the classroom and told the students, “Tomorrow is Arbor Day. The school has specially bought some small saplings, and we will plant them tomorrow at this time. I will now hand out cards for you to write down your blessings, encouragement, or anything you wish to express. Tomorrow, you will also hang your blessings on the trees planted by the senior students.” After speaking, he waved his hand, letting Shi Kai come up to distribute the cards.
The cards came in four colors: red, yellow, blue, and green. Wang Muman naturally chose green, and He Lele picked yellow.
“I still remember you wore a green dress on your first day here. You looked a bit aloof then, and so fair!” He Lele suddenly reminisced, seeing the green card in Wang Muman’s hand, and it immediately reminded her of that green dress.
Wang Muman smiled at her. “I just really like green. If it weren’t for wearing school uniforms every day, I could wear green clothes for several days straight.” Unfortunately, one had to wear school uniforms to school, and there were inspections during morning reading and evening study sessions.
“Manman, what are you planning to write? I’m going to write that I want to see handsome guys every day, eat delicious food, and sleep in!” He Lele’s life aspirations were just that. xxs壹贰
Wang Muman shook her head. “I haven’t decided yet. I’ll write it in the dormitory tonight.” Wang Muman didn’t know what to write; it seemed like there was a lot to say but she couldn’t put it down.
In the evening, after finishing her diary on her bed, Wang Muman began to ponder what to write. After much thought, she wrote: It’s quite good to just stay like this.
She thought about her father’s recent call asking about her situation, her brother getting a girlfriend, and He Lele’s companionship and Yan Cheng’s help. She already felt content with this life. Every day, different things happened, whether happy, sad, or nervous; she lived a fulfilling life. In fact, it was quite good. Wang Muman couldn’t know what the future held, but if things stayed like this, she would feel very secure.
The next day, Arbor Day, what excited everyone was that each person had their own task: moving saplings, digging holes, burying saplings, watering, fertilizing, and tying red ribbons. These activities allowed every student to experience tree planting.
He Lele saw the boys happily digging holes and decided to try it herself. She picked up a shovel and began to heave, imitating them. Later, her face was smudged like a little kitten, with a few mud spots on it, which made Wang Muman laugh for a long time.
After finishing with the saplings, Teacher Xu led Class Five to a tree. “Now you can hang your cards. Please line up in order, from tallest to shortest. The boys in front can help the girls behind hang theirs, as it’s still a bit high.”
He Lele saw that Wang Muman’s card had only a few words, while others were densely written. “Manman, your wish is so simple.”
“Mm, it’s great to have you by my side!” Wang Muman’s sudden sentimentality made He Lele’s eyes well up, which startled Wang Muman.