I'm a senior in high school, and the system says I'm going on a blind date with my childho

Chapter 336 Opening Ceremony

The afternoon sun scorched the earth, and the cicadas chirped noisily outside the window.

After lunch, the group from room 507 returned to their room, where the cool air from the air conditioner quickly dispelled the heat.

The first social gathering didn't spark any romantic feelings in the others; it was just a very normal meal.

The conversation didn't focus much on the young couple; it was mostly about their college entrance exam scores.

When Shen Yuan revealed that he couldn't even score 600 points at the beginning of his senior year, the others were genuinely shocked.

Of course, none of them were too surprised that Li Zhi scored 700 points in the college entrance examination.

Shen Yuan lay on the bed, his phone screen still showing his chat with Li Zhi, a lingering smile on his lips.

He set his alarm for 1:50 p.m., then closed his eyes and drifted into a short nap to the low hum of the air conditioner.

Meanwhile, the girls in room 305 also returned to their rooms.

Li Zhi chatted with Su Xiaoxiao and the others for a while before climbing into their beds to rest.

The dormitory quieted down, with only the even breathing sounds and the faint chirping of cicadas outside the window.

Time slipped away quietly in the afternoon's tranquility.

"Beep beep beep—beep beep beep—"

At 1:50 p.m., Shen Yuan's phone alarm went off right on time, breaking the tranquility of the dormitory.

He opened his eyes, sat up nimbly, and turned off the alarm clock.

Zhao Feng, sitting opposite him, also sat up almost simultaneously, his movements swift and decisive.

"Let's go?" Shen Yuan looked at Zhao Feng.

"Mm." Zhao Feng nodded, his words concise and to the point.

Lin Yuxuan yawned and waved his hand: "Godfathers, I'm counting on you."

"Sleep peacefully!"

Shen Yuan picked up his phone and sent a message to Li Zhi: "Are you awake? Get ready to get your clothes."

The message was replied almost instantly.

Li Zhi: "Mmm, I'm awake. You've worked so hard, honey~ [kitten kiss.jpg]"

Shen Yuan smiled, put away his phone, and walked out of the dormitory with Zhao Feng.

The sun was still scorching at two o'clock in the afternoon, and the air seemed to be frozen, making it so hot and humid that it was hard to breathe.

Shen Yuan and Zhao Feng braved the scorching sun and quickly arrived at Building 4 of Qingfeng.

A short queue had already formed in the open space, consisting of students from various dormitories who had come to collect their uniforms.

The two found their class monitor, Chen Yang, while the Youth League secretary was checking the dormitories.

The dormitory life committee member, Zhou Xiaowen, quickly and efficiently found the corresponding clothing bags from the mountain of packages based on the dormitory list.

Shen Yuan and Zhao Feng stepped forward.

"507."

After Zhao Feng finished speaking, Zhou Xiaowen handed over a dark blue clothing bag with the number "507" printed on it, which contained four sets of military training uniforms and cultural T-shirts.

"Try all the clothes when you get back. If any don't fit or have any other problems, remember to come back and exchange them."

Zhao Feng silently reached out and took it, holding it steadily in his hand.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome," Zhou Xiaowen smiled.

“I took it for them from 305.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xiaowen immediately looked down and found 305 on the list. After confirming that it was correct, she bent down and pulled out a dark blue bag of the same size from the side, with "305" clearly printed on it.

"Here you go, it's 305." Zhou Xiaowen handed the bag to Shen Yuan.

Shen Yuan took the bag; it felt heavy and substantial.

"Thanks for your hard work."

"It should."

Shen Yuan and Zhao Feng exchanged a glance, each carrying a large bag, and turned to leave the still noisy elevated floor, heading towards the Qingfeng dormitory area.

"I'm going back to my dorm," Zhao Feng said.

“Okay, I’ll go to Building 1.” Shen Yuan nodded.

The two parted ways at the entrance to the elevated ground floor.

Zhao Feng carried the heavy package and walked steadily toward Building 3 of Qingfeng.

Shen Yuan carried clothes for Li Zhi and the other girls' dormitory in Qingfeng Building 1.

Arriving at Building 1 of Qingfeng, Shen Yuan stood under the shade of a tree, took out his phone and sent a message to Li Zhi: "Li Bao, I got the clothes, they're downstairs."

Shortly after the message was sent, Li Zhi replied.

"Come on, come on!"

Soon, the dormitory door opened, and Li Zhi appeared first, followed by Su Xiaoxiao, Lin Wei, and Yao Lei.

The girl had clearly just washed her face; the strands of hair on her forehead were still slightly damp, and her delicate features looked exceptionally vibrant in the sunlight.

She walked quickly to Shen Yuan and looked at the bulging package at his feet.

"So many?" Li Zhiwei's eyes widened slightly.

"Yes, two sets of clothes and shoes for each person." Shen Yuan handed her the package. "It's a bit heavy, can you carry it?"

"It's okay, there are four of us," Li Zhi said, turning to call her roommates, "Come on, let's divide it up."

Several girls gathered around and picked up the clothes first.

Su Xiaoxiao's gaze darted between Shen Yuan and Li Zhi, and a mischievous smile immediately appeared on her face.

"Oh dear, we've received the clothes, but aren't we a bit redundant?" Su Xiaoxiao deliberately dragged out her words, winking at Lin Wei and Yao Lei.

"Why don't we take it upstairs first? Let's not keep those young lovers from being all lovey-dovey!"

Li Zhi rolled her eyes at Su Xiaoxiao and deftly shoved the package into her hands: "Take it! Hurry up and go up!"

Su Xiaoxiao happily accepted the clothes, waving to Shen Yuan as she did so: "Thank you for your hard work! We won't be third wheels!"

After saying that, he pulled Yao Lei and Lin Wei, who were still secretly laughing, and turned to walk into the building.

Li Zhi watched her roommates enter the building before turning back to look at Shen Yuan.

The afternoon sun shone through the gaps in the leaves onto him, and his forehead was still damp with sweat.

"You should go back soon too," Li Zhi's voice softened, carrying a hint of barely perceptible heartache.

"It's too hot outside, don't stand here in the sun."

"Okay, I understand. I'll head back now."

He paused, his gaze softening as he looked at her face. "You should go upstairs too, it's hot outside. Oh, and remember to let me know if your clothes don't fit."

"Okay, I understand." Li Zhi nodded, her clear eyes reflecting his figure.

"See you tonight."

"Okay, see you tonight."

Shen Yuan responded and watched as Li Zhi turned around, swiped his card, and entered the dormitory building lobby.

Only after her figure disappeared behind the door did Shen Yuan withdraw his gaze and turn to walk towards Building 3 of Qingfeng.

Time slipped away quietly into the evening amidst the cool breeze of the air conditioner and a brief rest.

After dinner, the afterglow of the setting sun had not yet completely faded, but the summer heat had subsided somewhat.

The students in dorms 305 and 507 were wearing white T-shirts with the Zhejiang University logo printed on them, the soft cotton fabric carrying the unique scent of new clothes.

"Let's go!" Su Xiaoxiao called to everyone. "The group chat said that our Computer Science Department is located in Section C of the stadium stands."

“Section C? I think it’s over on the east side of the stands?” Lin Wei recalled the stadium map she’d seen that afternoon. “Yes, it’s closest to Gate 3,” Zhao Feng added, clearly having noticed it as well.

"I wonder what Zhejiang University's opening ceremony will be like!" Lin Yuxuan said with a hint of anticipation.

The group merged into the growing crowd.

On campus, freshmen wearing the same white T-shirts flocked to the gymnasium from all directions, like countless streams flowing into a river.

The air was filled with excited conversations and the warm, summery air.

The stadium's massive outline became clear in the twilight, brightly lit, like a giant luminous object.

The entrance was bustling with people, and freshmen wearing matching T-shirts were following the signs to find their respective areas.

"This way!" Lin Yuxuan spotted the sign with sharp eyes.

The crowd followed the flow of people through Gate 3 and entered the venue.

The cool air from the air conditioner instantly dispelled the stuffiness outside.

The huge space was filled with tiered stands, and many people were already seated.

Upbeat music played over the loudspeaker, mingling with the bustling chatter of the crowd, creating a grand and enthusiastic atmosphere.

“Over there! Section C!” Li Zhi pointed to the sign hanging not far away.

They quickly located the area belonging to the School of Information Science.

Small number labels were affixed to the seats in the stands, indicating the class and approximate location.

"The squad leader is over there." Shen Yuan quickly found the location of squad leader Chen Yang.

Seating was not strictly assigned; everyone naturally sat down in familiar groups.

Shen Yuan and Li Zhi sat side by side, while the others sat casually.

Li Zhi's gaze swept across the field below and the stands that were gradually filling up.

"There are so many people..." she sighed softly.

"Yes, there are over 6000 new students," Shen Yuan replied, leaning slightly towards Li Zhi, feeling the warmth emanating from the person beside him.

He looked around. Under the huge dome, the lights illuminated the entire venue as bright as day, and the air was filled with a special atmosphere that mixed excitement, anticipation and a little tension.

The upbeat music from the radio intertwined with the bustling voices, creating a unique background soundscape.

As time went by, fewer and fewer seats remained in the stands, until they were eventually covered by a pure white expanse.

The music on the radio gradually faded out, replaced by a solemn and rhythmic background melody.

The previously noisy and bustling crowd gradually subsided, like the receding tide, and a solemn and expectant silence filled the stadium.

Just then, several school leaders in formal attire walked up to the front of the stage and took their seats. A host walked to the center of the stage and clearly spoke into the microphone:

"Respected leaders and teachers, dear new students, the Zhejiang University Freshman Opening Ceremony now begins!"

The moment the words were spoken, thunderous applause erupted throughout the venue, as if long-accumulated energy had finally found an outlet. The sound waves echoed in the vast space, announcing the official start of this grand ceremony.

The lights were dazzling, applause was thunderous, and more than six thousand pairs of young eyes were focused in the same direction, witnessing the beginning of their university life. A brand new journey had begun at this moment.

Amidst enthusiastic applause, the president of Zhejiang University slowly walked to the front of the stage.

He wore a gentle and wise smile as his gaze swept over the vibrant sea of ​​white below the stage.

"Welcome to Zhejiang University, students!"

The principal's voice, clear and powerful, resonated throughout the venue via the microphone.

"From today onwards, 'ZJU people' will become your common name, and this fertile land of Zijingang will carry your dreams and struggles for the next four years."

He reviewed the history and glory of Zhejiang University and emphasized the core spirit of the university motto, "Seeking Truth and Innovation".

"The essence of the university lies in manifesting one's bright virtue, in loving the people, and in abiding in perfect goodness. Here, you will not only learn professional knowledge, but also cultivate your character, broaden your horizons, learn to think independently, and be courageous in taking responsibility..."

After the principal's speech, a professor and a representative of the new students' parents gave their speeches.

In section C of the stands, Shen Yuan and Li Zhi sat side by side.

Li Zhi tilted her head slightly, her clear eyes reflecting the figure of the speaker on the stage, as well as the huge school emblem in the venue below.

The girl's profile looked particularly focused under the bright lights, filled with anticipation for a bright future.

Shen Yuan's gaze, however, was mostly fixed on the people around him.

He could sense Li Zhi's seriousness and anticipation for this new beginning.

The boy quietly reached out and, hidden by the seat beside him, gently grasped Li Zhi's hand, which was resting on his lap.

Li Zhi's fingertips twitched slightly, then he naturally gripped back, wrapping his hand even tighter in his warm palm.

She didn't turn her head, but a faint smile subtly curved her lips.

Shen Yuan raised his head and turned his gaze back to the stage, looking at the faces that represented the profound heritage and future hopes of this institution of higher learning.

The ceremony proceeded step by step.

When the host stepped back to the front of the stage and announced that the ceremony was about to move on to its final item, the atmosphere in the entire stadium became even more solemn.

"Now, everyone please stand up!"

The loud voice resonated throughout every corner via the speakers.

On the stands, like a white tide surging, more than 6,000 freshmen wearing matching T-shirts stood up in unison.

Shen Yuan held Li Zhi's hand, and the two of them stood up straight.

After a brief silence, a solemn and stirring prelude resounded in the stadium.

Immediately afterwards, a deep and powerful lead singer's voice rang out:
"stand up--"

Like a fuse being lit, more than six thousand young voices instantly converged into a torrent.

Shen Yuan's lips moved slightly, and the familiar lyrics flowed out naturally.

His voice wasn't particularly prominent, yet it blended firmly into the deafening chorus.

Li Zhiqing joined in, the girl pursing her lips slightly, singing earnestly and passionately.

She could feel Shen Yuan gripping her hand slightly, conveying a silent strength.

The singing echoed and resonated in the vast space.

In the stands, the young faces were filled with solemnity and pride.

The white T-shirts, strung together, resemble the rising sun, full of hope and strength.

They stand here, at a new starting point in their lives, in this place where countless dreams converge.

The resounding song, like a vow, heralded the official start of a brand new journey.

The opening ceremony for new students at Zhejiang University came to a solemn and inspiring close as more than 6,000 new students sang the national anthem together.

As the song faded to its last note, the lingering sound echoed beneath the massive dome of the stadium, as if bringing this grand ceremony to a close.

"This concludes the opening ceremony! We wish all students a wonderful and fulfilling university life at Zhejiang University!"

The host's voice rang out, announcing the end of the ceremony.

On the stage, the pure white ocean began to surge and divide.

Excited conversations mingled together, forming a vibrant and boisterous torrent that flowed outwards from various outlets.

Shen Yuan tightened his grip on Li Zhi's hand and turned to look at her.

The girl's clear eyes reflected the departing crowd and the bright lights of the stadium, her eyes still brimming with excitement and boundless anticipation for a new future.

She felt his gaze, looked back, and a bright smile curved her lips.

"It's over," Shen Yuan said softly.

“No,” Li Zhi shook his head gently, his voice still carrying the lingering echo of his surging emotions.

"It has begun."

(End of this chapter)