It was just a love letter; I'm really no great writer!

"Lu, would you like to say a few words?"

The senior leader was very amiable. After putting down the microphone, he asked in a friendly manner.

He didn't know if Lu Ran would get stage fright.

"Thank you, boss." Lu Ran smiled nonchalantly.

Having already been publicly executed, he feels no pressure giving a speech in front of thousands of people.

A speech draft? It doesn't exist.

Taking the microphone, Lu Ran said calmly:

Good morning, respected leaders, beloved teachers, and dear classmates.

"It is an honor that 'The Song of the Pipa' has been selected for high school Chinese textbooks. This shows that the country is always paying attention to the new ideas of our generation of young people, and education is keeping pace with the times."

"Learning Pipa Xing will not make you erudite and elegant, or make you more money in the future. In fact, many students may not even understand it right now."

"However, we will eventually meet again in the future."

"When we see the sunset and the evening glow, we think of the sunset glow and the lone wild goose flying together, and the autumn water and the sky merging into one color. At that moment, the poems and prose in the textbooks are no longer cold words, but shine brightly in our memories."

"I am happy that Pipa Xing has been included in the textbook, but I personally do not recommend that Pipa Xing be included in the college entrance examination syllabus and that the whole text be memorized."

"Please wait two years before taking the exam, because that's the year I graduated—now you can applaud, thank you."

Lu Ran politely hung the microphone back up.

What a unique young man... The big boss was both amused and exasperated.

Then they heard thunderous applause from the audience, mixed with shouts such as "I love you, my idol!"

Class 6 was especially excited.

Can you believe that a poem written by a classmate has been included in a textbook?

Even after 10 or 20 years, you can still brag about it: My classmate was the author of "The Song of the Pipa," isn't that a lament?

In fact, the inclusion of "The Song of the Pipa" in the curriculum has sparked extensive discussions within the Ministry of Education.

After all, there has never been a case where a poem was included in a textbook while the poet was still alive.

Ultimately, the resolution was passed by vote.

In terms of literary value, "The Song of the Pipa" fills a gap in classical narrative poetry. Its language is simple and easy to understand, its theme is profound, and it is sad but not pessimistic.

From a political perspective, it is conducive to enhancing the status of modern poetry in the world, consolidating the cultural heritage of China, strengthening national identity, and expanding the spread and influence of Chinese civilization.

Furthermore, the support of renowned domestic experts and scholars, including prominent literary figures such as Dan Ding and Ning Ning, has been invaluable…

For the first time in history, "The Song of the Pipa" has been included in the poetry unit of the elective Chinese language textbook published by the People's Education Press in Qingdu Province—the Kingdom of Poetry.

Lu Ran was also unprecedentedly admitted to the Poetry Hall of Fame, sitting at the same table with great names such as Qu Yuan, Li Bai, and Wang Bo.

Huang Haitang can now legitimately teach the text "The Song of the Pipa"...

After the assembly was dismissed, each class took their students home.

"This is my brother!" Zheng Yue spread the word everywhere amidst the chaotic crowd. He had really enjoyed showing off today.

My scalp tingled in the summer heat.

Logically speaking, after being shocked by Lu Ran so many times, one should have become numb by now.

But I was still shocked – how could someone be so talented?

Could he really be the reincarnation of Li Bai?

……

"Haha, you're overthinking it."

In the office, Huang Haitang held onto his beloved student tightly, smiling as he said, "Although this is a trial version of the teaching materials, it will take three years before it is replaced with a new one."

"As for its inclusion in the college entrance examination syllabus, that will be at least five to ten years from now."

"Oh, I see." Lu Ran suddenly realized.

Huang Haitang sighed, "Let alone five or ten years, how many people have actually made it into textbooks in the past five thousand years?"

Ten years from now, the name Lu Ran will be a household name.

Even centuries later, it is still being praised.

Lu Ran returned to Class 6 and began class as usual.

Zhou Jiahao walked straight over and extended his hand to Lu Ran: "Hey, let's make up."

Lu Ran was speechless, feeling that even glancing at him was a favor to him.

Zhou Jiahao remained unfazed: "Lu Ran, don't steal all the limelight. I admit you're slightly better at poetry than me, but my talent in finance is no less!"

Lu Ran lay on the table, catching up on sleep, without moving.

After having Sister Di, he felt it wasn't appropriate to continue using Teacher Xiaotian's room.

He's been sleeping on the living room sofa for the past few nights, and he's been having insomnia.

"What stocks are you trading?" Zheng Yue wasn't going to tolerate Zhou Jiahao.

"NONONO, stock trading is boring. Even if it hits the daily limit, it's only 10%," Zhou Jiahao said smugly. "I can easily make tens of thousands of yuan betting on football. Winning millions in one go is no problem."

He thoroughly enjoyed the attention he received from those around him.

As the saying goes, those who have a job are artists, those who put on a show but don't... are just circus clowns.

Upon hearing that it involved betting on football, Zheng Yue scoffed, "Do you really think the bookmakers are all fools?"

"Believe it or not, this year's champion will be France!" Zhou Jiahao raised his voice. "Once I've made a few million, I'll treat the whole class to a five-star Michelin-starred meal!"

Zheng Yue wanted to argue further, but Lu Ran stopped him.

"To openly express contempt for someone is not true contempt. Silence is the highest form of contempt." (Note 15)

"He didn't even turn his eyes away," Lu Ran said softly.

Zheng Yue was taken aback: "That makes a lot of sense."

The two of them lay face down on the table, their right hands, which were resting on their heads, making a neat middle finger gesture.

╭∩╮╭∩╮

"You guys..." Zhou Jiahao couldn't even find the person he was arguing with, and he was seething with anger, sneering inwardly.

When my Gallic Rooster triumphs, you'll all regret it!

……

The morning's commotion quickly subsided.

After all, this was before "The Song of the Pipa" was officially included in the college entrance examination.

For most students, it's more of a catchy ancient-style song.

At noon, the sun was scorching.

A small number of students took a nap in the classroom.

Most of the students went to the track and field to cheer on the Class 6 team.

Xia Liang organized some girls to change into cheerleader uniforms, creating a beautiful scene on the court.

In the group stage, Class 6 was placed in a "group of death," while Class 15 and Class 20 were both strong in sports.

In this match against Class 15, Lu Ran played as the main winger.

Before the match, the referee emphasized the newly added rules, including prohibiting dangerous tackles and other dangerous maneuvers.

After all, it's a campus competition, so safety comes first.

Lu Ran was naturally elected as the captain, and he was warming up on the sidelines.

Xia Liang, wearing a pink short-sleeved shirt and a pleated white skirt, ran over to him with her long, shapely legs, her steps light and rhythmic.

"Lu Ran, are you confident you can win him over?" Xia Liang's delicate oval face flushed red, like peach cheeks.

"Hard to say."

Lu Ran took a small sip of Gatorade, then wiped the rest on his arms and chest. Turning his head, he said, "All three forwards in Class 15 are from the school team. With our defense like this, we'll be turned into a sieve in no time..."

Suddenly.

His eyes flickered across the audience.

Students from two distinct classes—Class 6 and Class 15—sat in their respective groups on the lower stands.

however.

In a shady corner of the upper stands.

A woman in white, holding a parasol, sat alone in the center seat facing the stadium.

Her graceful figure and ethereal elegance were breathtaking.

Some students didn't dare to get close enough to cool off, as if sitting too close would be a desecration of that pristine sacred place.

Sister Di...

Did she know I had a ball game?

Did you come all this way just to watch me play soccer? Why didn't you even tell me you were coming...?

"Oh, can we still guarantee a draw?" Xia Liang asked with a worried look on her face.

Lu Ran flicked his wrist and strode towards the court, leaving behind a crisp and sharp silhouette.

"Plans have changed; we're now focused on winning the championship."

-

Note 15: Quoted from Lu Xun's "Essays from Qiejieting, Last Volume".