While the hot pot gathering was bustling with excitement, the parent-teacher meeting was taking place as scheduled.
Before school ended on Friday, each student had placed their name tag at their seat to help their parents find their place easily.
By 2:40 p.m., many parents were already in the classroom, enthusiastically discussing their children's academic performance.
It was another day when two mothers attended together—Shen Bing and Mu Yun, both dressed in casual yet elegant attire. The two chatted and laughed as they walked arm in arm into the school gate. This was Shen Bing's second visit to the school; the first was to handle Liu Ruyan's transfer procedures.
For them, each visit to the school for a parent-teacher meeting was a day full of pride, walking with their heads held high and smiles that wouldn't fade.
On these days, not only would they be praised by all the subject teachers, but they would also receive envious looks from other parents.
The only headache for them was being frequently asked to share their educational insights, but what insights could they share? Liu Ruyan and Lu Chuan were children who needed no extra concern.
Following the directions, they found the classroom for Grade 3, Class 3. The homeroom teacher had not arrived yet.
"Lu Chuan's mother, your child's seat is over here," a friendly parent greeted Mu Yun as soon as she appeared at the classroom door.
Because Lu Chuan was frequently praised at these meetings, many parents recognized his mother. Although the parents didn't yet know about Liu Ruyan, Shen Bing and Lu Chuan's mother appearing together and looking so friendly caught quite a bit of attention.
It wasn't until Shen Bing sat in Liu Ruyan's designated spot that everyone realized she was also a parent of a student in this class.
"Hello, you must be Liu Ruyan's mother. I am An Ran's mother."
An Ran's mother took the initiative to greet Shen Bing. "An Ran often mentions Ruyan, saying they are good friends. This time, An Ran's improvement in exams is largely thanks to Ruyan's help."
"Our Ruyan also often talks about An Ran. An Ran is quieter than Ruyan, and I was thinking Ruyan could learn more from An Ran to become more like a lady," Shen Bing responded warmly.
As the parents continued their pleasantries, the homeroom teacher, Zhang Yeji, entered with a stack of documents.
"Ahem!" Mr. Zhang cleared his throat at the podium. "Hello, parents. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend today's meeting."
His gaze fell on the empty seat of Ye Ziming, and with a sigh, he turned to wipe the "3" and "0" from the countdown sign, changing it to "329."
"As you all know, the students are now in their senior year, and with less than a year left until the college entrance exams, I would like to make a few requests."
"First, I hope all parents can cooperate well with the teachers..."
Every parent-teacher meeting starts with the same old talk, and Shen Bing found herself distracted by the name tag Liu Ruyan had decorated.
It was artistically written with Liu Ruyan's name and decorated with cute elements, with a small note saying: "Mom, you've worked hard, love you lots～"
"This time, the top scorer in our class is still Lu Chuan. Students with scores above 680 include Xu Yifeng, Liu Ruyan, and Liu Meina. I hope everyone can learn more from these students."
Shen Bing returned to attention upon hearing Liu Ruyan's name and continued listening.
"As the first mock exam of the senior year, this exam revealed many issues for students. I will now distribute the report cards. Parents can focus on strengthening their children's weak subjects."
Whether it was to symbolize prosperity or to emphasize the importance of the senior year, this year's report cards were in red. Lu Chuan's name still topped the list, with a star marked next to each subject, indicating the highest score.
As senior year progresses, parents are especially concerned about their children's academic performance. As soon as the meeting ended, the homeroom teacher was surrounded by parents, making it impossible for those at the back to squeeze in.
Shen Bing and Mu Yun tried to leave quietly but were stopped at the door by other parents asking for advice on how to help their children excel like Lu Chuan and Liu Ruyan.
After sharing everything they could think of, their mouths nearly worn out, they finally made it to the school gate. Though having exceptionally talented children can be a bit of a burden, it's a sweet one that they'd rather have more of.
With their spirits high from the meeting, Shen Bing and Mu Yun discussed what reward to give the two kids—something to add some fun to their monotonous study routine without wasting too much time.
After thinking it over, they realized the two kids lacked nothing and had grown too old to enjoy shopping with their moms, currently enjoying hot pot with friends instead.
"In a couple of months, it will be Xiao Fang's eighteenth birthday. We need to think of a memorable way to celebrate his coming of age this year," Shen Bing suddenly remembered Lu Chuan's upcoming birthday and suggested starting preparations now.
From childhood to now, Lu Chuan and Liu Ruyan had always had two birthday cakes each year, as they celebrated each other's birthdays.
"Sure, sure. This year Ruyan's birthday coincides with both kids participating in competitions and exams. We just had a simple meal at home. Next time, for their eighteenth birthdays, we need to celebrate properly."
As they chatted, they walked towards the parking lot. Although Mu Yun had obtained her driver's license years ago, she was too timid to drive, so Lu Chuan's father always drove her to and from work. Today, she had come in Shen Bing's car.
"Ding-dong～ Ding-dong～" Shortly after Lu Chuan and his friends returned home from the hot pot, the doorbell rang.
Seeing his aunt outside, Lu Chuan sighed in relief; the little tyrant was finally going home.
"Mommy～" Lu Yuhang, who was playing with Liu Ruyan in the room, rushed over to hug her when he heard her voice.
"Oh～" Lu Chuan's aunt placed the snacks and fruits she had bought on the dining table, picked up Lu Yuhang, and said to Lu Chuan and Liu Ruyan:
"Xiao Fang, Ruyan, I heard you've been taking care of him these past few days. You must be exhausted."
"No, no, Yuhang is very well-behaved～" Liu Ruyan waved her hand.
Since going to the amusement park, Liu Ruyan and Lu Yuhang had become close friends.
"There are things to take care of at home tonight, so I won't wait for your parents to return. I'll take Yuhang home now."
After packing up Yuhang's things, his aunt prepared to leave.
"I'm leaving now. If Lu Chuan makes you angry again, just let me know, and I'll give him a good talking-to～"
Before leaving, Lu Yuhang whispered to Liu Ruyan.