As Wang Yue and his companions arrived, most of the group had gathered.
"Alright, let's do a headcount to see if anyone is missing?" Tang Le announced loudly.
"Vice-class monitor, why do we need a headcount? Can't we just look around?" someone chimed in.
"Yeah, there aren't that many of us, why bother counting?"
"This is just formalism. We don't do this in our class."
"Everyone take a look around to see if anyone's missing, especially check your roommates."
Tang Le's words met with dissatisfaction from the others. His expression turned grim; this was a sign of his lack of authority. If he had prestige, these people wouldn't have dared to defy him.
So, he turned to Shi Bing.
"Class monitor, why don't you manage them? What kind of behavior is this?" Tang Le grumbled, feeling wronged. He had a strong desire for authority and couldn't stand this loose and undisciplined atmosphere.
"We're out to have fun, so as long as everyone is happy," Shi Bing said with a smile. She actually disagreed with the fuss of formalism too.
"If you act like this, it'll be hard to build a good class culture," Tang Le argued.
"Then what do you think our class culture should be like?" Shi Bing asked with a half-smile.
"I believe it must be strictly disciplined, with everyone adhering to rules. Only then can we build a positive class culture," Tang Le stated earnestly.
"Let's forget it. This isn't feudal society, nor are we in middle or high school anymore. University should be about freedom and individuality," Shi Bing countered, dismissing Tang Le's opinion.
Tang Le's face turned the color of liver. He had thought Shi Bing would at least side with him, but now he realized he was too naive. She had no intention of supporting him at all.
The class had a total of 32 students, and they had rented a large bus for today's outing. The bus had already arrived at the school entrance. After everyone did a quick headcount and confirmed everyone was present, they boarded the bus under Shi Bing's lead.
Upon boarding, Wang Yue found a middle seat, the kind with two seats on either side, a relatively comfortable minivan. Wang Yue sat with Liu Yi Tong. Soon, the bus was full. Everyone seemed to be looking forward to this first class activity.
"Today is National Day, and it's our first class activity. I won't say much more. Just enjoy yourselves today, eat well, play well, and most importantly, be safe!" Shi Bing said with a smile.
"Long live our class monitor!"
"I've never been to the Great Wall before. I want to see it today."
"Hahaha, there are so many people on the streets today! This is the real National Day atmosphere."
Discussions buzzed on the bus. Liu Yi Tong was chatting with Wang Yue. Shi Bing walked over and said to Liu Yi Tong, "Liu Yi Tong, Yueyue wants you to sit with her."
Liu Yi Tong blinked, then a knowing look crossed his face. "Okay, I'll go sit with her. You two have fun chatting." With that, Liu Yi Tong winked ambiguously and left.
Shi Bing, having gotten her wish, sat down next to Wang Yue. Then, she smiled and said, "Here, classmate Wang Yue, I brought you breakfast." She handed him some biscuits and a bottle of milk.
"Thank you," Wang Yue replied, taking the biscuits and milk.
Shi Bing's eyes twinkled as she asked, "Classmate Wang Yue, how good are your photography skills? Take some pictures for me today." As she spoke, she took out her DSLR camera from her small bag.
"Photography is no problem, but I'm a professional photographer, and my rates are quite high," Wang Yue replied with a smile.
"How professional?" Shi Bing inquired.
"You could say my artistic attainment is very high," Wang Yue mused.
"How high?" Shi Bing asked again.
"About three or four stories high," Wang Yue said exaggeratedly.
"Pfft." Shi Bing couldn't help but laugh.
Jiang Bai Qi and Xie Ji Ban were sitting behind Wang Yue and the others. Hearing Shi Bing and Wang Yue chatting so happily, Jiang Bai Qi felt a twinge of envy. He thought to himself that he should have sat with Yuan Hua. What was he doing sitting with this Xie Ji Ban?
So, Jiang Bai Qi stood up and looked towards Yuan Hua's seat, noticing Sheng Lan sitting next to her.
"Where are you going?" Xie Ji Ban asked curiously.
"To pursue my happiness," Jiang Bai Qi smiled and walked directly towards Yuan Hua's seat.
"Classmate Sheng Lan, could I switch seats with you?" Jiang Bai Qi mustered up his courage and asked.
"You want to sit with our Hua Hua?" Sheng Lan asked with a smile.
"Yes," Jiang Bai Qi replied, blushing.
Yuan Hua glanced at Jiang Bai Qi, her face also turning a little red. She thought it was strange that this blockhead was so brave today.
"Alright, I'll help you achieve your goal." Sheng Lan stood up willingly and then moved to Jiang Bai Qi's seat.
Jiang Bai Qi, having gotten his wish, showed a happy smile and quickly took out a lot of snacks from his bag. "Yuan Hua, do you want some snacks? I brought a lot."
Yuan Hua exclaimed, "How did you bring so much food? A lot of it is my favorite!"
Jiang Bai Qi said proudly, "Because I brought it specifically for you."
Yuan Hua was a little touched. Although Jiang Bai Qi was usually a bit of a straight man, being so thoughtful in such small details was truly commendable.
Meanwhile, after Sheng Lan sat next to Xie Ji Ban.
Xie Ji Ban smiled and said, "Classmate Sheng Lan, you're the first girl to voluntarily sit next to me. It seems we have a special connection." He was actually feeling anxious. If someone as reserved as Jiang Bai Qi dared to actively pursue his happiness, then his own days of being single wouldn't be far off. But for himself? He didn't even have a target. If this continued, he'd definitely be the last one to remain single! Treating others was a small matter, but losing face was a big one! He had confidently declared he wouldn't be the one treating everyone to a meal. Now, Xie Ji Ban decided to try his luck, targeting anyone he saw!
Sheng Lan smiled, pursing her lips. "What, do you want to pursue me?"
Xie Ji Ban's heart fluttered. It seemed there was a chance. He thought his appearance today must have deeply impressed her. So, he put on a cool demeanor and said, "Actually, I think the word 'pursue' is a bit vulgar. To put it more romantically, I fancy you."
"Hahaha." Sheng Lan was amused. She said, "Even though you fancy me, I'm sorry, but I already have a boyfriend, so it's destined that we won't have a chance." Facing Xie Ji Ban's sudden confession, Sheng Lan felt a little proud. It proved she was still attractive!
Upon hearing this, Xie Ji Ban's expression changed in an instant. She already had a boyfriend, yet she sat next to him? Wasn't this just messing around? Feeling a bit dejected, he covered his head with his hat and mumbled, "This area is suitable for single people. Why don't you find another seat, Sheng Lan?"