Chapter 1373: GRADUATION CEREMONY
Chapter 1373: GRADUATION CEREMONY
"HOW are graduation preparations going?" Luo Yan asked as Shen Ji Yun settled down beside him.
"Tiring," Shen Ji Yun said, letting out a small sigh. He had been running around all week, filling out forms, picking up his cap and gown, and attending briefing after briefing. There was always something else to do, another signature to get, another requirement to submit. "But it’s almost over, so I just have to push through until then."
"Fighting!" Luo Yan said, giving a little pump of his fist.
"What’s a graduation, Master?" Eclipse asked, tilting his head.
Luo Yan turned to Eclipse and smiled. "It’s like finishing all your training and receiving a grand certificate, then everyone claps and there’s a party."
"Oohhh!" Eclipse’s ears perked up. "Can I come to the party too?"
"Of course," Luo Yan said with a grin. "We’ll invite everyone and celebrate at Yuexing Pavilion."
He had already planned a party for next Sunday. The graduation ceremony was on Saturday, and there was already a dinner planned that night for close family and friends. Bai Ze was also graduating, so the party was also for him.
That’s why he scheduled a bigger celebration at Yuexing Pavilion for the following day so that Eclipse, the two dragons, and other people who couldn’t be at the dinner party could also attend. He also planned to invite other players, like the other top teams. But it’s up to them whether they would attend or not. With that many people, the party would be lively and fun.
He turned to Shen Ji Yun, suddenly remembering he hadn’t actually asked for his opinion about this yet. "Is it okay if we have this party, Brother Ji Yun?"
"Of course it’s alright!" Eclipse answered before turning to Shen Ji Yun with an eager look. "Right, Captain?"
Shen Ji Yun let out a soft chuckle, looking at Luo Yan with a warm, indulgent gaze. "Yes. I wouldn’t mind a party." How could he, when he knew Luo Yan was doing it all for him? He reached over and took Luo Yan’s hand, gently playing with his fingers. "How about you? How’s studying for finals?"
"It’s fine. You know I’ve never had problems with studying. It’s just a bit boring spending all that time at the library," Luo Yan said. "That’s why I logged in here to have a change of scenery."
"Don’t put too much pressure on yourself," Shen Ji Yun said, lifting Luo Yan’s hand and pressing a kiss to his knuckles. "You’re so smart. I’m sure you’ll pass all your exams without any trouble."
"Yes, Master is very smart!" Eclipse agreed.
"Of course I know I’m smart," Luo Yan said, lifting his chin with a proud little tilt. "Passing isn’t the issue. I want the top grade, so I actually have to put in the work."
Shen Ji Yun smiled. He always liked seeing Luo Yan’s confidence shine through. He knew nothing he said would change his mind, so he just raised his fist and gave a small pump. "Fighting!"
Luo Yan blinked, then let out a small laugh. Shen Ji Yun was just too cute. He leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to other’s lips.
"Master! Captain! Please don’t be all lovey-dovey in front of me!" cried the big fox, covering his eyes with one of his fluffy tails. "I’m still an innocent kid! You shouldn’t be tainting my pure heart!"
Luo Yan and Shen Ji Yun both turned to look at Eclipse, then glanced at each other. A beat later, they both burst out laughing.
***
Time moved quickly after that. The undergraduates at T University finished their final exams, and before anyone knew it, graduation day came.
The campus was busy since the early morning. Graduates in deep purple caps and gowns gathered on the main field. Their families and friends filled the surrounding seats with their cameras ready. The crowd was full of excitement as everyone waited for the ceremony to begin.
Luo Yan sat with Uncle Yi Mu and Uncle Yue. Each graduating student was allowed to invite up to three people, so naturally, the three of them were there. Bai Ze was also graduating today, so Uncle Chen, Aunt Xiulan, and Bai Ye were seated just in front of them.
"Xiao Yun is graduating already," Jiang Yue said, gazing at the crowd of students with a hint of nostalgia. He turned to Shen Yi Mu. "We’re getting old, Brother Mu."
Shen Yi Mu leaned in closer. "Really? I haven’t noticed. How could I, when you still look just as beautiful as the day I met you?"
Luo Yan cleared his throat to remind the two to tone down their flirting. After all, they weren’t exactly alone. This caused Jiang Yue to blush profusely and for Shen Yi Mu to chuckle.
"Mom, when is it going to start? It’s so hot. Can we go home now?"
Luo Yan heard Bai Ye’s complaint from the row ahead. It was summer, and with the ceremony on the open field, the sun was bearing down on everyone.
"Be patient, Xiao Ye," Aunt Xiulan said. "Your brother only graduates from university once. We should be here to support him, don’t you think?"
Even without seeing Bai Ye’s face, Luo Yan was sure the kid was pouting right now.
And soon, the ceremony finally started. The dean stepped up to the podium and gave a short opening speech, welcoming everyone and congratulating the graduates. Then the university president took over, speaking about the students’ hard work and what lay ahead for them.
Then came the part where each graduate’s name was called. One by one, they walked across the stage, shook hands with the university officials, and received their diploma. Some graduates smiled broadly, others looked nervous, and a few waved at their families in the crowd.
Bai Ze’s name was called about a third of the way through. He strode up the stage with a confident grin, accepted his diploma, and gave a small whoop of celebration. Bai Chen looked proud as he clapped. Sun Xiulan had tears in her eyes as she snapped photos of her son.
Shen Ji Yun’s name was called not long after. Luo Yan sat up straighter, watching him walk up to the stage. He accepted his diploma with a quiet nod and turned briefly toward the crowd. Luo Yan felt a lump form in his throat. He was proud of Shen Ji Yun. So proud. Beside him, Jiang Yue had his phone out, capturing the moment. Uncle Yi Mu let out a quiet cheer. And they all clapped along with the rest of the audience.
The ceremony continued for another hour as more names were called and more diplomas were handed out. When the last graduate had crossed the stage, the university president gave a short closing speech, congratulating the graduates one final time and encouraging them to carry what they had learned into the world.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. The graduates moved their tassels from one side of their caps to the other. They all made a countdown that echoed across the field. 3... 2... 1... And at the end, they threw their caps into the air. Loud cheers and applause erupted from the crowd.
And with that, the ceremony was officially over.