With her eyes sore from crying so much, Wang Muman washed her face and took a bath under the lamp. Back in bed, she fell asleep quickly. It was rare for her not to be kept awake by unhappy thoughts.
The next day, He Lele woke up very early. She kept thinking about Wang Muman, and the more she thought, the more she felt Wang Muman had been wronged. She felt a surge of anger at Wang Muman having to experience such hardships at such a young age.
As soon as Wang Muman opened her eyes, her mother's death anniversary came to mind. She always attended the anniversary, but this year she couldn't because she was boarding. She wondered what her father would think. Thus, Wang Muman looked worried all morning. It wasn't until she called from the office that evening and heard Wang Mujin tell her not to worry that she finally relaxed.
Knowing it was the anniversary of Wang Muman's mother's passing, He Lele didn't chat much with Wang Muman on the way, also worried about Wang Muman's mental state.
"Xiao Le, are you accompanying me to the English office to hand in homework today?" Wang Muman continued her daily question.
"Yes, yes, of course! Every opportunity must be seized!" He Lele exclaimed, slapping the table. Li Zhentao's face immediately appeared in her mind, and she put on a lovestruck expression.
"It seems like Le Jie is helping, so I'm not needed anymore," Li Wei said from ahead, having sensed He Lele's excitement.
Life quickly returned to normal. The previous day's events hadn't changed much. Wang Muman only felt that her connection with He Lele and Yan Cheng seemed to have grown stronger. Perhaps this was friendship.
April 1st was April Fools' Day. Early in the morning, people were announcing April Fools' Day activities in the classroom, saying that lying was permitted for the day.
"Class monitor, are we celebrating foreign festivals?" a classmate asked the class monitor for his opinion.
"Everyone can decide for themselves. I personally believe in being an honest child. Jokes are fine, but be mindful of the limits. We won't organize any activities. We should also pay more attention to traditional Chinese festivals," Shi Kai said loudly, organizing a list given to him by Teacher Xu.
While eating breakfast, He Lele said, "Manman, do you know there's a saying online that April Fools' Day is suitable for confessions? If they agree, great. If they don't, you can just say 'Happy April Fools' Day'."
"So, are you saying you're going to confess?" Wang Muman, as sharp as ever, voiced He Lele's inner thoughts.
He Lele chuckled, "I already have a plan. If fate allows me to meet him when I hand in my homework, I'll go for it!"
April Fools' Day, for some, was indeed a good opportunity because it could alleviate a lot of awkwardness. However, for unexpected conversations with unfamiliar people, it could be even more awkward.
After the flag-raising ceremony, Wang Muman was walking towards the classroom with He Lele when Song Zicheng appeared in front of them, blocking their path.
Wang Muman looked at him in confusion, "Does classmate Song have something to say?"
He Lele also looked at him strangely, but seeing his hesitant demeanor, she understood.
"Happy April Fools' Day!" Song Zicheng blurted out.
He Lele suppressed a laugh, turned around, and walked a few steps back, where she saw Zhang Jiayi and Shen Jiaxin and went to gossip with them.
"Oh, oh, Happy April Fools' Day!" Wang Muman, not having reacted, thought something else was going on. After saying that, she intended to find He Lele, but Song Zicheng called her again.
Wang Muman turned back, waiting for Song Zicheng to speak, but after a long wait, she saw his face turn completely red.
"If you have nothing to say, I'm leaving?" Wang Muman took a few steps back.