The sunset dyed the entire campus red, giving the softest light of the day. On this sentimental day, Lin Mengmeng, Zhao Yunli, and Song Xiaoqing decided to hold a simple but extraordinary farewell dinner for Jiang Hanting and Li Hongwen at the Academy of Esoterics. Although the preparation for the dinner was filled with laughter and busyness, in everyone's heart, there was a hidden pain of impending separation.
"Mengmeng, how do you like the decoration?" Zhao Yunli waved a string of colorful lights, trying to create a warm atmosphere in a corner of the restaurant.
Lin Mengmeng smiled and nodded, her eyes shimmering with gratitude towards her friends. "Great job, Yunli. You always manage to decorate every place so warmly."
Song Xiaoqing was busy preparing food in the kitchen, her movements skilled and full of determination. "Stop just talking and come help. We need to make a memorable dinner for the two seniors."
As the preparation for dinner comes to an end, the table is filled with all kinds of delicious dishes, from the traditional specialties of the Academy of Esoterics to everyone's signature dishes, all showcasing their deep affection for the two seniors who are about to leave the school.
When Jiang Hanting and Li Hongwen entered the restaurant, they were almost speechless at the sight before them. Li Hongwen was the first to break the silence: "Wow, are you trying to fatten me up? I still want to maintain my healthy and perfect figure."
Jiang Hanting scanned everyone with his usual cold and stern gaze, but his mouth involuntarily curled up: "I didn't expect you guys to be quite good at arranging things. However, if dinner doesn't suit my taste, you will be responsible for it."
Zhao Yunli pretended to be angry and slammed the table: "Hmph, Senior Jiang, can't you be less harsh for once? We put a lot of effort into this!"
The dinner began amidst laughter and joy, with everyone enjoying the last moments of being together. Five people sat around a round table filled with delicious dishes. The flickering candlelight illuminated their smiling faces, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. As one of the chefs for the evening, Zhao Yunli proudly introduced her dish, saying, "This is my special 'Lightning Beef,' guaranteed to make you want more after the first bite!"
Li Hongwen's eyes lit up as he quickly grabbed a large piece, saying, "Wow, junior, your cooking skills are getting better and better!"
Song Xiaoqing Half in doubt, she took a sip and her eyes lit up. "Not bad at all. It seems your special training during this time has paid off."
Jiang Hanting Quietly observing everything, a faint smile played at the corner of his mouth. Lin Mengmeng appeared a bit nervous. She had prepared a light dish she was good at for tonight - "Honey Glazed Fresh Vegetables," and asked anxiously, "How does my dish taste to you?"
"Mengmeng, your dishes have always been great, perfect for summer, fresh and healthy!" praised Zhao Yunli after taking the first bite.
Jiang Hanting also nodded in agreement, "Yes, with your dishes, this meal is complete."
The atmosphere at the dinner party was harmonious, with everyone chatting and occasional bursts of laughter. Li Hongwen suddenly suggested, "Hey, let's play a game. Each person shares an embarrassing moment, and we'll see whose is the funniest."
"Great idea!" Zhao Yunli immediately perked up and started, "I remember one time I wanted to show off my 'esoteric' abilities, and accidentally read the teacher's mind, causing a really awkward moment."
Song Xiaoqing also refused to be outdone, "Once I lost control while manipulating the elements. I originally wanted to put on a small water ball show for the freshmen, but unexpectedly it turned into a 'man-made rainstorm,' and the entire auditorium got soaked."
After hearing this, everyone couldn't help but burst into laughter, even the usually calm Jiang Hanting and introverted Lin Mengmeng were laughing uncontrollably.
When it was Jiang Hanting's turn, he pretended to ponder for a moment and said, "Once I helped Mengmeng get her book, but accidentally took the notebook of the student next to her. I handed it to her seriously, and you can probably imagine her expression at that time."
Lin Mengmeng's cheeks turned slightly red, and she quickly changed the topic, "That time was really embarrassing. I even earnestly flipped through several pages."
Laughter filled the entire evening, and they enjoyed this rare moment of relaxation and happiness. As the night deepened, moonlight spilled through the window onto the plates and half-empty wine bottles on the table, while the laughter of the five people continued to echo in the air. This wonderful evening would become one of their most cherished memories.
However, as the night grew darker, the lively atmosphere was gradually replaced by a hint of melancholy. After dinner, Lin Mengmeng held Jiang Hanting's hand and said with some reluctance, " Hanting, what are your plans after graduation?"
Jiang Hanting looked at her, with tenderness in his eyes: "I'll first go get the Esoteric trainer's license, and then consider other things once I've settled down. But no matter where I go, I'll keep in touch and won't let you worry."
"I know, I believe in you," said Lin Mengmeng softly, her eyes slightly red.
Zhao Yunli suddenly rushed over from the side and grabbed the hands of the two people: "Let's take a picture together as a memento. No matter where we are in the future, let's not forget the friendship we share today."
Li Hongwen and Song Xiaoqing also joined in, the five of them huddled closely together, facing the camera with smiles on their faces. With a soft click of the shutter, it captured this warm moment of theirs.
After taking the photo, everyone took turns to hug and bid farewell to Jiang Hanting and Li Hongwen who were about to leave. The farewell words, though simple, were filled with deep blessings.
Song Xiaoqing held Jiang Hanting tightly, her voice choked with emotion: "Don't forget us, this group of friends. No matter what difficulties you encounter, face them bravely. We will always support you."
Li Hongwen patted Zhao Yunli on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Don't always be so sad. We're not saying goodbye forever. We will meet again someday."
Finally, it was the farewell of Lin Mengmeng and Jiang Hanting. The two stood on the campus path, with the gentle night breeze causing Lin Mengmeng's long hair to sway lightly.
Jiang Hanting held Lin Mengmeng's hand, speaking with a firm and gentle tone: " Mengmeng, wait for me to settle down, I will come find you. No matter how long it takes, you must wait for me."
Lin Mengmeng nodded, tears welling up in her eyes: "I will try my best, wait for us to meet again."
The two embraced and wept, unwilling to let go. But in the end, Jiang Hanting gently kissed Lin Mengmeng's forehead, then turned and walked towards the door. Lin Mengmeng stood in place, watching his figure disappear into the night, filled with reluctance.
As Jiang Hanting's figure gradually vanished into the night, Lin Mengmeng felt an unprecedented sense of loneliness welling up in her heart. She took a deep breath of the cool night air and turned back to the still-warm gathering place. Her steps were heavy. Zhao Yunli and Song Xiaoqing had already started clearing the table, and when they saw Lin Mengmeng return, concern was evident in their eyes.
"Mengmeng, are you okay?" Zhao Yunli walked over and asked softly.
Lin Mengmeng forced a smile and replied, "I'm fine, just not used to sudden changes."
Song Xiaoqing also put down the bowl and chopsticks, walked over and patted Lin Mengmeng's shoulder, "We will all experience such moments, won't we? But time will help us adapt and bring new beginnings."
Lin Mengmeng nodded. She knew her friends were trying to comfort her. She glanced at the scattered dishes on the table and said with a smile, "Then let's start now. Let's start by cleaning up this pile of dishes."
Three people busied themselves around the dining table. Although the atmosphere was no longer as lively as during a gathering, there was a different kind of warmth in this calmness. After finishing cleaning up, Zhao Yunli suggested, "Let's go for a walk by the lake, just like we used to."
The night by the lake was particularly quiet, with only a gentle breeze causing ripples on the water's surface. The three of them strolled along the lakeside, not saying much, each immersed in their own thoughts. Lin Mengmeng thought about the potential reunion with Jiang Hanting in the future, filling her heart with motivation. Zhao Yunli pondered on how to continue maintaining this precious friendship, even as everyone went their separate ways. Song Xiaoqing contemplated how to use her esoteric knowledge to contribute to society after graduation.
Suddenly, Lin Mengmeng stopped and turned to Zhao Yunli and Song Xiaoqing, saying, "Do you know? Even though we are about to embark on different paths in life, I still believe that our friendship will not change. We will have new lives, new challenges, but I hope we can maintain this pure and beautiful relationship, no matter when or where."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yunli and Song Xiaoqing both showed moved smiles. Zhao Yunli spoke first, "Mengmeng, I think so too. Our friendship will not fade with distance; on the contrary, it will become stronger because of our efforts."
Song Xiaoqing also nodded in agreement, "Yes, we all need to believe in ourselves and in the bond between us. The future is long, and we will have many more opportunities to gather together."
The three of them embraced tightly once again. On this quiet night, their hearts were closely connected, as if silently pledging that no matter how things may change in the future, their friendship will remain as constant as the scenery by the lake, forever enduring.
Finally, Lin Mengmeng, Zhao Yunli, and Song Xiaoqing slowly walked back to the dormitory under the moonlight. Although tomorrow is the beginning of their new lives, tonight they just want to cherish this peaceful and beautiful time. On this night of parting, their hearts are filled with deep blessings for each other.
As the night deepens, the lights of the academy gradually go out, but in the hearts of these three young girls, there is a light that always shines. It is their hope for the future, their insistence on friendship, and their pursuit of their dreams. Every step they have taken together on this path is engraved with their laughter, tears, and reluctance, and all of this will become their most precious memories.
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