"Yan Cheng and I are so close, his grandmother is my grandmother," Zhou Mingyu patted Yan Cheng's shoulder, looking smugly at He Lele.
He Lele ignored Zhou Mingyu and lowered her head to her math homework. Wang Muman had expected some banter between the two, but it was quiet. She thought about how lucky Yan Cheng was to be born on Christmas Eve, unlike herself. This thought made Wang Muman feel a pang of sadness.
A week later, Wang Mujin saw the program list on the official account and indeed, Wang Muman and Yan Cheng were on it. When Wang Muman returned, he informed her.
"Manman, get ready to be on TV during the winter break. Do you want your brother to buy you another outfit?" Wang Mujin was already thinking about which clothing store to visit.
Wang Muman nodded. Her dance performance could also be enhanced. There was still plenty of time, nearly a month to prepare.
Wang Muman chose a store she was most familiar with. The owner recognized her immediately and started introducing outfits, with an even wider selection of dance costumes. Wang Muman followed the owner, and after a long while, she found the dress she wanted. It was a bit expensive, but she thought the money her father had given her should be enough.
"Good taste, just like my sister. Your standard for picking clothes is quite high," Wang Mujin said, carrying the shopping bag. He recalled how his sister looked when she tried on the outfit earlier and instantly felt it suited her perfectly and conveyed what she intended. "We'll need to fill out a form when we get back, in case you win a major award! Let Yan Cheng know, by the way, I want to add Yan Cheng as a friend. That young man is good."
Wang Muman nodded, suddenly remembering something. "Brother, have you told Father? Will he come?"
"I haven't told him yet. I'll communicate with his secretary and let you know tomorrow," Wang Mujin actually thought their father would at most return for the New Year. This time, it depended on whether he wanted to see his daughter.
Upon returning home, Wang Muman hung up the dress and opened her phone. She sent Yan Cheng's number to her brother and also informed Yan Cheng about being on television.
"I saw it," Yan Cheng replied.
"Then I'll go to your grandmother's house during the winter break, okay?" Wang Muman carefully considered the date. Mid-January was the final exam period, and she needed to prepare for revision, and she didn't want to disturb Yan Cheng, the top student, during his revision.
"Yes, my grandmother also really wants you to come." Yan Cheng had heard Manman's name on the phone countless times.
The conversation ended, and they continued with their ordinary weekend.
The week before the final exams, the classroom was filled with a tense atmosphere. He Lele felt overwhelmed by all the subjects and couldn't cram effectively. Wang Muman advised her to stop complaining and focus on revising.
However, He Lele declared with a determined resolve, "No matter what, looking at the report card will result in a combined parental beating, so I don't need to struggle." She sighed dejectedly and slumped onto her desk, motionless.
"You should still try!" Wang Muman looked at He Lele, wanting to encourage her. But He Lele remained slumped, as if asleep. Wang Muman shook her head, feeling she had done her best. She had witnessed this during the midterm exams; encouraging her was a time-consuming task.
"Just think that after the exams, you can watch celebrities. Your parents won't affect your good mood, nor will they use your grades to prevent you from going out. Isn't that great? You just need to improve from the midterm exams, and your parents will definitely be happy!" Wang Muman made another effort, convinced this would motivate her.
Indeed, as soon as He Lele heard the word "celebrities," she sat up, picked up her book, and started reading.