All eyes were on Chen Mo now. Even some news outlets had started livestreams online.
This was his first time stepping into the spotlight. In the past, he would definitely have been nervous, but now his perspective had changed, and so had the things he saw.
After forcing himself to stand on the small podium at first, Chen Mo instead relaxed, his expression natural as he looked at the students and reporters below.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Chen Mo. You came here today to listen to this little guy give a speech, didn't you?" Chen Mo joked.
The moment he said that, laughter erupted below, accompanied by thunderous applause. He was clearly mocking himself in the principal's tone.
"Before today, I was like many of you—I had never stood on a stage to give a speech, much less spoken before so many people. I once imagined myself delivering an impassioned speech onstage. But after coming up here today, I realized my first time was gone."
Soft laughter rose from beneath the stage again.
Chen Mo raised a hand, quieting the crowd. His movements were natural, and no one could tell this was his first time giving a speech.
Once Chen Mo got to the point, everyone below fell silent. They all watched the stage intently. The students in the front had already taken out their phones, with every camera aimed at Chen Mo.
"I heard the principal say earlier that he hoped you would become the next Chen Mo. Chen Mo himself would like to advise you: never become the next Chen Mo. You are yourselves, unique individuals. Every person is one of a kind.
"Actually, the principal has a purpose in wanting you to become the next Chen Mo. He hopes you'll donate money to the school like I did."