She did not rush to drink. Standing there and looking at everyone, her eyes slightly red, she said, "When I first came to the academy, I caused everyone quite a lot of trouble. Back then, Third Brother and Xiao Ao were right. If I had kept going the way I was, I probably would never have understood what the word 'friends' meant. So many days have passed. We've trained together, fought together, and endured the trials of life and death together. Thank you, my companions. This cup is for all of you, and I also want to say something I've never been able to say. I'm sorry."
After saying those last three words, Ning Rongrong drained the ale in one gulp. As she drank, two sparkling tears streamed down her fair cheeks.
"Rongrong, don't drink so fiercely," Oscar kindly reminded her. Seeing Ning Rongrong like this, he was probably the happiest of them all. The moment he had first seen Ning Rongrong, he had set his sights on her, only to suffer a setback later.
But Ning Rongrong had now become so lovable. They said children were the most malleable. At only twelve years old, Ning Rongrong was now completely different from how she had been several months ago.
"Rongrong, we're companions, and we're brothers too. We are now, and we will be in the future. We accepted you long ago, when we returned from the Star Dou Great Forest. Don't say these things again. Come on, everyone, drink. But you're all too young, so drink a little less."
Oscar seemed to suddenly remember something. "Rongrong, why do you call Tang San Third Brother, but call me Xiao Ao? That doesn't seem fair, does it?"
Ning Rongrong's pretty face reddened. She shot him an irritated glare but did not answer.