The drums and gongs thundered!
When Zhuang Xiaoting heard the word "we," she couldn't help glancing up at Wang Yue. The young girl's thoughts made her feel a little shy, and she couldn't help lowering her head.
Lin Dongzhe wasn't thinking that much. He said excitedly, "We've got two people from Qing University here. Are our families planning to welcome us with thundering drums and gongs and a barrage of firecrackers, to celebrate Brother Wang and Brother Zhuang getting into college?"
Wang Yue couldn't help thinking of Teacher Song's comedy sketch. When he thought about it, it really did seem possible. After all, their families had money now, and they could afford to hire a drum troupe to celebrate such a momentous occasion.
Wang Yue had good eyesight—or perhaps he was simply more observant—and immediately spotted the crowd streaming out of the alley in the distance. Many of them looked familiar.
He said in disbelief, "Looks like that really is it. They're all dressed up festively."
After Zhuang Tunan pointed it out, everyone hurriedly looked over too. Sure enough, crowds were pouring out of the various little alleys. Some people were carrying lengths of silk and had even started dancing.
Others were carrying drums and gongs and had begun beating them. The funniest sight was someone playing an accordion, which seemed completely out of place amid the festivities.
But when everyone looked more closely, they realized the accordion player was none other than Song Ying.
Seeing his mother, Lin Dongzhe exclaimed excitedly, "That's my mom! She came to welcome us!"
Xiang Pengfei grabbed Lin Dongzhe, who was about to charge over in excitement, and reminded him with a laugh, "Lin Dongzhe! This is to welcome Brother Wang and Brother Tunan! If you want a welcome like this, wait until you