Smiling, Wang Yan nodded and thanked his classmates for their congratulations, then returned to his seat.
At lunchtime, Wang Yan took his lunchbox to the cafeteria, picked up a few dishes, and brought them back.
Fang Hui, Lin Jiamo, and a petite, delicate-looking classmate named Zhao Zi were eating up front and discussing what to do for the bulletin board.
Some classmates who wanted to get closer to Wang Yan moved their desks and chairs over to join him.
There was nothing Wang Yan could do about it. After everything he had been through, no matter how much he tried to keep himself in check and fit in, he still stood out from the crowd. Besides, he was the class monitor now, and he was so damn impressive. After all those years of social conditioning, even elementary school kids knew it was best to get on the class monitor's good side.
Wang Yan didn't put on airs or act like he was better than everyone else. He smiled as he answered their questions, occasionally asking a few of his own to guide them along. Everyone was having a good time.
Amid his classmates' laughter and playful banter, Wang Yan heartily enjoyed the cafeteria's big-pot dishes.
The three girls up front had also been drawn in by the lively group around Wang Yan. Lin Jiamo was such a busybody; she loved joining in on the fun. Being left out of such a cheerful gathering made her uncomfortable. Besides, she'd already talked herself around, and her good friends would surely understand.
"Let's go eat with Wang Yan."
"We've pretty much finished talking. You two go ahead," Zhao Zi said softly.
It was obvious that she was a shy, timid girl. Lin Jiamo didn't mind. Everyone knew Zhao Zi was usually quiet, and