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Everyone was the protagonist of their own life.

The school bell suddenly rang across the sports field.

Zhu Zhitao flinched, her feet already turning toward the classroom. "That scared me! It's muscle memory."

Su Yan patted her back. "Don't worry. We've graduated."

The crowd buzzed around them. Xie Tingsi said, "After all these years, that sound still makes my soul tremble."

Xie Liuzheng said, "...Mine too."

The principal smiled at the bright young faces before her. "Students, class is dismissed!"

"Always believe in yourselves and look to the future."

"Students and parents, head to the auditorium for the graduation celebration. Happy graduation!"

As her words faded, a song came over the speakers. They had heard it more than any other throughout their final year of high school—so often they knew it by heart.

"I want to fly up to the sky and stand shoulder to shoulder with the sun."

"The world is waiting for me to change it."

"I've never been afraid to let others see the dreams I want to chase."

"Here, I can make them all come true."

The crowd at the back began to move. A few quiet voices rose among them, growing louder and surer... until the entire field was singing together.

"Leave your worries behind and always stride forward."

"I'm standing right at center stage."

"I believe I am who I am; I believe in tomorrow."

"I believe youth has no horizon." (Note 1)

At eighteen, youth burned bright and brave, but it would never come again.

The principal stopped walking and watched the students with a tender gaze. Her smile brought out the lines at the corners of her eyes.

The teachers and parents joined the singing too, still remembering to capture these precious moments with their children.

Xie Tingsi put one