Chronicle of the 70s

Iro still hadn’t returned for the next two evenings, and neither Li Xianglu nor Anna had paid much attention to this, as both were student representatives designated to sit in the front row to ask questions, so they were focused on memorizing their parts in advance.

Li Xianglu had taken out the clothes she planned to wear and ironed them early on; it was a water-green long dress. Anna’s attire was a short-sleeve blouse paired with blue trousers, chosen by the headteacher. The two were somewhat perplexed, but the headteacher explained that photographers from the press would be there, and the matching outfits would provide a different effect in the photos, which might all be used.

Early on the fourth day, just past six o’clock, everyone in the dormitory was up. Everyone quickly got dressed, grabbed their meal boxes, ate breakfast in the canteen, then quietly waited back in the dormitory.

This was a schedule arranged by the school from the start; from the afternoon of the day before no one was allowed to approach the teaching buildings and auditorium, which were already guarded by security guards and the public security officers.

Hence everyone quietly waited at the dormitory, until the broadcast at half-past seven signaled them to line up at the dormitory entrance by class, ready to enter the auditorium.

The school’s auditorium could accommodate 2,000 people, with a second floor that had eight small open halls seating an additional 800 people. With four grades at Capital University, the total student body amounted to over six thousand.

Therefore, there clearly weren’t enough seats. Initially, it was possible to squeeze in with extra chairs, but due to security reasons, attendance became selective. Those required to attend stayed, and the rest were decided by lottery. Although this might have seemed frivolous, it was also a form of fairness. After all, getting into Capital University meant being among the nation’s best, and it wasn’t easy to choose who would stay.

Everyone complied with the school’s arrangements, so they all lined up in order and walked inside. Those who could attend were all very excited, and Li Xianglu, along with a few others from the front, went in early.

As everyone was queuing at the entrance of the auditorium, preparing to be checked before entry, Lu Anna tugged on Li Xianglu’s skirt from behind.

Li Xianglu turned around, ready to speak, but then she saw Iro, carrying a backpack, behind her with a terrible complexion and noticeably dark circles under her eyes.