CHAPTER 363: EPISODE 34.3.2 THE TWO BOYS’ SPEECH (PART TWO)

"Good morning, everyone!" Yanyan began, his first word coming out a little breathy, as if he used it to let out the nervous air he’d been holding in. Somehow, the greeting made his face relax. His cheeks softened, his eyes brightened, and suddenly, he looked more like himself.

"My name is Bai Shengyan—but everyone calls me Yanyan! I’m from Class Huli Jing. I’m five years old, and this is my new friend, Ao Yichen! Together, we’re here to happily welcome all of you to our new school year!"

The light in Yanyan’s eyes flickered when the audience erupted in applause. That part wasn’t in the version of the speech he’d practiced. It had been added later, after they decided he and Ao Yichen would speak together.

He’d been so nervous about that change—so nervous that saying it aloud felt like pulling a thorn from his chest. But when he saw everyone’s warm smiles and heard their cheerful response, all the fear melted away.

Yanyan glanced to his side and gave Ao Yichen a tiny thumbs-up.

Ao Yichen blinked in surprise, then grinned and returned the gesture.

Encouraged, Yanyan straightened his posture—just like Daddy had taught him. Shoulders back, chin up. Confidence first, words second.

"When I first came to this school," he continued, voice softer now, "I was a little nervous. There were so many new faces, new teachers, and big classrooms. I felt overwhelmed, thinking that for years to come, my world would grow inside these school grounds. There were times I even wanted to back out."

Among the crowd, many parents dabbed at their eyes—including Shen Yuan and Bai Tingfeng. Watching their tiny boy speak with such sincerity stirred something deep in their hearts. Yanyan looked so small up there, yet every word carried the fragile honesty of a child learning to be brave.

Around the assembly, some of the students nodded quietly. They understood what he meant. They relate to the fearful feeling that the unfamiliarity of the school brings.

Because of this unfamiliarity, every kindergartener was patiently waiting for his next words.

"But then, I realized something, everyone here came to learn, grow and make friends. So, we are all the same."

"I asked my Papa what the goal of the academy was when I was thinking about what to say in my welcoming speech, and he said, the academy’s goal is to help every child shine like a star, for them to achieve their full potential. I think about it a lot for the past days, and I guess, I think, it means that we don’t have to be the biggest or the best— we just have to do our best and help each other shine, too!"

He sneaks a small look at Ao Yichen, then continues with gentle sincerity.

"Some days might be hard. My Daddy said that sometimes, we might cry or miss our parents or maybe feel scared when things aren’t going well. But he said that it’s okay. Those are just growing pains." Yanyan looked down and played with his fingers. "Honestly, I still don’t understand what growing pains are. The only pain I know was from cavities."

The audience couldn’t help from laugh out loud. Yanyan was too silly! He’s adorable!

"But whatever, he said, that despite the hardship or hurt we might encounter, we must remember that we are not alone. In this school, we will have friends who will make us feel better about ourselves and teachers who will look out for us."

"So, let’s enjoy our time here in the Qilin Academy by studying hard, playing fair and being kind! Let’s make this school year full of smiles and stories we’ll remember forever!" Yanyan concluded his part with a soft, confident nod.

The audience gave him a wild round of applause. They loved Yanyan’s speech!

Shen Yuan and Bai Tingfeng let out a proud laugh for their son.

"My gosh! That is way better than his best practice!" Shen Yuan blurted out.

"What can I say? That is my son," Bai Tingfeng smugly said, causing Shen Yuan to laugh hysterically.

Back on the stage, Yanyan waited for the levitating platform to bring him down, then he politely stepped aside for Ao Yichun.

"Good luck!" Yanyan said, tapping the boy’s shoulders.

Unlike earlier, Ao Yichun didn’t snap at him. He grinned, full of gratitude. In that instant, the boy’s cute button face opened up, revealing an adorable pair of dimples that had been left hidden from all the crying and shouting earlier.

"Thank you."

"Eh?" Yanyan was startled at the smile that seemed to come from left field. He blushed and found himself in a state of confusion. He silently stood beside the podium when he was supposed to go down the stage.

The teachers thought that Yanyan was just being respectful and thus waiting for Ao Yichen to finish his piece before sitting down. Hence, they let the boy on his own.

All these remained unnoticed by Ao Yichen. He was smiling one second, but he really was nervous. He instinctively finds himself gripping the edge of the podium due to nerves.

Ao Yichen closed his eyes for a moment, then when he opened them again, his gaze met his mom in the elevated seats. That somehow magically calmed his nerves.

He started, voice small but brave.

"H-Hello, everyone. My name is Ao Yichen, from Class Huanglong."

His voice trembled at first, but steadied as he went on.

"When I heard I could give this speech, I was really happy. I practiced every day—sometimes in front of the mirror, sometimes in front of my toys—because... because I wanted my dad to see me."

Ao Yichen paused, eyes glistening, but he didn’t look away.

If Yanyan’s speech had been soft and warm, then Ao Yichen’s was its mirror opposite—direct and piercing, every word carrying the weight of his tiny heart. From the very first sentence, it reflected his strong, no-nonsense personality.

The audience couldn’t help but be amazed by the little boy who, despite trembling nerves, managed to hold himself together so fiercely.

"My dad was a hero," he continued. "He helped people when they were hurt. He told me once that being brave doesn’t mean not crying—it means doing the right thing even when you’re scared."

"So today... I wanted to be brave too. Even though my dad can’t sit there with the other parents, I want him to see me from the sky and think, ’That’s my son!’"

The audience grew silent. Even the restless toddlers stopped fidgeting. Then, Ao Yichen turned slightly to the side, toward Yanyan.

"I want my dad to be proud of me—like, one hundred percent proud. That’s why... I also wanna say sorry."

He bowed his head slightly, his voice soft but clear.

"I got mad earlier... and I said things I shouldn’t have. I thought it wasn’t fair. But it wasn’t Yanyan’s fault. He didn’t take anything from me. I was just sad and angry and... I forgot to be kind."

He lifted his head again, meeting the teachers’ and parents’ eyes with newfound steadiness.

"But I’m learning. From now on, I’ll work really, really hard—not because I want to fight anyone—but because I want to make my dad proud. And I want to be someone my friends can count on."

Then he smiled—a small, bright thing that made his eyes crinkle.

"So I’ll do my best to be number one—not just in grades, but in being a good person too."

Before ending his speech, Ao Yichen looked straight at Yanyan, his tone firm yet full of respect.

"Bai Shengyan, you said earlier that we don’t need to be the brightest star in this school. I’m sorry, but I don’t agree with that. I’ll do my best to become the brightest star—and next time, we won’t be tied for number one."

He took a deep bow.

"Thank you for listening, everyone."

Applause erupted across the hall.

Back in his seat, Shen Yuan looked both amazed and slightly shell-shocked. Those two little kids had just dragged the entire audience through a roller coaster of emotions—and they made it look effortless.

"What the fuck is up with these five-year-olds?!" Shen Yuan hissed under his breath. "So fucking scary!"

Bai Tingfeng’s deep, rumbling laughter echoed beside him.

"Ahhh. This might just be the best welcome speech I’ve ever heard."