"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.
