New people bring new beginnings, and Principal Tim, newly appointed, used the Christmas performance as a stage to outline his vision for the school's future.
At the same time, as the previous Dean of Students, Tim also took the opportunity to emphasize school discipline and conduct while carrying out his work.
It was clear that compared to the amiable Principal Tom, Tim belonged to the pragmatic and radical faction.
Of course, being radical wasn't necessarily bad; at least he injected new vitality into Medford School.
As Principal Tim's speech concluded, the Christmas performance finally entered the song and dance segment, which the students loved.
The auditorium instantly became lively again.
"Mike, this is a Christmas gift Principal Tom asked me to give you." Taking advantage of the performance time, Ms. Sharon, now free, handed a small gift box to Mike.
"Where is the Old Principal?" Mike took the gift box and asked.
Although Principal Tom usually didn't seem to manage much, his ability to run a private high school so orderly proved him to be a capable person.
At the same time, over the past year or so, he had taken quite good care of Mike.
The two had a bit of an intergenerational friendship.
Even though he had retired, the "favor" remained.
"Principal Tom is old and doesn't like such a lively environment, so he's already gone back to rest," Ms. Sharon replied.
"Alright, I'll go visit him when I have time," Mike said, opening the small gift box in his hand.
Inside the elongated gift box was an exquisite fountain pen.
"I really like this gift," Mike immediately expressed his fondness for the gift.
Giving a fountain pen generally signifies one person's good wishes for another's academic achievements.
The meaning was excellent.
On the other side, the school's Christmas performance, amidst cheers from the students, lasted from around 8 PM until about 10 PM.
Such events were all about creating a lively atmosphere.
Of course, after the performance ended, the students' Christmas activities had just begun.
"I didn't expect the Old Principal to retire so suddenly."
"Yeah, Principal Tom was actually a very good person…"
...
During the Cooper family Christmas dinner, George and his wife, while chatting about everyday things, somehow started talking about Principal Tom.
However, this was understandable, as the Old Principal's help to Cooper was also immense.
It could be said that it was because of him that George had the opportunity to earn a high salary in the football team, thereby changing the family's financial situation.
He helped Cooper get through that most difficult period.
"By the way, is anyone going to the church's Christmas event later?" As the Christmas family dinner neared its end, Mary mysteriously said, "Friendly reminder, this year's church event is very, very interesting."
With the addition of Mandy, this year's the Cooper family Christmas dinner looked even livelier.
"The arcade business is very good today, so Mandy and I are planning to keep an eye on it later." Between spending the holiday with family and earning money, George chose to earn money.
"I want to stay home and watch TV…" Rather than putting on ridiculous costumes to play guards at the church, George preferred to lounge at home.
Yes, this year's church Christmas fundraising event was still a performance of "Seven Deadly Sins."
Mary copied Mr. Lundy's idea from last year exactly.
"I'll also choose to stay home…" Connie, knowing some inside information, also had no interest in the church's Christmas fundraising event.
Her family's reactions were a bit unexpected for Mary. She had been enthusiastic, but her eyes now looked terrifying.
"I still have many books to read…" Sheldon, who was currently interested in physics, also chose to stay home and study.
At this point, only Mike and the two girls had not made their choices.
At this moment, Paige and Missy both looked at Mike, clearly wanting to spend the holiday with him.
"I have an appointment; I'll be leaving soon," Mike said.
How could this special day not be accompanied by a beautiful lady?
Therefore, at the school's Christmas performance earlier, Mike had accepted Mia's invitation to spend Christmas together at her grand villa.
As for Lina in the sister group, she naturally also wanted to stay by Mike's side on this day.
However, being strictly supervised by her parents, she probably wouldn't be able to leave home after having dinner with her family.
So, Mike's choice today was only one.
"Can I come on your date?" Missy, hearing Mike was going out, immediately asked expectantly.
"Of course, not," Mike, who was going to engage in some adult-only activities later, rejected the girl's request.
"How stingy…" Missy pouted listlessly, then settled for watching TV at home.
Paige, on the other side, didn't speak, but her disappointed expression already showed that her thoughts were similar to Missy's.
Well, now Mary was completely alone.
But there was nothing to be done about it; after all, she was the only one in this large family who was truly religious.
After learning everyone's choices, Mary "angrily" put on her scarf and stormed off to the church alone.
"George, I remember there's still some roasted meat in the fridge. Later, take the roasted meat, and some gingerbread and small desserts, and take them to Brenda next door." Mary harbored considerable "resentment." Already at the door, she turned back and gave her husband a task.
Of course, Mary's action clearly also carried goodwill.
She had originally been at odds with Brenda next door, but ever since the latter's husband left, she had begun to sympathize with her.
Therefore, she would occasionally ask George to help with small favors.
And on this special day, Mary also didn't forget to help the single mother next door.
"Alright, alright," George, who was heading to the fridge to get beer, showed a helpless expression.
...
"Merry Christmas!"
Unlike the Cooper family, which was full of miscellaneous tasks yet exceptionally lively, Mia's grand villa, though beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, string lights, and small stars, always felt a bit lacking in warmth.
Mike's arrival filled this void.
"Welcome, Mike. Would you like some champagne?" Helen, dressed in a luxurious silk gown, was lazily nestled on the sofa.
Judging by her contented expression, she had clearly been "corrupted" by money, transforming from an artist into a qualified "lady."
And on the other end of the sofa sat Princess Mia, who had changed into a Christmas girl outfit.
The girl's cheeks were flushed, looking especially well-behaved and adorable, and her gaze towards Mike seemed to flow with clear autumn water.
Behind the girl, two small "reindeer" stood.
Amy and Eileen, Queen Renaldi's "close attendants," wore cute antler decorations on their heads today, cosplaying as Christmas reindeer.
"Thank you for your kindness, Helen," Mike, like a stage actor, made a sweeping gesture with his right hand in front of him, while crossing his legs and slightly leaning his upper body forward, making an exaggerated gentleman's bow.
Then, he continued, "We can enjoy the champagne later; first, let's see what I've brought for you…"
As if by magic, Mike opened his palm, and two beautiful gemstone necklaces immediately appeared in his hand.
Then, he smiled and gave the two necklaces, of different styles, to Mia and her mother respectively.
"Tsk—"
Seeing Mike's playful antics, the childlike and well-endowed reindeer Amy behind him secretly rolled her eyes.
This little maid, no taller than 1.6 meters, seemed very resistant to cosplaying as a reindeer, and even had some opinions about Mike.
"Whose little deer is this…?"
Mike walked up to the little maid, a brilliant smile on his face, and said, "There's enough for everyone; this is for you."
With Princess Mia, Amy and Eileen were never treated as servants. With this relationship, they could barely be considered "friends" with Mike.
At this moment, Amy was dazzled by Mike's handsome smile and reflexively took the gift he offered.
Only after receiving it did she realize the gift was a rolled-up woolen sock.