Chapter 9

Her eyes no longer darted nervously.

She seemed steadier now.

Our eyes met.

She froze for a moment, then nodded to me.

She said nothing.

I nodded back.

That was all.

Then we went our separate ways.

There was no need for any more conversation.

That was for the best.

She could live her life, and I could live mine.

We would never have to cross paths again.

In April, the graduate-school recommendation interviews began.

I prepared thoroughly.

My subject knowledge, spoken English, and research experience were all ready to be put to the test.

On the day of the interview, I walked into the conference room in a suit.

Five professors sat across from me.

Their eyes were serious and searching.

I wasn't nervous. I didn't rush.

I started with my self-introduction, then answered questions about my field and explained my plans for the future.

I did well at every stage.

The last professor asked, “Lu Wanning, what do you think is the most important quality for a graduate student?”

I thought for a moment.

“Discipline and perseverance.”

“Research is a long road, full of difficulties and setbacks.”

“Discipline helps you keep studying even when no one's watching.”

“Perseverance lets you keep moving forward after repeated failures.”

“And honesty,” I added.

“Academic work requires honesty, and so does life.”

“Someone who lacks even basic integrity can't produce meaningful research.”

The professors exchanged glances, then nodded.

“Good. You may leave now.”

“Wait for the announcement.”

I bowed and walked out of the room.

Many students were still waiting outside.

They were all competing for a direct-admission slot.

Some were so nervous their palms were sweating.

Others kept reviewing their notes.

I found a quiet corner and sat down, closing my eyes to rest.

I'd done everything I could.

The rest was up to time.

A week later, the results were posted.

I'd been selected for direct admission to graduate school.

I ranked first in the entire department.

As I stood in front of the notice board, looking at my name, I felt tears prick my eyes.

Everything I'd lost in my previous life—

I had finally reclaimed.

And this time, I'd earned it through my own ability.

Fair and square.

No one could question it.

No one could take it away.

Zhou Jia rushed over and slapped me on the shoulder.

“Wanning, you're incredible!”

“First in the whole department!”

“You're treating us to dinner tonight. No excuses!”

I laughed.

“Sure. Dinner's on me.”

“Let's invite a few of our friends from the department and celebrate.”

That evening, we gathered at a barbecue restaurant outside campus.

We ate, drank, and chatted.

Everyone was in high spirits.

Someone asked me, “Wanning, how did you do it?”

“You ranked first and got recommended straight into grad school.”

“What's your secret?”

I thought it over.

“There's no secret.”

“Just focus on your own work and don't let other people distract you.”

“Know what you want, then take it one step at a time.”

“And stay away from people who drain you.”

“Your time and energy are precious. Don't waste them on things that don't matter.”

Zhou Jia raised her glass.

“Well said!”

“I've learned that the hard way.”

“Ever since I moved out on my own, everything's changed.”

“I don't have to worry about someone asking me for money or bothering me all the time.”

“My study habits have improved so much.”

Everyone chimed in.

We clinked our glasses and drained them.

In that moment, I suddenly felt that life was really quite simple.

Do the things you need to do.

Treasure the people worth treasuring.

Stay away from the trouble you should avoid.

That was enough.

June came, and graduation season arrived.

The campus was full of students taking pictures in their caps and gowns, posing in front of the landmark buildings to preserve their memories.

I took a set of photos, too.

My parents made a special trip from our hometown to attend my graduation.

They watched me walk onto the stage to receive my graduate-school recommendation certificate.

Mom's eyes turned red.

“Sweetheart, I'm so proud of you.”

She held my hand tightly.

“You've always been our pride and joy.”

Dad patted my shoulder.

“Keep it up. You have a bright future ahead.”

I nodded, my heart warm.

After the ceremony, I took my parents around campus and showed them the places where I'd spent the past four years.

The lecture halls, the library, the cafeteria, the sports field.

Every corner held a memory.

Some happy, some sad.

But looking back now, all of them had helped me grow.

As we reached the campus gate, I saw Song Kehan.

She was showing her parents around, too.

Her parents looked much older than they had the year before.

The lines on their faces had deepened.

Song Kehan was supporting her mother, carefully and patiently.

She no longer seemed like the person who had only known how to take from others.

Our eyes met again.

This time, she walked over first.