Chapter Twelve: The College Entrance Examination
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Seven days remain until the college entrance examination, and the countdown is chalked on the blackboard of Class 5, Senior Grade 3. As the exam approaches, the entire classroom is thick with tension; the once sporadic chatter has vanished, replaced only by the rustling sound of pens scratching paper.
Unlike his classmates, Li Jie feels no anxiety about the exam. From his very first experience with the college entrance exam, he never felt nervous, a testament to his confidence. Yet, glancing at his deskmate Geng Geng, whose brow is furrowed deeply as he struggles over a single question, Li Jie notes the latter’s constant state of worry—facing the exam as if confronting a formidable enemy, much like his own nerves during the first midterm of freshman year.
Typically, one week before the exam, admission tickets are distributed at high schools. Yesterday, their homeroom teacher, Zhang Ping, mentioned that the tickets would be handed out today.
After a restless night, Zhang Ping entered the classroom, his weary demeanor evident as he carried a file folder tucked under his arm. Dark circles framed his eyes. For Zhang Ping, guiding a graduating class for the first time, the pressure was immense; after three years with these students, they were about to face one of life’s most critical moments. Experienced teachers had assured him this was normal for a first time—he would grow accustomed to it with more experience—but still, he couldn’t help but worry.
“Class, I have the admission tickets for you today. Please take good care of them once you receive them—don’t lose them,” Zhang Ping said solemnly, as he also shared some of Zhenhua’s insights and advice on the exam.
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The classroom fell silent, all attentively absorbing Zhang Ping’s guidance from the podium, learning how to handle unexpected situations both inside and outside the exam hall.
After the lesson, Zhang Ping left, and the room returned to its usual lively chatter. The approaching exam meant that classmates, some having known each other for two or three years, would soon part ways. The campus atmosphere at Zhenhua seemed infected by the graduating class’s mood, suffused with sadness at impending farewells, uncertainty about the future, and nervous anticipation for the exam.
During the break, the broadcast played over the speakers:
“The next song, ‘Believe in Yourself,’ is dedicated to all the diligent students about to face the college entrance examination. We wish you smooth sailing in the exam halls and hope Zhenhua continues to achieve great success.”
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Believe in yourself, you will transcend limits and surpass yourself.
Believe in yourself; when all is done, you will be first.
Believe in yourself, you will transcend limits and surpass yourself.
Believe in yourself; when all is done, you will be first.
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Believe in yourself; when all is done, you will be first. Believe in yourself.
...
“Geng Geng, you have to believe in yourself! Remember the plan you made with Beta to meet in Yanjing? And you’re applying to Capital Media University’s photography program—your performance in the art exam was the second highest in the country!”
The song playing was Li Jie’s creation from last year. Though the singer signed to Hongyan Records could never quite capture its spirit, until recently when they found the right voice. Upon release, the song instantly swept across the internet, inspiring countless striving individuals. In the main world, it had motivated generations, stirring countless hearts. Released just before the exam, it was repeatedly played in schools across the nation.
“Yeah, I’m a bit nervous, but you’re right. I should believe in myself. I’m not the same as when school started. With your coaching, I’m confident getting into Capital Media University won’t be a problem,” Geng Geng said, pumping his fist for encouragement.
“But are you really set on attending media university with me? You have better options.”
“Didn’t we already discuss this? We’ll attend the same university, and Capital Media University is a fine institution,” Li Jie replied with a roll of his eyes.
Though Capital Media University’s reputation might not match that of Yanjing University or Shuimu University, it is undeniably among the top media schools in the country. Numerous celebrities have come from there, and its alumni wield influence rivaling any other university in the nation.
A trend of writing yearbooks has recently swept through the class. Thanks to his good relationships, many students, not only from his own class but others as well, have asked Li Jie to write in their books. The chubby classmate was especially enthusiastic, bringing a whole notebook for Li Jie to inscribe a dedication on every page—a rarity that piqued the curiosity of many.
Li Jie’s desk had become empty; his usual test papers and three years’ worth of textbooks had been ruthlessly cleared out. This morning, when he entered the classroom, all his belongings had vanished without a trace, including his pens. Noticing some classmates holding items marked with his personal insignia, he asked why. They said they wanted to absorb some of the “study god’s” aura. Li Jie could only laugh and cry at this, saying nothing—taking it as a parting gift.
June 7th—the first day of the college entrance exam.
The early morning was unlike any other, as the entire city seemed enveloped in an air of solemnity. The usual honking of horns was absent; drivers adhered strictly to traffic laws.
Traffic police were stationed everywhere, and some roads near exam sites were closed to vehicles. The city had deployed considerable resources to maintain order during the exam.
Broadcasts frequently touched on the exam, as if nothing else mattered these days. Parents of countless examinees waited anxiously, torn between hope and worry.
Today, Lu Changzheng unusually took the day off work and arrived early at Li Jie’s home, repeatedly reminding him not to forget anything and to stay calm. He seemed unlike the commanding business tycoon he was known to be—instead, a concerned, ordinary father. After three years together, Li Jie had gradually come to accept him. Perhaps adults’ way of thinking hindered expression, or maybe Lu Changzheng believed Li Jie still hadn’t forgiven him.
Outside the exam hall, a large crowd of parents gathered at Zhenhua’s entrance, chatting incessantly. Some examinees appeared relaxed, showing no sign of nervousness; others trembled as if marching to their doom. In this brief stretch of street, the full spectrum of human emotions played out.
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Li Jie scanned the crowd and caught Geng Geng’s eye. He sent a look of encouragement, and Geng Geng returned it with confident resolve. Their current dynamic was somewhat like close friends on the brink of something more—Li Jie had no intention of disrupting this warm feeling during high school and rather enjoyed it.
At nine o’clock sharp, the first exam, Chinese language, officially began.
After completing the multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and reading comprehension sections, Li Jie turned to the essay prompt:
“Read the following text and write an essay of no less than 800 words according to the requirements. (60 points)
An eagle swooped down from the peak of Vulture Mountain and snatched a lamb.
A crow saw this and envied the eagle, thinking: If only I had such skills! So the crow imitated the eagle’s diving posture and practiced vigorously.
One day, feeling confident, the crow swooped down from the tree, landing on a goat’s back, attempting to lift it off the ground. However, the crow was too light, and its claws became entangled in the goat’s wool. No matter how much it flapped its wings, it couldn’t take flight. Eventually, it was caught by the shepherd.
The shepherd’s child asked what kind of bird it was. The shepherd said, ‘This is a bird that has forgotten its own name.’ The child stroked the crow’s feathers and said, ‘It’s still very lovely.’
You are required to fully understand the material but may choose one angle or aspect to develop your essay. You may decide your own theme, style, and title. Do not deviate from the meaning of the material, avoid clichés, and plagiarism is strictly prohibited.”
After a moment’s thought, Li Jie began writing.
His essay, titled “The Happiness of a Crow,” unfolded through the crow’s perspective. The eagle forever soars high, circling the skies; it must practice hunting from youth, confronting crises and challenges repeatedly. Falling countless times, battling endlessly, suffering injuries again and again... When it finally failed to catch a sheep from exhaustion, it was met with scorn: “This is an eagle not even as good as a crow!” But what if it were a crow? If it did just a little better, it would earn praise: “This is a crow rivaling the eagle in skill!” High places are lonely...
Greatness brings great worries; ordinariness brings humble happiness. If I could choose, I would rather be a happy crow.