In the afternoon, I arrived at school, which was also the deadline for submitting the application forms.
The classroom was crowded, with some people having already filled out their applications, leaving everything settled, while others were still indecisive and torn.
"Zelin, you're really amazing. I finally applied for the University of Technology, while Tang Yan chose the Normal University!"
Upon seeing Su Zelin, Lu Haoran remarked with admiration.
Su Banxian had "predicted" their futures, and the results came out just as accurate as expected.
Both of their estimated scores for the college entrance exam were higher than in the previous life, but the universities they applied to remained unchanged.
Because the admission scores for Zhejiang University were exceptionally high in the province, their scores couldn't reach it, and neither wanted to go to other provinces, so they could only choose from the next level of in-province schools like Ning University, University of Technology, or Normal University. Their strengths and reputations were similar, so it ultimately depended on employment directions.
"You have to admit, this guy does have some skills!"
Tang Yan muttered a couple of words and asked, "Hey, Su Zelin, which university did you apply to?"
"The Finance Institute!"
Su Zelin confessed straightforwardly.
In the previous life, he had also attended this university.
Actually, prior to his rebirth, the Finance Institute, which later became the University of Finance and Economics, was considered a pretty good provincial school. Though not a 211 university, its admission score was quite competitive with Ning University, University of Technology, and Normal University.
Fortunately, at this time, getting into the Finance Institute was still easier, especially with the province's preferential policies. With a score just over 500, you could be admitted to a good major, and for some majors with high tuition fees, the admission line could even drop by another twenty or thirty points. It was definitely a good choice for families with wealth. After graduation, it was still easy to find a job in financial departments within provincial cities.
Due to the underdeveloped internet and lack of information, not many people used computers to go online, so the university's reputation hadn't taken off. Many out-of-province students would retreat upon seeing the words "Finance Institute" in the university manual, as it seemed to sound less prestigious.
When Su Jianjun did business, he traveled everywhere. Having stayed in Hang City for a period, he came to understand that this was a cost-effective choice, which is why in the previous life, he firmly advised Su Zelin to apply, and it proved that his father's vision was correct. The diploma from the Finance Institute was quite favorable within the province, even though Su Zelin didn't rely on it for a living.
"The Finance Institute is not bad, with the admission policy leaning towards within the province. Su Zelin, if your estimated scores are not too far off, you should have no problem!"
Xiaoyanzi expressed her support.
At this time, the Finance Institute couldn't compare to the University of Technology or Normal University, but given Su Zelin's scores, it was not a bad choice.
"Pretty good. Being from a second-tier university doesn't really matter; Zelin is so smart, he might become a boss after graduation, while the rest of us might still be working for others!"
Lu Haoran chimed in timely with reassurance.
Su Zelin mused to himself, Haoran, you're wrong—I plan to be a boss not after graduation, but during college!
Having confirmed their college choices, the three of them turned their attention to Qin Shiqing: "Shiqing, what about you?"
Even Zhao Mingxuan, seated nearby, perked up his ears at this.
Qin Shiqing's choice was also something he cared about.
Under everyone's gaze, Qin Shiqing began to speak slowly.
"Peking University, I suppose, because Su Banxian confidently assured me that I can definitely get in."
Upon hearing this answer, Su Zelin felt a mix of relief and disappointment.
He was afraid that in this life he might hurt Qin Shiqing again, so he hoped she would be as far away from him as possible. But now, seeing that she was truly going to leave for a university thousands of miles away, sadness crept in unexpectedly.
Once, he thought that separation was about leaving people you don't like, but growing up taught him that some separations are from those you do like, where tears flow yet you dare not look back.
People really are contradictory creatures…
"Shiqing, I also believe you'll make it to Peking University. It's a pity we won't be in the same city anymore. I'll miss you. Keep in touch often even after starting college. Oh right, I got a QQ account; I'll give you the number later!"
Xiaoyanzi didn't hide her reluctance; Qin Shiqing was her best sister, after all.
"Mm!"
Qin Shiqing nodded gently.
Lu Haoran felt a bit of sadness as well. This small group had a lot of affection. In the month leading up to the college entrance exam, they spent mornings and evenings together, often even eating together. The honest guy really cherished this friendship.
However, he still said, "We should be happy for Shiqing. After all, getting into Peking University is an honor!"
Su Zelin remained silent, though he wanted to offer some words of blessing, he found himself unable to say them.
Xiaoyanzi glanced at Qin Shiqing, then at Su Zelin.
These two seemed to have something going on, but with them attending universities in different parts of the country, and with so many outstanding boys at Peking University, even if they were childhood playmates, it seemed unlikely they would end up together.
Hahaha, heaven helps me!
Zhao Mingxuan was thrilled, his eyes gleaming with pride.
His own results were also good, with an estimated score around 630, he applied to Xia Country University of Political Science and Law, which was also in Yanjing.
It seemed like destiny!
Zhao Mingxuan was overjoyed.
Attending a university in Yanjing together meant his opportunity had come.
Being classmates, so familiar with each other, traveling together to a distant place and taking the train together was reasonable, wasn't it?
Once in Yanjing, occasional local student gatherings wouldn't be unreasonable, right?
Plus, attending hometown gatherings, and traveling home together during holidays could be inevitable.
Far from home in a different place, the girl would surely feel lonely. As long as I consistently show my care, as the saying goes, sincerity can move mountains, and Qin Shiqing would definitely be touched. She might even agree to be my girlfriend in the future!
Zhao Mingxuan imagined beautifully, a smile nearly splitting his face.
"Qin Shiqing, I applied to Yanjing Political Science University, so if nothing goes wrong, we'll be in the same city. Let's hang out often!"
Zhao Mingxuan was smug and even gave Su Zelin a provocative glance.
A toad remains a toad, still dreaming of eating swan meat?
When the swan spreads its wings, you can only watch it fly away from the ground.
With the application form in hand, he strutted towards the teacher's office.
Since Qin Shiqing applied for Peking University, Zhao Mingxuan no longer needed to hesitate about his choice.
Just as he took his first steps, Zhao Mingxuan tripped over something, lost his balance, and ended up falling flat on his face.
Su Zelin quietly withdrew his foot.
"Su Zelin, how dare you trip me!"
Having made a fool of himself in front of Qin Shiqing with so many people around, Zhao Mingxuan got up awkwardly, enraged, and started cursing Su Zelin, pointing his nose.
"Who tripped you? Which eye of yours saw that? You can eat the wrong things, but don't talk nonsense. Otherwise, I might sue you for slander, my dear law student!"
Su Zelin's tone was full of teasing.
"You..."
Zhao Mingxuan glared at him angrily but in the end didn't dare to make a move.
No way, he couldn't win in a fight.
Besides, he was the class monitor, a good student, and he had to maintain his composure. He couldn't bicker with a rogue and ruin his own refined image.
Zhao Mingxuan forcefully swallowed his anger.
It's alright, I won't stoop to the level of this class pest!
When Qin Shiqing becomes my girlfriend, I'll show him!
Patting his clothes, the bespectacled guy snorted and turned to leave.
Xiaoyanzi giggled, "Su Zelin, you're really bad!"
Zhao Mingxuan was a bit pretentious, and actually, Tang Yan didn't like him much either.
As for Lu Haoran, although he thought what Su Zelin did wasn't quite right, in the end, he was still on his buddy's side.
Everyone gradually handed in their college application forms; the most important task after the college entrance exam was done, and the only thing left was to patiently wait for scores and admission letters.
On the way back to the dormitory, Lu Haoran couldn't help but say, "Zelin, Shiqing's going to Yanjing!"
"So what?"
Su Zelin asked.
"Nothing really, it just feels like a pity."
Lu Haoran sighed.
His buddy's attitude towards Qin Shiqing seemed to be just neighborly and friendly, but he always felt their relationship was somewhat subtle.
"If you persuade her, maybe she'd apply to Zhejiang University."
Lu Haoran added.
"How does that work? I wouldn't get half of her bonus for getting into Peking University or Tsinghua."
"..."
As they chatted, they returned to the dormitory, immediately tidying up bedding and mosquito nets, and started packing luggage.
"Clear your stuff, buy scrap metal, scrap shoes, old books, old paper, toothpaste tubes, if anyone wants to sell something, come and exchange for money..."
A voice suddenly echoed from below the dormitory building, it was an old man collecting scraps, shouting with a loudspeaker.
After the college entrance exams, scrap collectors would come to the school to do business. It was the easiest time to collect things; they could make several trips a day and return with full loads.
Soon, many students started moving things downstairs, like iron buckets, toothpaste tubes, and stationery, but mostly selling books.
"Mouse, the scrap collector is here again, let's go sell books!"
Su Zelin picked up a large box of books without hesitation.
Lu Haoran hesitated, "Forget it, I'll take them home. Maybe they'll be useful someday."
Su Zelin rolled his eyes.
There are always some people who think the books from junior high will be useful after entering high school, and the same for high school books after entering college. But they'll only gather dust at home until perhaps decades later, they're rediscovered when cleaning up trash.
Su Zelin didn't plan on doing such a silly thing. Rather than letting them collect dust at home, it was better to sell them earlier, make some money, and lighten his burden.
"Suit yourself!"
Su Zelin couldn't be bothered to persuade the honest guy, so he ran down the dorm stairs, to the scrap collector with his books.
The price was very cheap, calculated by the pound, but Su Zelin didn't mind, since his main purpose was to lighten his load and prevent these books and exercises from becoming clutter at home.
The whole box of books sold for less than ten yuan.
Before giving the money, the old man even opened the box to check, making sure there was nothing worthless inside, and was relieved to find only old books.
"Wait a minute!"
Su Zelin suddenly noticed something.
He squatted down and pulled out a high school language book from the box.
This book was nothing special in itself, except that it had a handmade book cover wrapped around it.
Although very intricately done, it was clearly handmade, unlike other machine-produced covers.
The other book covers were ones Su Zelin had bought.
And this language book's handmade cover was made by Qin Shiqing for him.
When his previous cover accidentally tore, Su Zelin took a poster of NBA star Carter from a "Slam Dunk" magazine and asked Qin Shiqing to make a new cover for him.
Su Zelin hesitated for a moment, "I won't sell this book."
"Alright, alright, if you're not selling, just take it back!"
The old man was very straightforward too; after all, one less book didn't make much difference in price.
He handed Su Zelin a few banknotes and completed the transaction.
Returning to the dorm, Lu Haoran curiously asked, "Zelin, didn't you sell all your books? Why keep a language book?"
"Just as a... small keepsake to mark the end of my high school days!"
...