"I'm sorry, I can't agree to that," he said gently with a smile. "We should focus on our studies and talk about it after we get into college."
"Yeah, I understand," I nodded and replied softly, "Thank you." Thank you for your straightforwardness, and thank you for my unrequited love.
He smiled again, "I have to go home now. Goodbye."
"Goodbye," I waved lightly.
He turned and walked away, his figure gradually fading into the distance.
I wasn't sad; instead, I felt a sense of relief.
This feeling was truly wonderful.
A few days later, something significant happened at school.
Lin Zijin's mother came to the school, angrily demanding an explanation from the homeroom teacher.
The reason was that she had heard Lin Zijin had gotten into trouble with a girl at school.
Students in the hallway were buzzing with gossip while I sat in my seat, realizing that I had just confessed my feelings. Now they were calling parents; if my own parents found out, it would be a disaster.
I felt anxious and couldn't rest properly during the entire lunch break.
In the afternoon, I struggled to concentrate.
By the time school ended, I finally heard the follow-up news. It turned out it wasn't because of me. He actually had someone he liked.
That girl was someone I knew.
Her name was Song Ya, the beauty of the class next door—pretty and academically outstanding.
Seeing her standing next to Lin Zijin, they really did look like a perfect match.
I am grateful that I confessed my feelings, bringing a good end to my unrequited love.
With three months left until the college entrance examination, I devoted myself entirely to studying and living.
During the day, I attended tutoring classes, worked on exercises, and memorized vocabulary. At night, I went to bed on time to recharge for the next day's studies.
I hadn't seen Lin Zijin again, nor did I make any effort to inquire about him.
My only goal was clear—focus on my studies and face the exam with courage.
As time passed, only two months remained until the exam.
In this final sprint phase, I studied even harder.
I was not only striving for a good result for myself but also helping two friends improve their scores.
Every day, I spent an hour explaining difficult problems and organizing key concepts for them.
With my help, their scores increased significantly.
Their parents were filled with gratitude towards me, treating me as a treasured guest in their home.
We encouraged each other and supported one another through this challenging time.
Time flew by, and soon it was the eve of the exam.
The three of us rested and studied together.
Hard work pays off.
For the college entrance examination, my result was City Top Scholar and Sixth in the Province.
My parents took the prize for being City Top Scholar.
The admission notice was sent to my homeroom teacher. I made a copy of it, placing the copy in my bag while leaving the original with my teacher.
My teacher laughed at me: "Isn't this a bit much? You did so well; your parents must be thrilled."
"Better safe than sorry!" I solemnly handed the notice to my homeroom teacher.
"Alright!"
Seeing the notice, my parents were very happy.
We also held a Graduation Banquet at home.
The teachers came as well, since the Graduation Banquet is also known as the Thanksgiving Banquet.
The teacher said, "Look how happy your parents are; this Graduation Banquet is quite lively."
I smiled and served her some food, saying, "Please eat more, Teacher!"
In August, some schools had already started enrollment because freshmen would undergo Military Training, and some schools would begin early.
Around me, some students had already started preparing to go to school.
During lunch, my father said while sipping his drink, "Pack your things; I'll buy you a ticket to find a job in the Provincial Capital."
"The family is struggling; you need to be obedient!" my mother urged.
"Okay, but Father, I have no money. What if I can't find a job for a long time? I won't have food or a place to stay!" I replied with a faint smile.
"Ah! You've come to your senses. I'll give you three hundred yuan for living expenses; just make sure to spend it wisely," my father said after taking another sip of his drink. Perhaps I had pleased him; he spoke a few more words of kindness than usual.
"Your mother will boil a few eggs for Xiao Shuang to take with him; the food on the train is so expensive."
When we arrived at the train station, there was still an hour until boarding time.
"Go over there and work hard; remember to send your salary back every month. Don't come back unless I tell you to," my father said before walking away.
My response meant nothing to him.
My homeroom teacher came to see me off.
"Do you still think I'm being overly worried?"
She hugged me and patted my back, saying, "Good child, what are you planning to do?"
"It's okay; I can apply for scholarships and work-study programs. There are always more solutions than difficulties," I reassured her with a smile.
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