Chapter 153

To ensure she was in the best possible state for her exam the next day, Summer decided not to stay up late revising.

Before bed, Shaw and Carman helped Summer organize her things, meticulously checking all the documents she would need for the exam.

Given the chilly weather, Carman had even knitted a pair of gloves for Summer. Using new, fine yarn, she had crafted half-finger gloves, perfect for writing, and incredibly warm and cozy.

With everything prepared for the exam, Summer went to bed early.

As Shaw and Carman returned to their own room, Carman clutched her chest and said, "I can't help but feel nervous. I haven't felt my heart race like this in ages."

Shaw chuckled, "It's not like you're the one taking the exam. Why are you so nervous?"

Carman climbed into bed, "If I were taking the exam, I wouldn't be able to sleep at all tonight."

Summer was actually quite nervous herself. She hadn't experienced much exam pressure during her school years, but now, with such an important test ahead, the stress was immense. Lying in bed, she could feel her heart pounding. She worried she might not be able to fall asleep, but after just a few minutes of feeling her heartbeat, she drifted off.

The next morning, she felt more refreshed than ever.

Shaw and Carman had made dumplings for breakfast. As they ate, they told Summer, "Eat up! Whether it's a tough exam or not, we'll come out on top."

Summer smiled and nodded as she took a bite of her dumpling. "Mm!"

On the way to the exam venue, Summer didn't want Shaw and Carman to accompany her. Leaving their yard, she ran into Calvin, who was also heading to the exam, escorted by his mother, Ada. Ada, pushing a bicycle, smiled at Summer and said, "Wow, Summer, you're dressed so festively today."

Summer smiled back, "Trying to bring some good luck."

There wasn't much to her outfit, really—Carman had just tied a light pink ribbon in her braid, given her a red scarf, and her gloves were colorful.

Summer and Calvin didn't have the same exam venue, so they parted ways after leaving the alley. Calvin, sitting on the back of Ada's bike, remarked, "Exams test what's in your head, not what you're wearing. Did she get her priorities wrong?"

At this critical moment, who cared about others?

Ada replied, "Don't mind others. Many are just there to fill seats. Focus on your own scores."

Calvin adjusted his glasses. "I'll be fine."

***

This year's college entrance exam was held in winter, the only winter exam ever. The exam lasted three days, and Summer, like other students, sat in the exam room, writing furiously on her test papers and reviewing her notes while waiting.

After finishing all her exams in a state of tension, Summer felt a huge weight lift off her shoulders. She felt like she could collapse from relief. The past month had been so exhausting and stressful, with endless late-night studying and nothing in her head but revision material. She even dreamed about reciting books and solving problems.

Now that the exams were over, she could finally relax.

What made Summer even more relieved was that, when she returned to the alley and her yard, no one hounded her about how her exams went. If anyone asked, it was just a casual, friendly inquiry. Most people were more concerned about Calvin's performance since he had a reputation in the neighborhood.

For many, this exam was a chance to change their destiny, but in daily life, it wasn't that big of a deal. Everyone had their lives to live, and once the exams were over, they immediately returned to their routines.

Summer was no exception. The night after the exams, she went to bed early and had a good night's sleep. The next day, she was back to her usual routine, working on the production line at the factory.

Those who had taken the exam naturally discussed their performances at work, but there was nothing definitive to conclude, so they had to wait for the results.

Soon, the factory notified another batch of people to go for medical examinations. Summer and Jenny from her dorm were among those called, while the other four who had also taken the exams felt a bit disappointed but not surprised.

Summer and Jenny weren't overly excited about the medical examination either, knowing it didn't guarantee admission to university. Half of those who took the exam received the notification, and it was impossible for so many to get in. So, after the hospital visit, it was back to waiting.

With the year-end approaching, the city was blanketed in snow. One evening, as the setting sun cast a pale red glow on the icy steps, Ada left the post office and braved the cold to head home. In the alley, she greeted neighbors who inevitably asked, "Has Calvin received his admission letter yet?"

Ada smiled and replied, "Not yet, still waiting."

Despite her calm demeanor, Ada was growing anxious. Ever since Calvin's medical exam, she frequently checked with the post office, but there was still no news.

Arriving home, she found Calvin tinkering with a radio. "Where's Becky?" she asked.

"She went out to play," Calvin replied.

Ada sighed, "I was out for just a bit, and she took the chance to run off in this cold. She should be home studying."

Turning to Calvin, she continued, "It's almost the new year, and still no admission letter. We might have to wait until spring."

Calvin shrugged, "Then we wait. Summer hasn't received hers either."

Ada dismissed the comparison, "Don't worry about her. We don't even know if she'll get one."

Just then, a voice called from outside. "It's here! It's here!" Michael's excited shouts echoed through the yard.

Caroline paused her needlework and scolded, "What's here? What are you yelling about? Shouldn't you be doing your homework?"

Michael ignored the reprimand, "The mailman's here."

Ada reacted first, standing up quickly. "Is he delivering admission letters?"

"Probably. The neighborhood committee ladies are with him, and there's drumming too. Must be them," Michael explained.

Everyone listened and indeed heard the faint sound of drums, getting closer quickly.

Ada's eyes sparkled with excitement. She glanced at Adam, who nodded and stood up to accompany her outside. They hadn't reached the gate when they heard the drums right outside.

Then, the booming voice of Mrs. Flores from the neighborhood committee rang out, "Ada, I've brought your admission letter!"

Ada and Adam rushed to greet her. Mrs. Flores, with the other committee members and some neighbors, entered the yard.

Ada smiled, "Why did you come to deliver it yourself?"

Mrs. Flores, beaming, replied, "We ran into the mailman and thought, with our neighborhood producing a Harvard student, we had to come celebrate!"

Hearing the word "Harvard," Ada and Adam's faces lit up with joy. Calvin and Becky joined them, and Ada hugged Calvin, pulling him close.

"Thank you, Mrs. Flores," Ada said.

The neighbors gathered to share in the joy, while the rest of the yard looked on. Dana and Caroline, feeling a bit envious, stood back, watching the scene.

Mrs. Flores handed the letter to Ada, "Here you go. Open it so we can all see what a Harvard admission letter looks like!"