Chapter 149

Under the warm glow of the desk lamp, Summer packed her books into her backpack. Even though it was all packed and placed neatly on the writing desk, she didn't immediately go to bed. Instead, she sat there, her expression weary, blinking tiredly.

She glanced absentmindedly at the bag of snacks on the desk, her mind drifting back to what Logan had told her on the way home. The original novel provided a brief introduction to his background, so Summer already knew about his strained relationship with his family, but she wasn't aware of the specifics. Previously, she hadn't thought much of it and assumed Logan didn't care either. After all, he seemed like someone who neither needed nor wanted to be entangled by emotions.

However, tonight, his words lingered in her mind. Although his tone had remained indifferent, she couldn't stop wondering how he had felt as a child facing all those situations. He must have endured many similar events over the years.

Dealing with a stepmother's false affection and scheming, his father's neglect, disdain, and outright hatred, all while watching his father dote on and cherish his younger brother—how had he managed to get through it? 

If it were her, she didn't think she could have lasted even a day. The thought made her sigh deeply, her chest feeling tight and cold. Taking a deep breath, she felt a bit of the tension ease. She wondered if Logan truly saw her as a friend and wanted to keep her as one, even asking her to teach him how to make friends. If not, why would he share such things with her tonight?

She wanted to believe in him and consider him a friend, but she couldn't shake her doubts. His personality was hard to ignore, and her mind was a jumble of thoughts. Frustrated, Summer covered her face with her hands and let out a few annoyed grunts. After a moment, she lowered her hands and took another deep breath.

This wasn't something worth fretting over. If she had the energy to worry about this, she might as well spend it on doing more practice problems. She decided to treat her relationship with Logan as starting anew. He had given her a bag of snacks today; she would invite him out for a meal after the college entrance exams. If he continued to treat her poorly as he did in the past, showing disdain and using her, then she would cut her losses and ignore him for good.

With that resolution, she felt a sense of relief. Turning off the desk lamp, she got up and went to bed.

***

Since she had borrowed the review materials from Logan, there was no need for Shaw and Carman to continue asking around. They couldn't do much to help with the college entrance exams, so they focused on providing moral support, reminding her not to stress too much.

In their modest household, having someone get into college and change their destiny was a rare blessing; failing to do so was considered normal and not a big deal. 

Among their neighbors, only Calvin was seen as a surefire college candidate. Calvin's family was different. Raised under the strict guidance of Ada and Adam, they were confident in his academic prospects. Shaw and Carman's reassurances allowed Summer to focus on proving herself through the exams.

With this determination, Summer studied diligently every day, setting an early morning alarm and revising late into the night after coming back from evening classes. Busy with work and studies, she had no time for other thoughts, and time flew by. Days blurred into weeks, and soon, a month had passed in the blink of an eye.

***

In the evening, the fiery sunset bathed the old courtyard's tiled roofs in a warm glow. Kids, having finished school, ran through the alley with their backpacks, playing games. The alley came alive with activity as adults returned from work, greeting each other.

Each household settled in, chatting and preparing dinner. Carman and Dana were in the courtyard, washing and sorting vegetables. Caroline was making paper boxes inside her house. Seeing Calvin and Becky return and start their homework, she waited for a bit but didn't see Amanda and Michael. 

She went out to fetch them and, upon returning, scolded, "Why are you still playing around after school? You should be back home doing your homework, just like Calvin and Becky."

The revival of the college entrance exams had changed everything. Now, everyone wanted their kids to study hard and secure a future. Amanda and Michael, chastised, went inside to do their homework, while Caroline joined Carman and Dana in sorting vegetables.

Caroline asked, "The college entrance exams are coming up soon, right?"

Carman replied, "Yes, just a few days left."

Caroline continued, "How is Summer's preparation going?"

With a calm smile, Carman said, "We're not too worried. She'll take the exams, and whatever happens, happens."

Caroline sighed, "Henry hasn't mentioned much about his preparations either, even though we've sent him some materials."

Dana interjected, "Who knows what he's up to. If he doesn't take this seriously, who knows when he'll come back."

Dana and Alston cherished their youngest, Henry, born when they were in their late thirties. They couldn't bear the thought of him staying in the countryside forever.

Caroline added, "If he doesn't care, there's not much we can do. We can't take the exams for him."

Just then, they heard voices at the gate. Looking up, they saw Ada, Adam, Shaw, and Clement returning, discussing the exams. Adam explained to Shaw and Clement, "Yes, you fill out your college preferences first and then take the exams. You can list three schools, based on your interests and career goals."

Shaw, a bit puzzled, asked, "But without taking the exams first, isn't it just guesswork?"

Ada laughed, "It is a bit of a guess, but by now, students should have an idea of their capabilities and what schools they might get into."

Clement shook his head, "I'm not sure about that. This is the first time the exams are being held again, and there's no precedent. Most people are still figuring things out."

Ada suggested, "If you're unsure, apply to a regular school. If you're still worried, you can also list two vocational schools. They're not as prestigious, but they offer good education."

Shaw asked, "Which are the easier regular schools to get into?"

Ada, looking slightly apologetic, replied, "We haven't looked into those. We're only considering top schools for Calvin."

Clement commented, "With Calvin's level, he'll get into a top university like Harvard or Yale. He won't even consider regular schools."

Ada, smiling, added, "That's our goal, so we haven't checked other options."

Shaw and Clement nodded in understanding, continuing their conversation about the upcoming exams.