Life returned to normal after the sports meeting, both boring and interesting.
Ten days later, the second monthly exam of the semester arrived. The essay topic for the Chinese paper was based on the theme "Youth Soaring," requiring a discussion of no less than 800 words.
Before putting pen to paper, Yin suddenly looked up and stared blankly at the blackboard for a moment. The rustling of paper flipping and the fragrant ink of hurried writing in the air seemed inconspicuous yet solemn and melodious in the cycle of exams one after another.
After leaving the exam room, seeing Yin, Xipei rushed over, hugged her, tears streaming down without a sound. "Meng Yin—"
"What's up?"
Xipei rubbed her eyes with her knuckles. "The Chinese exam really touched me."
"What soaring youth, I feel like I have already graduated from my own writing."
Xipei's murmurs about the essay continued until they reached the cafeteria. The others were already seated, discussing a topic not related to exams.
"What are you guys talking about so enthusiastically?" Xipei handed chopsticks to Yin.
The meals during the exam period were still prepared by Nanny Dong, each member had their favourite dishes.
"A bright future."
Lin Xipei: "..."
"Peacock Xing, tone down your pretentiousness as the top student in art and humanities." Xipei tapped the edge of Xiuze's bowl, then turned to Hai and Zhiyi. "I just heard about University A."
"We discussed our target colleges." Zhiyi spoke, a flash of curiosity and interest on Yin's face about their conversation.
Talking about the lofty ideal colleges at FHS was never considered ridiculous; it was simply the most authentic expression of youth.
Every new first-year class at FHS would receive a "Goal's Card" to write down their ideal colleges at the time. By the end of the second year, the school would return these cards to confirm if the initial goals remained unchanged.
Many students altered their "dreams," while many others remained steadfast.
Xu Zhiyi, Xing Xiuze, and Nie Hai belonged to the latter group, while Lin Xipei belonged to the former.
"Nie Hai plans to attend University B, while Peacock Xing is considering applying to University A," Xipei listed one by one. How could an intelligence expert not know these things? "The goal of Bro Yi..."
- Is University Q.
Yin recited the answer in her mind.
She had known about his goal long before they even took the high school entrance exam.
Sometimes, Yin wondered if Zhiyi was a bit precocious, but he also had the sincerity that someone in his age should have, occasional impulsiveness, and envisioned a future full of moments yet to be encountered.
"Meng Yin," Xipei leaned slightly and asked, "What is your ideal university?"
Yin put down the grains of rice he had picked up and pursed his lips, "I want to study education and attend the education program at University Z."
Zhiyi's expression flickered with some thoughts, caught by Yin's peripheral vision.
A similar question had been asked by Xu Zhiyi in that summer.
"Have you thought about what major you want to study in the future?" he had asked then.
"Education, I want to study education," she answered firmly.
Becoming a teacher who is faithful and respectful in words and deeds, ensuring that the students under her care have a happy and memorable school life.