Chapter 22: The Trial of Time

The footsteps toward the college entrance exam grew ever closer, and Lin Ke’er’s life was nearly consumed by books and test papers. Each tick of the clock reminded her of time slipping away. The classroom, dormitory, and cafeteria—these familiar places seemed to encompass the entirety of her youthful days. Though she strove to remain calm, in the stillness of the night, a flicker of unease and anticipation inevitably arose within her heart.

“Xiao Mei, shall we go to the library after tonight’s study session?” Lin Ke’er approached Xiao Mei softly.

Xiao Mei looked up and smiled. “The library? So late already, don’t you want to rest?”

“I feel like I’m not good enough yet.” Lin Ke’er smiled faintly, a resolute gleam in her eyes. “At least before the exam, I want to do more, to try my very best.”

Xiao Mei paused for a moment, then nodded. “Well, if you’ve decided, then let’s go together.”

They packed their bags and stepped out of the classroom, crossing the campus lawn toward the nearby library. Though a slight chill hung in the air, Lin Ke’er felt no cold; the persistence and dedication burning within her filled her with warmth. Above, the stars twinkled in the night sky, and moonlight poured over the campus paths, its silvery glow cascading like a flowing river.

“You know, sometimes I wonder if all this effort we put in is really worth it,” Xiao Mei suddenly said, her voice tinged with doubt.

“What do you mean?” Lin Ke’er turned to look at her.

“I mean, why do we have to endure so much pressure from all this studying? Maybe life would be easier without the exam.” Xiao Mei sighed. “I know you’re chasing your dream, but sometimes I question what all this striving is really for.”

Lin Ke’er stopped walking and smiled softly. “Everyone has their own answer. I do this so I won’t have regrets. The college entrance exam isn’t just a test of knowledge; it’s a trial of our perseverance and determination. No matter the outcome, at least I can face myself without shame.”

Xiao Mei fell silent for a moment, then nodded. “You’re right. Our youth shouldn’t be dominated by regrets.”

They entered the library and found a quiet corner. Lin Ke’er opened her book, her heart calm. Before her lay not only the problems on the page but her hopes for the future. She knew that no matter the final results, she had already done her best preparation. The process itself had already granted her boundless strength.

Outside, a gentle breeze rustled the branches, leaves whispering softly. The library’s light was gentle, and the air filled with the faint scent of books. Lin Ke’er’s gaze was focused, her fingers tracing the pages as each solution unfolded, her heart gradually relaxing. Anxiety and tension dissolved quietly in the stillness of the night.

“You’re doing great, Ke’er,” Xiao Mei said admiringly.

Lin Ke’er looked up at her smiling face, her heart stirred. “It’s not hard. I believe I can do it.”

“You’ve always been so confident,” Xiao Mei said with a touch of awe. “Sometimes I envy your steadfastness.”

“Everyone has their own shining points; there’s no need to envy others,” Lin Ke’er said softly. “If you want, I can help you find your own kind of persistence.”

“I’ll try my best,” Xiao Mei smiled, her eyes sparkling.

Time slipped by quietly in the night as they stayed until the library closed. Stepping outside, the air was colder than before, yet their hearts felt warm. Though the road ahead was long and full of unknown challenges, they knew their perseverance in these days had laid a firm foundation for the future.

---

“Ke’er, I really thank you,” Xiao Mei said with feeling. “Being with you these days has made me more determined.”

“It’s mutual support,” Lin Ke’er smiled gently, her eyes shining with resolve. “You’ll do well too, as long as you believe in yourself.”

They walked back to the dormitory as the world outside settled into quiet. Lin Ke’er lay in bed, closing her eyes, images swirling through her mind—exam tension, friends’ encouragement, hopes for the future—all intertwining into her most treasured memories.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, illuminating her face. Lin Ke’er awoke, stretched lazily, opened the window, and took a deep breath of the fresh morning air. Watching her busy classmates on campus, her heart brimmed with steadfast faith. She knew the college entrance exam was more than a test of success or failure; it was a necessary passage in her growth. No matter how unpredictable the future, she would face it with courage and composure.

“Today is still a new beginning,” Lin Ke’er whispered to herself, her gaze unwavering.

She entered the bathroom, finished washing, and headed to class. Outside, the sun shone brightly, the air fresh, and the campus vibrant with life. She understood that her future was unfolding step by step, and these youthful days would become the most cherished memories of her life.

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtain gaps into the dormitory, casting golden light across her sheets. She opened her eyes slightly, still a bit drowsy, but her heart already aware that today was another fresh day. The exam was drawing nearer, yet she still held tight to her initial dream, walking forward firmly.

She stretched again, walked to the window, and opened it. Fresh air rushed in. Outside, the campus remained peaceful; distant classroom buildings were already stirring, punctuated by occasional laughter among students. Lin Ke’er stood by the window, inhaling deeply, feeling a surge of strength from deep within. She had grown accustomed to these days, racing against time every day, facing the looming challenge with nervousness yet a calm heart.

“Keep working hard today,” she whispered.

After washing up and donning a clean uniform, Lin Ke’er tidied her hair and mood before softly closing the door and heading to the cafeteria. The campus was fresh as ever; trees swayed in the sunlight, and the air carried the fragrance of flowers and grass. Each step she took echoed the rhythm of youth—light yet resolute, as if gathering strength for the future.

The cafeteria was already filled with many students quietly eating and discussing the day’s lessons. Lin Ke’er found a quiet spot and sat down. Upon seeing her, Xiao Mei immediately smiled and waved.

“Morning! Another full day ahead,” Xiao Mei said.

“Mm,” Lin Ke’er smiled and nodded, picking up her tray. They chatted about courses, the conversation light and natural. Time with Xiao Mei brought her warmth and strength. Though she no longer depended on others as much, Xiao Mei’s presence always offered encouragement and support.

“How was the math mock exam today? Was it hard?” Xiao Mei suddenly asked.

“I think it was okay. I did a few mock tests recently, so it was about what I expected,” Lin Ke’er answered calmly, her gaze gentle. “How about you?”

“I’m afraid I might mess it up again,” Xiao Mei frowned worriedly. “The pressure’s really intense lately.”

“Don’t worry. Every exam is just a step in the process,” Lin Ke’er encouraged her with a smile. “You’ve prepared well. Believe in yourself—you can do it.”

Xiao Mei looked up at her, a touch of emotion in her eyes. “Thank you, Ke’er. Your encouragement means a lot to me.”

Lin Ke’er gently patted her shoulder. “It’s nothing. We’re in this together, right?”

---

The afternoon sun remained warm as Lin Ke’er sat quietly in the classroom, her pen dancing swiftly across the exam paper. She was fully immersed in today’s math test, without hesitation or retreat. With each problem, she focused on thinking and solving, as though these questions were not constraints but steps leading toward her dream. Her mindset had shifted; she no longer studied merely to pass exams but relished the challenge and the process of problem-solving.

The classroom clock ticked steadily, time slipping by, yet Lin Ke’er’s concentration never faltered. Occasionally, her eyes drifted to the playground outside, where several students played basketball. The sound of the ball bouncing echoed faintly into the room, but it did not disturb her. Her thoughts returned to the moment she first resolved to work hard. Countless times she had told herself that no matter what the future held, this period of effort would be her most precious memory.

Time passed swiftly, and the exam ended. Lin Ke’er lifted her head, tidied her papers, and exhaled softly. Her eyes were slightly tired, but her heart carried no anxiety. She knew she had done her best and would face every upcoming test with the same attitude, taking each step firmly.

After school, Lin Ke’er went to the playground, where several students were still playing basketball. Shen Haoran, confident and radiant as always, stood on the sidelines observing the game. Though he did not notice her arrival, Lin Ke’er’s gaze lingered on him briefly.

She smiled softly, then looked away and continued walking. Lately, she had come to realize she no longer feared Shen Haoran as before, nor was she as emotionally stirred by him. She understood that her future no longer intertwined with his. Her heart was peaceful, free from extra feelings, filled only with hope for the future and steadfast dreams.

Back in the dormitory, after washing up, Lin Ke’er sat at her desk to study. Darkness gradually fell outside, and twinkling campus lights shone like stars. She picked up her books and buried herself once more in study. Every page was a bridge to her future. Though time was short, she was calm and more determined than ever to do each thing well and take each step forward.

“Ke’er, how was today’s math?” Xiao Mei asked as she came in, concern in her eyes.

“It went well. I felt pretty smooth,” Lin Ke’er smiled and nodded. “How about you?”

“About the same. No big problems,” Xiao Mei said, sounding relieved. “But the pressure is still quite heavy.”

“Feeling pressure is normal. The important thing is to learn how to manage it,” Lin Ke’er soothed. “You know, no matter the outcome, what matters most is that we’ve tried our best.”

Xiao Mei smiled faintly. “Yes, you’re right. I’ll keep working hard.”

Lin Ke’er nodded, her resolve deepening. She knew the road ahead would be more complex and challenging, but no matter what, she was ready to face it. In the days to come, she would walk step by step toward the place she wanted to be, to realize that initial dream within her heart.

Night deepened, and the campus grew silent. Lin Ke’er closed her book, stood by the window, and gazed at the star-filled sky. She knew that no matter how difficult the future, she would never stop moving forward. Her youth was no longer lived for others but for herself—to realize her dreams and live the life she desired.

“Tomorrow is another new beginning,” Lin Ke’er whispered, a calm smile upon her face.

She knew every effort in these youthful years would become the most precious treasure of her life. And the future was waiting for her arrival.