Chapter Thirty-Four: The Night Before the College Entrance Exam

On the eve of the college entrance exam, I sat at my desk, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t focus on my books. After twelve years of diligent study, the end was finally in sight, and I found myself strangely excited.

Yet, out of nowhere, my thoughts drifted to Lele: “Lele, what are you doing now? Are you doing well after we broke up?” Unable to help myself, I opened my wallet and took out the photo of us together. Gazing at the serene face of the girl in the picture, a wave of sorrow washed over me and tears slipped uncontrollably down my cheeks.

“Enough, fool! You’ve already broken up—why do you keep thinking about her?” That voice echoed relentlessly in my mind.

At that moment, the CD player beside me was playing “Beautiful New World,” the album Lele had given me three years ago. I remembered Lele once telling me that S.H.E was her favorite group.

So music truly holds memories. As I listened to “Beautiful New World,” “Magic,” “Ocean of Love,” and “Irreplaceable”—each song so familiar—the warm scenes of my time with Lele seemed to unfold before my eyes once more.

Dearest Lele, all our beautiful moments are now in the past. Just a few days ago, I promised Meizi that after the exam, I would… I’m sorry, Lele. Even now, I still can’t forget you, but I know there will never be another tomorrow for us.

When the last song finished, the room fell instantly quiet.

“Xiaobei, you have the exam tomorrow. Don’t stay up too late tonight—remember to get some sleep!” Just then, my mother pushed open the door, carrying a bowl of ginseng soup.

“Oh,” I replied hastily, my eyes involuntarily drifting to the CD player that had just stopped. I couldn’t help but feel secretly grateful for my luck.

“Drink the soup while it’s hot,” she said, worried she might disturb my revision. She set the bowl down, reminded me, and left, closing the door behind her.

The room was quiet again. I stared at the steaming bowl of ginseng soup in front of me, unable to resist reminiscing about the soon-to-be-ended three years of high school—those unforgettable people and memories.

Haozi, Xiaoyi, Liu Han, Ye Hui… Familiar faces flashed across my mind like slides in a projector.

“We’re playing the finals this afternoon. For some reason, I’m feeling a little nervous.”

“Yeah! It’s going to be a tough fight!”

“Are you excited?”

“A bit. When you’ve waited a whole year for a tough battle like this, anyone would be excited! The weather’s nice today!”

“Oh, really?”

“Last year, it was just as nice… Today is the final battle!”

…

I seemed to see Xiaoyi sitting beside me on the edge of the court, his fists clenched, brimming with confidence.

Sadly, our class didn’t make it to the end. The five-point lead was held by Class 3 of Grade 12 right up to the last second. Though we lost, I think Xiaoyi had no regrets.

Thinking of that game, I reflexively touched my left knee, long since healed. Lele, even though we’re no longer together, I must thank you! In the darkest moments of my life, you never left my side…

Just then, that discordant voice rang out in my mind again: “Still Lele! Why can’t you ever forget her?” My God! Am I coming down with some kind of split personality? I couldn’t help but pound my head.

My thoughts were a mess; unwilling to dwell any longer, I got up and began pacing back and forth in my room. But the more I tried not to remember, the more memories surged forth.

Suddenly, I thought of Chuchu. It seemed ages since we last spoke. On impulse, I dug my phone out from beneath a pile of exercise books, found Chuchu’s number, and dialed.

“Hello!” Chuchu answered sleepily, her voice still not fully awake.

“It’s me, Chuchu.” I chuckled to myself—she’d gone to bed so early, truly a little pig!

Annoyed, Chuchu snapped, “It’s you! If you don’t say your name, how am I supposed to know who you are?” Her sweet dreams rudely interrupted, it was no wonder she was so upset.

“Chuchu, it’s me—Li Xiaobei! Don’t you remember?” I waited for her to finish venting before cautiously responding.

“Huh? Xiaobei? It’s you! Wow, after all these centuries, you finally decided to call your big sister!” Chuchu’s voice instantly softened, and I marveled at the change. “Pig Xiaobei, it’s so late—what’s up?”

“Uh, actually… nothing much. The exam’s coming up, I’m bored, just wanted to chat with you.” I felt like I was grasping at straws.

“Sure, let’s talk! What do you want to chat about?” Chuchu yawned again.

“How about we discuss the meaning of life…” I teased.

“Discuss your head! Pig Xiaobei! Has it been so long since your big sister beat you that you’re itching for a fight?” Chuchu’s voice suddenly grew fierce, pretending to be angry.

“Chuchu, my pretty big sister, I wouldn’t dare!” Her words brought me back to those wonderful days three years ago when we sat together as desk mates. I quickly played along, sounding pitiful.

“Hmph, I won’t bother arguing with you! So, how’s your revision going? Are you confident about tomorrow’s exam?” Chuchu switched topics, asking with concern.

“Uh… I don’t know. Whatever happens, happens. The sooner it’s over, the better.” Honestly, I had no confidence at all.

“Haha, then you’d better work hard! After the exam, big sister will treat you to dinner.” Chuchu laughed and encouraged me.

After a year as desk mates, I knew she was probably just saying it casually and wouldn’t necessarily follow through, but I was still delighted.

Those pent-up emotions finally found release in our conversation, and my mood lifted considerably. After hanging up, I climbed comfortably into bed.

Without closing the curtains, before turning off the lights, I glanced at the scattered lights in the apartment building across the way, feeling quite pleased: “Hehe, Teacher Li, after tonight, you won’t be able to control me anymore.”

Having grown used to sleeping with the light on, the sudden darkness made me feel a little uneasy.

“Hurry up, tomorrow!” Lying in bed, I silently wished for the next day to come.

(August 16, 2010—chapter revision complete)