1.

It's not that reason is not spoken, but in this world, only those with capital can speak reason.

"Lü Ai Cao, is this your aspiration? Just a mere Hua Ying University?" Her tone was full of undisguised anger. If the girl in front of her didn't look delicate and weak, she would have wanted to hit her with a heavy hammer to wake her up. Clearly, she was a promising student who could attend the best university, but why was she so confused and resolutely filled out the same ordinary university on all her simulated application forms? How many people would love to seize this opportunity to change their fate, yet this girl who had always been expected to achieve great things silently retreated. How could she not be angry? Clearly, she was a promising student who could attend the best university, but why was she so confused and resolutely filled out the same ordinary university on all her simulated application forms? How many people would love to seize this opportunity to change their fate, yet this girl who had always been expected to achieve great things silently retreated. How could she not be angry?"

Lv Aicao could not figure out her intentions, so he could only pretend to be calm and follow her to the office.

Alright, let's hurry back home. Mom must be worried.

After you go to college, I will still be here for you! Xu Yuan patted his chest.

The Artemisia slightly breathed a sigh of relief, she had long anticipated this moment. She raised her eyes, and in her dark and clear eyes, there was no trace of emotion. She reached out and picked up the thin simulated volunteer form on the table, her cold gaze lingering on the paper for a long time, as if those few words on it were so important.

But this is not a reason for you to easily give up on Guangning University! Your mother is in the hospital, and the nurses will take care of her. If it's a tuition issue, don't worry, I have a senior fellow student at Guangning University. I can ask him to introduce you to a work-study job.

Hmm! She said today that she will cook your favorite dish.

Such a good-looking boy, if he is from this school, she should have known him a long time ago. So don't think too much, he should just have appeared here by chance.

No problem, even if you don't read any books now, you can still get into university. Huaying University in this city is very good, close to home, and the tuition fees are not high.

老陈 was at a loss for words when faced with "ーー你". The entire office fell silent, so quiet that even breathing could be heard.

Lv Ai took a deep breath, threw away the pen with a slightly mottled shell in his hand, turned his head to look outside the window, and watched as the sunset gradually sank.

Lv Ai Cao held the volunteer form that felt as heavy as a thousand pounds at the moment, and walked heavily towards the teaching building. She tried to widen her bloodshot eyes, afraid that tears would fall in the next second.

I don't know why, Lv Aicao found it somewhat amusing. The other party, clearly a complete nobleman in terms of attire and appearance, had no airs at all and anxiously and clumsily apologized to himself.

Actually, she is the true top student in the class and also the teacher's focus of cultivation. But at this critical moment in life, she appears to be completely lazy. Now, she even refuses to put on a pretense.

Who wants to ruin their own life? Clearly only 18 years old, clearly their life has not yet begun, but now they have to take a seemingly easy but life-changing path.

As for Guangning University—stop kidding, it's so far away, and the tuition is surprisingly expensive. Even if it's a top-ranked university in the country, if you don't work hard, you'll still end up unemployed, right?

His gaze was incredibly sincere, which made Lü Aicao feel a little unsure. Out of politeness, she nodded her head.

However, she retreated.

This is my own choice. Even if you were not here, I would still do it. Also, you did not hold us back. I want to thank you for always being with my mother instead of me. Moreover, do you remember when I was bullied after moving here, and you came out to save me? How could I think that you held me back?'' Lv Aicao gently held her shoulder and said softly, "Don't you believe in my strength?"

After half past four, the school has the most beautiful appearance of the day. The girls' uniform skirts sway back and forth, creating beautiful curves, and the small accessories on their backpacks make a tinkling sound when they collide. The boys gather together, laughing and joking in the crowd. The crimson sky is adorned with patches of pure white clouds, and the orange sun gradually disappears towards the horizon. Lilacs by the roadside bloom freely, and a gentle breeze brings a fragrant scent. The crimson sky is adorned with patches of pure white clouds, and the orange sun gradually disappears towards the horizon. Lilacs by the roadside bloom freely, and a gentle breeze brings a fragrant scent.

After entering Guangning University, the future looks bright.

"I'm fine," Lv Aicao replied softly, "Do you have any concerns?"

Okay, thank you. The boy seemed to have expected it, and laughed heartily. After all, he was not the first person to answer like this with such an expression.

But you will also have to take the college entrance examination next year, and you will also have to leave!

Well... alright, I promise you!

When she was in primary school, her teacher said these words to her. When she was in middle school, her mother said these words to her. By the time she reached high school, her grades were good enough to get her into college. As long as she filled out the application form, even if she only filled out one section, her dream would come true.

The boy seemed to have his thoughts exposed and awkwardly smiled, "Excuse me, do you know Le You from Class 10 (3)?"

"Classmate, are you really okay?" Taking advantage of his tall stature and long legs, he took a big step and stood in front of her.

Upon seeing the content, Xuyuan couldn't help but widen his eyes and say, "You--"

Until she found herself locking eyes with the boy outside the window, wearing a white shirt and peering into the classroom, she suddenly woke up and blushed, turning her head. Unfortunately, at this moment, the homeroom teacher, Mr. Chen, appeared at the door, calling her name loudly.

The stifling heat of 38°C, in a classroom packed with sixty people, with a ceiling fan creaking from years of neglect, and the foul odor emanating from the unclean boy in the front row, collectively formed her temporary memory of this summer.

I... choked on my wish and frustratedly grabbed my hair.

It seems that her words shocked Mr. Chen for a moment.

The volunteer form was snatched back by Lv Aicao, neatly folded, and stuffed into her pocket. She said lightly, "Hmm, I want to study Hua Ying."

At this point, Lv Aicao seemed to be choked and unable to speak.

Comparing with the classroom, the office is much cooler, and the few green succulent plants on the windowsill look particularly beautiful in the golden sunset glow.

Oh, Ai Cao, this is your future, you must consider it carefully. The difference between Huaying and Guangning is not insignificant. Do you really want to casually waste your life like this? Do you want to waste ten years of hard work for nothing?

"What are you talking nonsense about!" Lv Aicao interrupted her.

She will never forget the evening when the crimson afterglow filled the entire classroom. All her classmates had left, leaving her alone in the classroom, staring at the mock volunteer form, lost in thought for a long time. The pencil in her hand was stained with her sweat. After an unknown amount of time, tears hotter than the summer heat streamed down her cheeks.

Wishing is a sensitive and fragile girl. She has had congenital heart disease since she was young, and her health has always been poor. After her dependent grandmother passed away, she lived with them. She is very sensible and obedient, and she tries her best to show the brightest side to them.

Sorry, I didn't know you would suddenly turn around! The boy was extremely flustered and took out a handkerchief from his exquisite suit pocket and handed it to Lv Aicao.

A smile appeared on the boy's face as he turned around and walked away. Lv Aicao gently threw the note into the nearby trash can.

I have thought about everything you have thought about; I have said to myself everything you have said. It is not reality that defeats me, but myself who defeats me.

The boy took the handkerchief and wanted to say something, but she didn't even look at him and turned away.

Lv Ai subconsciously rolled her eyesーーit seems that she must have a nosebleed. She took the handkerchief with a faint scent of cologne somewhat displeasedly and covered her nose.

She clenched the simulated volunteer form in her hand, and her eyes glanced over the volunteer application guide on Old Chen's desk. The cover displayed a magnificent picture of Guangning University, a place that many college entrance examination candidates longed for.

Is it because of me that you are burdened by Mugwort? "Xu Yuan stopped and said," If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be so tired, and Auntie wouldn't have to work so hard to raise two children."

Lv Aicao seemed to have given up the last struggle, took a deep breath, and gently put the volunteer form back: "Teacher, thank you for your concern, but I won't change my volunteer choices."

At the age when youth is at its prime, Lv Aicao lives like a lonely old man in his twilight years.

Almost reflexively, Lv Aicao stood up. The flush on her face had not yet disappeared. When the teacher called her like this, she couldn't help but feel her heart pounding: Could it be that the teacher thinks I have some kind of relationship with that person outside? Or did they catch me zoning out just now?

Lv Aicao stood beside Lao Chen, with her eyelids slightly drooping, her delicate eyelashes blocking her gaze. The expression on her face was unclear in the backlight.

Thinking like this, Lv Ai unexpectedly chuckled self-deprecatingly towards the window.

Why did you come to find me today?Lu Aicao was a little flustered and planned to secretly put the volunteer form in her pocket. Xu Yuan was sharp-eyed and careful, she couldn't be discovered.

A sudden force came from the shoulder. Lv Aicao stopped and realized that the other person was calling her. Almost at the same time, she turned her head, and the boy behind her took a big step forward. In this way, Lv Aicao bumped firmly into the boy's chest.

Seeing Lv Aicao's determined and unchanging posture, Lao Chen became furious: "Fine, you can remain unchanged, but I have an obligation to let your mother know, you..."

The cold but firm tone made Old Chen's hopeful expression suddenly cool down.

Lv Aicao was a little absent-minded, but couldn't help but quicken his pace.

The afternoon self-study is still ongoing, and the whole school is quiet.

Lü Ai swears that this is absolutely the most unbearable summer she has ever experienced in her life.

Classmate! Wait a moment!

Lv Aicao looked up and glared fiercely at the other person, but what met her was a familiar face - the boy who had been staring at her from outside the window!

How did she come?

This name sounds familiar. Lv Aicao furrowed her brows lightly, searching for this name in her mind. Finally, scattered memories about it were awakened in her mind.

She opened the thick English exercise book and looked at the exercises that had already been marked with red crosses. The English letters on it were twisted and jumbled together, making her dizzy and a little nauseous.

Lu Ai's heart sank, and he immediately felt a headache.

Your grades are clearly good enough to go to Guangning! Are you crazy? Wishing to suppress her emotions, she desperately lowered her voice, afraid that she might shout it out.

Just a step too late.

After a while, Lao Chen seemed to be struggling to make one last effort, and sighed, saying, "Okay, take this application form back with you. Think about it carefully tonight and give me your answer tomorrow."

She wiped her eyes and ultimately filled in the same school, Hua Ying University, in all the volunteer columns.

Classmate.

Wishful nodded involuntarily. Lv Aicao was always smart and capable in her heart. Moreover, this was indeed the best choice. After all, she couldn't take care of her aunt's body at all.

Wish is her younger sister, although not a biological sister, but they have been living together for years, with a stronger bond than real sisters. Wish is one year younger than her and is studying in the neighboring high school as a sophomore. Although their schools are close, Wish often stays late after school, so they rarely go home together.

Lü Ai Cao didn't want to look directly into her eyes, he turned his head slightly and remained silent.

What can be done? What other options are there?

Don't do it! Lv Aicao almost shouted out, and his originally indifferent expression immediately became flustered.

Lv Aicao is a bit annoyed, but he has to stop and look up at him. With a pair of big and sincere eyes, a straight nose, and perfectly proportioned facial features, at first glance, the boy looks very handsome. He has the healthy and sunny appearance of a high school boy, as well as the elegance and gentleness of a mature man.

What an annoying number.

Today's last class is physical education, so I'll leave first. Oh, what are you holding in your hand? Xu Yua's hand stretched out and suddenly snatched the volunteer form away.

This is already her best choice when she is in a predicament. Whether it is the teaching staff or the school environment, Hua Ying University is already considered the best among similar schools. Moreover, Hua Ying University will provide a generous scholarship for outstanding students, which is more than enough to cover their annual tuition and daily expenses. In addition, the main campus of Hua Ying University is close to the affiliated hospital, so she can bring food to her mother after class.

Mother's illness can no longer be delayed. The doctor has issued an ultimatum that she must be hospitalized quickly. At this time, how can she leave her mother to study in another place? Moreover, the cost of living in × city is so high, and the tuition fees of Guangning University are so expensive that she simply cannot afford it.

Rest assured, with my abilities, even if it's at the prestigious Hua Ying University, my future prospects will still be very promising," said Lv Aicao with a forced smile, whether to comfort her or herself.

At this point, the look in her eyes making a wish couldn't help but dim. Then, she raised a smile again, shook her head, and cleared these emotions from the bottom of her heart.

Laochen taught Lü Aicao for three years. This is the first time he has seen this girl, who always has a cold and indifferent appearance, in a panic.

She is not a stubborn person, and her nose is prone to bleeding, so after wiping it, she returned the handkerchief.

As the end of the school day approached, Lu Aicao inadvertently saw the volunteer form that Mr. Chen had returned, crumpled and lying forlornly on the desk. She sighed and, as if compelled by a mysterious force, picked it up and held it in her hand.

Oh, right. The young man suddenly took out a piece of paper and left a phone number, handing it to Lv Aicao, "I'm really sorry today. If your nose still feels uncomfortable later, give me a call, and I'll take you to see a doctor."

Without a single "ouch" or "wow" cry, Lü Aicao silently endured the pain, tightly covering his reddened nose. It was not so much that his chest had hit her nose and caused the pain, as it was the jade Buddha pendant hanging from his chest that was causing mischief.

So, what was originally said?

Make a wish ?

She lifted her head slightly and saw a small calendar stuck to the corner of the table, with a few bright red words written on it: "38 days until the college entrance examination."

As for Guangning University... . ... Let's forget about it, as it is not her destiny, even though she has been striving for it.

Lv Aicao!

So what? You are not unaware of Mom's current situation. How can I leave her? Lv Aicao kicked the pebbles weakly, but his eyes kept avoiding Xuyuan's gaze.

"I'm sorry, really sorry!" The boy felt increasingly guilty, somewhat at a loss as he approached Lv Aicao, with an obvious apology on his delicate face. For a moment, he even reached out without hesitation to check her injuries, but she evaded him.

Your mother will be very sad to know about this.

Lv Aicao, walking in the crowd, appeared somewhat lonely against such a backdrop. However, she seemed indifferent, just focusing heavily on her own path with a heavy heart.

So you must not tell my mother even more. Lv Aicao's expression became urgent, even her eyes started to turn red, "Her liver cirrhosis has worsened, the doctor has given the ultimatum that she must be hospitalized. I finally persuaded her to agree to be hospitalized, if you tell her, she will never go even if she dies."

Ah, finally I've been waiting for you. As soon as she arrived, Xu Yuan affectionately took her arm and, like when they were children, her fingers lingered on the cuff of her sleeve as she made a wish.

I... don't know...," Lv Aicao spoke hesitantly, she really didn't want to have any relationship with that girl.

Come out for a moment. Mr. Chen's voice was devoid of any emotion or tone. After speaking, she turned around and left.

These four characters, "十年寒窗," pierced her heart like sharp needles. She instinctively clenched her fist, and even the simulated college application form was crumpled by her.

Le You ?

By the way, you must promise me not to tell her about this matter yet! At least wait until I have paid the hospitalization fees before saying anything!

The whole school knows about Le You, a student from Class 2 (3) in high school, who relies on her family's wealth and happily skips classes and gets into fights. She is known as the most mischievous student in this school. Many people, even if they have never seen her before, have long heard of her reputation. And Lu Aicao is one of them.

No one knows, from childhood to adulthood, Guangning University has always been her dream. It is precisely this dream that has been supporting her to work and study at the same time.

On the quiet path, a magnetic and warm male voice sounded, followed by a hurried footsteps.

Thank you, teacher... But I... Lv Aicao bit her lip, afraid of crying out, "I can't leave my mother. I am the closest person to her. I can't leave when she needs me the most."

A familiar and gentle voice startled her from her thoughts. She looked up and saw a girl wearing a light yellow coat standing by the school gate, looking at her with a smile.

Old Chen sighed and threw a piece of paper onto the table.