Chapter 3

Everyone looked over at Zoey.

She then realized she had overreacted and immediately softened her tone. "I just mean that Nina might not be ready yet. She's always said she wants to take the college entrance exam to prove herself. If she suddenly accepts a direct admission now, could it be because she's too nervous and wants to avoid the exam?"

I almost laughed out loud at her words. She really knew how to get under someone else's skin.

In my third year in school, I had done poorly on my first major exam and only came in seventh in my grade.

Back then, she patted my shoulder and comforted me, "Nina, it's okay. You just don't handle pressure well."

After that, quite a few people in our grade knew that I was good at studying, but I tended to fall apart during major exams. Little did they know that the day before that exam, Zoey had borrowed my notebook and promised to return it that night.

She didn't give it back to me until ten minutes before the exam. She said apologetically, "Sorry, I fell asleep while going through it last night."

I really had fallen apart that day, but it wasn't because of the exam. It was because, for the first time, I realized that even my best friend could betray me at any moment.

I looked at Zoey and asked, "When did I ever say I wanted to prove myself by taking the college entrance exam?"

Zoey was stunned.

I continued, "I've always wanted to go to Austin University. If I have a chance to get in through a recommendation, why would I refuse? Do I really have to go through the college entrance exam just to prove that I earned my place fair and square?"

Zoey's face paled, and she answered, "Nina, that's not what I meant."

Yet, I didn't let her off the hook. I continued, "You just said that accepting that offer is unfair to everyone else who's taking the college entrance exam. If that's how you feel, I respect that. But I don't feel the same way.

"I don't think my classmates will do any worse on the college entrance exam just because I accepted the offer, nor will they get into a better university just because I gave it up. I'll decide whether I want to take an opportunity. If you want to give it up, that's your problem."

Someone in the room chuckled.

Zoey teared up even more. She cried, "How could you say that to me? I just want you to think it through so you won't regret it later."

I nodded. "I've thought it through. I won't regret it."

Mr. Manson finally made the call. "Since Zoey insists on giving up the spot, and Nina is willing to accept it, the school will contact Austin University's admissions office to request that the offer be given to the latter."

Zoey whipped around to look at him. "Mr. Manson, I…"

Mr. Manson raised a hand to interrupt her. "Zoey, this is a serious decision. You made it very clear just now that you wanted to give up the offer. The school respects your decision."

Her lips parted, but she couldn't say a word.

I saw the panic in her eyes. At that moment, I understood. She wasn't being kind at all. She had just never expected that I, who had always stood by her side and praised her, would one day step up and take what she had refused.

That very night, the news that I had taken the admission offer spread through the grade-level group chat.

"Nina really knows how to take advantage of an opportunity."

"She immediately took the offer when Zoey turned it down. That's pretty opportunistic."

"What's wrong with that? If it were me, I'd take it too."

"But Zoey has a point. Taking the college entrance exam is fairer."

"Well, as long as Zoey doesn't regret giving it up, it's fine."

When I looked at those messages, I didn't reply.

However, Zoey posted an update on her social media. There was no picture. She had only written a sentence. "Some roads may be difficult, but I want to see them through with a clear conscience."

The post had many likes.

Our mutual friend, Winnie Lind, commented on it, saying, "Zoey, you really have integrity."

Our class monitor commented, "I respect your choice. Good luck with the college entrance exam. Austin University lies ahead of you."

Zoey replied. "Thank you. I believe what's truly meant for me will never slip away."