4
My math grades improved steadily. Once I
learned better study habits, my other subjects
improved, too.
By the end of the first semester, I was close
to the top ten again.
Top ten students got tuition waived. I only
needed to earn enough for living expenses
during winter break.
Factories in Guangdong came to recruit
students for winter and summer breaks.
The flyers promised food and lodging, and
over $3,000 a month. It was tempting.
To improve my grades, I needed
supplementary materials, but I couldn’t afford
them.
I’d befriended Zach, so I shamelessly
borrowed his. But I couldn’t keep relying on
him And there was next semester’s tuition…
<
To get a winter break job, I needed the
teacher’s signature.
I expected approval, but she refused, flatly.
She thought I wanted to work because of the
rumors.
“When you leave, you’ll see these rumors are
nothing.‘
وو
Holding the flyer, I said, “I know, but I can
support myself.”
She was furious, slapping her book on her
desk. “No. Your priority is studying. Factory
work is eight hours a day. Where would you
find time to study? Has being in the top ten
gone to your head?”
She was angry and dismissed me without
listening. No signature.
As I left, I heard her shouting, “What are
these schools thinking? These kids are so
short–sighted. Is factory work that easy?
They’ll be drained, unable to study.”
<
I knew she was right, but I needed money for
high school and college. Even if I got into
college, I’d need to pay.
My deskmate asked, “What happened? She
was furious.”
I explained.
She said, “Didn’t she sponsor you? Did you
hear what Justin said? The final exams were
in the teacher’s office, not her desk. She
didn’t cheat, but she was pushed down the
rankings, so she’s blaming others.”
I didn’t know about this, and she explained
what happened.
I was livid. I stormed to Justin’s desk. His
group was gossiping.
I splashed water on them. Screams erupted.
“Lee! Are you crazy?!”
“You like spreading rumors, right? Why’d you
stop?”
Larabbed Justin by his shirt. I glared. He’d be
L
sorry if he said a word. Bullies fear defiance.
He cowered, speechless. I was bluffing, I
didn’t want a disciplinary action, but he was
surprisingly cowardly.
Someone called me to the teacher’s office.
I let him go, warning, “Don’t let me hear you
gossiping again, or I’ll report you to the
principal. Don’t blame me if you get in
trouble.”
Justin had been in the top ten; he wanted to
go to college. A disciplinary action could ruin
his chances for a good job or further
education.
I thought the teacher was calling me about
the water incident, but she didn’t mention it.
She handed me an application.
“Essay contest?”
The city held a contest. My teacher had
mentioned it in freshman year, but my parents
dismissed it as a scam, forbidding me to go,
<
IL
..
606
as I didn’t have the money.
“I nominated you. If you’re interested, don’t
go home today. There’s a three–day training
session.”
“Your writing is brilliant. You could become a famous writer.” It was a joke, but she clearly
had high hopes.
“Winners get a certificate, but the school
offers a cash prize.”
My eyes lit up. I agreed. She chuckled. “Don’t
let money consume you.
