Crossing the Threshold

During a certain year's World Cup, Zhao Shengsheng, a student sitting the high school entrance exam, scored 321 points. The lowest admission score for the city's regular and private high schools was 350. That year, Zhao Shengsheng sat on a stool at home watching the news on TV. Lin Man from No. 2 Middle School had scored 738.1 and been admitted to the city's No. 1 High School. “Are you not going to school?” Zhao's father sat in a chair, taking a long drag on his cigarette. “You should keep studying. Don't worry about the burden on the family. Dad can still manage. You're young. What can you do if you don't go to school? Tonight, I'll go ask your Aunt...” Zhao Shengsheng lowered her head. “I'm not going. I'm just not smart enough.” A month later... Zhao Shengsheng kept her head bowed, digging her nails into her hand. “...Dad, I'm sorry. I want to go to high school. I want to keep studying.” Zhao's father closed his eyes. After a long while, he stood up. “I understand. Dad's still here for the family. You just need to stay under my wing.” Tears glimmered in the corners of Zhao Shengsheng's eyes. “When you have the opportunity, study as much as you can. Women must get an education and create real value. Earn the highest degree you can, work as hard as you can, make as much money as you can, and make your voice heard as loudly as you can.” * As a child, Jiang Ningxu was a restrained, handsome boy. As an adult, he became a restrained and steady man. The most outrageous thing he ever did in his life was fall for Zhao Shengsheng, a girl from a family far beneath his own.* May every girl be strong, resilient, and ever-growing.