After registering, I went to the freshman dormitory.

I was assigned to Room 302 on the third floor. When I opened the door, I was surprised to find that I was the first one to arrive.

The dormitory had four bunk beds, and I chose one near the window for better lighting.

Since I had escaped from home, I didn't bring any clothes, bedding, or daily necessities. I had to go to the supermarket later to buy them.

Thinking about this, I started to have a headache because it meant I would have to spend a lot of money.

After paying my tuition, I only had two thousand left, so it seemed urgent for me to find a part-time job.

Just as I was about to go out shopping, a girl dressed in a sexy and mature way, with heavy makeup, entered dragging a large suitcase.

As soon as she entered the room, she collapsed on the bed near the door, panting heavily. It seemed like she was exhausted from carrying the big suitcase up the stairs.

"Hello, I'm Julie, and I also live in Room 302." After resting for a while, the girl enthusiastically reached out her hand to shake mine.

I took a step forward and shook her hand, saying, "Hello, I'm Yelin."

Shortly after, another girl from Shanghai came in. Her name was Wang Jie, and she had delicate eyebrows and a sweet voice.

I thought my grades were good enough to get into a prestigious university like Qingda, but unexpectedly, Julie opened her suitcase and there were more than a dozen various competition certificates inside.

And Wang Jie was even more impressive—she was the top scorer in the science section of the college entrance examination.

Just when I was marveling at how Qingda was truly a place of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, Wang Jie asked, "What are your goals for the four years of university?"

"I plan to take the TOEFL exam and travel abroad in my senior year," Julie said proudly, flipping her wine-red wavy hair.

"What about you, Yelin?"

"Um, I haven't thought about it yet," I said, looking puzzled.

Wang Jie continued, "My goal is to pursue a Ph.D. and become a researcher."

Yes, in this lifetime, I made it to university as I had wished, but what should I do after entering? University was not the end for me, but rather the beginning.

In the afternoon, after buying the basic daily necessities, I shamelessly inquired around about part-time job opportunities on campus.

Luckily, I found out that the library was hiring administrators, and I got the job. I would work three hours a day and earn one thousand five hundred per month.

Although the salary wasn't high, at least I had a source of income for my living expenses, which made me feel more secure.

My roommates knew that I was struggling financially, so instead of mocking me, they kindly helped me.

Julie, being a local, introduced me to a tutoring job on Sundays.

As for Wang Jie, she actively participated in many school clubs with me and even helped me come up with a simple study plan.

I was grateful to them. They made me understand that as girls, we should strive for progress, be confident, and help each other instead of being jealous and hurting one another.

After a month of starting school, I became more and more fond of university life, busying myself and working hard.

One day, while I was organizing the messy books in the library, the librarian found me and said that my family was waiting for me outside the school gate.

I sneered inwardly. My family—my parents and sister—had never treated me as family before.

For the entire duration since I started school, they hadn't even called me once, never showing any concern for how a girl like me, who arrived at the school with nothing, would survive. They probably came to see me as a joke.

When I arrived at the school gate, I saw that it was actually my sister.

I didn't know why she had come all the way here to find me, but she must have had some ulterior motive.

"Yelin, are you doing well at school? I also came to the capital city for school, not far from your university. You can come and visit me when you have time," she said.

If someoneasked me how I was doing at school, I would simply reply, "I'm doing fine." I didn't want to share any details about my life with her.

My sister had always been the favorite child in our family. She was smart, talented, and had everything handed to her on a silver platter. Meanwhile, I struggled and fought for every opportunity.

I knew that her sudden interest in me was only because she wanted something. She probably needed a favor or some kind of advantage that I could provide.

I decided to keep my distance from her and focus on my own life. I didn't want to get involved in any of her schemes or become a pawn in her game.

As the days went by, I became more engrossed in my studies and extracurricular activities. I joined the debate club, where I honed my public speaking skills and expanded my knowledge on various topics.

I also started writing for the university newspaper, covering campus events and interviewing interesting people. It was a great way to improve my writing skills and express my opinions.

With the support of my roommates and friends, I gained confidence in myself and my abilities. I realized that I didn't need the validation or approval of my family to succeed.

During my second year of university, I applied for a scholarship and was awarded a prestigious one that covered my tuition and living expenses. It was a significant achievement that further boosted my self-esteem.

As I neared the end of my four years at university, I reflected on how much I had grown and changed. I had overcome the challenges and hardships that came with being on my own, and I had built a strong foundation for my future.

On graduation day, I stood among my classmates, proudly wearing my cap and gown. My roommates, Julie and Wang Jie, were by my side, celebrating our accomplishments together.

As I walked across the stage to receive my diploma, I felt a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. I had proven to myself and everyone else that I was capable of achieving great things, regardless of the obstacles in my path.

Leaving the university that day, I knew that my journey was far from over. I had dreams and ambitions that reached beyond the campus walls. I was ready to face the world and make my mark.

And so, with determination in my heart, I stepped into the next chapter of my life, eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.