Dragon Raja; Chapter 6 Cassell’s Gate (4)

Dragon Raja

Moreover, in a year, Lu Mingze would also face a choice: whether to take the college entrance exam or apply to study abroad. The students ranked highly at Shilan High School all aspired to Ivy League schools, with Tsinghua and Peking University trailing behind.

However, choosing to study abroad instead of taking the college entrance exam was undoubtedly a risky decision. Aunt thought it over and probably recalled some famous saying about how “difficult paths should be tread by the brave with their steadfast feet,” feeling that Lu Mingfei was very courageous and should be allowed to try and carve a path for Lu Mingze with his own steadfast feet.

If it failed, then so be it; Lu Mingfei could delay his graduation by a year and take the college entrance exam with Lu Mingze the following year.

Yet, it was clear that a difficult path couldn’t be traversed solely by courage; the road was littered with stones that could easily cause one to stumble. Since last month, Lu Mingfei had received several rejection letters, all starting with similar phrasing:

“Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in our institution. Unfortunately, we regret to inform you that…”

Aunt had spent several hundred dollars on application fees, and all she received were repeated thanks from the Americans, which was quite disheartening.

Yet, Lu Mingfei remained calm and unhurried, his mindset as tranquil as an old monk in meditation. He only forced a bit of a sad expression when receiving the rejection letter to match Aunt’s disappointment.

Now, only one university had yet to respond to him: the University of Chicago, which was among the most prestigious schools he had applied to.

“Is there a letter for me?” Lu Mingfei asked, peering through the property management window, carefully pronouncing, “Mingfei Lu.”

Uncle and Aunt lived in an old neighborhood that used to be a government housing complex, with strict management rules—packages couldn’t come and go freely and were collected by the property management.

“Yes, there’s a letter from the U.S.” The security guard tossed out an envelope.

Lu Mingfei felt it and immediately knew it only contained a thin piece of paper—no doubt a rejection letter.

Admission letters usually came with many forms and materials, a thick stack, while a letter simply thanking you for your application and regretting that you were not admitted was just a single printed sheet.

He tore open the envelope, and to his surprise, the letter was written in Chinese:

“Dear Mr. Lu Mingfei,

Thank you for your interest in the University of Chicago. However, we regret to inform you that you did not meet the admission standards of the University of Chicago.

But we often say that when God closes one door, he quietly opens another.

First, let me introduce myself. Cassell College is a private university located in Chicago, Illinois, and has been a partner school with the University of Chicago for many years. The two schools frequently engage in academic exchanges and student activities together.

We are honored to have received your application materials from the University of Chicago. After a detailed evaluation of your resume and transcripts, we believe you meet the admission standards for Cassell College, and we hereby extend an invitation to you.

Additionally, your outstanding overall qualities have attracted the attention of Professor Guderian, who wishes to serve as your direct mentor and is willing to provide you with a scholarship from his research funds. He is on an academic visit to China and will arrange an interview with you.

If you have any questions, please contact Professor Guderian. I will assist him in providing services for you. I am Norma Rohens, the college secretary at Cassell College. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Sincerely,

Norma

Lu Mingfei set down the letter, rubbing his forehead, feeling a bit dazed.

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