Even Top Students Fail

College Life

Lilith majored in Financial Management, a field dominated by men. The entire School of Economics and Management had a similar gender imbalance, with nearly four males to every female. In Lilith's class of 45, there were only eight boys. The quality of these eight boys was painfully disappointing. Even Alice exclaimed it seemed impossible to find a suitable partner in college.

While exaggerated, most girls shared this sentiment. The average height of the eight boys was estimated under 5'7", and apart from the somewhat passable class monitor, the others were unbearable to look at. The girls, however, were quite attractive. In this sea of pretty faces, Lilith didn't stand out much, but Amy immediately caught everyone's attention. During her self-introduction, the eight boys applauded enthusiastically. Despite being academically gifted, appreciation for beauty was universal - even academic superstars were drawn to pretty girls.

After the class meeting came military training. MIT's freshman orientation included a two-week program. Lilith felt on the brink of collapse. Always uncoordinated in sports, now tasked with learning military boxing, her movements were either out of sync or improperly executed. A school-wide performance was scheduled in two weeks, and those who didn't meet standards would be kicked out. With so many girls, the boys' team had borrowed fifty people from the Physics Department to balance things out.

Though no longer a child, Lilith found the thought of sitting in the audience unacceptable. Fortunately, she wasn't alone - nearly half the group struggled, much to the instructors' frustration.

As evening arrived, the roommates lined up to shower. Lilith, last in line, sprawled on her bed. When her phone rang, she mustered strength to answer, "Hello." Her voice weak and pitiful.

"Got scolded again, princess?" William teased. He'd been calling daily to check on Lilith during training.

Too exhausted to argue, Lilith replied, "Who're you calling princess? Everything hurts. I fell today, and my face is peeling from sunburn." Military training was a nightmare. Why couldn't she just be a quiet, pretty girl?

Unaware, Lilith adopted a whiny tone with William, unlike her reports to her parents. Even complaining, her voice carried a hint of coquettishness.

"Alright, you've worked hard," William said playfully. "Couldn't you use your brain to slack off?" He genuinely couldn't understand why training was so grueling. Imagining Lilith's delicate appearance, he felt sympathy.

Seeing Lilith on her bed, speaking softly, Amy exchanged a knowing glance with Alice. Who was she kidding about not having a boyfriend?

Friendships among girls form quickly. After two weeks of living together, they were close. Nightly "pillow talk sessions" predictably focused on boys.

Amy openly shared about her boyfriend at Cambridge. Alice, focused on studies, hadn't even had a crush. No one dared ask Emma directly.

Regarding Lilith, despite her claims, Amy and Alice didn't believe her. She talked on the phone nightly, more affectionately than Amy with her boyfriend.

After hanging up, Lilith noticed their gossipy looks. "What are you looking at? Finished showering?"

"No boyfriend, huh?" Alice said suggestively.

"Don't know what you mean. Showering now," Lilith said, rushing to the bathroom.

Military training was grueling, but as it ended, many felt reluctant to see it go. Despite stern instructors, at parting, many girls' eyes were rimmed red. Some gave gifts, others asked for contact info. The young girls made even the stoic instructor blush.

After training, formal classes began, preceded by club recruitment. Lilith, experienced from her previous life, showed no interest. She had many goals: CET-4, accounting certificate, Computer Rank Examination, and crucially, the CPA exam. With heavy coursework, maintaining good grades required tremendous effort.

Lilith planned to join only the Tea Ceremony Club, known for its relaxed nature. Joining the Crosstalk Association was accidental, due to Audrey's persistent invitation.

Unlike Lilith, Amy joined numerous artistic clubs, while Alice joined political organizations. Emma's activities remained a mystery.

Lilith's college life fell into a routine. She loved the vast MIT library. However, adapting to college life, she was unaware that in New Haven, someone was trying to steal her man.

"What are you doing?" William frowned, clearly annoyed.

"Nothing, can't I pass by?" Angela retorted defiantly.

"Just stay away from me," William replied impatiently.

Angela's eyes reddened. "William, how can you be so cruel? I'm only like this because I like you." Even academically challenged, William had captured the top student's heart.

She had confessed, and to her surprise, he agreed. But after a small tantrum, William broke up resolutely. Pride swallowed, her reconciliation attempts failed.

Angela's grades plummeted. Learning William was repeating his senior year, she refused college to repeat as well. Since the school year started, she'd been clinging to William, desperate to rekindle their relationship. She'd heard rumors about Lilith but considered her inferior.

Seeing Angela cry again, William felt a headache. He regretted his plan to make Lilith jealous. Not only had it failed, but he'd trapped himself. Angela, once nice, now seemed incapable of understanding simple words.