My Roommate Refused Financial Aid to Look Noble—Then Lost It When I Accepted

In our first week at university, our student adviser brought us an offer of corporate financial aid. There was just one place for our entire degree program.

My roommate, Zhou Yuhe, came from the poorest family. She had been first in line.

But when it was time to fill out the application, she pushed the form back, her eyes red.

“My family’s poverty is my own business. Just because life is hard, that doesn’t mean I can take someone else’s donations with a clear conscience.”

“Even if I have to live on one steamed bun a day, I can earn my own money. Please give the place to someone who’s willing to talk about their troubles. I… I simply can’t bring myself to ask.”

She pressed her lips together and held her back perfectly straight, as though no amount of suffering could make her bow her head.

Our classmates were already moved. They praised her backbone, her dignity in poverty.

I was the only one who saw the lines of floating comments drift through the air.

[Yuhe, drop the act! Push that form away and the chance really will go to someone else!]

[This isn’t ordinary financial aid. The student aid grant is three times the usual amount, and the recipient gets a paid internship at a Fortune Global 500 company!]

[The Fortune Global 500! Even students from elite Project 985 universities can’t count on getting in. For someone at your ordinary university, a chance like this could change their whole life!]

I stared at the words “change their whole life.” My fingers slowly curled into fists.

I had just 13.70 yuan left in my pocket. Even if I ate nothing but steamed buns, I wouldn’t last two weeks.

This grant was the only lifeline within reach.

Our adviser was about to slip the application back into her folder when I shot to my feet.

“Since Zhou Yuhe doesn’t want to apply…”

“Could I have a chance to apply for that place myself?”