Liang Shi, a 51-year-old man, waits to take the gaokao, China’s national college entrance exam. He has failed 21 times since 1983. /Xinhua News Photo

“I have persisted for over 35 years. If nothing else, I want to make my university dream come true,” he said while showing his test cards to Xinhua. /Xinhua News Photo

Since last September, Liang has spent most of his spare time preparing for the exam. For him, the tea house is the best place for him to immerse himself in study. /Xinhua News

Liang has dreamed of studying mathematics in Sichuan University, one of China's top universities. But after 21 failed attempts, he has refocused his ambitions. “I do business in daily life. It might be more useful if I learn something about marketing or economics,” he told The Paper. /Xinhua News Photo