"Teacher, what kind of fool would leave the upper districts to study here? Even if both are ordinary advanced academies, the facilities and environment are worlds apart," Cheng Ran said helplessly.
"Alright, let's stop discussing irrelevant matters. The priority is improving your scores. Since the school is shut down, don't count on access to training pods. It's hard to find alternatives outside, and even if you do, the costs are exorbitant. So, let's focus on the comprehensive exam papers. Starting today, if you're willing to come here during the day, I'll tutor you all for free. I hope you can secure a better future for yourselves," Tang Yan said earnestly.
"Got it!" The students replied with newfound determination.
"And Ming Ke, call the other classmates. See if they're interested in joining. If not, we won't force them," Tang Yan added.
"Understood!" Ming Ke agreed immediately.
---
By evening, Su Ming was walking home, a trace of melancholy in his eyes.
Although Teacher Tang had offered to tutor them, his ability alone might not be enough. Cramming for a month might be enough to pass a regular school's exam, but aiming for the Royal Court Academy still felt like a distant dream.
To make matters worse, Su Ming no longer had access to a training pod. In the past, he could have turned to his parents for help, but now his family was also in turmoil.
His father had been taken away days ago, and there had been no news since.
Who could he possibly turn to now?
Lost in thought, Su Ming approached his home and noticed a man standing at the door, talking to Aunt Chen Hui. The man had white hair, wrinkled skin marked with age spots, and a serious expression. He wore a black suit that gave him an air of authority.
Su Ming found the man familiar, though he couldn't immediately place him.
"Since the madam isn't home, I'll take my leave," the man said politely.
As the man turned to leave, Su Ming suddenly remembered. The man was Mr. Jiang Yu, a former teacher of his father, someone highly respected in the family. Mr. Jiang had visited their home a few times in the past.
More importantly, Mr. Jiang was not only an information specialist but also a seasoned scholar and advisor.
Su Ming hurried forward and greeted him warmly.
"Mr. Jiang!"
Jiang Yu paused, turned to look at Su Ming, and smiled.
"You must be the young master. It's been years—you've grown so much."
"Yes, sir. Are you here to see my mother?"
"I am, but the madam isn't home, and her phone isn't reachable," Jiang Yu replied.
"My mother is out running errands and might return late. You shouldn't wait at the door—please come inside and have a seat!"
Su Ming's invitation was so enthusiastic that Jiang Yu couldn't refuse. He followed Su Ming inside.
"Aunt Hui, please bring out my father's treasured white tea and some fruit!" Su Ming instructed as they entered.
"Uh… alright," Aunt Hui replied, startled. The items Su Ming requested were luxuries, rarely touched even by his parents. Still, since Su Ming had asked, she complied.
"You don't need to go to such trouble," Jiang Yu said, surprised.
"It's no trouble at all. Please, take a seat, Mr. Jiang," Su Ming insisted, ushering him into the living room.
"You're too kind, young master." Jiang Yu stood awkwardly, hesitant to sit. Despite his high status within the family, he still recognized the hierarchy and didn't want to overstep boundaries.
"It's only proper. You were my father's teacher, which makes you a senior among seniors. Please, sit," Su Ming said with a respectful tone.
Soon, Aunt Hui returned with freshly brewed tea and a platter of fruit.
Su Ming handed Jiang Yu a cup of tea.
"Here, Mr. Jiang, have some tea."
"Thank you," Jiang Yu said, clearly moved as he accepted the cup.
Su Ming then picked a bright red apple from the fruit platter and offered it to Jiang Yu.
"Please, have some fruit. It's rare for you to visit us."
"This is too much. Such fruits are so precious…" Jiang Yu hesitated, knowing how rare and valuable these naturally grown items were.
"Please, take it. You are our esteemed guest," Su Ming said firmly, placing the apple in Jiang Yu's hands.
"Thank you," Jiang Yu replied, unable to refuse. He couldn't help but feel astonished by Su Ming's enthusiasm. In his memory, the young master had always been shy and reserved, hardly speaking to anyone. This newfound warmth and hospitality were a surprise.
"By the way, Mr. Jiang, what brings you here to see my mother?" Su Ming asked curiously.
"I came to follow up on the investigation into the incident where you were humiliated. We're making progress," Jiang Yu explained.
"Oh?"
"Rest assured, young master. We will soon identify the perpetrator," Jiang Yu said confidently.
"That's not a pressing matter. What's really troubling me is…" Su Ming trailed off with a sigh. While the incident was frustrating, he had a good idea of who was responsible. His immediate concern was the city exams, which felt far more urgent.
"What's troubling you, young master?" Jiang Yu asked, puzzled. Normally, news of progress in the investigation would elicit excitement, not indifference.
"It's the city exams. After the school was attacked by the Chirami larvae, classes were suspended. I've been left to study on my own, but I'm struggling to keep up without guidance," Su Ming explained, his frustration evident.
Jiang Yu was taken aback. After a moment of thought, he said,
"I could tutor you, but my workload is heavy, and I can't stay in District 13 for long."
"That's unfortunate," Su Ming said, visibly disappointed.
Jiang Yu sighed, noting Su Ming's eagerness to learn. After a brief pause, he said,
"But perhaps there's a compromise. Since you're so determined, I can make time in the evenings for remote video tutoring. How does that sound?"
"That would be amazing! Thank you, Mr. Jiang!" Su Ming exclaimed, jumping to his feet and bowing deeply in gratitude.
This arrangement was perfect. He c
ould attend Tang Yan's lessons during the day and receive advanced tutoring from Jiang Yu at night.