Worlds Apart | Chapter 12 | A Pursuit at School | Novela.app

Upon hearing the dire news, Lu She’s world crumbled. Having failed in his task, he naturally didn't dare contact Xiao Fengtai, but he never expected that Jiang Tong—usually the most reliable of men—would cause such a massive stir without a word. "Five rounds of interviews!" he wailed, clutching his head. "Five rounds of interviews plus a written test! And it was through a personal connection! Four hours a month pays more than a full-time salary for a regular Chinese teacher! You won't find a better job in all of Singapore!" Jiang Tong felt uneasy himself, but he tried his best to comfort him. "I’m the one who was fired. Once you’ve recovered, you should be able to return to work as usual." "How is that possible?" Lu She said in despair. "I’m the one who introduced you to the gig. Now that you’ve completely offended him, I’m implicated too." "Sigh, if I’d known it would come to this, I would have tied you up and dragged you to his lessons myself!" Lu She’s family had been well-off in his early years, allowing him the luxury of choosing any school he pleased, wandering about all day, and treating life like a game while studying romantic, impractical subjects. When the family fortune collapsed overnight, Young Master Lu fell from heaven into the mundane world of the common folk. It took a long period of despondency before he pulled himself together and used his old connections to land this lucrative position. As a friend of many years, Jiang Tong had watched him fall from a flashy, noble youth to someone who now waited for supermarket discounts to buy groceries. He knew exactly what this job meant to Lu She, and he understood even better that Lu She asking him to sub was a gesture of kindred sympathy—a favor intentionally or unintentionally bestowed upon him. He had even received so much of the salary in advance. "I won't let you lose your job," Jiang Tong resolved silently. He gave Lu She a small smile. "Trust me." Bold words were easy to say, but the task was difficult. Xiao Fengtai was determined to sever all ties; he didn't reply to WeChat messages, didn't answer calls, and the Xiao family security had already blacklisted Jiang Tong. Fortunately, every cloud has a silver lining. Xiao Fengtai’s prestigious private school was currently holding an exchange event, where students from prominent local universities set up booths to answer questions and provide guidance. The Biology Department where Jiang Tong studied was considered a powerhouse within the university, and their presence was always grand. This year, at the invitation of the high school division, they were even conducting a lecture tour for the gifted classes. The university had previously emailed Jiang Tong to gauge his interest, but he had been too busy and had delayed his reply. Now, he hurriedly dug out the email and signed up just before the deadline. The school Xiao Fengtai attended was an old-money private institution in Singapore, where several former heads of state had studied. The campus was adjacent to the Botanic Gardens, featuring antique architecture and lush, verdant woods. Boys and girls in pure white uniforms walked and laughed throughout the campus, their eyes bright, looking like a flock of elegant young cranes. As Jiang Tong stepped onto the grounds, the vigorous aura of youth brushed against his face like spring rain, stirring his soul. Participation was mandatory for the high school students, and the small plaza soon became bustling, crowded with the future pillars of society of various ethnicities. Jiang Tong was distracted; while answering questions, his gaze constantly roved through the crowd, searching for Xiao Fengtai. It wasn't difficult. Xiao Fengtai was strolling along the edge of the plaza with a few classmates. He was naturally fair-skinned, and his white shirt was buttoned primly to his chin with a black tie at the collar, making his posture seem even more upright and his silhouette as refined as a sculpture. Jiang Tong’s eyes lit up. He hurriedly gave a few instructions to his companions, left his seat, and strode toward the youth. Xiao Fengtai was chatting and laughing with his friends while looking at the crowd with boredom. His relatives were scattered across Ivy League schools, and he had no intention of applying to a local university. "Kenneth." A familiar voice sounded in his ear. For a moment, Xiao Fengtai thought he was hallucinating. He turned around and met Jiang Tong’s eyes. Xiao Fengtai pressed his lips thin, turned, and walked away. "Wait—" Ignoring everything else, Jiang Tong took a few quick steps forward and grabbed his hand. Xiao Fengtai’s body froze as if an electric current had surged through him. The spot where his wrist met Jiang Tong’s skin gradually began to burn. "I’m truly sorry," Jiang Tong said, completely oblivious, his face full of sincerity. "Lu She didn't tell me. I just thought he needed me to keep subbing for him. I didn't know... I didn't know the things you told him." "You are very smart and very hardworking. Discussing the beauty of the Chinese language with you was my most relaxing time." "I’ve been very, very busy lately. If you’re still willing to study Chinese with me, can we arrange the time more flexibly? As compensation, I won't charge... I won't charge the full tutoring fee." Jiang Tong wanted to say he wouldn't charge any money at all, but the words rolled around his tongue and he swallowed them back. "Let go of me," Xiao Fengtai said softly. "What?" "I said, let go of me." Xiao Fengtai raised his voice, his elegant brows knitting together. His face was tense, but the tips of his ears were gradually flushing red. Because his skin was so fair, that touch of red was exceptionally prominent. "Everyone is watching..." Jiang Tong immediately released his hand. "I’m sorry." The two of them had been pulling at each other, which had already attracted the attention of many passing students. The moment Jiang Tong let go, the youth took a few strides into the crowd, disappearing like a drop of water falling into the sea.