Shadows of the Deep Space

"Teacher, how foolish must they be to come down here to study? Although they're all ordinary advanced academies, there's a huge difference in facilities and environment."

Cheng Ran said helplessly.

"Alright, let's not talk about those irrelevant things now, the most important thing is to figure out a way to improve your grades. The school's closed now, and there's no hope for the training pods. It's hard to find any outside, and even if there are some, the prices are very high, something you guys simply can't afford. So, we must focus on the comprehensive papers. Starting today, if you are willing to come during the day, I will tutor you for free, hoping that you can have a good future."

Tang Yan spoke very seriously to everyone.

"Okay!"

The crowd answered with confidence.

"And Mink, could you call the other students as well to see if they would like to come? If they don't want to, let it be."

Tang Yan then instructed Mink.

"Okay!"

Mink immediately responded.

...

As evening approached.

Su Ming walked towards his home, a hint of melancholy in his eyes.

Even though Mr. Tang was going to give them extra lessons, Mr. Tang's level was limited, too. A month of intensive study might be enough to get into an ordinary school, but hoping to get into Imperial Court Academy seemed faint!

Worst of all, he now lacked access to a training pod for practice. Normally, he could ask his parents for help, but the situation at home was not looking good now.

His father had been taken away a few days ago, without any message.

Who could he turn to?

Just as Su Ming, his face full of worry, neared his home's entrance, he saw an old man with white hair, wrinkled skin covered in age spots, a stern expression, dressed in a black suit, standing at the door talking to Chen Hui.

Su Ming felt strangely familiar looking at the man in front of him, as if he had seen him somewhere before, but for the moment he couldn't remember.

"Since the lady is not here, I will take my leave now."

Jiang Yu said politely.

Right then, Su Ming suddenly recalled that the man was Mr. Jiang Yu. He seemed to be his father's former teacher, who held quite a high status within the family, and had visited their home several times before.

Most crucially, he wasn't just an information expert but also a seasoned scholar and strategist.

Su Ming quickly stepped forward to greet him enthusiastically.

"Mr. Jiang Yu."

Mr. Jiang Yu seemed a bit startled and turned to look at Su Ming. After assessing Su Ming up and down, he greeted him with a smile.

"You must be the young master, right? I haven't seen you in many years; you've grown up so much."

"Yes, were you looking for my mother?"

"Um, indeed, but the lady isn't here, and I couldn't reach her by phone."

"My mother went out to handle some matters; she might be back later. How could you be standing at the door? Please come in and sit!"

Su Ming invited Jiang Yu in with great enthusiasm.

Jiang Yu was about to leave but seeing Su Ming's invitation, he couldn't refuse and followed him inside.

Upon entering, Su Ming said to Chen Hui,

"Auntie Chen, please bring out my father's treasured white tea and serve some fruit as well!"

"Uh, alright."

Chen Hui was momentarily stunned; these were luxury items that the master and mistress usually wouldn't touch, but since Su Ming had spoken, she went to fetch them.

"No need for that."

Jiang Yu was also taken aback.

"But it's necessary, Mr. Jiang! Please, have a seat."

Su Ming insisted, pulling Jiang Yu to the living room and urging him to sit down.

"Mr. Jiang, please take a seat!"

"Young master, you're too polite."

Jiang Yu promptly stood up; although Su Yuan wasn't very capable, his status at home wasn't high, which meant Su Ming had little standing too. And as for himself, having worked for the family for many years, his own status was quite high. But the distinction between master and servant had to be understood, and boundaries mustn't be crossed.

"It's nothing, you were my father's teacher, you are senior to my seniors; it's what I should do."

Su Ming said very politely.

Then Chen Hui brought the prepared tea and fruit.

Su Ming immediately picked up the tea to offer Mr. Jiang Yu.

"Mr. Jiang Yu, please have some tea!"

"Okay, okay..."

Jiang Yu accepted the tea, clearly flattered.

Su Ming then stood up, picked out a bright red apple, and offered it to Jiang Yu with great eagerness.

"Mr. Jiang Yu, have some fruit. It's rare that you could come all this way."

"That's not appropriate, it's too valuable."

Jiang Yu certainly knew how expensive this fruit was because these were distributed by the Su Family, who didn't grow much themselves.

Natural produce was valuable partly due to scarce seeds and strict cultivation conditions, and partly due to control, monopolization, and the significant unpolluted resources needed for large-scale cultivation.

"It's all right, you are an honored guest."

Su Ming insisted, pushing the red apple into Jiang Yu's hand.

"Thank you."

Jiang Yu accepted graciously but was inwardly surprised. The young master he remembered was very introverted and reticent, hardly speaking at all. Yet now he was so warmly entertaining his guest.

"By the way, Mr. Jiang Yu, what did you need my mother for?"

"That's the thing; I came down here to investigate the incident where you were humiliated; we already have some leads."

"Oh!"

"Young Master Su Ming, rest assured, we will soon be able to identify the person who humiliated you."

Jiang Yu assured Su Ming.

"The thing is... I'm not in a rush about that matter; the real trouble is..."

Su Ming sighed, talking about the incident – he could guess who was behind it. But the pressing issue was the upcoming city exam. Failing it would not only mean missing out on opportunities but might also lead to being sent off as cannon fodder to the battlefield.

"Young Master Su Ming, have you encountered any trouble?"

Jiang Yu looked at Su Ming curiously. Normally, the young master should have been very pleased to hear that the perpetrator of his humiliation would soon be caught. Why was there not much reaction, and instead, he seemed worried about something else?

"That's the thing, the city exam is imminent, and the school has shut down because of the Chilami Larvae attack. I can only study at home now, but I can't keep up and have no one to teach me."

Su Ming explained with a face full of worry.

Jiang Yu was taken aback upon hearing this, then looking at his least successful student's son, he pondered for a moment and said.

"I can tutor you, but I'm really overloaded with work and can't stay long in the Thirteenth District."

"Aww, that's too bad."

Su Ming felt some disappointment when he heard Jiang Yu's words.

Seeing Su Ming so eager to learn, Jiang Yu sighed and then offered.

"However, there is a compromise. Since you, young master, wish to study, I certainly want to make some time. How about this, after I return, I'll take some time in the evening to tutor you through remote video. How does that sound?"

"That would be fantastic, thank you, Mr. Jiang!"

Su Ming stood up, extremely delighted, and gave Jiang Yu a deep bow.

This arrangement was perfect; he could attend Mr. Tang's class during the day and come home in the evening for Mr. Jiang Yu's remote tutoring.