Emma listened to Haoran talk over the phone to his four 'boys'. They discussed their study plans and how much they would have to pay the girl for two sessions a week.
The girl almost gaped in disbelief when Haoran said they each would have to fork out 50 dollars per session. That way, Emma would earn $500 per week from her five students.
Haoran asked Emma to give him her account number, before casually transferring his payment to her.
"W-Wait a minute!" Emma stammered as she checked her phone's notification. Her eyes widened at the $5,000 transferred. "This is a lot. How can you pay me for a year in advance? What if you don't like studying with me? Or what if I suddenly die? Your money will go to waste."
"That's good, right? I deliberately paid you a year in advance, so you won't die on me. I believe in your skills," Haoran replied with a grin.
Emma threw him a grateful look, then nodded. She said in a solemn manner, "Thank you. You're my first friend, and you've been very good to me. I'll always remember your kindness."
Haoran shrugged. "I didn't give you money for free, you're working for it. So, don't feel indebted."
They then discussed their study plans. The agreed days were Wednesday and Friday, and it would be at Haoran's home. Emma would meet her four students on Wednesday once she came back here again.
"There's no public transportation nearby. You'd better take a taxi next time," Haoran said when Emma excused herself to go home. "Today, I'll drop you off."
"Er... no need. I'll just walk to the bus stop. It's not that far from here." She tried to refuse, but Haoran ignored her objection.
The young man took a car key from the drawer and jiggled it in front of her. Haoran insisted, "Come with me. I already have my driving license, so I can drive you."
Finally, Emma relented. Haoran led her to the garage where he opened the passenger door of a white Porsche for Emma before entering the driver's seat. After the girl put on her seatbelt, Haoran immediately sped his car along Ylang Avenue.
On the road, they chatted about trivial matters. Emma was surprised that she could hold a long conversation with Haoran. She had always been a reclusive girl and didn't like to talk much. But Haoran's warmth managed to make her slowly open up.
"So you're a child of the state. I've heard about the program, but have never met anyone like you. This is very interesting," he commented. "No wonder you're very smart. As far as I know, they only adopt smart kids."
"Thank you." Emma nodded. "The government treats me very well. I'll never forget their kindness. But I really want to find my biological parents."
"Are they in Paris?" Haoran asked with curiosity.
She shook her head. "I don't know. All I remember is that the last time I saw them was thirteen years ago, in Paris. It was around the end of the winter. I have a feeling that I should go there to find out. That's why I am determined to go."
"Hmm. Good luck," said Haoran, but his brows were furrowed like he's thinking hard about something.
Emma also wanted to ask Haoran why he deliberately failed his grades. But, she didn't want to sound invasive. In the end, she decided to wait until Haoran opened up to her willingly.
***
Emma's life at school was dull. She only came to study and did her best not to attract anyone's attention. On Wednesday, when Mrs. Delaval entered their classroom to teach French, Emma registered for the study trip to Paris.
YOU ARE READING
Finding Stardust (Princess Of Akkadia)
Fantasy#This novel has several male leads and they will shine in their own time. "A man should have a bucket list, don't you think? It'd be nice to see 24 sunsets with you one day." - Haoran Lee "Do you want to see how I would light up the sky for you?"...
