Brute

Part 28

Nine

"What did you say Mr.Gu? We have a sponsorship? Really? Who? How?", I said excitedly, relieved that finally help was coming in our way.

"Well, err, a friend of...one of our staff, got connection in the city, yes, something liked that", Mr. Gu was unconvince with his own answer?.

"Who is the sponsor?", I asked skeptically. Sometimes, you needed to be extra cautious. Black money usual target was towards unsuspecting victim, especially one as desperate as us. Making the company looked good in the eyes of the public, by doing the so called 'corporate social responsibility' to hide their actual questionable income of business.

"Ah, about this...Nine, that's the reason why you are called. You had prior knowledge related to business, right?"

"Well, a bit here and there, but not liked I ever have the actual experience working in business setting, Mr. Gu. I didn't manage to finish my degree. But, I took courses later on, to earn a teaching diplome".

"Very well, but, it's still better than anyone else here that has no knowledge at all regarding that. Actually, the sponsor requested our representative to come for discussion and to present the paperwork. All the legal documents and what not, needed for the funding to take place".

"How long will that be? Usually the legal process is quite tedious, sir".

"About two to three months. It's difficult for you to go back and forth from the city to here, so just stay in the city for the time needed".

"I am willing to help, but how about my classes here?", I asked in worry, since we didn't have a substitute teacher around.

"Don't worry, I have explained to the teachers, and they are willing to take portion of your classes for all the time needed for this procedure. It's not easy to find funding, and they too, are eager to ease all the process till settled".

"Alright, that ease my worry a bit. Then, when should I go there, have they set the time?".

"In two days time. Ah, Sam told me that your friend from the city, would also go back on that day? Then it would be easier for you to follow him then", Mr. Gu said with a smile, and gave me a file that was already prepared for me to review before the supposed presentation and discussion.

Though the timing was surprisingly coincidental, something was running in my head, but I didn't know where the odd feeling came from. Only because I didn't want the school to be scammed, that I was willing to go ahead. Maybe, I should just trust, that fate and luck do exist. Somebody managed to secure a funding, whereas I, who hesitated to ask for help when there was already an open chance, now dare to question a goodwill from a benefactor. I shook my head to clear the doubt, and with a new hope, wanted to be able to show the sponsor all the good things that would come out from this funding.

Joong

"Yes, Mr. Gu, thank you very much for your help, and sorry for the hassle too. I thought he would question the sudden request, but, it seemed he is willing to do this for the school... ", I said to Mr. Gu, while waiting for Nine to come home. "... Yes, I would cover the living cost and the pay of the substitute teacher too. He is well educated and also had experience teaching part time before. Just help him to find a rental house to stay. Yes, thank you again, sir". I dropped the call and smiled. My worry ease a little.

I called another person who was waiting for the progress, "Jay, make sure your identity is not blown off by the legal team. I don't know how much we could keep from him, but I'll try my best. He has a sharp instinct, that's what worried me the most".

"Joong, sooner or later he would find out. Why didn't you just talk to him about this? Hmm, why do I feel that you are afraid that he would feel he is a burden again if he knew?"

"I don't know whose instinct I fear more, you or him, Jay. Why am I surrounded by dangerously perceptive people! I couldn't lie, even if I do, you both would find out in 3 seconds!".

"Maybe, we existed to balance your temperamental nature. You know, liked a matador handling a raging bull... ", Jay said in a jesting voice, I could almost see his satisfied smirk.

"Ermm, I liked this...that you...still treat me the same, not witholding words and berating me when needed", I said, feeling a little at ease when Jay was back to being how we always were. Jay was suddenly quiet. I took a heavy sigh, I should have just kept my mouth shut.

"Whether I liked it or not; forever, my life is partly indebted to you", Jay said almost too quiet, "my mother said that you refused to be paid back. Why? Do you want to use this as a chain, Joong?".

"You are free, Jay. The chain is on my feet, not yours. You could leave, anytime you wish...", my throat felt tight, someone, again, would leave me. Maybe this would remain being the curse of my life.

"I keep my option open, Joong. My Por is still not up to say anything, so I would listen to whatever you'll tell me when we meet, but will not decide until I heard his side too", Jay said and continued, "if I leave early, I won't have the chance to punch your handsome face if my Por happen to say you were a jerk".

Jay was still willing to give himself a chance to trust me. Though his words were harsh, just liked his father, he was willing to put a trust in me till the end. I vowed, this time I won't severe this, once again.

Just as hard as I prayed for Nine, I really asked God to give me a chance to kneel for forgiveness in front of the man, and be forgiven too.