Chapter 41: Wrong Class

This was one of few times Fang saw her face turn so downcast – her relationship with William’s family shouldn’t be simply colleagues, but more. It obviously didn’t appear to be a good one, though since he brought up the topic, he could only continue. “Well, I met William earlier today, and exchanged some words with him; he said to give his father’s regards to you.”

Valeria coldly muttered, “Give his regards? I’m fine without seeing his face again!”

Curious, Fang asked, “What went on between you and William’s father?”

“The current chamber of commerce and their family’s business used to be firm industrial partners. At least, that was when my father got elected as the head of the chamber of commerce!” She put down the food. “But everything changed in the wake of that event!”

The event she referred to could be the one and only event: the raid that led to her family’s death.

“Before it happened, the relationship between our families was very good as my father and William’s father were close friends. They grew up together and became comrades, deeply trusting in each other. Their company was based off of transportation, which fit in with the needs of the chamber of commerce that Valeria’s father was in charge of. Eventually, they became the financial giants in Minuet City. There came up an important, urgent delivery that could catapult their wealth higher; however, it required transport across the Blue Sea. Again, William’s father arranged the carriage for the goods, and although it was through the Blue Sea, my father had trust in him and hastily put together an escort of the strongest he could find.”

She paused for a moment, then continued. “Their team was very powerful, and it looked as though the rewards outweighed the cons. There was some risk by heading into the treacherous area, but the route chosen was known to be relatively safe, just with some reports of some ragtag minor pirates that they could easily deal with. Nevertheless, an accident happened – they met the brutal pirate group that led to their deaths, yet, that pirate group rarely appeared in that area, so I’ve always thought it was strange!”

“You think someone intentionally leaked information and lured the pirates to there? And that person was from William’s family?”

“Yes, I didn’t suspect anything at first, because my father was so friendly with him, but… after that happened, he displayed no remorse or consolation. He went to claim that there was no cooperation between his business and the chamber of commerce; the reputation plummeted and all our old customers left, adding insult to injury. A new branch appeared from his business and competed for the former spot of goods and services – it was then that I discovered the route given to my father was ‘graciously’ plotted by his closest friend. However, he denied it all. Hypocrite, through and through, he only appeared to be my father’s trusted confidante, yet, planned this from the very start to dominate the entire city with his company!”

At this moment, furious hatred rose on Valeria’s face. Her father and brother was killed, but the hypocrite that caused it all was relaxing contently on top of his wealth.

“The company you keep with can be more dangerous than the battlefield, you can’t trust even the best of friends; many ‘true’ friends are willing to turn to money and power for anything.” Sullenly, she stared at him. “Fang, remember what happened to my father, carefully make friends and always be cautious, else you’ll be stabbed in the back!”

Uncomfortably, Fang nodded, “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Regardless of what Valeria said, he thought it was just misfortunate; a single scarring experience had caused her to be so paranoid. Thinking of his friend, he was sure that Blue, although odd, was sincerely his friend.

However, Fang was wrong – his roommate hid a big secret from him as well.

Valeria asked again, “Fang, what else did William say?”

Fang slightly hesitated. “Two months later, he said the chamber of commerce would be sponsoring a competition where a representative from each class would go. He and I are both prefects of our respectively classes, so there’s a chance that we might be opponents in the tournament.”

Instantly, Valeria said, “No, absolutely don’t participate.”

“Why?”

“Although in name, the competition is sponsored by the chamber of commerce, the actual sponsors are from William’s father’s connections, and judging so far, he already knows my relationship with you. He’ll make sure to arrange an opportunity to put you and William in the same bracket.” Valeria tightly grasped Fang’s hand worriedly. “Listen, you might have made a lot of progress now, but you’re no match for William – promise that you won’t try to be brave, there’s no knowing what might happen. There’s no doubt that something will be arranged to either cripple or kill you as an accident, so, throw in the towel and don’t bother with this.”

Family takes after family, William was the same as his father; acting as the perfect student to his class while harboring malicious intents, with nothing standing in his way of ambition.

“I understand.”

Nevertheless, a cold glint flashed in Fang’s eyes.

--- --- ---

After returning back to the college, his plans completely changed.

On the Monday morning after the first class was over, Fang turned to Blue. “Blue, go to the next classes alone, okay?”

Blue frowned. “Why, are you suddenly bored with me?”

“Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely don’t think that,” With difficulty, Fang tried to explain, “I’m going to go and try learning something difficult, but I feel it’ll be a waste of time if you go. So, I’ll go alone and after the classes are over, we’ll meet again.”

Doubtfully, Blue agreed, and Fang rushed into a different hallway.

What’s he doing?

Blue felt there was something up, and curious to what it was, didn’t go towards the next class. Quietly, she quickly followed behind Fang.

Taking multiple twists and turns on the campus, Fang finally arrived at a certain place. This wasn’t a class that Blue had seen before, Fang never visited this class as far as she knew.

But the most eerie thing was, even past the starting time for classes, there was no one inside the classroom, not even a single student!

A quiet teacher sat leisurely inside beside the podium. Of all the teachers in Garden College, he had taught the least. Most of his classes consisted of a lazy nap, as no one ever was present inside the classroom, and left after his delegated class was over.

Well, the teacher thought, it seems that today would be full of dreams again.

Just then, he heard the sound of footsteps, and a person walked into the classroom.

He looked like an inconspicuous teenager.

Frowning, the teacher looked at him closely. “Student, are you sure you didn’t come into the wrong class?”

“No, teacher, this is the right class,” Fang moved into the room. “If it’s fine with you, I’d like to learn Meteor.”