Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 5 - 5 5 Imperial Court Academy

“No issue, I've mulled it over.

Besides, I won't allow this to impact the city test.

I'm going back to relax.”

Su Ming responded steadily, then rose and headed to his bedroom.

He had to recover properly, then arrange the upcoming affairs.

Su Yuan and Zhao Ning observed Su Ming climb the steps, sharing uneasy looks.

…

The following morning.

Entrance of Mient Intermediate School, Thirteenth District.

A broad, even concrete space greeted a dark hover vehicle as it pulled up and parked.

From inside the vehicle, Su Ming gazed out the pane at the majestic entrance made of azure stone, breathing out lightly.

“We've reached, my boy.”

Su Yuan glanced over, seeming reluctant to express himself.

“Alright, Dad.”

Su Ming swung the door open and got out, striding toward the academy.

But after just a handful of paces, he halted, spun back, and spotted Su Yuan's compact shape wringing his hands, a timid grin on his face as he trailed behind.

“Dad, is there more?”

Su Ming eyed Su Yuan, confused.

“My boy, are you truly okay?

Should I escort you inside?

I did that every time before.”

Su Yuan voiced with brightness.

At Su Yuan's remark, Su Ming's features quivered a touch.

Blast!

This round-faced geek isn't only a shut-in; he's also a clingy type requiring a guide to class.

He pressed his temple, swamped by frustration, and told Su Yuan.

“No thanks, Dad.

I can deal with it alone.”

“You certain?”

Su Yuan appeared profoundly anxious still, like his child was marching to fight, not lessons.

“Certain, I can deal.”

“Very well, very well.

Yet if trouble arises, reach out to me at once; you absolutely must.”

Su Yuan urged, still troubled.

“Got it!”

Su Ming whirled and proceeded to the academy.

Su Yuan stayed put, not going away; he lingered to watch Su Ming step onto the campus.

On the grounds, Su Ming steered toward his class's teaching hall, using past recollections.

During the path, he inspected his institution.

The place extended over a vast zone, buildings arranged smartly.

All routes featured glossy concrete, with a huge round track on the distant right.

The facility seemed splendid in general, the mere downside lacking true foliage, just fake greenery beside the walks.

Right then, a few scholars en route to the teaching halls noticed Su Ming and showed shock, muttering to each other.

“Isn’t that Su Ming who tried to hang himself not long ago?”

“It really is him, back at school so soon.”

“Heh, honestly, he should know his place, daring to chase after Lin Chuyu, now he’s a joke.”

…

Su Ming certainly picked up the jabbing motions and hushed talks near him, but he just ignored them, staying calm inside.

Quickly, Su Ming got to the class entry, ajar a crack.

Still, prior to stepping in, he heard his peers' prattle already.

“Do you think that fatty Su Ming will come back to school?”

“Could he possibly come back?

Definitely transferring schools.

Seriously, he should take a good look at himself in the mirror with his attitude.”

…

Creak~

Su Ming nudged the half-open class door and entered, silencing the once-noisy space right away.

All turned to stare at Su Ming.

“Damn, this guy actually came to school.”

“Stop talking, lest you stir him up again.”

…

Lots of scholars there halted their jeers and chats, yet a handful kept sneering with contemptuous looks.

“I’m just saying, if he can’t handle it mentally, who can he blame!”

“Say a bit less.”

…

Meeting the array of looks and whispers from classmates, Su Ming met their eyes directly and casually went to his spot, settling in.

For an instant, the scholars felt a strange air, detecting Su Ming as somewhat changed from earlier.

But they couldn't specify the shift.

Then, three slim fellows in blue-white academy attire, with little bunches of yellow, green, and red strands on their sideburns each, neared Su Ming.

Su Ming lifted his gaze to the three, face unaltered.

They were Cheng Ran, Wang Chi, Qin Lei, dubbed Yellow Hair, Green Hair, Red Hair.

The trio shared a dorm with Su Ming.

In Su Ming's mind, their ties were decent.

Sure, mostly since the body's former resident, reclusive as he was, proved quite giving, sharing snacks often with them.

“Bro, you’re too awesome.

You’re now a celebrity in our school for daring to pursue Lin Chuyu.”

Yellow Hair uttered with thrill.

“Really awesome!”

Green Hair and Red Hair flashed thumbs up at Su Ming.

“It’s nothing, let’s not talk about that.”

Su Ming wished to drop the subject.

Yellow Hair checked surroundings, then bent to Su Ming’s ear, voicing seriously.

“Bro, I’ve got to tell you something.

Your public pursuit of Lin Chuyu has pissed off Mech Class One’s ‘Emperor’ Zhang Tai and Class Leader Li Fubai.

They’ve declared they’re going to take care of you, so be careful these days.”

Taking in Yellow Hair’s alert, Su Ming breathed a faint sigh.

It sure spelled hassle.

Right after, Tang Yan slipped in the back way.

Spotting the group by Su Ming, he ordered sharply.

“Everyone back to your seats!”

With Mr. Tang showing up, the three rushed to their chairs, quieting the once-murmuring room anew.

Tang Yan neared Su Ming, querying worriedly.

“Su Ming, are you feeling better?”

“I’m fine now!”

Su Ming nodded back.

“That’s good, don’t dwell on those matters too much.”

Tang Yan slapped Su Ming’s shoulder supportively.

Truth was, Mr. Tang really valued Su Ming, for one plain motive.

Su Ming's scores might average out, but he'd been a model student from day one, never making waves.

As for the event, it surprised no one.

Who skips youthful crushes?

Only, some crumble under mind's weight and can't face the crowd's shame.

Su Ming nodded to Mr. Tang.

Mr. Tang moved to the lectern and addressed the group earnestly.

“Something has happened in our class recently, but it’s all in the past now.

No one is to talk about it anymore.

Everyone, focus on the city-wide examination coming up.

We only have 30 days left till the exam.

Don’t think I’m nagging, but this exam is very important and can almost decide your future destiny!

I hope you all will give your best, leaving no regrets in your life.

If you are fortunate enough to get into Imperial Court Military Academy, our school will be proud of you, and your name will be engraved on the Wall of Honor!”

“Ah, how is it even possible to get accepted.”

Classroom students buzzed lowly.

At Mr. Tang’s words, Su Ming knit his brows too, holding memories tied to the Imperial Court Military Academy.