Chapter 11: 11 - An Ideal Life
Two weeks passed by in a flash. Fang's complexion improved by leaps and bounds. His beautiful face started to fill out and his cheeks gained a healthy glow. Fortified with a brand new phone and laptop and a ton of books, he began to display the classic characteristics of a powerful Male Lead, much to Ren's satisfaction. Fang's schoolwork was flawless and the schoolteacher as well as the tutors hired by Ren wouldn't stop singing the boy's praises. Everyone was convinced that Fang was no less a genius than Ren - perhaps even more!
Ren acted just like a proud parent when the tutors reported Fang's progress to him.
"Marvellous!" he exclaimed. "Our Fang is indeed a hidden treasure!"
Fang flushed as his tutors agreed eagerly.
"He can skip high school, take the qualifying test and straightaway go to college next year if he wants," one of the tutors commented.
Ren smiled at the teenager. "So, Fang, have you decided what you want to study once you finish high school?"
Fang hesitated.
"With his high IQ and natural aptitude, he can study whatever he wants," another tutor said.
"He can easily be one of the best doctors or lawyers or scientists in the world," said yet another tutor.
Ren looked at Fang's troubled expression and simply said, "Well, there's no hurry. Fang can take his time to explore his options."
The tutors naturally agreed immediately.
Later that evening, Ren broached the subject again when it was just the two of them.
Fang was still reluctant to speak up.
Ren ruffled the boy's dark hair, which was much softer and silkier now.
"What's troubling our young genius so?" he asked fondly.
"I don't want to go to college. I want to graduate from school next year and start working," Fang muttered.
Ren froze. "Why?" he asked. "Didn't I tell you not to worry about the money?"
Fang remained silent.
Ren sighed. "I know you're proud, Fang, and rightly so," he said gently. "But aren't you forgetting something? I'm a businessman. You're a valuable asset. I'm investing in you. It's not out of the goodness of my heart or some silly thing like that, and it's definitely not charity. What I want is for you to realise your full potential so that I can reap the benefits later!" He smiled rakishly. "And the reason I want you to study whatever interests you is also related to this. You'll naturally do better at something you like than at something you don't...it's a simple cost-benefit analysis. You being the best is beneficial to me."
"But...it takes a long time to study medicine..." Fang whispered. "And it's so expensive..."
Excitement pooled in Ren's heart. His seedling wanted to study medicine? How wonderful!
Ren leaned forward, his eyes shining brightly. "You want to study medicine?" he asked breathlessly.
Fang nodded. "If I may..."
"Of course!" Ren was so happy that he grabbed Fang's hands and laughed heartily. "I'm delighted that you'll be a doctor!"
Fang stared at him for a while. "You like medicine...?" he asked curiously.
Ren nodded happily. "I think it's the best profession in the world!"
Fang frowned. "Then why don't you study medicine? You're only twenty."
Ren froze. Yes, that was right, wasn't it? He was young enough to go to college again!
He grinned at Fang. "Let's make a deal, then. We'll go to medical school together next year."
The teenager's responding smile was so bright that Ren could almost see flowers bloom around him.
No wonder he's the Male Lead, he thought to himself!
Fang's school life was surprisingly abundant despite his absence from school. The class representative dropped in several times with her friends in tow. She did get to meet Ren once, and subsequently became an even bigger admirer of Ren! Poor Ren could only hide himself away under the relentless teasing from Dr. Gordon and Pax.
Fang was quite apologetic about his classmates' stalker like behaviour, but Ren waved away his concern good-naturedly. He was just happy that Fang was getting along well and making friends.
The inauguration of Ren's new hospital was quite successful as well. The Mayor cut the ribbon and the media talked about the top-of-the-line equipment and international experts brought in by Ren. Within a few days, Ren and Pax managed to wrangle permits to set up several more hospitals as well as medical research laboratories and institutions.
Fang had attended the inauguration ceremony as well. His admiration for Ren grew stronger, and so did his determination to catch up with this extraordinary man.
He could hardly wait for the next year...how wonderful would it be, going to college together with Ren?! They could share a dorm room, they could study together and look after each other...
...but was it really possible? Ren hadn't mentioned the matter again, so Fang was secretly worried. Who would look after Sirocco if Ren went off with him? They'd be studying for at least five years... could Ren afford to stay away that long? If Ren tried to balance his coursework and company work... wouldn't he be too exhausted?
The topmost medical college in the world was in Light City halfway across the world. The closest one from Cosmopolis was in Zenith City.
Fang decided he would draw up a list of options and discuss with Ren again. While he really, really wanted to go with Ren, he didn't want to disrupt the man's life, either. Still, he held on to the hope that they could go together. He felt it was rather selfish of him...but if he was honest with himself, this would be his idea of an ideal life.
He simply didn't want to separate from Ren. He had never known warmth or affection in his entire life, and now that he had become familiar with it, he didn't want to lose it at any cost.
Ren, Wolf and Pax were also making slow progress on their colossal side-project. Ren also assigned some related research work to Fang from time to time.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone