Comrades in Action: Thomas James De Vere Book 7

Chapter ten

Her first year in London Business School was hard. Her professors required them to read large amounts of textbooks, attend guest speaker seminars, networking breakfasts and on top of that, she needs to do advance reading on references and documents regarding the Zhang Conglomerate as well.

Some of the core and major subjects are complicated but they are nothing she can't handle as long as she broadens her knowledge. It is hard, but truth be told, she's pretty much enjoying the experience of taking her post-graduate course here abroad.

Growing up, she haven't been able to travel outside China. Maliban sa hindi nila kaya ang expenses, masyado siyang nagiging busy sa pag-pa-part time kapag dumating na ang bakasyon sa eskwelehan. Kailangan din kasi niyang makapag-ipon noon bago magpasukan para may pang-gastos siya sa school.

England is the first country that she had travelled to. Sa unang taon niya dito, hindi niya nasubukang bumisita sa ibang lugar o bansa kahit may kapasidad na siya dahil mas pinipili niyang umuwi na lang sa China. It was what she promised to Riley before coming here at syempre, para na din makita niya si Sophia, ang papa at ang lolo niya.

Sophia's career also took off. Gaya niya ay kumukuha din ito ng Master's Degree sa isang university sa China ngayon. Riley's carrer as a tennis player is also growing. He's competing abroad to represent their country. Noong nakaraan nga, nakapag-uwi ito ng gold medal mula sa isang tennis competition.

Mabuti na din siguro iyon na kahit papaano ay nagiging busy sila pareho para hindi nila masyadong ma-miss ang isa't-isa. Although they are still talking on the phone everyday ng walang palya.

Ang medyo nakakalungkot lang sa pag-aaral niya dito ay ang kawalan niya ng ka-close na kaibigan. She really tends to keep to herself. Hindi siya ganoon ka-friendly sa mga tao. Kaya nga si Sophia at Riley lang ang naka-close niya mula pagkabata.

They are twenty seven in their class. If you look at it, all of them came from different nationalities and races. It wasn't easy for her to approach other students when it comes to group assignments but it's a good thing she's not the only Chinese student here. Sa klase nila, dalawa silang Chinese. Kaya naman kahit alangan siya, nakipagkilala talaga siya sa kaklase niyang iyon para sa ngalan ng maganda at mataas na marka.

Lei Xuantong is a silent type of guy. He always has this bored and serious look on his face. It's kind of unnerving at first, their professors are ticked off by that attitude of his that was why they used to always test him. But whenever they ask him about his ideas and opinions on the topic, what he has to say are always on point.

Dumating na lang ang araw na hinahayaan na lang ito ng mga professors nila. His marks and grades speaks for himself so there is really no doubt he has the brain to offer. Isa pa'y nakasama na niya ito sa paggawa ng paired assignment dati. Masasabi niya talagang magaling ito. Maybe even better than her.

His name sounds familiar though. Pakiramdam niya ay narinig na niya ang pangalan nito dati at hindi niya lang maalala kung kelan at kung saan...

Umiling na lang siya sa naisip at saka ito nilapitan.

"Hey, Lei."

He looked at her with an inquiring look on his face. Buti na lang talaga hindi ang famous bored look nito ang nasa mukha nito kada kakausapin niya.

"About the assignement..."

He just gave her a curt nod before he put his things inside his black bagpack. When he stood, her head automatically tilted up. He's seriously tall. Hanggang balikat nga lang nito ang ulo niya.

"Where do you want to do it?" Came his smooth cultured voice which is free from any Chinese accent.

Nakakatawa nga dahil simula ng magkakilala sila, ni hindi man lang nila nasubukang mag-usap ng Chinese kahit minsan. He looks Chinese no doubt, but the way he talks... aakalain mong dito sa ibang bansa ito lumaki.