Chapter 41

"I quietly kept my distance from him first"

Location: the Noah cruise ship.

Time: seven in the evening.

At six thirty, the sailing celebration had begun in the Noah's largest banquet hall. The captain hosted the party, and over a thousand people crowded together, creating a lively atmosphere. Night had completely settled over the Noah by now, and the noise of the party echoed through the hall.

I knew my own personality well.

For me, social events were often a visual, auditory, and emotional overload that left me exhausted all too easily.

As a result, I had very limited interest in concerts, dance performances, and comedy shows. Though I sometimes got caught up in them, once I got bored, that impression of boredom lasted through the whole event, leaving me averse to such activities.

Watson, sitting beside me, noticed my fatigue and gave my shoulder a gentle, understanding pat. "Relax. It's just a social event. We don't have to get too involved. Enjoying the food is good enough."

"Okay."

I could only obediently agree.

The main reason I had attended this event today was that Lucian had given me four first-class tickets.

I felt I was still obliged to attend an event he had invited me to. Fortunately, Watson and the others were willing to come with me. Otherwise, if I had to sit there doing nothing until ten, I might start irritably thinking that Lucian had dragged me into this troublesome event with a tiny marginal benefit, and that I was doing something hopelessly stupid.

To Watson, one ticket might cost more than a month's wages, which made it a precious gift.

If Watson gave me this ticket, I would be willing to do a lot for him.

But to a rich kid like Lucian, the ticket was really no more than a piece of paper. He could give it away, throw it away, or use it to increase its value as he pleased. The cost to him was low, and he might not even have to pay anything for it. So I couldn't feel the same gratitude toward Lucian that I would toward Watson.

Simply put, I was grateful, but not very.

I would cooperate as best I could, but nothing more.

For example, shortly after boarding that morning, I had met Lucian's girlfriend, Frida.

Only when I saw her face did I realize she was the girl from the Italian restaurant near the school that Watson and I had visited the other day. My impression of her was that she looked a lot like certain actresses in British and American TV shows, always smiling and approachable. I really liked people with that strong sense of family, like Mrs. Hudson and Watson.

I wondered why a girl like her would be interested in Lucian.

To me, Lucian was unreliable. It was one thing when nothing serious had happened; being together and having a good time chatting was a way to pass the days. But if something serious did happen, he would fall apart first and easily descend into confusion.

To make a comparison, he was still like a college student who got absorbed in a video game, only to shut it off the moment his parents came home.

He was afraid of his parents and afraid of authority.

Even if he eventually dared to stand up to them, it would probably stem from a naive and reckless decision.

Because he wasn't a strong-willed person.

That wasn't to say he couldn't change, or that he was a bad person.

When I met her, I said, "You're so wonderful. Why are you interested in Lucian?" Her gaze was always sincere and warm, making me feel she wasn't the kind of person who would be blinded by money.

Frida was startled and covered her mouth as she laughed. Lucian, beside her, anxiously asked, "What's wrong with me?"

All I had to say now was, "Then do you dare take your girlfriend to meet your parents?"

But I only glanced at him and said nothing.

I figured the two of them probably weren't planning to get serious at this point, were they?

I thought Frida was clearheaded herself and didn't think the two of them would last, so she wasn't upset about Lucian hiding her away.

Besides, it was someone else's business, and I didn't want to get involved.

After we briefly introduced ourselves, I wrote down a page of key points for her, since Lucian's story was that she was a student in the same department. I had her memorize the terminology and word combinations as if she were memorizing the Italian restaurant's menu. Then I taught her a few all-purpose lines, which should have been enough to handle any situation.

At the sailing ceremony that evening, I saw her sitting in a corner in an evening gown. After greeting Watson and the others, I went over to her.

Many important figures from high society had also been invited to the sailing celebration. Although there were no major restrictions on attire, most people were dressed formally, with only a few attending in semiformal or casual clothes.

As soon as she saw me approach, she made room for me and asked, "Is something wrong?"

I stayed where I was.

I had only come over to check on her. I said evenly, "I saw you sitting here alone and wondered if you needed any help."

Frida covered her mouth and laughed. "Lucian said you were hard to talk to, but why do I find you so approachable? You're going to make me think you like me a lot."

The moment she finished speaking, my expression changed. I looked toward Watson and the others' table, intending to leave.

Seeing that I wanted to go, Frida hurriedly said with an awkward smile, "Sorry, I was only joking. Don't go yet. I'm really nervous and bored here by myself."

I sighed inwardly, feeling as though I had come across a cat out in the rain. "It looks like Lucian has to go around socializing with his parents, and I don't know if he'll have time to look after you over the next few days. Our table is over there. If you're bored, you can come over. Mrs. Hudson loves shopping, and I'd be grateful if you could keep her company when you have time. I only came over to tell you that. You can think about it."

I had come to find Frida while picking up drinks, and I didn't plan to chat with her for long.

"Thank you for your concern."

I gave a quick wave and left before she could say anything else.

In fact, I was rather anxious at the party.

People moved back and forth before me, their smiles and conversations forming a busy, lively scene. Yet in all of it, I still hadn't seen Professor Moriarty. I didn't mean that I wanted to talk to him, but I knew all too well that Professor Moriarty absolutely would not have come to this event merely to be a quiet participant.

Before we boarded that morning, Professor Moriarty had called my name from a distance. It wasn't something he usually did, nor was it in keeping with his

character. If he had ever lost his composure in front of me, even for a moment, I would have wondered whether he had forgotten that we were meeting in public that morning. Even if he had done it to provoke Sherlock, the move was out of line.

I could naturally draw one conclusion: Professor Moriarty was afraid I would discover something, or that Sherlock would, and had called my name to interrupt our train of thought.

That meant the case had already quietly begun to bubble to the surface.

Yet here I was at the party, and I still hadn't run into Professor Moriarty. It was like the anxiety of knowing there was a bomb hidden here, ready to explode, but being unable to find where it had been placed.

I lowered my gaze to the sparkling crystal glass on the table, thinking that I would need at least two glasses of green grape juice with whole grapes in it to solve my current predicament.

It was delicious, and even more refreshing with ice.

Just as I was about to carry everyone's drinks back, a meticulously dressed gentleman walked toward me. I had to look several times before I recognized Lucian. When he saw me, a radiant smile appeared on his face. "Student He, I've been looking everywhere for you. Mr. Watson said you came to get drinks."

Then he asked, "Why aren't you wearing the suit I gave you?"

His words reminded me of the black tailcoat with the white bow he had given me. The moment I received it, I had lost all desire to go out. Ignoring the question, I asked directly, "What did you want me for?"

"I want to introduce you to my mother."

Behind him, an elegant noblewoman walked gracefully toward us. Lucian's features bore some resemblance to hers. Her skin was very well cared for, and she looked no older than her forties. She was none other than Mrs. Attwood, the wife of Viscount Attwood, the ship's owner.

I set the drinks beside me down and went along with Lucian, greeting his parent. Yet as soon as our eyes met, I saw her look me up and down first, a hint of mockery in her gaze, though she continued to smile at me.

Lucian introduced me. "This is He Xue, the top student in our major. He's especially good at exams. On our first quiz, the highest average score in our year was only around seventy, but he got nearly full marks in all four subjects. On the second computer quiz, he got full marks on everything again. Fewer than five people in the whole year got that score." Lucian's voice was full of pride, as though I were his pride and joy.

Mrs. Attwood smiled at the enthusiastic, excited Lucian and nodded. "Don't speak so quickly. Your friend might not understand what you're saying. A child who's good at exams is certainly very impressive."

I looked at her intently, carefully considering what she was trying to say.

I sensed some kind of judgment and mockery hidden in her gaze. I wasn't taken in by her surface politeness; I was only more puzzled by her.

Her words were full of courtesy, but she was already stepping away. Her body language was telling me that, for her, this conversation was nearly over. I had already heard the soft tap of her high heels against the smooth floor as she moved.

Before I could speak, she drew her fur coat around herself, glanced at the drinks on my tray, and reminded me with a smile, "The drinks at the party are free, so please help yourself."

After that, she turned to Lucian and said gently, "I've met

the friend you told me about, too. Make sure you learn from him and earn your honors degree soon. Oh, and have the waiters tidy up the tables around here. Some guests are particular about these things and can't abide petty, unpresentable behavior. It would be terrible if they thought all our guests were lacking in class."

Lucian looked a little confused. "You haven't even talked yet."

"Young people have their own world. I won't intrude." Like a textbook example of a tolerant, open-minded mother, Mrs. Attwood spoke in a patient, gentle tone throughout.

I hadn't had a chance to speak the whole time, but I hadn't yet gathered my thoughts either, because I was full of questions.

Just then, a clear voice rang out beside us. "Mrs. Attwood, I hope I'm not interrupting your conversation."

I turned toward the voice. It was Mr. Albert, who had played chess with me last time. Like Lucian's, his hair had been meticulously styled with mousse or wax. Having his forehead exposed suited him, making him look dignified and handsome.

Mrs. Attwood immediately turned a bright, gentle smile toward Mr. Albert. "Not at all, Earl Moriarty."

Mrs. Attwood seemed very accustomed to taking charge of a conversation. "I hear that after retiring from the army, Earl Moriarty has gone into the trading business?"

"Yes." Albert smiled faintly, warm and charming as sunlight spilling onto the earth through clouds. "I've only just returned to London, and it's an honor to be here for Noah's maiden voyage." He didn't forget to add a touch of candor and sincerity to his gaze.

Whether it was Albert's flattery, his handsome appearance winning Mrs. Attwood's favor, or both, the noblewoman who had once remained reserved was now positively radiant, laughter dancing at the corners of her eyes and blooming like a brilliant flower.

Unexpectedly, Albert suddenly changed the subject and mentioned me.

That casual change of subject stirred something in me.

"By the way, this Mr. Lanny is my younger brother William's favorite student. I hope you'll take good care of him, Mrs. Attwood."

As soon as he finished speaking, a flicker of surprise appeared on Mrs. Attwood's face. She gazed at me deeply, as if searching my eyes for something. At the same time, her eyes flickered, and she seemed to be thinking something over.

"Is that so?" Mrs. Attwood said. Her voice carried a subtle emotion, or perhaps calculation and deliberation.

I glanced at Mr. Albert beside me. He really didn't need to speak up for me at all.

I spoke firmly. "Mrs. Attwood, I have a question for you."

As I said it, my voice was calm, and so was my heart.

Under Albert's gaze, Mrs. Attwood turned her head slightly toward me and gave me an even gentler, kinder smile. "What is it?"

"Are you racist?"

The moment the words left my mouth, Mrs. Attwood's face went pale.

In European and American society, which championed equality and diversity as values, racial discrimination was openly despised and strongly opposed. Most people who displayed racist attitudes would face social condemnation and criticism and contempt from friends and family, and in serious

cases could even be held legally liable.

I could sense that the question was like an untouchable taboo to her, and her reaction was quite obvious.

"How could I possibly be racist?!" Her voice held a sharpness that betrayed a loss of composure, as though she were defending her innocence.

But I didn't stop. I continued explaining the details I had noticed in support of my question.

"Ever since I met you just now, I've noticed quite a few subtle changes in your expression."

"Your brows have furrowed from time to time, suggesting dissatisfaction. As you spoke, your eyes occasionally flicked to the side with a hint of contempt. There were also occasional sneers, slight movements of your nose, and a tightening of your lips, all showing shifts in your emotions."

"Furthermore, you haven't properly addressed me once, nor have you shown any desire to talk to me. Your comments about me, such as being 'afraid I wouldn't understand English' and calling me 'a child who's good at exams,' were full of Western stereotypes about the East. Besides that, before leaving, you asked Lucian to tidy the tables so that certain unpresentable people wouldn't affect the impression others had. And when you said it, you seemed to be hinting at my table."

Looking into her eyes and watching her pupils contract, I said word by word, "I actually felt very uncomfortable and awful, but I thought I was reading too much into it. Now that I've seen your attitude toward me become kinder after Mr. Albert stepped in, I understand: 'Yes, the problem lies with you.'"

"I really never thought that, in the twenty-first century, there would still be people who were racist. I hope this is a misunderstanding."

After hearing everything I said, Lucian looked at his mother in surprise.

Mrs. Attwood looked back and forth at Albert's and Lucian's changing expressions and explained to me, "You've misunderstood. How could I possibly be racist? If anything I did made you uncomfortable, I can apologize. I may just be too tired. I'm sorry."

"You're Lucian's mother, so naturally I wouldn't blame you," I said. "But I'm sorry, I really did feel very uncomfortable. I wondered if perhaps you were unhappy because I took an extra drink for the friends at my table. Or was it because you thought I wasn't dressed formally?"

I looked toward the passengers picking up food nearby. Quite a few were also wearing casual clothes, and their expressions immediately soured.

"I understand that you're too tired. So I forgive you, but I hope that when you see me, you can smile the way you do at Mr. Albert. Is that too much to ask?"

Mrs. Attwood's expression tightened. Doing her best not to look at the scrutinizing gazes around her, she said to me gently, "Of course not."

Following her tone, I said, "Then please smile for me now."

"..."

Under everyone's intense gazes, Mrs. Attwood forced out a strained but polite smile.

I nodded and said evenly, "If there's nothing else, you may leave first. It was a pleasure meeting you here."

I knew she wanted to glare at me, but I kept looking at her.

A moment later, Lucian helped the tired Mrs. Attwood away. Mr. Albert smiled at me. "I thought you would put up with it."

"Huh?" I couldn't help feeling puzzled.

"I mean, staying quiet even when someone bullies you, that sort of thing."

"I was only giving an honest account of how I felt. Wasn't I allowed to say it?"

I actually thought it was normal for people to treat others differently depending on who they were. But I didn't think I needed to find a chance to speak with her again in private and use the real me to break down her stereotypes.

I hardly knew her, and I didn't want to waste the time.

When she didn't consider my feelings, I didn't think I needed to consider hers either.

After hearing me out, Albert laughed. "Even so, most people would think what you did was a counterattack, wouldn't they? Even I was startled when you brought up racial discrimination. That was practically a finishing blow. I'm sure that from now on, Mrs. Attwood will either be extremely courteous whenever she sees you and fuss over your well-being, or avoid you like the plague."

I saw it differently. I still thought I had only said how I felt.

Besides—

I had noticed something in what he said earlier.

"Mr. Albert, you don't seem as gentle as I imagined."

Albert froze, then his smile deepened. "Perhaps."

He gazed at the deep blue ocean in the distance, seeming to be pondering something profound. When he looked back, our eyes met, and his smile held a note of interest. "By the way, I'm curious about something."

"What?"

"Mr. Lanny, has anyone ever bullied you into crying?"

The moment he said that, I quietly kept my distance from him first.