Future Plans

After Congressman Underwood finished answering the reporters' questions, he left the gymnasium with the principal and their entourage to inspect the school. As the remaining people gradually dispersed, Song Ya took this opportunity to ask Dr. Michelle for advice regarding his studies and college choices.

"Beyond maintaining your grades, you must participate in more social activities. Compared to the average person, you already have a significant advantage, provided you don't project the stereotype of a street kid to the outside world."

"...Actually, it doesn't matter. Negative behavior during adolescence is easily forgiven. The public loves Superman, but they also love stories of ordinary people with bad habits finding redemption; these aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, the latter implies he has the extraordinary willpower to overcome himself, which still makes him a Superman. But that's a matter for the future; it won't help your application to elite schools."

"Don't be in a rush to graduate early. Use that time to build up your resume."

"Be cautious with political activities. You can participate more in areas like equal rights or public welfare. Our organization can provide you with some help in this regard, though of course, you have to earn it yourself first..."

"We recently have an essay contest for teenagers about writing a letter to Mandela. You can try your hand at it. Don't be afraid of saying the wrong thing; send it directly to me, and I'll vet it for you first. If your perspective is outstanding, you might be selected to participate in our youth program in South Africa... Again, these activities will make your resume look very impressive. Whether it's equal rights organizations or the Donkey Party, they are all very willing to give opportunities to African-American teenagers like you."

Chatting as they walked, Song Ya didn't say goodbye until he had escorted Michelle to the parking lot. He could tell that he had made a very good first impression on her, and she had patiently provided some sound advice.

Sitting in Hayden's Dodge Dynasty, "Your speech today was perfect!" Hayden exclaimed, "I couldn't have done that when I was your age."

"We're so proud of you, kid." Aunt Susie wrapped her arms around Song Ya.

"This kid is going to be a big shot," Hayden chimed in.

"Thanks, I was just reading from the script, and I didn't even write a lot of it myself." Song Ya was modest. Many people around him thought he would become a big shot, and Old Joe had said something similar earlier, but there was nothing to be smug about. If a transmigrator couldn't become a big shot, that would be a total failure.

Hayden started the car and suddenly laughed, "Did someone teach you that line you said to Underwood earlier? That 'I'll donate to you' line? Haha, I noticed Underwood was stunned for a second before he burst out laughing. It was clear he really appreciated it. You know, most people would say 'I'll vote for you,' not 'I'll donate to you'..."

"No one taught me..."

Song Ya took a pen and a checkbook out of his pocket, "I'm just that kind of straightforward person. If I genuinely support someone, I pay up. No problem. Uh... how much should I fill in?"

"The individual limit is two hundred dollars, so anything over one hundred is appropriate," Hayden replied.

Song Ya wrote down the number 150, signed his name, tore off the check, and handed it to Hayden.

"I'll deliver this to Underwood's campaign office tomorrow." Ever since he and Daniel had finalized the 10,000 plus 150,000 deal, Hayden's opinion of Song Ya had improved significantly. To better serve Song Ya, he had already offloaded some of his insignificant artists and would occasionally butter Song Ya up.

Song Ya was generally satisfied with Hayden, though the 10% commission was a bit too much. The next contract can't give him another 10%... Song Ya thought to himself, looking at the back of Hayden's head as he drove.

"Have you been preparing any new songs lately?" Hayden asked.

"No..." Without the apocalypse cheat, Song Ya didn't have a damn new song. He was feeling a bit uneasy now; what if the apocalypse cheat was a one-time thing? That would be troublesome. Should he go around "gathering inspiration"? If Connie hadn't taken him to the Thrift Shop last time, he wouldn't have gotten that song.

"I've earned enough credits for this semester, so I'm planning to stop coming to school after a while." Song Ya asked again, "Is there any progress on the transfer?"

"Uh..." Hayden hesitated, "Most schools with a large... African-American population don't meet your requirements, and you don't want a school that's too 'white.' As for private schools... your budget isn't enough for the good ones."

"I understand." Song Ya knew he had too many demands, "Keep looking. Just get it done before the next semester starts."

"You're transferring?" Aunt Susie asked in surprise.

"It's not just me transferring," Song Ya replied, "We're all moving out together, moving out of the South Side."

"Why?" Aunt Susie looked reluctant.

"This school is too terrible. Tony dropped out, Connie's grades aren't good, and I'm going to be more and more... uh, more and more wealthy. I'm afraid something will happen if we stay at this school. You want Emily to go to a good middle school later, right, Aunt Susie?" Song Ya looked out the car window at a crowd of people gathered around a burning oil drum, idling away their time drinking and warming themselves. He could handle the school punks for now, but the drug-addicted thugs would notice him sooner or later, and they would do anything for a little bit of drug money. "Besides, Old Joe just told me that a war is going to break out in the South Side soon, and it's going to get more and more dangerous here."

"A war?" Hayden didn't understand, "Here?"

"A gang war, probably over territory." Song Ya was a bit relieved that he had earned enough money to leave in time. "Hayden, help me get a pager. Let's try to communicate by phone from now on, and you should stop coming to the South Side as much. Your car is too new."

"OK, I understand. Indeed, I feel a bit nervous every time I drive near your house." Hayden was happy to comply.

"Such a big move..." Aunt Susie hesitated, "Where are we moving to? And what about the welfare office..."

"Forget about the welfare. I'll be able to support you all from now on." Song Ya had already calculated the future. "First, we'll find a suitable middle school, then we'll rent a house nearby, and then we'll help Connie find a community college. I can't do anything about a better university; there isn't enough money."

"You really are a good kid." Aunt Susie was moved to tears and hugged Song Ya, crying her eyes out. "I knew you were different from other NGer. Tony, he's been hanging out with Little Lowry for so long and hasn't brought a single cent home."

"Ya Li is a good kid," Hayden chimed in, "Not many people can do this for their family. Even among us white folks, many people leave home for the big city at eighteen and never go back, just sending their parents to nursing homes when they get old..."

"Maybe it's because I'm half Chinese..." Song Ya patted Aunt Susie's back. She was too heavy; if he hugged her any longer, he'd be crushed to death.

"Then what about Allie?" Aunt Susie let go of him, sat up straight, and wiped the tears from her face.

"Allie? How do you know we..." Song Ya was startled.

"Hmph, Allie wishes the whole world knew she's your girlfriend. How could I not hear about it?" Aunt Susie looked smug.

Song Ya sighed, "What else can I do? Break up, I guess. We won't be in the same school anymore, after all."

"You little rascal!"

Aunt Susie tapped Song Ya's arm lightly, "I thought you were going to be a good man through and through."

"We're just boyfriend and girlfriend, not married. Isn't it normal to break up?"

Song Ya shrugged, I can only blame my other half of African-American blood for that, he thought to himself.