I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times

Chapter 24: Jealousy

Xu Instructor spoke casually but immediately knew it was impossible.

Zheng Fa's background was straightforward and clean. Moreover, the tonics Gao Yuan consumed daily were already expensive. With Gao Yuan's family struggling to support just him, how could they afford to support Zheng Fa too? Gao Yuan was the son of the family—who was Zheng Fa to them?

Even if Gao Yuan’s father wasn’t against it, and even if Xu Instructor eventually accepted Zheng Fa as a disciple, Xu would be unwilling to spend such an exorbitant amount to train him.

Zheng Fa had been practicing the Pine Crane Stance for quite some time but didn’t hear Xu Instructor comment on his performance. Confused, he opened his eyes and saw Xu looking at him with a complicated expression—a mix of the surprise and confusion of smashing open a piggy bank only to discover a fortune that didn’t belong to him.

After a long silence, Xu Instructor finally said, “It seems you not only have excellent innate talent but also superior comprehension.”

Zheng Fa remained expressionless at the compliment. He knew exactly why his progress was so rapid.

While his comprehension might be decent—he didn’t find the Pine Crane Stance particularly difficult—it wasn’t nearly as exceptional as Xu Instructor imagined. What gave him the edge over Gao Yuan was the seven days of intensive practice in the modern world and the ample nutrition available there.

Seeing Zheng Fa’s calm demeanor, Xu Instructor nodded slightly, thinking more highly of the boy’s temperament. The calmer he was, the more precious Xu considered his potential, fearing even a trace of arrogance would tarnish it.

He couldn’t help but knock Zheng Fa down a peg, adding, “You should know that talent is never lacking in the Xuanyi Realm. Mastering the Pine Crane Stance in three days isn’t rare!”

With that, Xu Instructor glanced at his disciples standing behind him. They immediately chimed in.

“Exactly! It took me five days to master it. Not as quick as you, but the Pine Crane Stance is really simple!”

Xu Instructor silently recalled that this disciple, who had decent talent, actually took half a month to master it.

“Three days? I did it in three days too. No big deal.”

Another disciple, who also took half a month to master the stance, puffed out his chest with a nonchalant air.

“I—I…” Xu Instructor’s nephew hesitated, then extended a single finger. After some thought, he reluctantly added another, “Two days! I mastered it in two days!”

The others looked at him with thinly veiled contempt. Everyone knew it had taken him ten days.

“Ahem, see that?” Xu Instructor coughed lightly, not daring to meet his disciples’ gazes. He turned to Zheng Fa with a serious expression. “These are my most disappointing students.”

The young men behind him shot him a collective glare, their eyes screaming: You're the worst offender!

Zheng Fa found this a bit odd. Considering Xu’s assessment of his talent as exceptional, paired with the seven extra days of training in the modern world, how was it possible that he was still outclassed by these students?

Then again, he reasoned, this was the Xuanyi Realm—a place filled with people of immense talent. Perhaps what was considered top-notch back home was just average here. Besides, he never expected Xu Instructor to go to such lengths to “temper” him.

---

After evaluating their martial progress, Xu Instructor dismissed the two of them. As they took their leave, Zheng Fa noticed Gao Yuan’s sullen expression. Gao Yuan didn’t wait for him as they left, walking ahead while staring at the ground, kicking small stones without a glance in his direction.

Zheng Fa sighed inwardly.

Gao Yuan wasn’t a bad person, but he had always compared himself to Zheng Fa—consciously or not. Today’s test, with Zheng Fa’s mastery of the Pine Crane Stance, must have hit him hard. Zheng Fa could sense a faint trace of jealousy in the occasional side glances Gao Yuan threw at him.

---

Around lunchtime, Gao Yuan, as usual, went out. Zheng Fa stayed in his room, silently reciting lessons from the modern world.

By the time the sun moved past its zenith, beginning its descent, Gao Yuan still hadn’t returned with food as he normally would. Two hours later, a sweat-drenched Gao Yuan finally came back, empty-handed.

Zheng Fa glanced at Gao Yuan’s sunburnt face and sweat-drenched hair. It was clear he had been training harder than usual—and for much longer.

As for lunch… Zheng Fa didn’t ask, knowing Gao Yuan wouldn’t be bringing food for him anymore.

He got up and headed for the door. Gao Yuan watched him go, his expression complex. As they passed each other, Zheng Fa stopped.

“Thank you,” he said.

“Huh?” Gao Yuan looked confused.

“Thanks for bringing me food these past few days.”

Zheng Fa’s tone was sincere, and Gao Yuan’s discomfort only deepened.

“It wasn’t a big deal, and I won’t…”

“I meant even for what you’ve already done,” Zheng Fa added earnestly.

“…”

Zheng Fa smiled at him and walked out the door. He could feel Gao Yuan’s gaze on his back the whole way out.@@novelbin@@

---

Zheng Fa found his way to the Zhao Estate’s main kitchen, though it was quite late for lunch.

“So late?” The head cook asked impatiently.

Zheng Fa offered an apologetic smile. “Something came up.”

“Well, here. This is what’s left. It’s your fault for coming late.”

The food was cold, with wilted greens that looked tired and lifeless. There wasn’t even a scrap of meat.

Zheng Fa said nothing, took the food, and found a quiet spot on a veranda. Sitting on the railing, he ate slowly, gazing at the fiery clouds in the sky.

---

Over the following days, Gao Yuan indeed stopped bringing him food. The meals from the main kitchen were far inferior to what Gao Yuan had provided—not only less meat but also poorer quality and taste.

Zheng Fa understood immediately. Gao Yuan, as the steward’s son, had some sway in the kitchen, likely securing special meals for him. Now, as just a study attendant, Zheng Fa only received the standard fare.

---

One morning, Zheng Fa and Gao Yuan were once again standing “on watch” outside the Seventh Young Master’s study.

The Seventh Young Master, still engrossed in his book of supposed talismans, suddenly looked up with a sly smile as though he had thought of something amusing.

“You two, come in!”

The pair exchanged puzzled glances before stepping inside.

“So, you’ve had a falling out?” The Seventh Young Master smirked, looking ready to enjoy the drama. Gao Yuan pressed his lips together, saying nothing. Zheng Fa’s expression remained calm.

“Good. I’ve thought about it—sending both of you packing isn’t ideal. I still need one study attendant!” The Seventh Young Master raised a single finger, grinning maliciously. “Just one. If you two are so close, it would break my heart to separate you!”

Zheng Fa clearly heard Gao Yuan’s breathing quicken and saw him clench his fists. The Seventh Young Master’s smile only grew more wicked.