The Love That Remains

I am surprised to hear Fang Qi say that. Does it mean that he thinks of me as a Fang for true?

I scrutinize his face. His eyes are dark and hostile. There is that unchanging scowl on his face whenever he sees me. I am really an eyesore for him. My existence is a dark blot on his pristine reputation. I am his bastard daughter with an unknown woman. I don't know who my mother is or what type of relationship she had with my father. But I can guess that he never wanted me.

He doesn't think or care about me. He is probably saying that because his prestige is hurt.

If he truly thought of me as his daughter, he would have cared about the fact that I am trying to buy a gigolo. Shouldn't he? He just wants to show off that he has money and the Fang family isn't treating me bad.

"Fang Aisa!" Wu Xiang barges into the office with a bunch of papers. "I have called the professors at the university. The solution is correct."

Of course, it is correct. I sigh. It's not that I am a genius. I stole it from the future.

In my previous life, Wu Xiang died of heart attack at the age of forty-three after finding the solution of a mathematical problem. The solution was significant because it was used to find a solution for another centuries-old mathematical problem by another mathematician.

Wu Xiang was one of those people who was recognised for their work after their deaths. In his life, he was treated worse than beggars. He was obsessed to solve that mathematical problem. He didn't care about his career or his life.

He was kicked out from his job when he was in London because he offended a significant figure during a discussion on the mathematical problem. He didn't get another job. Then, he came back to his homeland, hoping to find a job and a place to continue his research.

Things didn't work out here either. After a few months, he was kicked out of the university. Then, he took a job of a substitute teacher at H High School.

When I met him in my previous life, I didn't have any impression of him. I only attended his class once. After that, I didn't attend his classes and hid on the rooftop. He never bothered me to attend either.

When his case became popular, I got to know about him. Wu Xiang wrote the phrase on the solution, "They hate to repeat themselves" before he died. He was still holding a pen in his hand with a content smile on his face.

When I read his biography, I realised that Wu Xiang loved mathematics deeply. He was similar to me. Even if I gave up on Sung Jun, I still wanted to see him again. Even my death couldn't free me from my obsession.

"I have told them about you." Wu Xiang beams at me. "We are going to test the solution with different conditions. We think that this solution can help us with another mathematical problem. They want you to come with me."

I shake my head. I only told him the hint because I knew that he could solve it by himself after getting an idea. I didn't want him to suffer like the way he did in his last life. That doesn't mean that I don't want benefits. I am not a saint.

Benefits. Like Money or Favours. Not this hassle. Mathematics and me? Never!

"Who are you?" Fang Qi walks to Wu Xiang. "What are you talking about?"

"Mr. Fang, he is the new substitute teacher for mathematics." The headmaster answers Fang Qi awkwardly.

"Did I ask you?" Fang Qi glowers in his direction. The headmaster sinks down on his chair, trying to not stand out.

"Mr. Fang, I am her new substitute teacher for mathematics," Wu Xiang replies thoughtfully. "I think that your daughter is a mathematical genius."

Fang Qi looks at him strangely. I roll my eyes. Why is it so unbelievable to believe that I can be a genius? I am a genius in a way. I have been reborn and I know the future. That makes me an extraordinary existence. Aren't geniuses are just people good at making the right decisions at the right time? Just having a high IQ doesn't make anyone a genius. Just look at Wu Xiang. He is a genius in mathematics, but dumb at other things.

"Where do you want to take her?" Surprisingly, it's not Fang Qi. It's Sung Jun. Though his face is expressionless, there is not a trace of warmth on his face.

My life is difficult.

"Teacher Wu, I am not interested in mathematics." I interfere before Wu Xiang could reply.

Wu Xiang doesn't pay any attention to Sung Jun or Fang Qi. He ignores their deathly glares like it got nothing to do with him. He looks at me with desperate eyes and tightly grabs my hands. I frown. Teacher Wu requires teaching in some areas.

"Fang Aisa, you have to come. Your talent will be wasted here."

Sung Jun flicks Wu Xiang hands. He takes my hands and massages them intimately. I have no idea how to deal with this boy anymore. Does he think that I am his property? Why is he open about it like this? Even Ms. Sung is looking at me strangely.

"Teacher Wu, do you think that you could solve it if I didn't give you any hint?" I ignore Sung Jun's actions.

"I don't know..." Teacher Wu's eyes are full of doubts.

"Teacher Wu, you are passionate and hardworking. Someone like you would have found the solution despite my help." I smile at him. "Your heart is clear and set on your goal. I am not your hope. Your hope is your heart that can't give up on your dream."

He stares at me blankly. Then, tears fall out of his eyes silently. The man covers his eyes with his arm.

"Someone like me is not as strong as you are. I can't keep on chasing like you. I want an ordinary life."

"Are you sure?" He blinks at me.

"I am." I grin at him. "Go, Teacher Wu. They will realize your worth this time."

Teacher Wu nods quietly. I like this about him. He never tries to force his opinions or desires on other people.

"Please don't mention my name anywhere," I tell him. "I don't want to attract attention."

"I will do as you wish." Teacher Wu bows in front of me. "Fang Aisa, if you want anything, please find me. I will give you anything you want, even if it is my life. If you change your mind in the future, please find me."

"I hope you remember your words, Teacher Wu." I feel satisfied with this outcome. Teacher Wu is a man with an honest heart. He will never cheat me on this promise. He might become useful in the future.

"Will you tell me what this is about?" An 'irritated' Fang Qi asks me.

I shrug and turn away from him.

"Headmaster, please tell me the punishment when you decide. I am leaving."

I leave before anyone can say anything.