“And Jaylene mentioned,” he added with innocent eyes, “that you’re academically gifted, aiming for Ivy League universities. She even said you’re shooting for National Exam Top Scorer. I’m afraid I’m not qualified to teach you. Maybe this isn’t a good idea?”
His words drew curious glances from nearby people, all scanning the crowd for the proclaimed exam champion.
Alarieka: ..
She smiled at Nie Guanyu. “Keep your voice down.”
The last thing she needed was to get roasted on campus confession walls before even starting college.
Nie Guanyu’s lips twitched as he glanced at Jaylene, seemingly seeking backup. “Wouldn’t professional tutoring be better? They’re more capable. If you need recommendations, I know a few–”
Jaylene frowned, nearly slamming the table again. “Why so insecure? If Alarieka wants your help, just teach her properly. Stop this discouraging talk.”
Nie Guanyu hung his head dejectedly.
Knowing his introverted nature and deep-seated insecurity, Alarieka decided to gently steer him toward confidence. “You moved to the capital for work, right?”
He nodded. “Started three days ago.”
“Which tech giant was it again?”
He named a nationally renowned company, then quickly added, “But I’m just a contract worker, not full-time staff.”
Alaricka recalled this firm typically hired only elite graduates, rarely considering non-top-school candidates–even for contract roles. She remarked lightly, “With a second-tier degree and average grades, how did you clear their screening? They didn’t reject you over academics?”
Nie Guanyu pressed his lips together. “Dunno. Luck?”
“Major corporations have layered HR filters,” she countered. “Interviews can stretch over a dozen rounds. Luck alone won’t cut it. They prioritize competence over credentials.”
Nie Guanyu looked perplexed. “Maybe… because I showed them code I’d written before?”
“Exactly,” Alarieka nodded. “Your skills surpass your degree. That’s why they hired you.”
A faint smile touched his lips. “Really?”
Precisely, she thought. His programming talent left others in the dust—miles ahead of elite graduates. That HR team had keenly spotted brilliance beneath his ordinary resume.
“Have some faith in yourself,” she urged aloud.
“Now… willing to teach me?”
Nie Guan Yu was somewhat persuaded, his eyes lighting up hesitantly: “But I might be busy with work usually, not sure when I’d have time to teach you. Plus, I’ve never taught anyone before—might not do it well.”
Jaylene waved dismissively: “It’s the weekend today, you’re off work. Why not start right now?”
Nie Guan Yu nodded in agreement, then produced a book and a rather old laptop from his side: “Alright, I’ll teach you now.”
Alaricka nodded: “Fine, I’ll pay you the market rate for tutoring. Won’t shortchange you.”
Nie Guan Yu pressed his lips together, murmuring assent.
After parting ways, Alarieka headed home.
She rented a place near Beijing’s Fourth Ring Road, sharing it with Tamika and Jaylene—a modest-sized house in an urban village, already showing its age. Peeling paint covered the walls, and neighboring houses stood barely two meters away. Mostly populated by migrant workers, the area stayed quiet with minimal foot traffic. Though cramped, it remained peaceful save for occasional children’s cries or neighborly disputes.
The three-bedroom apartment spanned under 100 square meters, simply furnished but fully equipped. Rent here cost about the same as her previous city, which Alarieka found manageable.
Jaylene rarely stayed though, busy caring for her grandmother at the hospital.
Alarieka covered the rent despite Jaylene’s insistence to contribute. “Consider it a loan I’ll repay later,” Jaylene had said—a compromise to prevent her from moving out immediately.
Returning home, Alarieka found Tamika still out.
Without overthinking, she slung her backpack over her shoulder and retreated to her room. Nie Guan Yu’s lesson hadn’t been too challenging, after a quick review, she pulled out high school practice workbooks.