Burning Passion

CHAPTER 202: MAPLE LEAF

* * * 

England, sometime in the year 1980s

Three months later… 

Nina seated on a bench reading a book she borrowed from the library. She lifted her head when a maple leaf landed on her lap. 

It was Autumn in England. Soon it will snow all over the place.

Yes. The enrollment went smoothly through the help of her parents taking care of her assessments. They completed and paid everything her tuition fee the entire year. 

So far, she started used to her life in England. She meets new friends, but she is keeping a distance from them. She is still missing her friends back in China, especially Korin. 

And speaking of Korin, she received a letter from her yesterday. According to Korin, Lilian is getting married. Hearing such news, somehow, a weight lifted from her chest. Finally, Lilian can now stop bothering her about those men who were asking for her hand for marriage. In which Lilian hated her because one of them is her boyfriend, although she is dating another. 

She couldn't understand why Lilian had a grudge toward her. She doesn't care about other men. All she dreamed of marrying was Harry. And it doesn't matter to her with this status thing. It's a huge advantage that Shang is one of the prominent families in high society. Their marriage can be possible to arrange. 

However, she was aware of Steven's feelings toward her. And speaking of him, today she received a letter from Steven.

She loves to hear from him, but whom she looks forward to receives a response is from Harry. But it's been three months since she sent a mail, for Harry him.

It was only Steven who sent a response. And the letter she received today is the response to her reply recently. Yet, still nothing from Harry.

Nina heaves a long sigh before she resumes reading the book in her hand. Her class for today has ended, and she is waiting for Jessica to finish her class every afternoon to go home together. 

Her family sponsored Jessica to take up Foreign Language courses. While Jessica is in her class, Nina spent her hours reading. 

"Miss Nina, my class is over for today." 

"Okay." Nina sat up from the bench, Jessica attentively took her textbooks. 

Since the University is fifteen minutes away from their apartment, Nina and Jessica ride it with a bicycle. 

"Miss, do you want to eat your supper now?" Jessica asked her Miss the moment they arrived home.

"Later. I have a few lessons I need to study," Nina replied lazily.

"Okay, miss Nina. I will make tea, then?" 

Nina nodded at Jessica before she climbed the wooden staircase. She placed her bag on her study table and pulled the chair to sit on it. 

Instantly, Mrs. Smith would follow Nina to light her fireplace to keep the room warm. 

"Thank you, Mrs. Smith." 

The woman bowed before leaving the room. Now that the room is warm enough. She took off her scarf and trench coat. Underneath is a knitted white sweater she wore. Her mother already filled her closet with winter clothes, thus she has no struggle to shop. Jessica was also here to help choose her clothes for the day. It seemed her mother keenly chose who will be her attendant, and trained well to know for the things she likes. 

Although she prepared to stand on her own, her loneliness made her lazy to dress up and put on makeup. It was Jessica who would suggest, and so far, she likes everything Jessica would choose for her. From clothing to her shoes.

Nina has been contemplating for a while, she finally opens the letter, and it surprises her to find out it has two separate envelopes. 

It addresses one from Steven, and the other is from Harry. 

It was from Harry! 

Nina screamed inside her head. Harry wrote a response! 

Suddenly, Nina runs outside her bedroom and yells from upstairs. 

"Jessica!" 

Startled from the loud yell, Jessica rushed to the staircase with a huge panic on her face. 

"What is it, Miss?" 

"Bring my supper to my bedroom!" 

"Oh, alright, Miss." Jessica bowed and rushed back to the kitchen. She should take this opportunity that her miss is in the mood for a full meal. 

In these passing months, her miss hadn't much appetite.

The only time she noticed her being cheerful is when she received a letter. And today, the letter must be the reason her miss was happy. 

Jessica had a task to report to Annie if Nina, eating properly. She cannot lie as the maid and the servant witnesses how their Miss is only eating a little. 

Most of the time, she only locks herself inside her bedroom reading books after she finished studying her lessons. And during weekends, they will have quick biking around Cambridge city. 

Gladly, every Sunday, Annie is taking them to church and having lunch in a different restaurant, and they will stroll the street before Annie sends them back to their apartment. It was her chance to wander around England and become familiar with the place. She wanted to be useful for her miss. 

She has no complaints because Nina Li is a sweet and polite lady. However, she is worried about her quietness. 

Jessica made careful steps in the staircase. In her hand is a tray full of food. She freed one to knock before she entered the room. 

"Miss Nina, your supper. I will follow your tea later." 

"Okay. Thank you, Jessica. Have supper with Mr. and Mrs. Smith," Nina told Jessica. Her attendant nodded, she thanked her. 

Jessica carefully closed the door. She is praying her miss would stay cheerful every day. Now, to think about the letter. It made her curious if Young Master Steven is Miss's boyfriend. 

'Should I report it to Madame Li?' Jessica asked herself. She decides not to and let her miss being this happy. 

Meanwhile, left alone. Nina peered at the two envelopes. One inspired by a red peony blossom. It was from Steven, while Harry is a white chrysanthemum. 

Harry knows her favorite flower! 

Chrysanthemum is her mother's favorite. This flower fills their mansion with various of its colors, and the pink one is her favorite most. 

Tears dripping from her eyes, Nina dried them and picked up Harry's envelope to read it first. 

Harry's letter is brief. But it doesn't matter to her. At least, that Harry spared a time to write a letter for her. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dear Nina, 

How are you? Have you been enjoying England? 

I was completing my advanced lesson the reason I haven't replied right away. I have an Academic Club I must attend all the time. And an exam to take up soon. I need to review my lessons. So then, I couldn't write a response quickly. 

It will be winter soon. Keep yourself warm all the time. 

Harry Shang

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nina read the letter over again until she already memorized every word on it. She knew Harry's letter is too formal than a letter from someone who has known her all his life. 

But it was okay. What matters most, Harry spared time for her. According to his letter, he has a lot of school stuff to do. Harry is taking his degree too seriously. She must too! 

Nina is well aware of how smart Harry is. Mely often mentioned that Harry always excels in his class and who was the smartest among her sons. By then, it inspires Nina to study harder all these years. She wants to achieve something that Harry would be proud of. 

Finely, Nina put back the letter into the envelope. She even kissed it before she placed it inside a beautiful box. 

Next, she read Steven's letter. And she was laughing hard. It gladdens her that Steven is talking a lot. He mentions what crazy things they did, and Steven also talks about Harry. In this way, she got to know more things about him. 

That night, Nina replied to both Harry and Steven. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dear Harry, 

Thank you for sparing a time to write me a response.

I'm doing well here in England. I'm grateful that Aunt Annie is helping me a lot. Things have become easy for me! Besides, Mama assigned an attendant to accompany me. However, I'm still feeling a little alone.

I missed Korin.

And you are right. Winter would start soon. I think it will be in America, isn't it? Does New Jersey have snow? I heard England always has a severe winter. Classes would be on break. 

Anyway, this letter would surely arrive after your exams. How did it go?

I'm certain you will perfect them! I have huge faith in you!

Good luck! 

P.S.

This maple leaf landed on my lap before I opened the letter. I'm giving it to you, as good luck!

Nina Li

* * * 

Leeroy Collins University, New Jersey 

Harry was reading Nina's letter, seated in a corner inside the library. Holding the stationery paper with his right hand, he clenches his left fist.

Nina's last sentences stabbed his heart. She had high hopes for him. However…

"Harry! The dean is looking for you!" 

Steven approached him. He quickly hid the letter inside his bag and asked his brother.

"Why? Did he mention anything?"

"No. But Dean Collins seemed not happy." 

"He is?" 

"Yes. What happened? Did you do something?" 

"I don't know. I better see him now." Harry sat up in his chair and left Steven, who followed him. 

"Do you want me to accompany you?" 

"No. I'm fine." 

"Okay." Steven halted, he watched Harry leaving the library. He is quieter lately than usual. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dean's Office 

"Mr. Collins?" Harry knocked on the door before he pushed it open. "You were looking for me?" 

"Yes, Mr. Shang." Dean Collins gaped profoundly at Harry. "What is happening to you, Harry?" 

"What do you mean, Dean Collins?" 

"You almost failed your Algebra? Or did you switch names with your twin brother the reason he got high scores over you?"