Chapter 70: Cast Adrift on the Streets?

Self-esteem is something quite independent of wealth or poverty. People often say that the rich care about appearances, but in truth, the poor value their dignity even more; yet life forces them to set it aside in order to survive.

With money in his pocket—he wasn’t sure exactly how much, but it was certainly more than five thousand dollars—Sumi had just been slapped in the face by a wealthy youth. The money offered some small consolation; after all, his mother would have to work three months to earn that much. He couldn't bear to discard this unpleasant windfall.

Upon reflection, he knew the money itself was innocent, so Sumi accepted it but bore a grudge against the youth named Wang. His resentment extended to the whole Wang family; generally, a child turns out this way only if the parents themselves are flawed. Once, learning that a Chinese had become a super-rich tycoon made him feel proud, but now he no longer thought that way.

Of course, this petty grievance had no effect on the Wang family for now. Sumi had neither the means nor the influence; compared to them, he was an ant before an elephant.

He didn’t even have the confidence to strike back, convinced he’d have to swallow this humiliation in silence...

******************

After completing his enrollment, Sumi was surprised to learn from his teacher that Menlo Park Private School had no student dormitories!

More precisely, it was not a boarding school at all. With just over four hundred students, nearly all from Menlo Park and surrounding areas, it ranked among the top three private schools in Silicon Valley. Ninety-five percent of students lived nearby; the rest had to find their own accommodation.

Earlier, at the school gate, Sumi had met Daniel Brown, a student of Menlo Park—the same white boy who had picked up his money and comforted him. Whatever deep animosity Daniel had toward Louis Wang, he had grumbled at length to Sumi. Upon learning Sumi was a transfer student about to start high school, Daniel warmly led him to register. The process was quick, with students spread out over two days, with no need to queue.

“Your school isn’t a boarding school?”

Hearing Sumi’s question, Daniel Brown, still waiting at the entrance, was momentarily taken aback. “No, it never was. Don’t you live nearby?”

“Um...” Sumi felt a headache coming on; his plans had been thoroughly upended—he hadn’t expected there to be no dormitory. He had intended to leave his suitcase in a dorm room and then explore the city. With a helpless tone, he said, “I think I made a mistake. I always assumed Menlo Park was a boarding school. My family lives in Los Angeles—I can hardly sleep in the classroom every night.”

“Los Angeles is a great place. My uncle lives there—I visit every Christmas.” Daniel, realizing now wasn’t the time for small talk, asked, “So what will you do? What did the teacher say?”

“He told my family to figure something out. It seems I’ll have to rent a place soon, or else I’ll have nowhere to live.”

The teacher had been friendly during registration, but could do nothing about accommodation—the school simply didn’t have any dormitory buildings.

Sumi began to worry about the cost of rent nearby. Judging by the property prices, rents would surely be high. His parents didn’t know about this yet; tonight he could make do at a hotel, but he certainly couldn’t afford to stay at one long-term, not with the money he had on hand.

Their relationship wasn’t close enough for Daniel to invite Sumi to stay at his house, even temporarily. Most Americans consider their homes private spaces; even good friends don’t drop by unannounced, much less sleep over. Daniel, frowning, offered, “How about I help you look for a place?”

“I know the area pretty well. I’m just not sure who rents out rooms. There are a few villas with ‘For Rent’ signs out front—really nice, with swimming pools. But I don’t think you need such a big place. It’s best to find someone renting just one room, assuming you’re okay living with strangers.”

Daniel spoke several sentences in quick succession.

They had only just met and both were careful with their words.

Sumi could tell Daniel’s family was well-off—he thought only of comfort, never mentioning money. From the attire of other students, it was clear that families sending their children to this school lacked nothing financially.

He shook his head and smiled, “Thank you for your kindness. No need to trouble you—I’ll look myself. I should be able to find a suitable place in a few days.”

“It’s no trouble! Carrying your suitcase around is inconvenient. You can leave it in my locker by the classroom entrance—it should fit. If not, leave it with the security guard; I know him well, he used to drive for my father.”

Daniel smiled. He was slight and thin, the same age as Sumi, but nearly a head shorter. He wore glasses, his appearance utterly ordinary, a world away from handsome—he looked every bit the bookworm, the kind of student unpopular at school, prone to bullying, struggling to make friends, and with little luck among girls.

Sumi guessed Daniel’s help was partly an attempt to befriend him. Finding Daniel a decent person, Sumi hesitated, then nodded, “Thank you again. Let's look for a place together. Ideally, I’d like to find one today, but if not, I’ll stay at a hotel. There are hotels nearby, right?”

“Yes, there’s a five-star hotel nearby. My dad’s a member—you can get a discount.” Daniel’s innocent comment stung Sumi. He could never afford a five-star hotel; even a four-star would be painful, discount or not.

“...Thanks. Something basic is fine. I don’t have much money.”

Sumi admitted openly—poverty was nothing to be ashamed of; hiding it would be. American society wasn’t overly snobbish. Respect was won by character, not wealth. Materialism was widespread, but at least there were some boundaries.

After stowing his suitcase, the two left Menlo Park Private School to look for housing. They went first to a local real estate agency Daniel remembered. There were plenty of properties—one villa, one thousand six hundred square feet, rented for thirty thousand dollars a year, and some even higher. Sumi nearly choked; renting such a villa would nullify the benefit of waived tuition—he’d spend even more.

Some people rented out garages for storage, which was cheap—just two hundred seventy dollars a month—but nothing was provided, and it was strictly forbidden to live there.

The agent could offer no help. There were plenty of shared rentals elsewhere, but Menlo Park was a wealthy area—few were willing to share, and even if they did, Sumi couldn’t afford the rent.

Afterwards, Daniel scratched his head in the doorway, then suddenly spotted a student in Stanford University attire and excitedly said to Sumi, “I have a cousin who rents off-campus. He might have a spare room—I’ll ask him!”

“Near Stanford? That works—I can buy a bicycle...”