Chapter 15: Suddenly go airport

FAt that very moment, Luke suddenly remembered something.

An unsettling thought crossed his mind: had he been away from home for so long that he'd completely forgotten his university's start date?

In a state of panic, Luke raced home, his mind a whirlwind of worry. He thought about how he could possibly complete all the necessary preparations in such a short amount of time. Quickly, he turned on his computer and started searching for flight information, while simultaneously calling his university's International Student Services department to inquire about housing.

As Luke stepped out of his house, he realised it was already nightfall. With Pudong International Airport a considerable distance away, he knew he had to hurry. He rushed to the side of the road, frantically hailing a black taxi.

"To Pudong International Airport!" Luke banged on the taxi window.

The driver nodded and set off towards the airport. Although the traffic was congested and the road conditions were poor, Luke refused to feel disheartened. He kept his eyes fixed on the taxi's path, fearing that he would be late, all the while feeling an immense sense of urgency, as if time itself were bearing down on him.

Luke took out his phone, searching for flight information on the airport's website while doing his best to contact various housing agencies to find a suitable place to live. His mind felt like a constantly spinning cog, tirelessly working out how to solve his problems quickly.

Upon finally arriving at Pudong International Airport, Luke was exhausted, but still full of determination. He hurriedly exited the taxi, grabbed his suitcase, and made his way towards the entrance.

In a frenzy, Luke scoured the airport for a flight to Melbourne. At last, he spotted a flight number on the massive airport screen: MU563, a direct flight from Shanghai to Melbourne, departing precisely when he needed it to.

Eagerly, he dashed to the ticket counter, pulling a five-dollar coin from his pocket and loudly announcing that he wanted to book the most expensive first-class ticket. The ticket agent stared at Luke in surprise, then glanced at the coin in his hand. Although the price of a first-class ticket was roughly five dollar, the agent had never witnessed such a scene before, especially not with someone carrying a valuable yet easily lost coin so casually. Nevertheless, the agent maintained her composure, approaching Luke with a smile and assuring him that they would provide the best service and most comfortable seat possible. Luke sighed with relief, grateful for her assistance. He knew that this expense was an extravagance he had never experienced before, but he had no choice if he wanted to make it to the start of the term.

Luke gratefully accepted the ticket and boarding pass, but he still faced one major issue: finding accommodation. Though for him, renting was only a temporary solution, with plans to purchase a luxurious European-style mansion in the city's affluent neighbourhood after settling in for a month.

Looking around, he suddenly noticed a travel agency sign that read, "Global accommodation bookings – find the perfect place to stay anytime, anywhere!" He entered the agency, approached the counter, and asked the staff about accommodation booking options. The employee patiently explained the various booking methods and found an apartment near New Monash University for him.

Filled with joy and gratitude, Luke promptly booked the apartment, feeling a sense of belonging and security for the first time in a while. His mind gradually began to calm down.

Quickening his pace, Luke headed for the boarding gate. He handed over his passport and luggage to the security personnel and found a corner to sit in the waiting area, ready to board.

Before long, a beautiful flight attendant approached Luke with a cup of rich, aromatic coffee. Surprised but thankful, Luke accepted the coffee. The flight attendant smiled and told him, "This is part of our service. We hope you have a comfortable journey."

Luke nodded, taking a sip of the coffee. His throat felt dry, and the warm beverage was just what he needed to quench his thirst. He stood up, grabbed his luggage, and walked towards the boarding gate. Hearing the final boarding call, he quickened his pace and raced towards the plane. Stopping at the aircraft door, he caught his breath and saw the flight attendant smiling as she waited for him. He nodded back at her before stepping onto the plane.

Once on board, Luke was taken aback by the level of luxury he encountered – an experience he had never enjoyed before. The first-class cabin was truly a sight to behold, adorned with plush seats and opulent amenities. It was a stark contrast to his previous travel experiences, and he couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and excitement as he settled into his seat, ready for the journey ahead.

As the plane ascended into the sky, Luke took a moment to reflect on the whirlwind of events that had led him to this point. Despite the challenges he had faced, he was filled with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. With his accommodation sorted and his studies about to begin, he was eager to embrace this new chapter of his life.

In the elegant prose of a best-selling novel, Luke's story unfolded – a tale of perseverance and self-discovery, capturing the hearts of readers everywhere. The language, both beautiful and evocative, painted a vivid portrait of a young man overcoming adversity and embracing the unknown, taking the first steps towards his dreams and an extraordinary future.