Chapter 37: Mom Will Build a Better Future for You
Zoey hung her head, her fingers twisting her shirt. She didn’t feel she’d done anything wrong her impulsive actions had caused trouble for her mother.
been
Evelyn put a hand on Zoey’s shoulder, offering silent support.“My daughter did not assault anyone.”
“She did!” Ducky shouted, pointing at Zoey.“Zoey hit me!She’s a bully! You’re blind! You didn’t see her hit me!”
velyn’s tone was firm.“I demand to see the security footage!Students who lie and frame others should be punished!“Her gaze was cold and distant, as if she barely knew Ducky. The principal shrugged. “The cameras were malfunctioning. Ducky has won Campus Star for three years running. He’s one of our best students. I believe him.”
He turned to the other parents.“Did anyone see Zoey hit Ducky?”
Many parents avoided his gaze.
“I did!” Clara stepped forward.“I saw Zoey hit Ducky!”
“Clara!” Evelyn hissed.“Have you lost your mind?!”
Clara glared.“You’re not Mrs. Fu anymore. Your child doesn’t belong at
belong at 崇德” Seeing the Fus‘ rejection of Evelyn, other parents chimed in. The Fus cast Evelyn and her attend this elite school?” daughter out.Is it appropriate for her daughter to
mother–a her
“The Fus
abandoned
because Zoey
she’s
like
commoner.”
“I’ve never seen a girl so…robust. I’m afraid my son will get beaten up.” Evelyn looked at each parent who wanted Zoey expelled, memorizing their faces. Without the Fus, their masks of civility had fallen away.Contempt and prejudice washed over them.They wanted to crush Evelyn and Zoey, trapping them in the mud forever.
The principal felt emboldened by their support.He instructed his secretary, “Retrieve Zoey Fu’s file from the archives!”
“Yes, sir.”
Zoey’s eyes welled up.She understood the gravity of the situation. “Mommy, I’m sorry.” “Zoey, you did nothing wrong,” Evelyn said softly, kneeling beside her. has a toxic environment. We’re leaving to avoid further discrimination and harm, but we won’t tolerate this quietly.”
Evelyn said to the principal, “I’ll report what happened today to the Education Bureau!” The principal laughed. “Evelyn, do you still think you’re Mrs. Fu?With your status, you can’t even get
with a finger. into the Education Bureau!“He could easily crush her “Think about your daughter’s future!” he warned, lowering his voice. You don’t want every kindergarten in the city to refuse her, do you?”
Evelyn’s eyes
accept Zoey.
“Evelyn~
widened. He was threatening her!If she reported him, he’d ensure no school would
Nash drawled.“I filmed
everything
Zoey grabbing
Ducky.”
12.38
** *7 Man Will Budd better.
Evelyn knew Nash’s nature.“You only filmed what favored Ducky,” Nash smiled.“So what? I’ve got your daughter’s number!”
Seeing Evelyn and Zoey’s predicament, Nash was inwardly jubilant.
The secretary returned with the file.
“Zoey Fu’s file.”
The principal tossed the file to the ground.Caleb’s grandmother had ordered him to get rid of Zoey.Since she was no longer a Fu, the grandmother didn’t want to fund another family’s
uld.She wanted Zoey gone before Ducky was influenced,
Evelyn knelt and picked up the file Tears streamed down Zoey’s face.
Evelyn brushed off the dust and smiled, her voice gentle but firm.“Zoey, don’t be afraid. You’re no longer Zoey Fu. What fell to the ground was Zoey Fu.But standing tall is Yingzhou Jiang.” She held out her hand.“Your life isn’t over because of this expulsion.Mommy’s here. Mom will build a better future for you!”
The parents parted, making way for them. The school gates loomed, their only exit. Zoey had stopped crying.Holding Evelyn’s warm hand, she felt reassured.She’d left several times with Evelyn – Ducky’s birthday party, the Fu mansion, and the Vances. The sky had been darker then, but she’d felt safe in her mother’s hand.She knew Evelyn would lead her to the light.‘ a beige shirt and jeans rushed forward. Suddenly, a small, determined girl in “You’re outrageous! You don’t deserve to be principal!” she shouted at the principal. The principal scrutinized her.Her clothes weren’t designer brands.“What grade is your child in?” Someone dared to stand up for Evelyn?
“I’m not married, but I’d never send my child to a school like this.”
The principal chuckled.“Do you know how much tuition is here?”
The girl showed her ID.“I’m a CCTV reporter. My colleagues filmed everything!Zoey didn’t hit anyone! You expelled a student without investigation! You’re unfit to be principal!” The principal’s eyes bulged.
“What? You’re from CCTV?” He grabbed her ID card.“I didn’t get any notice that CCTV was coming! You’re a fake!”
Several vans pulled up.Reporters rushed towards Evelyn.
“Ms. Jiang!I’ve finally found you! I’m from the Peking University news agency.” Another reporter pushed past.“I’m from the New Beijing Evening News.Ms. Jiang, will you grant me an exclusive interview?”
The small girl turned to see Evelyn surrounded.“Hey! CCTV got here first! We scheduled an interview with Ms. Jiang!”
