"Girl, you have quite a mouth on you. I'll have to give it to the Mo Family to have raised such an impressive daughter!" Zhou Tao looked at Mo Li. The girl was completely different from what he heard from the rumors. She debated clear-mindedly and did not once bring up her family background as a means to support her argument.

"Well, hurry up and apologize!" Zhou Tao suddenly shouted, scaring Zhou Xi so much that her entire body trembled. Then, as the words her father said registered in her mind, Zhou Xi turned to look at Mo Li with a smug expression.

​​

Zhou Tao was her father, so of course, he would side with her. There was no way he wouldn't, they were blood-related!

Zhou Xi huffed arrogantly at Mo Li, clearly waiting for an apology. Mo Li couldn't help stifling a laugh. What in the world is wrong with this Zhou Xi's head? Where did she get the idea that Zhou Tao would side with her?

As Mo Li predicted, Zhou Tao smacked the back of Zhou Xi's head. "Well, what are you waiting for? I told you to apologize to Miss Mo Li, didn't I? How could you not have any sense of shame after slandering her name by spreading unjust rumors about Miss Mo Li at school? Quick, hurry and apologize!"

"But dad..." Zhou Xi looked at Zhou Tao in disbelief. She swallowed the rest of her words when she saw the fire in her father's eyes. Zhou Tao's gaze bore into her soul, telling Zhou Xi non-verbally that if she did not do exactly as he said, she would be barred from returning home that day.

Mo Li assessed the man before her with interest. Zhou Tao could be considered a success story in the business world. But in this man's eyes, everything was a tool for him to achieve greater power and status. If this daughter was not of use to him, he would have no hesitation in removing her!

If there was an award for the worst father of the century, this man would definitely be a contender.

While Mo Li studied Zhou Tao, Zhou Tao was doing the same at Mo Li. The girl radiated composure and stability. There was also a detached presence from worldly affairs that Zhou Tao saw in her. Looks like the Mo Family really do care about her and has protected her well from the sordid affairs of the common world.

"I, I'm sorry..."

"Is that what you call an apology? Who is it meant for? Do you not know how to make a simple apology? Be snappy about it, or else people are going to say that we Zhou Family doesn't know basic manners." Zhou Xi had to hold back her tears and bow towards Mo Li. "I'm sorry, Miss Mo Li. I shouldn't have spread false rumors about you. I hope you can forgive me."

As Zhou Xi righted herself, she saw that Mo Li had already walked away. The fact that Mo Li didn't stay to accept her apology was an added insult for Zhou Xi. Mo Li walked away without even turning back once, as if Zhou Xi was not even worth that one glance.

"Dad..." Zhou Xi pleaded but she was greeted by Zhou Tao's dark face. "Go back to your class and stop making a fool of yourself! I'll deduct 3 months of your allowance and take that as a lesson. If there's a next time, I'll be sure to send you to a boarding school overseas." Zhou Tao stomped away after giving his warning, leaving Zhou Xi stranded there all alone.

Zhou Xi clenched her fists tightly until the balls of her palms beaded with blood but the physical pain couldn't rival the pain of her humiliation. The pain intensified the heavy hatred she already had towards Mo Li. This was the first time Zhou Xi had been so humiliated in her life. She swore to make Mo Li pay for it!

...

Seeing Mo Li returned to her seat unscathed, her classmates sucked in a cold breath. Where did she find the courage to face the school director with such calmness and boldness? No wonder she could be daring enough to drive a car into her biological brother and be so proud about it!

Naturally they kept these thoughts to themselves, afraid that Mo Li might pull out some other tricks to deal with them. If even Sister Xi couldn't deal with Mo Li, who were they to try?

The morning classes passed quickly. The school was noisy and lively during the break. Girls went off giggling among themselves in pairs or groups.

Mo Li looked out of the window and saw the flowers and trees in nature. She felt a sense of youth and vigor.

In contrast, a strange aura permeated her class. A group of students formed a circle to surround Qiao Qing.

"Qiao Qing, congratulations! We just saw the announcement on the school website. You've won first prize for the English Language Competition for Hai Wen Cup!"

"If I have half of your brain, I wouldn't need to worry about university entrance exams anymore."

"As usual, you've made the Mo Family proud again because it's not like they can rely on their other daughter..."

Qiao Qing quickly pulled on the speaker's sleeve, telling her to stop it.

"But I haven't said anything wrong!"

"She is a real bitch!"

"Qing Qing, you have no idea but there are already a few posts on our school forum which have targeted the girls from our class because of her. Our reputation has been worsened through our association with the bitch!"

It was quite clear who the 'bitch' in this case was.

"In fact, there is a crazy post that said you're arrogant and prissy because of your good scores in tests and competition. They have no idea how much of a real angel you are! How can these people spread such rumors without even finding out the truth?!" A girl was indignant on Qiao Qing's behalf.