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Chapter 7 Rival

"Bullying a classmate? That's pretty harsh, don't you think?"

"Yeah, better steer clear of her. You don't wanna end up on her bad side."

"What are you so scared of? Didn't the teacher already give her a hard time? No matter how pretty she is, if she's acting up, she's probably gonna get expelled."

Bullying was a big deal, and all the teachers were in the office, surrounding Vivienne, who was sitting in a chair, getting comforted by them.

As soon as Zoey walked in, she was met with angry glares from everyone.

Vivienne saw her and shrank back a bit. There was a bruise on her smooth, bald head, and the surrounding skin was swollen, looking pretty scary.

"I won't ask why you're late anymore, just please don't hit me again..." Vivienne cried pitifully.

Rowan Blair, the homeroom teacher, was immediately heartbroken and angrily scolded Zoey, "Zoey! You bully your classmates, lie to the teachers, and don't even feel bad about it. You haven't even admitted your mistake. You won't attend class today. Apologize to Vivienne publicly, and I'll call your parents to discuss your behavior!"

Other teachers also criticized Zoey.

Zoey calmly said, "I didn't bully anyone."

"The victim is right here! And there are classmates who saw you do it!"

The classmate who testified, under everyone's gaze, said softly, "When I went to the bathroom this morning, I saw her hit Vivienne..."

Rowan angrily said, "What else do you have to argue about?"

Zoey rubbed her temples, a bit tired of this drama. "Check the surveillance footage. People can lie, but the footage won't."

Rowan sneered, "You picked this time on purpose because you knew the cameras were down and wouldn't catch you, didn't you?"

No wonder Vivienne didn't even close the door when she hit Emma, she was sure there would be no evidence left.

Zoey made a request, "I can fix the footage to prove my innocence."

At these words, the teachers looked at each other. After a long while, Rowan spoke, "Can you really do it?"

"Whether I can or not, you'll know if you let me try." Zoey wasn't really interested in this, but her mentor insisted she learn, saying she had a talent for it and shouldn't waste it.

Zoey's mentor, despite being old, was quite trendy.

Coincidentally, it came in handy now.

Rowan saw that Zoey didn't seem to be lying, gritted her teeth, and agreed, "Fine, I'll give you a chance, but if you can't do it, stop arguing and admit you're wrong. You're still young, you have a chance to change, don't be stubborn."

The problem with the surveillance hadn't been figured out yet. If it could be watched, Rowan would have done so long ago.

"Don't worry." Zoey was confident and calm.

Vivienne's group was a bit panicked, whispering to her, "Vivienne, could she really..."

"Don't worry, she doesn't have that skill."

Vivienne had already inquired. A girl from the countryside, not favored, probably got into this school because her family paid for it. How could she be proficient in computer programming?

Zoey sat in front of the computer, her fingers flying over the keyboard, the scene was beautiful, like a skilled pianist playing the piano, looking calm and composed.

The office slowly quieted down. Even the previously confident Vivienne started to get a bit nervous.

As Zoey's pale fingers pressed down, various complex symbols and numbers appeared on the previously black screen.

Everyone was confused by what they saw. Until the screen suddenly flashed, showing a scene. It was the surveillance footage of the hallway outside the bathroom!

The surveillance couldn't see inside the bathroom but could see the entrance. Vivienne and her group were seen dragging Emma by the hair into the bathroom, then Zoey appeared and was pushed out by the group.

The most ridiculous part was that Zoey just raised her hand a few times, and everyone fell to the ground, making it seem more like Vivienne and her group were staging it.

The teachers were shocked and speechless for a long time. Rowan came to his senses, his face turning red. "Vivienne, you actually bullied a classmate and then falsely accused someone else! Your behavior is too vile!"

"Ms. Blair, I..." Vivienne stammered, her hands and feet ice-cold with fear.

But the teachers no longer believed her and immediately suspended Vivienne.

The teachers prioritized the students' talent and character over saving face, so they blushed and apologized to Zoey.

Zoey was gracious. "It's fine as long as the misunderstanding is cleared up. But about Vivienne bullying Emma..."

"Don't worry, we'll make sure Emma gets justice."

Emma felt like she was dreaming. Worried Zoey might get into trouble, she considered revealing her own scars to testify for her. But upon reaching the office, she saw Vivienne apologizing to Zoey. And it was announced to the whole school.

This not only embarrassed Vivienne but also cleared Zoey of the bullying accusation, and Emma received unprecedented care from the teachers.

Zoey, having accomplished her goal, slipped away early. She didn't want to be surrounded by teachers, being questioned about her computer skills.

Zoey was now on her way to James's house for a party. She didn't want to go, but James persuaded her over the phone, hinting he'd keep bothering her if she didn't.

Zoey, having an old but playful mentor, naturally had more patience with the elderly. So she came.

The Smith family was also wealthy, and the party was grand, with many guests.

James was thrilled to see Zoey, dragging her around the crowd, introducing her as a newly met martial arts master.

James couldn't stop praising Zoey. "Don't be fooled by her looks. Her martial arts skills are incredible, her techniques are superb. It's embarrassing to admit, but even after all these years of practice, I'm not as good as this young lady."

A group of wealthy but approachable elders immediately surrounded Zoey.

"Really? Do you know Tai Chi?"

"Do you know martial arts?"

"What can she possibly know? She's just a fraud." A voice rang out clearly, instantly breaking the harmonious atmosphere.

James looked at Kennedy disapprovingly, "Kennedy!"

"Grandpa, don't interfere." Kennedy, dressed in an evening gown, looked radiant, standing in stark contrast to the calm and cool Zoey. "I invited you here today to let everyone know that you, Zoey, are a complete fraud!"

The surroundings fell silent.

"I haven't deceived anyone," Zoey said calmly.

"How can you say that? You used flashy tricks to fool my grandpa and even took his check. Now you want to come here and deceive us? Do you really think our family is that easy to fool?" Kennedy sneered, "If you're not a fraud, then prove it"

"How do you want me to prove it?" Zoey asked.

Kennedy stepped back, and a tall, strong man stepped forward. Standing nearly 6.6 feet tall with a powerful, bear-like build, he exuded an intimidating presence. "This is my bodyguard, Daniel, an eight-time champion in the boxing ring."

Everyone gasped. Daniel Wilson's name was well-known in the free-fighting world, famous for his ruthless and fearless fighting style. Since his debut, he had never been defeated.

Looking at Zoey's slender frame, it seemed impossible for her to win against Daniel.

James was also anxious, "Kennedy, this is bullying!"

"Grandpa, if she has the skills, she'll win." Kennedy interrupted him. "Zoey, I'm not a heartless person. If you admit you're a fraud now, this will be over."

Zoey glanced at Daniel, "I'll compete."

The crowd was in an uproar, thinking, 'Is she tired of living?'

Daniel looked at Zoey seriously, "You might get injured."

Zoey smiled. It had been a long time since she heard such bold words, but seeing the faint regret in his dark eyes, without any contempt, she replied, "It's okay, let's do it."

Daniel didn't waste any more words, his legs slightly apart, muscles bulging, his tall and seemingly clumsy body moved with lightning speed.

He charged like an arrow released from a bow!

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