Chapter 7: The crucial need for a strong backing

"What? Find her right now and bring her back!" Shi Wenqian commanded in an urgent tone. She had just heard about the news of Zhang Liling fainting and being rushed to her school's clinic.

Not just that, the rumours making rounds on the internet because of the incident, weren't favourable to her, or the Zhang Family.

The public image she had managed to build after several years, was being threatened because of a small matter, but how could she it be?

She was going to make sure that none of that happened. She already had enough enemies, so she couldn't let more tongues start wagging.

"She is still taking your blood, but why do you allow her to do that? Can't you report her to your father, I'm sure that he will take care of it?" Tungmei asked with a worried- surprised gaze.

This was not the first time she was hearing about the blood donation issue. Because Zhang Liling stopped mentioning it, she thought that her stepmother's ruthless actions had stopped, but who knew that she was just getting started?

Replying to her question, Zhang Liling scoffed. "My father? I had better keep quiet. It's not like he likes me, so why should he help me?"

"For instance, this news of you blowing up on the internet should be enough reason to tackle your stepmother," Tungmei said pointing in a random direction.

She could never understand how these big families lived their lives and treated one another.

"At most, he would only scold her since this method of bullying was extreme. It's true that he doesn't care about me, but he wouldn't let me get bullied to this extent because of my mother." Zhang Liling replied with a careless tone.

She looked so carefree at this moment as if nothing bothered her.

"Your mother is truly your saving grace. Sometimes I wonder why she let you come to the Zhang family in the first place." Tungmei replied with a concerned gaze.

She was sure that her mother knew what Shi Wenqian was going to be like, given their awkward relationship, so why bother to send her to the Zhang family?

Zhang Liling folded her arms below her chest and said while gazing at her, "Even I would like to ask my mother that question. Anyways, I can't deal with my stepmother myself, and even my mum warned me not to cross her because was too shady."

"There are a lot of things I still do not understand about that woman, so I can't be rash." Zhang Liling smiled and continued, "I'm relieved that these rumours about me are spreading like wildfire. At least she wouldn't dare to take my blood forcefully anytime soon, plus Mr. Zhang is coming back soon."

Tungmei released a deep breath as she slowly reached out for her hands. Squeezing them gently to show her comfort and support. "You need an escape plan. You have to find a way to leave that house. How about you move into the school hostel? You won't be lonely with me there."

If not for one reason, she would have willingly accepted her suggestion, but that will be taking things too lightly with her stepmother.

Obviously, Zhang Liling knows that her stepmother would never let her leave the Zhang Mansion, which was her territory that she has been using to control her so easily. She wanted to keep a close watch on her, so she would never let her leave.

Even if she complained to her father about leaving, she could easily brainwash him with matters concerning their image.

She was sure to say something about the netizens saying things about them not treating her well and chasing her out of the house. Caring so much about his image because of his important future pursuit, it was easy for her to deceive her father.

"I need a strong backing, a connection stronger than the Zhang's. If I'm going to leave that house, I need to be prepared. I can't even stay in that house for the next week." Zhang Liling said with her thought on what person.

"Where are you going to find such strong backing? I mean, there are so many big families out there, but who would want to support you?" Tungmei asked worriedly.

Finding a strong backing wasn't difficult because of the so many big families in S City, but finding a sponsor amongst them would tasking.

"I have to pick one family, and focus on convincing them to help, or I will think of another way." Zhang Liling said with a small smile.

Tungmei caught unto her small smile and heaved a sigh. She felt pity for her friend, but it looks like she was not that bothered. Still, she wished she can quickly come out of her situation.

Leaving the Zhang family meant that she would be caught off from their financial support.

After chatting about her stepmother for a while, Tungmei reminded her about eating.

"You need to eat something, the doctor said your stomach is empty, and thanks to the drip, you've got a certain amount of energy back."

Zhang Liling stared into the distance and said as a smirk turned up at the corner of her lips, "I'm not that hungry, what's the rush?"

Tungmei did not nag her any further because she recognized that gaze which mean that she was planning something of high interest.

While waiting for the next action, Zhang Liling received a call from an unsaved contact, but what was weird was the fact that she looked displeased at the sight of that number. She seemed to recognize it even with it being unsaved.

"Are you not going to answer it?" Tungmei asked curiously.

"It's my mum." Zhang Liling replied with a tight frown.

Tungmei stared at her in confusion as she asked, "So? Would you rather take your stepmother's call instead of your mother's? Answer it, she must have seen the news."

"You don't understand, my mother is troublesome too," Zhang Liling said tiredly, but still ended up taking the call.

Just like Tungmei said, she had seen the news and had called because she was worried.

"Liling are you alright? I saw on the news that you fainted at school, what happened? Did that woman bully you?" The mature female voice at the other end asked hurriedly.