"How can Uncle Lin be so biased? I can't stand it," Natalie fumed.
"You've called him dad for so many years. Doesn't that mean anything compared to blood?"
Naya, who had been silent, felt guilty. She had blamed Saira for not telling them the truth, making them believe Zuri was adopted. But seeing Saira lose her room, get hurt by Zuri, and now being ignored by Uncle Lin in favor of Zuri, Naya thought Saira was truly pitiable.
Naya said seriously, "Complaining won't solve anything. We need to come up with a plan to make her life at school unbearable."
Natalie's eyes lit up. "You're right, Naya. Do you have any ideas? Tell us."
Everyone turned to look at her.
Naya smirked. "It's simple. She's offended quite a few people in her class. We can get in touch with them and have them take action."
A glint of hope flashed in Saira's eyes, though her face showed hesitation. "Isn't that a bit too much?"
Natalie put an arm around her shoulder. "Saira, you're too kind. After what she's done to you, you're still thinking about her."
"If you keep letting her get away with it, she'll just walk all over you," Natalie added.
Naya patted her on the shoulder. "Don't worry, nothing will happen."
As they schemed, Zuri was sitting in the car on her way back to the Lin house. In the backseat, Aaron and Zuri sat on opposite sides, the tension palpable.
Aaron held back his anger, not wanting to lose face in front of others.
Once they were home, Zuri headed straight upstairs. "Stop," Aaron called out.
Zuri turned, coldly looking at him. "What?"
"What? You tell me! Your first day at school and you're already causing trouble. What are you thinking? You're supposed to study, not fight," Aaron scolded.
Zuri sneered. "If they hadn't provoked me, I wouldn't have fought back. If I swallowed my anger today, they'd think they can bully me anytime. As a Lin, if I can't even protect myself, it's not just me who loses face, but the whole family."
Aaron had to admit she had a point. Those families weren't wealthy; they were third-rate at best. There was no need for Zuri, his daughter, to endure such indignity. With this in mind, Aaron stayed silent.
"If there's nothing else, I'll go rest now," Zuri said, heading upstairs.
Aaron didn't stop her.
The next morning, Saira got up early and went to the dining room, surprising the maids.
The young miss, who never came down until the last minute, was up half an hour early.
"Hurry up, I'm in a rush," Saira urged.
The maids quickly served her breakfast.
As Saira finished eating, Dalia walked in and asked in surprise, "Why are you up so early today?"
"The student council has some matters I need to handle early," Saira replied.
Dalia patted her cheek. "You've worked hard."
After eating, Saira called out, "Arianwen, is the car ready?"
Arianwen appeared, "It's ready, but Miss Zuri hasn't gotten up yet."
The family had two drivers: one for Chairman Lin and another for daily use, including driving the young misses to school.
If Saira left now, Zuri would have no one to drive her.
Hearing this, Saira felt a pang of irritation. She used to have everything her way, but now that Zuri was here, even the servants were treating her differently, fawning over her.
Saira was angry but kept her composure.
She turned to Madam Lin, looking helpless and anxious.
Dalia said, "You have urgent matters, go ahead."
With Dalia's permission, Saira happily left.
Arianwen hesitated, unsure how Zuri would get to school. The Lin family's villa was halfway up Qingyun Mountain. Without a car, it would take at least forty minutes to walk down to the base of the mountain and another twenty minutes to the bus stop, with buses running every half hour. By the time Zuri reached school, it would be after ten.
Arianwen wanted to speak up but was stopped by the other maids.
"Arianwen, don't. Can't you see? Madam prefers Saira over Zuri. Speaking up will just get you into trouble."
Arianwen sighed heavily.
When Zuri came down for breakfast, she noticed Saira wasn't there but didn't think much of it. After eating, she learned Saira had left fifteen minutes ago.
"Would you like me to call a taxi for you?" Arianwen suggested.
"No need," Zuri declined, waving her hand.
Saira never missed a chance to make things difficult for her.
"Where's the garage?"
Arianwen led Zuri to the garage. Inside were various luxury cars, collected by generations of the Lin family heads. Zuri took a key from a cabinet and walked to a blue sports car, opening the door.
"Second Miss, are you..." Arianwen began.
"I'm driving myself."
Zuri got in, closed the door, and drove off, leaving Arianwen in shock. She realized too late that the blue sports car was the eldest son's favorite. He treasured it, and now the Second Miss had driven it away. If he found out, he'd be furious.
The roar of the sports car echoed through the mountains. When it entered the school grounds, it immediately drew a crowd.
"Who is that?"
"This car is gorgeous."
"Looks like a limited edition Bugatti LCV, over thirty million. My brother wanted one, but my dad refused."
"Who's driving? Must be someone fearless."
As everyone buzzed, the car door opened, revealing a girl with long, flowing black hair. Her stunning face left everyone speechless.
"Wow, she's gorgeous."
"Prettier than our school beauty, Jazmin."
"Does anyone know who she is?"
Sure! Here is the translated text:
Everyone present knew of Zuri, but none had seen her, so naturally, they did not recognize her. As Saira walked among the crowd, her face changed slightly upon seeing Zuri, then she revealed a strange smile.
"You are really bold, daring to use my brother's things."
Even she didn't dare to touch this sports car.
But Zuri had dared, clearly courting death.
Saira discreetly took a photo and sent it to Christian, who was abroad.
Natalie and her group looked at the sports car with angry expressions.
"Uncle Lin is so biased. She just came back and he bought her such an expensive car," Samara said indignantly.
Knowing they misunderstood, Saira didn't explain.
"This car is a limited-edition Bugatti, very expensive. Uncle Lin really spared no expense," Naya said sarcastically.
Natalie put her hands on her hips, "Look at her smug face, I really want to tear it apart."
Noticing Saira's bad mood, the group comforted her.
"Saira, don't be angry. People like her who get ahead with small tricks are destined to be hated."
"She's in the spotlight now, but just wait, she'll get her comeuppance," Naya said with a smile. "I heard Blake is going to stand up for Nyla."
"Blake is the worst. Who knows what he'll do to her."
"We'll see soon enough."
Talking about this, they all looked gleeful.
The three led the pitiful Saira away.
Zuri parked the car in the faculty parking spot. The security guard turned a blind eye. Anyone who could afford such a car was not someone the school leadership dared to offend. It wasn't worth the trouble.
Walking along, many people glanced over, whispering about the supercar.
On the third floor of the teaching building, a group of people were squatting in the corridor. Someone saw Zuri approaching and shouted, "Zhao Zhi, Zuri is here. Hurry up."
Several people in the corridor stared intently at Zuri, surrounded by others who were also watching her. In their eyes, there was a clear hint of anticipation and malice.
As Zuri reached the stairs, just as she was about to step on them, a bucket of black ink fell from above.
The splashing sound echoed, and the black ink instantly flowed like a river.
"Hahaha!"
Laughter came from the third floor, but it was abruptly cut off.
"Where is she?" Blake looked at the empty staircase, turning to question those around him.
Kyle and the others were equally puzzled.
"Where did she go?"
The onlookers in the corridor were equally confused.
"She was just there, how did she suddenly disappear?"
"Did we imagine it? Was she not actually there?"
While those on the third floor were bewildered, someone pointed out, "She went upstairs."
As soon as the words were out, a slender figure appeared in their sight.
Blake, seeing Zuri clean and unscathed, felt a flash of frustration. "Damn, she avoided it."
Blake was irritated.
His goddess was watching.
He kicked Kira beside him angrily, cursing, "You useless fool, you can't even spill water properly."
Kira, feeling wronged, muttered, "It was Kyle's fault for giving the signal too late."
Kyle was displeased, "I clearly saw her step on the stairs before I signaled. It was you who acted too slowly, letting her escape."
"You should have told me before she stepped on the stairs. Don't you know it takes time for the water to fall?"
As the two argued, Blake impatiently snapped, "Shut up, both of you. Luckily, I have a backup plan, or we'd be the ones embarrassed."
They had confidently spread the word about their plan to prank her. If they failed, Blake's reputation would be ruined.
"Boss is so thorough," Kira flattered.
Blake snorted proudly, "Let's go watch the show."
Zuri entered the classroom. Seeing her unharmed, the classmates were all surprised. They had wanted to watch the spectacle, but to avoid arousing her suspicion, Blake had cleared the room, leaving only a few seats for his cronies.
Seeing her unscathed, everyone was puzzled.
"What happened? Didn't Blake make a move?" someone whispered.
"No idea."
"Maybe Blake softened because Zuri is pretty."
While they were whispering, Zuri walked to her seat. As she approached, everyone sneaked glances.
Some looked excited, some indifferent, and some pitying. The small classroom displayed a variety of emotions.
As Zuri opened her drawer, a black shadow leaped out, heading straight for her face. Suddenly, a pair of quick, precise hands caught the shadow, gripping the snake's head accurately.
Everyone in the classroom was startled!
The person who should have been most frightened remained expressionless and calm.
Seeing the writhing snake in her hand, everyone felt a chill down their spines. What shocked them more was that the seemingly delicate girl, with a slight squeeze, killed the snake instantly. The snake's body, coiled around her arm, slackened and fell.
Both those inside and outside the classroom were stunned.
"Damn! This girl is tough."
"Why isn't she afraid?" a girl said, feeling both scared and amazed.
Blake and his group, holding a camcorder to record her embarrassing reaction, were at a loss.
"Yang, what now?" Kyle asked.
"She doesn't seem to be afraid of snakes."
Blake was impressed by her. She couldn't be fazed even like this.
He refused to give up.
Suddenly, a pair of cold eyes locked onto Blake.
Kira shivered.
That girl's gaze was terrifying.
Even the usually bold Blake felt a chill facing those icy eyes.
At that moment, everyone saw Zuri put down her bag, pick up the limp snake, and walk out.
"What is she planning to do?"
Kira and the others thought she was coming for them, but Zuri just walked past them.
Everyone was confused.
"I thought she was going to confront Blake."
"Pfft, as if she'd dare to confront Blake."
"Is she going to report this to someone?"
No one could guess what she was up to.
Saira and her group stood nearby, looking disappointed.
"What a bore."
"Blake is such an idiot, using such a lowbrow trick. Doesn't he know she grew up in the slums of West End? People from there wouldn't fear snakes," Natalie commented.
"I expected a good show. What a letdown," Samara muttered, rolling her eyes.
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