Chapter 19
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The students who had come just to stir up trouble were all taken away by the security team. Under the watchful eyes of the teachers, they had to write down their names, majors, and even the names of their advisors.
They thought joining in the discussion would be harmless, and there’d be no consequences. Now, after getting punished for something so insignificant, they were filled with regret, wishing they could take it all back.
Some of them grumbled, blaming Aiden for dragging them into it. “He didn’t even know the truth and just made up rumors. Now, we’re all screwed because of him.”
Abigail wiped her tears, relief washing over her. “Thank goodness, Zozo. You finally get your name cleared.”
Zoey let out a breath and replied, “Yeah, thank goodness the school leaders didn’t fall for those lies.”
Not long after, Hazel rushed over and called out urgently, “Zozo, are you okay?”
“Hazel? What are you doing here?” Zoey instantly recognized the voice of her close friend.
“I didn’t have class this morning, so I slept in at the dorm. My roommates told me what happened, so I ran over to check on you.” Hazel had come in such a hurry that she didn’t even have time to put on her make–up.
“Where are those gossipmongers? I can’t believe they’d use such nasty words to slander you. I swear, if I find them, I’ll knock their teeth out.” Hazel had a fiery temper and wasn’t one to back down from a fight.
Feeling touched but also a little helpless, Zoey quickly grabbed her and soothed her. “Hon, please don’t go fighting for my sake. Those people have already been taken away by the teachers. Besides, the identities of the troublemakers have all been exposed, and they’ll definitely be punished.”
“Wait, our school is so efficient?” Hazel was surprised.
“Anyway, I just want to focus on school in peace. I just hope no one else causes me trouble,” Zoey said, her tone weary but hopeful.
Hazel sat down beside her and looked Zoey up and down. “Wait, Zozo, you’re even prettier than before.”
Zoey touched her face, a little puzzled. “Really? I don’t think I’ve changed much.” After all, the only thing different was that she’d started wearing sunglasses. Could that really make such a big difference?
“You’ve always been beautiful, but you used to look a bit pale. Now you look more vibrant, and it makes you look even more lively and refined,” Hazel said. She noticed the subtle changes in Zoey’s appearance after some time apart.
Zoey used to be beautiful too, but due to malnutrition, she always looked a bit frail. Now, she looked refreshed and radiated vitality. The compliments from her friend made Zoey happy. Deep down, she knew it was all thanks to Levi.
“Sorry, I forgot to introduce you guys. This is Abigail, my roommate. And this is Hazel. We’ve been friends since high school,” Zoey said with a smile. After the introductions, Hazel and Abigail exchanged contact info.
Hazel was scrolling through her phone when she suddenly exclaimed, “Hey, hey, girls, check this out. There’s a new post on the forum.”
Zoey looked over, confused, but all she could see was a blurry light.
“Oh, sorry. I forgot you can’t look at your phone yet. Zozo, can you see my face now?” Hazel asked.
Zoey shook her head. “Not clearly yet. The doctor said it’ll take some more time before my vision fully recovers.”
It was like a layer of frosted glass between her and the world–she could make out shapes but not details.
Hazel continued, “No worries. I’ll read it to you then. This post is from the school administration. Due to questions raised about Zoey’s admission to Brandor University of Finance and Economics, the school has retrieved her entrance exam papers and made them public for transparency.
“Zoey’s scores are well above the admission requirements, with no signs of wrongdoing or irregularities. As for her financial aid application, Zoey withdrew her request voluntarily before it was processed, so she didn’t take anyone else’s spot. The teacher who leaked Zoey’s personal information has been dismissed.”
Abigail, who had been teary–eyed just moments before, now broke into a smile. “Finally, this proves your innocence. I’m so happy for you, Zozo.”
“And Aiden, the one who started the rumors, has been suspended. He might not even be able to come back to class.”
Hearing that, both Hazel and Abigail were overjoyed. ‘It serves him right. That’s what he gets for spreading lies, they thought.
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Chapter 19
“Zozo, a lot of people on the forum are praising you,” Hazel said while scrolling her phone.
Zoey tilted her head and asked, “Praising me for what?”
“They’re saying your handwriting is neat, your test papers are super clean, and your grades are amazing,” Hazel replied, almost more proud than Zoey herself. “They don’t know you’re basically the genius in our high school. Getting into this university was no big deal for you.”
Although Brandor University of Finance and Economics was a prestigious school, not everyone had Zoey’s academic performance. She scored near–perfect on several subjects. Being a humble and low–key top student, Zoey was now gaining quite a reputation.
With a slight smile, Zoey replied, “That’s all in the past. I can barely keep up with my courses now, you know.”
Hazel reassured her. “Oh, dear. Just relax, you’re only struggling because you can’t see the text right now. Once your eyesight’s back, you’ll be on top of your major again, no doubt.
“You’ll have so many scholarships coming your way. And all those people who tried to bring you down will be jealous out of their minds,” added Hazel.
Abigail chimed in, “Exactly, Zozo. The best way to deal with those haters is to show them how great you’re doing.”
With her friends‘ encouragement, Zoey’s spirits lifted a bit. She said, “Thanks, guys. Your encouragement means a lot to me.” She felt so lucky–not only had she met someone as kind as Levi, but she also had two genuine friends who truly cared for her.
After class, Hazel had to leave for something urgent, so Abigail stayed with Zoey at the usual tree. They hadn’t been waiting long when Levi arrived. He had finished up his business at the company and rushed to the school as fast as he could.
The moment he saw Zoey, he called her name, “Zozo.”
Hearing his deep voice, Zoey immediately felt at ease. “Hey, you’re here.”
“My family’s here to pick me up, Gail. I’ll see you later,” Zoey said.
“Yeah,” replied Abigail with a smile.
Zoey ran over to Levi’s side and gently tugged at his coat, obedient as ever. Seeing that she was safe and sound, Levi finally felt the tension in his chest ease a little. “How was your day?” asked Levi, knowing full well that it must be a tough day for her.
Zoey had initially thought about keeping the mess from him, but she didn’t think she should hide things from her husband.
She told him what had happened during the day. “Some people on the forum were spreading rumors that I’ve got a sugar daddy, but thankfully the school stepped in and cleared my name. The ones spreading the rumors me got punished too.”
Zoey had no idea that it wasn’t the school that was going to clear her name. The administrators were busy with more important things, and they didn’t have time to worry about a random student at all. The whole situation had been handled by her husband.
Levi teased with a smile, “A sugar daddy? Who?”
“Of course you! They must’ve mistaken your car for some ultra–expensive luxury ride. But Mr. Horton, I know you’re just a hardworking guy, definitely not some rich tycoon,” Zoey said, completely unaware of the truth.
She had no clue about cars, so she assumed people had either gotten it wrong or edited the pictures to frame her. The thought that her husband might actually be driving a luxury car never even crossed her mind.
“And why wouldn’t I be a rich tycoon?” Levi asked, wondering how she’d reply.
Zoey flashed a sweet grin and answered, “Come on, Mr. Horton, no tycoon would be living in a regular apartment complex like you.”
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