Volume One, Chapter Seventeen: I Can't Control You and Your Son

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Lu Tingxiao took the computer and clicked play. The video clearly showed Yuanbao first carrying a small bucket, struggling a bit as he poured it out, and it looked like it was filled quite a lot. After pouring, Yuanbao even deliberately tested it with his hand, and faint bubbles could be seen on the screen. This was just soapy water! Lu Tingxiao’s face darkened, and he gritted his teeth, continuing to watch. The video ended with Doubao slamming on the brakes, and Yuanbao slipping and falling down the stairs. The matter became instantly clear.

Not far away, Lu Qian also witnessed the scene, his face turning dark and ugly. Though he had believed it to some extent from the start, seeing his own child behave so badly was truly disappointing.

“No, it’s not like that,” Chu Yun’er kept arguing, but now she had no grounds to stand on and could only shift the blame toward Qiao Ye.

“It’s you. Did you swap the footage? I heard there are experts who can replace characters—did you do that too?”

“So you admit I’m skilled then,” Qiao Ye responded with a sly smile.

“As for swapping, anyone with a bit of sense knows that tampering with the original footage always looks off. I’m not like you—if I fake something, I won’t wrongfully accuse others,” Chu Yun’er tried to say more, but Lu Qian had already lost patience.

“Enough! Aren’t you ashamed enough? Yuanbao, apologize immediately!” Yuanbao shouted no, but Lu Qian slapped his child impatiently, causing him to stagger and kneel on the ground. A sharp cry followed, frightening Doubao, who quickly covered Tangdou’s ears, afraid she would be scared.

Lu Qian, annoyed by the noise, shouted irritably at Chu Yun’er, “Look at the good son you raised—he only knows how to cause trouble.”

Chu Yun’er bit her lip, silent now, as Lu Qian was already burning with anger. If she poured fuel on the fire, no one would be able to help her today.

“I’ll apologize on Yuanbao’s behalf. Miss Qiao, I’m sorry,” she said tearfully, looking pitiful.

Seeing this, Lu Qian’s anger gradually cooled, and he glanced at Qiao Ye.

Qiao Ye said nothing, lowering his head to look at the two children behind him, gently asking, “Is this the kind of apology Tangdou and Doubao want?”

Doubao bit his lip and shook his head. He had just heard Chu Yun’er’s words and knew her sudden apology was just an act.

“Alright, if you don’t want to accept it, then you don’t have to.”

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Qiao Ye was straightforward, not even asking why, and looked toward Lu Qian. “Children should settle their disputes themselves. I believe Doubao wants Yuanbao to apologize in person, right?”

Lu Qian gritted his teeth, irritated. “Yuanbao is still young and a bit stubborn. I’ll apologize on his behalf. Sorry.”

“But Qiao Ye, don’t forget, you’re my wife. Isn’t it a bit inappropriate for you to be defending your husband’s nephew’s child like this?”

“As long as Tangdou and Doubao still call me Mommy, nothing is inappropriate,” Qiao Ye sneered, her aura unwavering.

Lu Tingxiao looked at Qiao Ye protecting the children, feeling a slight stir in his heart. If she were here, Tangdou and Doubao would probably be defended like this too. Strong and decisive, her slender shoulders seemed to support a mountain for the kids.

But she would never be like Qiao Ye; her personality was not like that.

Lu Tingxiao’s inner turmoil gradually settled. Qiao Ye and she were ultimately not the same person...

“Knock, knock, knock.”

The principal knocked and entered, walking over to ask the teacher, “I just got back from a city meeting and heard about this. How’s the situation being handled?”

“Still no reconciliation,” the teacher replied with a grim expression.

The principal nodded slightly, recognizing Lu Tingxiao’s identity, and showed some respect. “Mr. Lu, today’s incident is our school’s fault for not catching this hidden danger earlier. We hope you can give us a chance to correct it.”

“The principal is too polite,” Lu Tingxiao waved the computer. “I’ve already investigated this matter. Would you like to see for yourself?”

Originally intending to mediate, the principal looked suspiciously up, casting a doubtful glance at the teacher beside him. The two exchanged looks; the teacher shook his head slightly, indicating ignorance.

The principal felt uneasy but forced a smile and replayed the video. After watching, his face turned grim.

“We really did not expect such a terrible incident to occur. I will notify all teachers and students!” Just as he finished speaking, he seemed to remember something and looked at the teacher. “Was the area where the soapy water was spilled cleaned thoroughly? No students were hurt, right?”

“We handled it immediately after the incident,” the teacher hurried to explain, and the principal nodded slightly in relief.

Then he turned to Lu Qian.

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“Mr. Lu, originally this lady insisted her child was yours and forced him into our school as a transfer student. Out of respect for Mr. Lu, we agreed. But your child’s actions are severe.”

“I’m sorry, for the safety of our school, we cannot continue to accept Yuanbao as a student.”

After finishing, the principal looked at Lu Tingxiao. “Mr. Lu, may I ask if you accept this arrangement?”

“I have no objections.” Lu Tingxiao glanced at Yuanbao, who was clearly much calmer now after hearing the announcement, and nodded slightly.

“Please issue a formal statement explaining the reason for expulsion. I don’t want anyone with ill intentions to misuse this and spread rumors.”

“That’s only natural,” the principal agreed without hesitation.

Chu Yun’er lost control. “No, that’s not acceptable! Why should my son be expelled? Isn’t Doubao innocent?”

“He’s perfectly fine. My son got injured, and yet you want to expel him. Where is he supposed to study then?”

Chu Yun’er panicked hearing this. She had barely managed to get into this prestigious school through connections, hoping to expand her network. But now she was about to be shamefully kicked out.

She couldn’t tolerate it!

“Enough! Aren’t you ashamed enough?” Lu Qian said sharply. “If you had let Yuanbao apologize earlier, it wouldn’t have come to this. I’m done dealing with you two.”

Lu Qian saw the situation clearly. He was already in the wrong; arguing further was useless. If this would stop Lu Tingxiao from pursuing the matter, that was enough. As long as it didn’t affect the project he was working on.

“The matter is settled. I’m heading back to the company. You take Yuanbao home,” Lu Qian said, turning and leaving without hesitation.

Chu Yun’er didn’t expect this man to be so heartless, her heart filled with hatred and unwillingness to leave. If she couldn’t persuade the principal to change his mind now, Yuanbao’s future would be ruined!

Just as Lu Tingxiao was about to leave, Chu Yun’er acted on impulse, rushing to his side and grabbing his pant leg tightly.