Of Course, We Should Care

Just at Jason Hart's mother's place, I had to show some teeth.

Principal William felt overwhelmed.

Unlike other school principals, he always had to thoroughly understand the situation before even giving a simple reprimand to students.

Take, for example, Crooked Tooth.

A couple of years ago, there was an incident where Crooked Tooth got into a fight with other students. Out of respect for the parents' faces, the principal discreetly intervened, but then all four wheels came off.

Someone openly told him that it was Crooked Tooth's grandpa, a highly respected figure in the underworld, who was protecting his grandson. If they took away his wheels this time, they might end up with broken limbs next time.

Faced with such a high-ranking but unreasonable elder, what could the principal do?

You see, Crooked Tooth's family was responsible for a lot of the debt collection activity in the gambling dens. In the end, the principal had to cough up the money himself, replace the four wheels, swallow his pride, and avoid further trouble.

Now, at this moment.

Even though Jason Hart had just smashed the office window, blatantly damaging school property, all Principal William could do was shout, "Don't be rash! What if you get cut by the glass? Let's talk it out calmly!"

Just a while ago, Jason Hart's mom was taken away by Mrs. Jane, the chairwoman of the school board.

Even if the principal's head was squeezed, he wouldn't dare to confront Jason Hart. Being a principal with a salary of hundreds of thousands a year, and occasional extra income, only a fool would clash over this job.

Jason Hart fetched a mop, knocked out the broken glass, and chuckled, "Since no one's inside, I had to resort to this. I've found a witness who can prove that it was Lucas, one of Linda's colleagues, who falsely accused me of having an improper relationship with her. If his handwriting matches the one in the report, Principal, you have to stand up for me."

"Who did you say? Lucas?," the principal instinctively shook his head, then added, "That's impossible. Lucas is such an honest person. I haven't heard of any conflict between him and Linda."

"You never know a person's true colors. From what I know, Lucas, the math teacher, has been pursuing Linda, but she's not interested. Isn't that reason enough?"

In front of several school leaders, Jason Hart reached for one of Lucas's notebooks, flipped through it, and it did seem familiar.

Handing the notebook to the principal, Jason Hart continued, "You see, I've been pampered since I was a kid. I can't stand being bullied by others. Though Linda is indeed attractive, and I admit I'm attracted to her, Lucas, being a role model, doing such a despicable thing, the school should hurry up and clear my and Linda's names, or else the girls will avoid me, and how will I find a wife?"

Principal William realized the seriousness of the situation. He retrieved a copy of the report and compared it to Lucas's notebook, realizing there was a high probability they were from the same person.

As a principal, he didn't care much about Lucas but was more concerned about giving Jason Hart's parents a satisfactory explanation.

He promptly stated, "Jason Hart, rest assured, our school has always valued discipline. If it's confirmed that Lucas did it, the school will dismiss him immediately!"

Nodding, Jason Hart smiled, "That's good. Last night, when taking photos, Miss Emma was there. She saw Yang Zibo. Also, there was an event at the mall last night, and I saw him there too. Along with this notebook, in case reporters come asking, Principal, you have to clear our names."

"Of course..."

With the initial explanations done, Jason Hart and Emma left the school premises.

They intended to contact Linda, but unfortunately, they didn't have her contact details, so they had to ask Principal William to help convey the message.

However, Mia called, showing great interest in this rumor, albeit in a joking manner, trying to understand the situation from Jason Hart.

From her attitude, it was clear she was afraid of souring their relationship, demonstrating high emotional intelligence.

Phoenix Rose Private School was famous in the gambling city and even across Southeast Asia. Suddenly being embroiled in a scandal involving a female teacher and a student, especially one involving a beauty and a wealthy young man, was spreading like wildfire.

The school principal tried to contact the media for public relations, but for many, gossip was more interesting than the truth.

Jason Hart, the young master of the gambling city, suddenly gained a somewhat unsavory reputation. But people seemed more interested in Linda, the beautiful teacher.

In the media's portrayal, Linda was painted as a gold-digger attempting to climb the social ladder. It was evident she bore more pressure than Jason Hart.

Thinking of this, Jason Hart decided to call his mother.

He asked her to help with public relations and to try to contact the media to clarify the situation.

Of course, his mother agreed.

As for his father, he probably heard the news but hadn't even bothered to call, seeming indifferent.

Initially, Jason Hart felt a bit frustrated, thinking his status was ordinary. But then he realized his parents might be worrying about business troubles. Isabella's parents were among the top wealthy elite, and Liam had mentioned Mr. Su was trying to raise money.

From this perspective, Jason Hart began to understand his parents' calmness.

After all, it was just a rumor. Though tricky, compared to the billions invested in the family business, it seemed trivial.

...

Until ten o'clock in the evening.

Jason Hart's biological mother, Arabella, called again.

She cheerfully said over the phone, "Son, I've arranged for familiar media contacts. They can interview you tonight, and you'll probably make the front page tomorrow. Where are you? Want to come out for supper with me?"

"I'm at home. I'm not asleep yet. Where are we going?" Jason Hart asked, learning they were headed to the food street.

It was near the archway, not far from home.

When Jason Hart drove his Porsche 911 there, he was surprised to find his old man there, looking flushed, as if he'd had quite a bit to drink.

It was a rare family reunion.

After parking the car, Jason Hart cautiously asked, "How come you two are together? Did you go discuss business again? Thinking about borrowing money? The property problem in the harbor city is serious. It's not worth investing more money into it. The faster we run from it, the better."

His father slapped his shoulder abruptly, reeking of alcohol, and said, "Just focus on studying. Business matters aren't your concern. We've invested so much money already. Are we just going to watch the construction halt?"

Meanwhile, Jason Hart's mother looked surprised, glancing at her precious son and then smiling, "How do you know about these things? Are you finally starting to care about business?"

Jason Hart said confidently, "Of course, I have to care. How can I just sit around waiting for the family fortune to shrink? People are aware that housing prices are going to plummet, so they're hesitant to buy. Even if we develop properties, we won't be able to sell them. The market is buzzing with activity, and even I've noticed it. It's high time our family joined the race instead of letting others take over. I wanted to discuss this with Dad yesterday, but unfortunately, I couldn't find him..."