Chapter 3

The next morning, my parents showed up in a rush.

They didn't come to see me first. They went straight to the advisor's office.

Emily was already there, sitting beside her parents.

Her father worked as a mid-level official at the city's education bureau and had business ties with my dad.

That probably explained at least part of my parents' fury.

They weren't just worried about me. They were worried I'd offended the wrong people.

When they called me into the office, the vibe was almost cheerful.

My mom was holding Emily's hand like she was the victim here.

"Emily,…