Chapter 20: The Gala

Standing next to Kit were Kalvin and Fanny, who had witnessed Anna running out of the classroom in tears, feeling indignant on Kit's behalf. Kalvin shouted angrily after the fleeing Anna, "Our Kit doesn't need your fake kindness!"

His voice was loud and firm, filled with anger and dissatisfaction, as if seeking justice for Kit. Fanny echoed his sentiment, "Exactly!" Though her voice wasn't as loud, it was equally full of support and encouragement.

Turning to Kit, Fanny gently said, "It's okay, Kit. If you need, I can ask my dad to find you a good teacher." Her voice was soft yet resolute, her eyes brimming with concern and comfort.

Kit smiled slightly and softly replied, "Thank you, Fanny, but I have my own plans." Her voice was gentle but firm, her eyes revealing confidence and independence.

Anna returned to the Zhu family home with swollen eyes and tear stains still visible on her face. As soon as she walked in, Mary saw her state and was deeply distressed, immediately calling out, "Flo, bring an ice pack!"

Flo hurried over with an ice pack, which still exuded a slight chill. Mary took the ice pack and gently applied it to Anna's face, her expression filled with worry and pity. "Anna, what happened? Why are you crying like this?"

Anna lowered her head, her voice choked with sobs as tears fell again. "Sister said she doesn't need our help..." Her voice was full of grievance and helplessness, her eyes glistening with tears.

Hearing this, Mary was almost moved to tears herself. She held Anna's hand tightly and said indignantly, "If she doesn't need it, let her face the consequences! If she embarrasses herself, it doesn't matter. Anna, you're so outstanding; it won't affect you." Her tone was full of determination and protection, as if declaring she would seek justice for Anna.

Anna, hearing Mary's comfort, felt a surge of triumph but maintained a facade of defending Kit. "Mom, maybe my sister just isn't used to accepting our help." Her voice was gentle and helpless, her eyes holding a faint smile.

Mary sighed, lovingly stroking Anna's hair. "Anna, you're too kind, always speaking well of her. Don't worry, Mom will stand by you." Her voice was filled with affection and resolve, as if she would shield Anna from any harm.

Anna lowered her head, a subtle smile appearing on her face. She felt proud of her successful scheme. She knew she had successfully portrayed herself as kind and innocent in Mary's eyes while painting Kit as cold and unfeeling. As long as she continued like this, she believed Mary would become increasingly biased toward her, leaving Kit more isolated.

Mary put down the ice pack, a flash of coldness in her eyes. "Since she doesn't appreciate it, we don't need to bother anymore. When she embarrasses herself and faces difficulties, she will come crawling back to us. Then we will see her attitude." Her voice was icy and resolute, as if she could already see Kit's downfall.

Anna felt even more triumphant hearing this. She feigned concern, saying, "Mom, she's still family. We should still care about her." Her voice was soft and caring, but her heart was filled with victorious joy.

Mary patted Anna's hand gently and said firmly, "Anna, don't worry. Mom will always support you. No matter what happens, we'll face it together."

For the next few days, Kit continued to visit the school clinic after classes to get her medication. Every time she pushed open the old wooden door, the bell hanging on it would ring crisply, alerting Ryan to her arrival.

Ryan was always sitting behind his desk, a book in hand, seemingly indifferent to the world. Yet whenever Kit entered, he would look up, his eyes filled with a warm concern. True to his word, he only gave Kit one pill each time, much to her helplessness.

One day, as Kit opened the door and the bell rang, Ryan looked up, his gaze gentle. He put down his book and asked softly, "How are you feeling today? Any better?"

Kit walked to his desk, smiled slightly, and nodded but didn't say much. Her expression was as usual, calm and composed, as if everything was under control.

Ryan took out a bottle from the drawer, poured out a pill, and handed it to her. "Make sure to rest these days, don't overexert yourself."

Kit took the pill and replied softly, "Thank you." Her voice was cool and gentle, with little emotional fluctuation.

Ryan nodded, his gaze serious. "Kit, don't push yourself too hard. If you feel unwell, let me know."

Kit was slightly taken aback, then nodded lightly. "I know." Her tone remained calm, but a hint of gratitude flashed in her eyes.

Suddenly, Ryan remembered something and looked at Kit, asking lightly, "I heard you're performing a dance at the gala. Do you need my help? I can find you a teacher or help you withdraw from the program."

Upon hearing this, Kit raised an eyebrow and coldly said, "Mr. School Doctor, you are well-informed."

Ryan didn't respond directly but continued to look at her, his gaze filled with concern, waiting for her answer.

Kit waved her hand nonchalantly, her tone indifferent. "No need, I have my arrangements." After speaking, she turned and left, her posture calm and determined.

On the night of the gala, everyone saw Kit still in her school uniform and assumed she had given up and wouldn't perform. Kit, in her familiar uniform, stood backstage, her expression calm as she watched the lively performances on stage.

In the audience, Anna wore a gorgeous princess dress adorned with sparkling beads that shone under the lights. She had been keeping an eye on Kit's movements over the past few days and found that Kit hadn't learned to dance or invited a teacher to her home. Anna was certain Kit wouldn't dance, even if she secretly practiced, it would be subpar.

Mary, sitting next to Anna, was filled with complex emotions. Over the past few days, Kit had not come to apologize, leaving her puzzled. She couldn't understand why there was a rift between mother and daughter. If Kit had apologized, as her mother, she would have found the best teacher for her. But Kit showed no sign of yielding, leaving Mary both disappointed and helpless.

Originally, when preparing the princess dress for Anna, Mary had also wanted to prepare one for Kit. But thinking of Kit's attitude, she decided Kit should face some hardship to understand her good intentions. Mary looked at Anna, sighing inwardly.

The audience gradually filled with students and parents, and the principal also entered the venue. He was dressed in a formal suit, appearing particularly solemn. He took a seat in the front row, the seat beside him reserved for Ryan. Ryan, wearing his white doctor's coat, appeared exceptionally calm amidst the bustling environment.

Kit, standing backstage, saw Ryan sitting beside the principal from afar. She raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile flashing in her eyes. Ryan seemed to sense Kit's gaze, turned to look at her, and his lips curved slightly, mouthing a silent encouragement, as if cheering her on.