Top-tier supporting actress

Chapter 4: Conflict

Mary Winchester, the epitome of a mother in biological essence.

Luna never experienced a day of maternal love from her, yet she could not relinquish her. When Mary was still somewhat lucid, she bestowed upon her the sole property under her name. Though the value of that house was modest, Luna never entertained the thought of selling it. Whatever a mother could provide, Mary had already given to her. If ever homeless, she could at least seek shelter in that house, avoiding utter destitution. In both legal and practical terms, Mary was indeed her mother. Therefore, offering monetary support was a willingly accepted duty for Luna.

Hardly had the $6000 she received yesterday warmed in her hands when she transferred another ten thousand today. Glancing at the calendar, Luna realized that in a few days, it would be time to pay for Kiki's kindergarten fees. A sum exceeding $4000 per month, excluding breaks, amounted to around forty thousand annually. Expenses seemed to abound everywhere, yet money was the scarcest resource.

Sighing quietly, Luna continued posting on a certain online platform. Perhaps luck would favor her, allowing her to encounter a wealthy benefactor. However, before any affluent individuals materialized, the kindergarten called her. Kiki had been scratched in the face by another little girl.

Upon hearing this news, Luna wasted no time and hurried to the kindergarten at the speed of light. At the sight of her mother, Kiki burst into tears. Luna's heart ached profoundly. By the time she arrived, the teachers were already present. The root cause was quite simple. In an attempt to save costs, Luna had taught herself to craft various items, including small dolls for her daughter to bring and sleep with at the kindergarten. Her handiwork was exquisite, producing beautiful dolls. One particularly domineering girl fancied Kiki's doll and demanded it, but Kiki refused. The refusal angered the girl, leading to an inexplicable altercation between the two little girls resulting in Kiki's scratched face.

Witnessing the reddened scratches on her daughter's tender face, Luna felt pierced with sorrow. "Are you Kiki's mother? I am Sunny's mother," a woman elegantly attired inquired, initiating a conversation with Luna. In truth, the skirmish among the children was a reflection of the parents' disposition.

Luna gazed at the opulent woman before her, drew a deep breath, and uttered, "Hello, Sunny's mother. I have already been briefed by Teacher Lee on the details of the incident. As Kiki's mother, I hope your daughter can apologize to mine and cover all medical expenses."

Although Sunny's mother appeared amiable, her pride was deeply ingrained. "We will naturally cover the medical expenses, but your daughter also pulled my daughter's hair. Let's overlook apologies since both sides are at fault. Since Sunny merely wanted a doll, your daughter overreacted. You should discipline her properly." Furthermore, she inquired about the origin of the doll, expressing her intent to purchase one for her daughter, cautioning against excessive indulgence towards children's conflicts.

Luna's hand trembled with anger. The seemingly trivial matter in the eyes of other parents was a significant ordeal for Luna, given the blood almost shed from her daughter's face. "Teacher Lee, is this how the kindergarten addresses children?" The teacher responsible for the class wore a visibly awkward expression. "Mrs. Sunny, this incident was indeed Sunny's fault. It would be advisable for Sunny to apologize to Kiki."

"My daughter did nothing wrong. On behalf of Kiki, I apologize to you. Please spare the child; she is still upset," Sunny's mother's attitude oscillated between exaggerated courtesy and insincerity, creating a palpable discomfort.

Luna could acquiesce in various aspects, but when it came to her daughter, she would never yield an inch. Brandishing her phone, she asserted, "Sunny's mother, regardless of your wealth, my daughter is my treasure. If your daughter bullies mine, she must apologize. Failure to do so will prompt me to post a video online showing your child bullying mine, refusing to apologize. I will approach journalists and the media. Even if we leave this kindergarten, I will not permit my daughter to suffer injustice."

Hearing this, Teacher Lee felt a sudden tension. Kindergarten officials feared sudden exposure from parents, a predicament that could adversely impact future enrollments. Seeking to calm Luna, Teacher Lee interjected, "Kiki's mother, please don't worry. Let me talk to Sunny's mother."

Seemingly perturbed, Sunny's mother smirked, "Go ahead and expose us. I will immediately transfer my child to another school and leave the country; apologies are out of the question. Let's compromise—I'll offer you fifty thousand; you and your daughter stay silent."

Before Luna could finish her statement, her phone was knocked away, the screen shattering instantly. "How much for your phone? I'll compensate you tenfold," Sunny's mother sneered.

Head hung low, Luna comforted a frightened Kiki clutching her leg, whispering, "Mommy..." Even Teacher Lee was visibly shaken, not anticipating such unreasonable behaviour from a parent.

Blinking back tears, Luna pondered her purpose. If she couldn't protect her daughter, what was her existence for? Raising her head slowly, she fixed a steely gaze upon Sunny's mother, an expression tinged with menace. Sunny's mother, sensing the impending threat, recoiled, "What are you planning? If you turn violent, I will call the police."

Just as Luna was about to advance, a familiar hand gripped her arm. Turning around, she faced Sam. "What are you doing?" he inquired.

Upon seeing him, Luna opened her mouth but remained wordless for a while.

Thirty minutes later, Sam's coat draped over Luna's shoulders, Kiki clinging tightly to her waist. He took over the discussions with the teacher. Sunny's mother, sitting across, remained silent, recognizing in Sam someone not to be trifled with, promptly calling her husband.

Before long, her husband arrived in haste, exclaiming, "Who bullied my daughter!" Upon spotting Sam, he broke into a delighted grin, "Sir! What a surprise to see you here!"