Chapter 284 The Preschool Principal Who Worships Money

• Mark Brooks frowned. Be White Dragon’s lackey? Me? “Damn, Brooks, you’re really something!” Xavier Yoder jabbed a finger at Mark’s nose, pacing the warehouse with a look that screamed speechless. He never imagined Mark would pull this move—knowing he couldn’t win, he turned around and joined White Dragon too. As long as they both served White Dragon, Xavier had no way to deal with Mark. Smart play. And judging by White Dragon’s vibe today, he seemed to favor Mark more. “Let them go,” Mark didn’t bother explaining. Since Xavier had already filled in the blanks himself, great—at least he wouldn’t dig deeper. These people, Mark would still need them once Lone Wolf came back. “Since Mr. White said let them go, I’ll let them go. But if you think you’re just walking out, that might be hard,” Xavier said coldly. “So what are you gonna do? Friendly advice—don’t ask for trouble,” Mark shook his head. “I’m asking for trouble? I brought so many guys—think I’m scared of you? Get him! Beat him fast, let me blow off some steam!” Xavier barked at his gang. The crowd surged toward Mark. Before they could really move, a dozen cars blasted through the old warehouse doors and crashed in hard. Bruno jumped out. No small talk. He slapped Xavier across the face. “Who were you gonna hit?” Xavier glared at Mark. “We’re all White Dragon’s boys. Why are you acting so damn cocky, telling your crew to hit me?” “You don’t sound convinced?” Bruno slapped him again. “Mark!” Xavier didn’t dare shout at Bruno, but he sure dared to shout at Mark. Bruno’s face went dark. He grabbed Xavier’s hair and slammed his head onto a junked car—bang, bang, bang. “Hey—what the hell are you doing? I’m talking to your boss and you lay hands on me? Bruno, quit smashing! Bruno! Bruno!” After a dozen brutal hits, Xavier was dizzy and done. “You’re my daddy, okay? Please stop. I’ll get lost right now!” Bruno finally let go and said coolly, “Where are they?” Xavier shook his head, then yelled, “Where the hell are they? You all real tough, huh? Watching me get hit and not bringing them out?” Having lost face, he spun and raged at his own men. “Bring them now.” A goon sprinted off and led Tamara Poole and Qingqing out. Mark made sure Qingqing didn’t see any of this—he’d gotten her out early. “You clean up,” Mark said to Bruno before leaving. “Want me to finish them?” “No need.” “Got it.” Once in the car, Tamara was still shaken, face white as a sheet. “Who are these people?” “Skyrion’s been messy lately. Lots of kidnappings. Be careful when you go out,” Mark kept it brief. Tamara nodded obediently, then looked at Qingqing, heart still racing. Good thing nothing happened today—or her husband would’ve lost it at her. Mark checked the time. If they headed to the airport now, they could just make it. Oliver Jones had already arrived. Half an hour after he picked up Xuli, Mark reached the terminal too. Qingqing spotted her dad and ran, thrilled. “Daddy, Qingqing missed you so much!” She leapt into Xuli’s arms, tiny hands rubbing the prickly stubble on his cheeks. Xuli held his girl tight, eyes brimming. “Daddy missed you too, honey. I won’t ever let you suffer again.” Watching father and daughter together, Mark suddenly remembered that night in Dragonridge Valley—the little girl knocking on his car window in the dark, begging help for her dad with a broken leg. If he hadn’t run into them that night, they might both have died. Just thinking about it made his stomach drop. “Stay here and start fresh. Heal up first. Once you’re better, I’ll set you up with a job. Qingqing can go to school here. Tamara loves this kid—she can help watch her,” Mark said on the drive back. “I owe you,” Xuli said, moved. Mark smiled. “Come on, Brother Xu—no need for that with me.” Xuli smiled too, exhaling as he sank into the couch, tension melting off him. “Ten years hiding in the hills—finally over. If your father could see you now, he’d rest easy.” Mark fell silent. He picked up his phone and made a call instead. “I just found a preschool for Qingqing. School starts soon. They said family has to do the enrollment in person. If you’re okay, we can head over now. You up for it?” “I’m fine. If it’s urgent, let’s go. Qingqing getting into preschool—that was a dream I didn’t dare have before.” “Don’t worry. Qingqing’s gonna have a happy life,” Mark said, soft and sure. Xuli smiled, and saved the extra thanks—he knew Mark didn’t like hearing it. They didn’t even go home. They went straight to the preschool. The principal came out to greet them in person. One look at the car Mark drove, and her face brightened. This was the priciest preschool in Skyrion—and the best. “Enrollment ended already, but we can make an exception for you today. The tuition, though, needs to be paid in full, up front,” the principal said, all smiles. “How much?” Xuli asked. “Pricey, sure, but we’re the best in the state. Worth every penny. It’s one hundred thousand per semester. Living costs, event fees, and materials are separate—you’ll pay those when they come up. In principle, all our preschool events are mandatory. I’m sure that won’t be a problem for a family like yours.” As she spoke, she glanced again at Mark’s car. Her meaning was obvious. “That’s so expensive? I don’t have that kind of money. Forget it—we should find a cheaper one,” Xuli backed off fast at the price. The principal frowned. Expensive? You come to Heavenly Heart Preschool without doing your homework? She was already making an exception. She hadn’t even charged a processing fee. If this was “expensive,” she could bet they wouldn’t pay anything extra either. “Wow, if that’s expensive, why’d you bother coming? Just wasting everyone’s time. You didn’t even check ahead? This is the best preschool in the state. No money, no school.” She rolled her eyes and snapped, then threw one last look at Mark’s car. “Got cash to rent a car and show off, but can’t pay a year’s tuition? What a joke.” Xuli’s face flushed with embarrassment. Qingqing had been peeking in the gate, curious. She clearly wanted to look around. But after hearing that, she shrank back and stood nervously by her dad’s side. Mark hadn’t meant to handle everything himself. He wanted Xuli to have the joy of sending his daughter to school. But he didn’t expect the principal to open with money—and say it so nasty.