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Chapter 6 A Fraud or a Martial Arts Master?

Zoey was totally in the zone, moving like she was one with the wind. Her kicks whipped up a breeze, and her punches were so fast they were a blur.

She nailed that perfect mix of power and grace, with strength hidden in her smooth moves.

The old folks watching went from sneering to shocked, then to pure admiration.

When she wrapped up her routine, everyone was all respect. Even James, the guy leading the group, gave her a serious look. "Who's your master? Your skills are off the charts! I've been at this for thirty years and I'm nowhere near your level."

Zoey gave a humble nod. "You're too kind. I just picked it up here and there in my free time."

Everyone was blown away.

"Just picked it up and got this good? Makes us look bad."

"Yeah! If you have a moment, could you show us a few moves?"

"I wanna learn first! I'll pay whatever it takes!"

A bunch of old guys rushed forward, phones out, ready to pay. But Zoey stepped back, not interested.

"Sorry, I gotta get to class. Let's call it a day." She turned to head for the main road.

Just as she was leaving, James stopped her. "Wait, master."

Zoey frowned, thinking he wanted a rematch. But then he handed her a blank check and a business card. "If you have time, please get in touch."

Zoey was about to refuse, but then she saw the name on the card: James Smith.

This old guy was the famous artist, James Smith!

Zoey got curious.

Not because she was into art, but her grandparents were big fans of his.

So, after a moment, she took the check and card.

James lit up like a Christmas tree, like he'd just found a treasure, and asked, "Master, can I get your contact info too?"

He looked like he was scared she'd vanish.

Running late for school, Zoey didn't say much and let him scan her Facebook QR code, then took off.

As soon as she left, James was swarmed by the old guys. "James, you're something else. You got this martial arts master to take your card and check! That's impressive," one said.

"You're too kind," James replied.

"Send me the master's contact info later. I'll treat you to dinner!"

"One dinner? I want that rare bottle of Lafite from your place!"

"Deal, it's yours!" The old guy agreed, even though it pained him to part with his precious wine.

James happily saved the number, but then his granddaughter, Kennedy Smith, showed up.

She overheard the conversation about the master and the check. She hadn't seen Zoey's face, but from her back and clothes, she seemed about her age. Clearly a scam!

"Grandpa, you've been scammed!"

"What are you talking about? That was a highly skilled martial arts master, very impressive." James was unfazed.

"What martial arts master? Just a scammer targeting old folks like you! Why else would she take your check? You always fall for this stuff. Remember how much you lost to that health supplement scam? Did you forget?"

James's face turned red. "Don't talk nonsense, this time it's definitely not a scam!"

Kennedy, seeing how stubborn James was, felt super frustrated. No way! She decided she couldn't let James get scammed again!

"Grandpa, since you like her so much, let's invite her over. We've got a party in a few days, right? We can talk to her then."

"Yeah, you're right." James thought Kennedy's suggestion was spot on. When the master came, he'd let Kennedy see for herself, so she wouldn't think the master was a scammer.

Little did he know, Kennedy was planning to expose the scammer in front of everyone, humiliating her so she'd never scam again!

Zoey hurried but still ended up late. However, this let her witness a case of school bullying.

The bully was Vivienne Mae, who had been considered the most attractive girl on campus before Zoey showed up, and the victim was Zoey's deskmate, Emma Kate.

Emma, the quiet, shy girl who always had a smile, was cornered in a dirty bathroom by a group of girls, her clothes half torn off, revealing skin covered in bruises.

"Stop hitting me, I know I was wrong."

"Oh, you think you're all buddy-buddy with Zoey now, huh? Today, I'm gonna mess up your pretty little face and see if she still wants to be friends with you!"

Vivienne slapped Emma, leaving a bloody scratch on her face.

"Hey." Suddenly, a cold female voice startled Vivienne and the others. They turned around to see Zoey leaning against the door, dressed in light-colored casual clothes, tall and slender, with long hair like a waterfall. Her clear eyes looked over indifferently, full of pressure.

Vivienne had long harbored resentment towards her. Her title of school beauty was taken away, and her admirers all started pursuing Zoey. Seeing Zoey, Vivienne not only didn't feel afraid but instead grabbed Emma's chin even harder, leaving red marks. "What, standing up for your deskmate?"

"Let her go." Zoey's face was ice-cold.

"What if I don't?" Vivienne provoked, and the other girls immediately jeered. One girl suggested, "Zoey, do you even have the guts to stand up for others? Vivienne, since she's here, why bother with this wimp? Let's just take care of Zoey for you!"

Vivienne gave that girl an approving look. "Good idea. Let's strip her and take some videos to entertain everyone, see if our new school beauty's body is as attractive as her face."

At this moment, these young girls, full of youthful vigor, looked like demons as they rushed towards Zoey.

Zoey opened the door and took a step back, exposing their ugly behavior to the hallway.

Vivienne sat on Emma, excitedly waiting to see Zoey suffer, but with a few swift moves, Zoey easily dodged their attacks. She didn't even need to fight back, effortlessly subduing them.

Facing these weaklings who relied on numbers but had no combat skills, Zoey didn't even bother using her martial arts techniques.

With a few light touches, she made their bodies go numb and sore, unable to stand up. The once aggressive accomplices huddled together, not daring to approach Zoey.

Before Vivienne could react, Zoey walked over, grabbed her carefully maintained long hair, and slammed her head against the door!

With a loud crash, Vivienne was dazed, her legs went weak, and she slumped to the ground, completely stunned.

"If there's a next time, I'll crack your skull open." Zoey, standing in front of her, had delicate features but a cold expression, as terrifying as a demon.

Zoey left with Emma.

Morning classes were out of the question as Zoey took Emma to treat her wounds, and they only returned to class in the afternoon.

As soon as they entered, the homeroom teacher glared at them. "Zoey, you've really gone too far, even bullying your classmates now. Come with me to the office!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the classroom was in an uproar.

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