Chapter 61: Chapter 61: Suspicion

Old Master Tate was Jacqueline Spann’s teacher, and as the old saying goes, a teacher is like a father. In ancient times, a master’s standing could even be placed above one’s own father. Although things were no longer so formal, the position was still held in high regard.

But when tragedy struck Old Master Tate, Jacqueline Spann didn’t step forward. At that moment, the entire village stood by and watched, as cold and indifferent as robots. That was understandable for the others, since they had no real connection to the old master.

’But since Jacqueline Spann was his student, why didn’t she step forward?’

’If just one person had stepped up to say something, those three damn radical youths might not have beaten the old master to death!’

Tang Xiaonan frowned. ’The author didn’t describe the scene in detail and didn’t even mention Jacqueline Spann. I have no idea what she was doing at the time. Or maybe she wasn’t even in the village?’

The truth remained unknown, and Tang Xiaonan didn’t want to assume the worst of people, but a seed of doubt had been planted in her heart.

Furthermore, the Spann family’s circumstances were about average for the village. Although they weren’t as well-off as the Thorne family, Jacqueline’s mother, Phoenix Golding, was a public elementary school teacher who earned a monthly salary. With her father, Vernon Spann, also working every day, they never had to worry about having enough to eat.

’Adrian Hawthorne and Old Master Tate had it so hard, but there was no mention of Jacqueline Spann helping them out, not even once. At least, the book never said anything. Even offering a little rice as a tuition fee would have helped them!’

’In the future, you wouldn’t be able to hire a master like him for any amount of money.’

The more Tang Xiaonan thought about it, the more suspicious she became. ’But this is all just speculation,’ she reminded herself. ’I can’t judge her character based on doubt alone.’

’The author depicted Jacqueline Spann as this wonderful person whom everyone praised. Almost no one had a bad word to say about her. She must be a genuinely good person… maybe I’m wrong about her.’

’Time reveals a person’s true heart. After I’ve been around Jacqueline Spann more, I’ll know what kind of person she really is.’

’I’ll only trust my own eyes and my own heart. I have to be the one to judge whether she’s a good person or a bad one.’

“Not bad, but your pronunciation on a few of these isn’t quite right. Repeat after me.”

Old Master Tate recited them a few times. Though his voice was raspy, the pronunciation was clearly much more accurate. Jacqueline Spann repeated after him and quickly corrected her mistakes.

“Grandpa Tate, I’d also like to learn some new words,” Jacqueline Spann requested, a little embarrassed.

“Of course. I’ll teach you twenty more.”

Old Master Tate readily agreed. ’If the youth are strong, the nation is strong.’ Children were the future. In recent years, the schools had been turned into a chaotic mess, with the prime years of youth wasted on pointless troublemaking instead of studying. To the old master, this was more painful than any physical beating.

Old Master Tate was delighted that Jacqueline Spann was so eager to learn. He was willing to teach her, no matter how exhausted he was.

“Thank you, Grandpa Tate.”

Jacqueline Spann bowed in gratitude and took a pen and paper from her basket, ready to take notes.

“Mr. Hawthorne!”

Tang Xiaonan’s voice rang out. Adrian Hawthorne was already used to the little fatty’s sudden shouts. ’She was just here this morning. Why is she back again this afternoon?’

Skipping over excitedly, Tang Xiaonan called out with a wide grin, “Grandpa Tate, Ms. Spann, what were you reciting just now? It sounded like singing, it was so pretty!”

Jacqueline Spann’s brow furrowed slightly. She put away her pen and paper, then forced a small smile at Tang Xiaonan. “Oh, it was nothing. We were just chatting.”

“How come I couldn’t understand it? Third Brother, did you?”

“I wasn’t listening. Just say what you came to say so we can go home.” Jim Thorne’s face was still dark as he shot a few glares at Adrian Hawthorne.

“Is there something you need, Xiaonan?” Old Master Tate asked.

“Grandpa Tate, my youngest uncle is taking me into the city for fun tomorrow. Do you want to come?” Tang Xiaonan asked in a sweet, childish voice.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep