Swallowing My Pride

Lily Evans looked at Principal Gregory Gu, her throat tight with emotion. She didn't know how to respond. After all, no one can predict the future, let alone what Gregory Gu Jr. might do someday.

It was a difficult question, and Lily found it hard to answer right away.

Principal Gregory Gu clung tightly to Lily's hand, his withered eyes fixed on her as if he wouldn't rest in peace unless she agreed.

“Lily, I beg you to spare Gregory's life—just his life, that's all I ask... If anything happens to him, I won't die in peace! Lily, think of it as me trading Phoenix Academy for one chance at life for Gregory, please, Lily!” Principal Gregory Gu pleaded, looking at Lily with desperation.

Seeing the old man, even on his deathbed, still worrying about leaving his grandson a way out, Lily felt a mix of emotions. She understood Principal Gregory Gu's painstaking efforts—risking his dignity to make this final plea for his most cherished grandson.

Faced with this elder who had once shown her great kindness, who was willing to exchange the invaluable Phoenix Academy for his grandson’s life, Lily’s lips trembled—she simply couldn’t refuse.

When someone’s at death’s door, their last wish... Lily wasn’t made of stone; she couldn’t harden her heart. She let out a long sigh. “Alright. If, one day, Gregory Gu Jr. falls into my husband’s hands, I’ll make sure he lives. But only his life—the rest will depend on his own fate.”

“Good... good... Lily, thank you. Now I can pass on in peace. And... don’t tell Gregory. He’s proud and stubborn—if he knew his grandfather had shamelessly begged you while dying, he’d be tormented for life.” Principal Gregory Gu’s body seemed to collapse, as if the only thing keeping him going was waiting for Lily to promise to spare his grandson.

Seeing Principal Gregory Gu slipping into a semi-conscious state, Lily grew worried and quickly went out to call everyone in.

Gregory Gu Jr. had been anxiously waiting outside. When he entered and saw his grandfather unconscious again, his brows furrowed with worry.

Lily glanced at Gregory Gu Jr., then quietly took Alexander Hayes’s arm. She had already agreed to Principal Gregory Gu’s dying wish—trading Phoenix Academy for one chance at life for Gregory Gu Jr.

Since she had agreed to Principal Gregory Gu’s request, he could pass on in peace, and Lily didn’t want to linger any longer.

"Let’s go home," Lily said to Alexander Hayes.

Alexander Hayes nodded, not even bothering to spare Gregory Gu Jr. a glance, and left with Lily.

But just as they reached the courtyard, Gregory Gu Jr. rushed out, eyes fixed on Lily. “What did Grandfather say to you?” he demanded.

Lily looked calmly at Gregory Gu Jr., remembering Principal Gregory Gu’s instructions. “Why should I tell you?” she replied.

With that, Lily turned to leave, but Gregory Gu Jr. quickly blocked her path, his expression wild with agitation. He pressed her, “What exactly did Grandfather say to you? Or did you say something to him? Lily, be honest—what kind of spell did you cast on Grandfather to make him hand Phoenix Academy over to you?”

Lily sneered, staring at Gregory Gu Jr. “That was Principal Gregory Gu’s own decision. How could you accuse me of bewitching him? Imperial Grand Tutor Gu, don’t slander me!”

Gregory Gu Jr. nearly growled, “Impossible! Phoenix Academy is far too important—how could Grandfather just hand it over to you? Phoenix Academy was built by the Gu Family, how could he give it to an outsider? You must have said something to him, tricked him while he was old and confused! Otherwise, why would he leave the Academy to you instead of his own family?”