Chapter 16 A Calm Heart
“Your son thinks he can get into MIT? What a joke! He can’t do it!” The neighbor’s voice was loud and grating. She had always disliked Fox.
Fox hid behind the door, listening. His movements froze slightly,
“My son can get in. His recent mock exam scores were excellent,” Faye’s voice grew louder too.
“That’s just a mock exam. It doesn’t count. In the end, he’s just a little good–for- nothing who can’t do anything right!” The neighbor lady had always had a hostile attitude towards the Jordan family.
She constantly found excuses to pick fights with them. Yesterday, she had complained about Ferren’s parking, and today she was throwing trash and making snide remarks to Faye.
If she heard any strange noises at night and was disturbed, she would rush out of her house and bang on the Jordans‘ door, yelling and cursing, even if the noise wasn’t from them. She never apologized even after misunderstandings were cleared up.
In short, she was the definition of a bad neighbor. Her daughter wasn’t any better, often making snide remarks whenever she saw Fox.
Faye never tolerated such behavior and always fought back immediately. Fox also wanted to retaliate, but Ferren had advised him against it.
“They’re a mother and daughter living alone. It’s hard for them. If you can, just tolerate it,” Ferren was kind–hearted. He knew the neighbor’s family struggled without a man in the house and believed in being considerate.
Besides, Faye’s combativeness was remarkable. Despite her usual gentle demeanor, no one could stand up to her when she decided to fight back. Every time the neighbor picked a fight, Faye always won.
In his previous life, Fox didn’t want to get involved in these matters, his mind occupied only with Jenny. But now, he felt he needed to step in. He walked out and smiled at the two women.
“Good afternoon, Auntie,” Fox greeted politely, even smiling.
“Hmph, Fox,” the neighbor lady sneered, her eyes filled with mockery. “I heard you’re aiming for MIT. How’s that going? Do you really think you can do it? People should know their limits. It’s foolish to pursue the impossible.”
Chapter to A Calm Heart
“My daughter has been aiming for MIT since she was young. We spend thousands every year on tutoring for her,” she continued with disdain.
“Thousands? But I thought she just started high school, Is it necessary to prepare so early?” Fox said, genuinely surprised. It was impressive how serious this woman was about her daughter’s education. She was willing to do anything for her.
As for whether the daughter got into MIT later? Fox wanted to say that sometimes, effort doesn’t always pay off, If she didn’t get in, no amount of tutoring would help.
“Of course. Unlike you, thinking a month’s effort is enough. You look like a clown!” The neighbor lady laughed, finding Fox’s attitude increasingly contemptible. Despite her harsh words, he remained calm, which she found laughable.
“What do you mean, who’s a clown? My son will definitely get in! His mock exam scores meet the standard!” Faye shouted.
“I told you, it’s just a mock exam. The real thing is different. Mock exams only build confidence. Besides grades, you need recommendation letters, resumes, and sometimes interviews. Trash belongs in the trash can. Stop dreaming,” the neighbor lady said, glancing at Faye.
Fox remained expressionless, remembering his father’s words. The neighbor’s life, was hard, and they didn’t need aggressive responses.
“Let’s wait and see if I get in,” Fox said, pulling his mother back inside.
“Hey, Fox! I’m not done yelling at her. That horrible woman said those things about you!” Faye was furious, ready to keep fighting.
“Alright, Mom. I’m hungry. I want to eat your fried chicken wings,” Fox said, smiling. He picked up the bag of frozen wings his mom had brought home, meant for dinner tonight.
“If you keep arguing, your son will starve,” Fox said with a silly smile.
“Besides, there’s no need to argue with her. Once the exams are over, she might come knocking to apologize and ask for advice on raising children,” Fox said, helping his mom sit down.
“Fox, you’ve really grown up. The more I look at you, the more you remind me of Ferren. Such a good kid,” Faye said, stroking Fox’s hair.
In the past, faced with such situations, Fox would have run away, hiding like a coward under the covers, using his father’s advice as an excuse for his weakness.
But today, his response was perfect. He didn’t avoid or hysterically argue back. He
Charter 16 & Calm Heart
faced everything calmly, even pulling his mother away from the pointless battlefield.
“How’s Dad?” Fox asked.
His mother coming home early undoubtedly meant there was trouble at work. And his father not being home yet suggested he was struggling with a promotion.
“Don’t worry about it. Everything is fine,” Faye said with a reassuring smile. That night, only Fox and his mother ate dinner together.
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