Dong's father silently lit a cigarette, took a couple of drags, then after a few pauses stated, "Child, I, your father-in-law, am ashamed. I didn't educate Jiaojiao well. I'm sorry you have suffered because of her."
Zhou Pingyuan remained silent, not uttering a word.
Dong's father couldn't help but sigh, then, with difficulty, said, "I have investigated the matter. Jiaojiao and that fellow whose surname is Feng actually don't have any substantial issues. They're merely colleagues at the same unit, both teachers, who've been discussing academic and teaching matters together. I have pampered her too much since she was a child and didn't realize that men and women should hold their own defenses. This is how misunderstandings happen. You must..."
Before he could finish speaking, a shrill female voice interrupted him, "Dad."
Of course, it was Dong Yujiao who was speaking, with her mom, clutching her arm, following behind.
