Chen Xiaohu held the book tightly in his arms.
That colorful cloth book was his crown today.
Zheng Xiulan's hand was suspended in mid-air.
Her face, which had been serious all her life, showed no expression.
"Give it to me."
Her voice was just like when she gave lectures in kindergarten, devoid of any warmth.
Chen Xiaohu's body trembled slightly.
But he didn't loosen his grip.
The book in his arms was held even tighter.
"Didn't you hear me?"
Zheng Xiulan's voice grew colder.
"Hand over that thing."
The surrounding children were too frightened to make a sound.
They looked at Director Zheng as if she were a tiger ready to devour them.
Xiao Hu's lips quivered, and tears fell.
"No...won't give..."
He shook his head stubbornly, on the verge of tears.
"This is...this is Aunt Lin's drawing...it's a good book..."
"A good book?"
Zheng Xiulan let out a cold laugh.
"Skipping school, is that what you call a good book?"
"I say it's poison!"
She stopped wasting words.
