Mei Zhen Marchand displays reckless independence,’” she quoted softly as she planted her hands on the countertop and hopped up to sit there, feet drummin’ softly against the cabinets beneath her. “‘When she disagrees with her superiors and her peers, nothing will curb her tongue. She speaks up loudly for what she believes is the truth or what she believes is right. Even if she is wrong, even if it would be kinder and smarter to stay silent.’”
