Chapter 132 features a robbery. "Ahem—"

"Cough cough—"

Aunt Ma cleared her throat, looking like she had something to say, and everyone immediately shut up and quieted down.

Aunt Ma: "Let me be fair. Chuncao grew up right under my nose. I know what kind of person she is. I've said before that she would never do something like getting married in the countryside and then abandoning her husband and children to return to the city."

She glanced at everyone and said, "Now that things are clear, all those claims about getting married and abandoning her husband and children are completely unfounded. It was Dong Chunling who was unhappy that Chuncao was dating the boy she liked, so she deliberately made up stories to slander Chuncao's reputation."

Dong Chunling's lips moved, clearly showing her dissatisfaction.

But Aunt Ma didn't give her a chance to speak. Looking at everyone, she said, "Everyone is here today, let's make this clear. From now on, don't spread rumors that Chuncao got married in the countryside. Otherwise, I'll take Chuncao and come knocking on your door."

As soon as Aunt Ma finished speaking, Mingxi clearly saw several people in the crowd lower their heads.

She remembered that these people had all talked behind her back about whether Wang Chuncao had been married in the countryside.

The women, both middle-aged and older, who had lowered their heads, looked quite embarrassed. They didn't mean any harm, nor were they deliberately targeting Wang Chuncao; it was just that everyone in the alley was saying the same thing, and they couldn't help but chime in. Besides, Dong Chunling had described it so convincingly that they couldn't help but suspect Wang Chuncao.

After all, Wang Chuncao has been working in the countryside for four or five years; who knows if she will…

Ahem, now they have fully realized their mistakes and promise not to talk about Wang Chuncao again.

Wang Chuncao, of course, also saw the reactions of those few people in the crowd. She pursed her lips, but she didn't think they were innocent at all.

Besides Dong Chunling, what she hated most were these gossipy women. They had nothing better to do than talk about other people's business all day long. And some of them, without even understanding what was going on, took it upon themselves to pontificate and act righteously.

The thought of those gossipy women who came to her door and made sarcastic remarks about her being heartless and that even if she wanted to go back to the city, she shouldn't abandon her husband and children made her furious.

They are both stupid and wicked; stupid enough not to understand the truth, and wicked enough not to be able to bear seeing the people around them doing well.

Such people may seem honest, but they are actually the worst!

Compared to these others, even the gossipy Aunt He from the alley is considered good.

Wang Chuncao glanced at those people, gave a heavy "humph," and looked away.

With Aunt Ma's words in hand, they couldn't cause any trouble, and she didn't need to argue with those stupid and wicked people anymore.

After speaking to everyone, Aunt Ma turned to Dong Chunling and said, "As for you, Dong Chunling, shouldn't you apologize to Chuncao?"

Dong Chunling retorted, "Why should I apologize?"

Aunt Ma: "What right do you have? If you hadn't spread rumors, would any of this have happened? You ruined the weeding project and damaged her reputation for so long. Shouldn't you apologize?"

Dong Chunling looked indignant, her neck stiff: "Why should I apologize just because you say so? Who do you think you are? You used to be a supervisor, but you're no longer in that position. People usually give you the runaround because of your age and your connections with the neighborhood committee. Do you really think you're someone important? I'm not apologizing. Let's see what you can do to me!"

"Hey--"

Before Aunt Ma could even speak, the people in the alley were already unhappy.

Aunt Ma is quite respected in the alley, not only because she used to be a manager and has connections with the neighborhood committee, but also because she is a kind and warm-hearted person. Whether it's in her own courtyard or in any other alley, if anyone has any problems, Aunt Ma is always the first to help.

When Zhao Sulan was hospitalized, Aunt Ma was always there to help; earlier this year, when Zhang's daughter-in-law in the alley suffered severe postpartum hemorrhage and no one was home, Aunt Ma pulled a cart to take her to the hospital; whenever families in the alley who were struggling financially encountered difficulties, Aunt Ma would offer both money and labor...

Aunt Ma is a kind-hearted person who doesn't care about money or fame. She refuses any money offered to her as a token of gratitude.

Many people in the alley had benefited from Aunt Ma's kindness, so they couldn't bear to hear Dong Chunling say what she was saying.

Mingxi, who was standing at the front, immediately frowned and looked coldly at Dong Chunling: "How dare you speak to Aunt Ma like that?"

When Zhao Sulan was hospitalized, Aunt Ma helped her a lot, and now she can't just watch Dong Chunling openly embarrass Aunt Ma.

Dong Chunling: "What's wrong with me talking to her like that? Who does she think she is? She's no one to me. I'm just talking to her like this, so what's it to you?"

Today, she disregarded everyone and no one was standing in front of her, and shouted defiantly, "And you, Mingxi, don't think you can meddle in other people's business just because you're stronger and can hit people harder. Let me tell you, I'm not afraid of you!"

Mingxi raised an eyebrow. Judging from Dong Chunling's posture, she wanted to have a physical fight with her.

She sneered and walked towards Dong Chunling. One step, two steps, as Mingxi got closer and closer, Dong Chunling's expression gradually became wary.

Despite her words that she wasn't afraid, she was actually afraid that Mingxi would make a move; she couldn't possibly beat Mingxi.

At this moment, Mr. and Mrs. Dong, who had heard the commotion outside, also rushed out. Mr. Dong had already heard what had happened from the neighbors. He had a stern face and said in a low voice, "Dong Chunling, you should apologize to Chuncao right away."

Dong Chunling suddenly looked up: "Dad?!"

Her eyes widened, filled with indignation. How could her father do such a thing?

Today, Wang Chuncao ruined her relationship, so why should she apologize to Wang Chuncao?

Mr. Dong said with a stern face, "You should apologize to Chuncao right now!"

Although Wang Chuncao was in the wrong today, he had heard that Wang Chuncao had already apologized to Dong Chunling, so it was perfectly reasonable for her to ask her daughter to apologize now.

Aunt Ma made it very clear: in the end, this whole thing was started by Dong Chunling. Let Dong Chunling apologize, and that will settle all the issues from the past years.

To be honest, Dong Chunling is the one who benefits. By stubbornly refusing to apologize, Dong Chunling is really wasting Aunt Ma's good intentions.

Looking at his stubborn daughter with her head tilted back, Mr. Dong felt his head ache even more.

But no matter what, Dong Chunling will never reflect on herself. In her world, it is always someone else who is wrong, and she is incapable of making mistakes.

She glared fiercely at the crowd in front of her, shoved Wang Chuncao, who was blocking her way, and strode away. Dong's parents tried to stop her but it was too late.

"Why--"

Mr. Dong sighed deeply, his shoulders slumped, and his back looked quite hunched. He nodded to Wang Chuncao and said, "Chuncao, it's Chunling who has wronged you. I apologize to you on her behalf."

As he spoke, he bent down and bowed deeply to Wang Chuncao.

Wang Chuncao quickly stepped forward to help Mr. Dong up: "Uncle Dong, this is between Dong Chunling and me. You don't need to apologize to me, and I can't accept your apology."

Wang Chuncao's words were blunt, showing no consideration for Dong's father just because he was an elder.

Upon hearing this, Mr. Dong sighed deeply, his already not-so-tall frame becoming even more hunched.

He turned to look at Aunt Ma and said, "Old Ma, I also want to apologize to you. My Chunling was rude. I apologize on her behalf. Please be magnanimous and don't hold it against her, considering she's still a child."

Aunt Ma didn't say anything, but Mingxi couldn't help but roll her eyes: "Yes, yes, he's still a child, only a little over two hundred months old."

In her opinion, the Dong family is also partly responsible for Dong Chunling's current lawless behavior.

Every time Dong Chunling caused trouble outside, her parents would say nice things, promising to teach her a good lesson and that it wouldn't happen again, but in the end, they did nothing.

If the Dong family had just once been firm enough to discipline Dong Chunling properly, she wouldn't have turned out the way she is now.

Mingxi glanced at Mr. and Mrs. Dong, whose faces were filled with sorrow.

Are the Dong family members pitiful?

It's pitiful that every time Dong Chunling gets into trouble, her family has to step in and clean up her messes.

But isn't this what the Dong family deserves?

Moreover, every time Dong Chunling caused trouble, her father would clean up her mess, saying that Dong Chunling was still young and didn't know any better, and that everyone should not take it to heart.

What do you mean "little girl"? Dong Chunling is only in her twenties. People her age in the alley have already had children and become parents. Her father still calls her a child. Mingxi is several years younger than her, but she is not as ungrateful as Dong Chunling.

Anyway, Mingxi couldn't stand Dong's father using moral blackmail against the big guys in the alley.

Mingxi's witty remarks were so funny that everyone was amused.

"Haha, a baby over two hundred months old, haha, Xiaoming is really good at talking!"

"So, does that mean I'm still a baby who's over 400 months old?"

"Wait, no, you're a baby who's over 500 months old!"

"So we're all kids, and there aren't any adults here?"

"you do not say……"

Everyone laughed and joked.

Father Dong blushed, feeling somewhat embarrassed. Mingxi wanted to say something more, but Zhao Sulan tugged at her sleeve, signaling her to stop. Mingxi swallowed her words.

Grandma Ma was kind-hearted after all. Seeing Mr. Dong like this, she sighed softly and said, "It's alright, I didn't take it to heart."

Mr. Dong nodded, his face flushed, and he and Mrs. Dong helped each other walk home.

Seeing that Dong Chunling and her parents had all left, and there was no more excitement to watch, everyone dispersed and went home. Mingxi and Zhao Sulan continued their original plan to buy bicycles.

Just as the mother and daughter were about to leave, Aunt He called them back.

Aunt He: "Xiaoming, are you and your mother going out?"

Mingxi nodded: "My mom and I are going to buy some things."

"Oh, okay." Aunt He waved her hand, "Then you guys go ahead, I'm going home too."

Mingxi asked curiously, "Aunt He, aren't you going to set up your stall today?"

Aunt He waved her hand: "No, no, I've been setting up my stall every day for the past few days. I haven't had a moment's rest and I'm exhausted. I need to rest at home."

She joked, "I've realized it now. I'm just not cut out to make big money. When I was broke, I was willing to do anything to earn money, but now that I'm actually making money, my body can't keep up. Oh well, there's no point in making too much money anyway, so I need to take a break."

Mingxi nodded, agreeing with what he said.

Aunt He: "Alright, alright, you two still have things to do, go ahead and do your work, I'm going home."

Aunt He turned and went home, and Mingxi and Zhao Sulan also started to walk out.

On the way to the department store, Mingxi couldn't help but remark, "Wang Chuncao reacted quickly."

She was referring to Wang Chuncao bringing up the story of Dong Chunling spreading rumors about her in front of everyone.

More than a year has passed since this incident, and to outsiders, it seems like too long ago; some people have probably already forgotten what exactly happened. Wang Chuncao apologized to Dong Chunling one second, then brought up the old incident the next, reminding everyone that Dong Chunling was the one who started the trouble, and they involuntarily sided with Wang Chuncao.

This completely cleared up Wang Chuncao's behavior of speaking ill of Dong Chunling to Hu Mingyi, and also thoroughly explained the rumors Dong Chunling had spread against her. From now on, no one in the alley would be so blind as to spread rumors behind her back that she might be married and have children in the countryside.

Zhao Sulan nodded; Wang Chuncao reacted quite quickly this time.

As the mother and daughter were talking, they soon arrived at the department store. Coincidentally, the person on duty at the department store today was Huang Pingping's mother, Aunt Sun. As soon as she saw Mingxi, she immediately greeted her with a smile.

"Xiaoming, you and your mom are here to buy something? What are you buying?"

Mingxi smiled and said, "Aunt Sun, we've come to look at bicycles today."

"Oh." Aunt Sun: "You want to buy a bicycle? Our store just received a batch of bicycles yesterday, but they're not on display yet; they're all sitting in the warehouse. If you're interested, I can get the keys and take you to the back to have a look."

Mingxi was somewhat tempted: "Is this appropriate?"

Aunt Sun: "Hey, look at you, being so polite again. What's wrong with that? Come on, I'll take you and your daughter to the back warehouse."

If it weren't for Mingxi, her daughter would still be hanging out with that scoundrel Feng Fan. Now that her daughter has broken up with Feng Fan, found a decent partner, and married, the happy and sweet life they have after marriage is all thanks to Mingxi.

She was deeply grateful to Mingxi. She would be willing to do anything for Mingxi, not just take her to look at bicycles, but even buy one for her!

Grandma Sun led Mingxi to the warehouse, the same warehouse Mingxi had visited last time to buy a washing machine. This time, as soon as she entered, she saw a row of shiny bicycles in the middle of the warehouse.

Aunt Sun introduced, "This batch of Phoenix bicycles just arrived yesterday." Pointing to one of the bicycles, she said, "If you want to buy one, I recommend this one. It's a 26-inch model, sleek and nice, suitable for women. 28-inch bicycles are a bit too big for women and tiring to ride, so a 26-inch is better. There are also fewer 26-inch bicycles; we only received four in this batch. How about it, do you want one?"

Mingxi was intrigued by what Aunt Sun said. Looking at the bicycle in front of her, she found it to be indeed elegant and beautiful. Compared to it, the old-fashioned bicycle next to her looked much heavier.

Mingxi rubbed her hands together: "Aunt Sun, can I give it a try?"

Logically speaking, you can't try out bicycles in a department store; the salesperson won't even be happy to touch them before you've paid.

But Mingxi has someone with her.

Grandma Sun generously said, "Sure, go ahead and try it, but you can only try it inside the warehouse, don't ride it outside."

"Mmm." Mingxi nodded quickly.

With Grandma Sun's permission, Mingxi stepped forward and squeezed the bicycle brakes and bell to test them. The brakes were responsive, and the bell rang crisply; both were quite good.

She nodded in satisfaction, then pushed the bicycle around to experience it for a while.

It definitely feels like a 26-inch bicycle is easier to ride than a 28-inch one.

Then she rode it around the warehouse for a short distance and found it easy to ride.

After experiencing everything, Mingxi pushed her bicycle back and said, "Aunt Sun, I'll take it. Can you write me the receipt?"

“Okay.” Aunt Sun readily issued the receipt, Mingxi paid, and he and Zhao Sulan pushed their bicycles out of the department store. They then turned around and went to the police station to get license plates for their bicycles.

These days, bicycles need to be registered, and the owners also need a bicycle license.

Only those bicycles registered with the Public Security Bureau and holding a bicycle license are allowed to ride on the road; otherwise, they will be fined if caught.

As a frequent visitor to the police station, Mingxi would certainly not make such a mistake.

However, Mingxi went to the police station to report cases too frequently. As soon as she walked into the police station, Officer Li on duty mistook her for someone who had come to report a case.

Officer Li rushed out excitedly: "What's going on, Comrade Xiao Ming? Who are you bringing in this time?"

Mingxi: "..."

She twitched her lips and said, "I'm not bringing any gifts for anyone. I'm here to register my bicycle."

"Oh, I see..."

Mingxi: Could the disappointment in that tone be any more obvious?

Although Officer Li was disappointed that no business was coming his way, he was still very kind to Mingxi. He quickly took Mingxi to get the license plate. The police station's stamp came off with a clatter, and the bicycle license plate was ready. Mingxi excitedly waved to Zhao Sulan with her newly issued bicycle license in her hand.

"Mom, get in the car, I'll ride my bike and take you home."

Zhao Sulan: "Are you sure you can handle this? It's your first time riding a bike on the road. Can you carry someone? Don't make me fall off again!"

Mingxi patted his chest and assured her, "Don't worry, I definitely won't make you fall. If I do, I'll eat this bicycle today."

Zhao Sulan got on the bicycle with some doubt. Mingxi saw her get on and then sat on the seat herself. She stepped on the pedals and the bicycle wobbled away.

Zhao Sulan gripped the part connecting the seat and the body of the bicycle, her face filled with terror: "Xi Bao, are you sure you can do it? If you can't, I'll get off."

Mingxi shouted at the top of her lungs, "Mom, don't worry, I can definitely do it!"

The car wobbled and swayed, its wheels drawing snakes on the ground for a long time before Mingxi finally found her balance and stopped swaying back and forth.

Mingxi smirked smugly: "Mom, you see? I told you I could definitely do it."

Zhao Sulan sighed, her eyes falling on the road ahead, and she quickly called out, "Ditch! Ditch! Ditch!"

Mingxi was just thinking how trendy her mom was, even using English now, when she heard Zhao Sulan shout again: "Watch out for the ditch! There's a ditch ahead!"

Mingxi slammed on the brakes, and Zhao Sulan was nearly thrown off.

Mingxi pursed her lips, turned around and gave her mother an awkward smile.

She hadn't expected that the ditch her mother was talking about was actually a water ditch...

Zhao Sulan rolled her eyes speechlessly: "Can you still ride? If you can't, then I'll take your place."

Mingxi: "Yes, I can ride! Mom, sit tight, let's go!"

This time she rode carefully, and although she rode slowly, fortunately there were no more accidents. The mother and daughter rode safely to their doorstep, and Zhao Sulan jumped off the bike.

Aunt He from the courtyard had sharp eyes and spotted Mingxi's bicycle at a glance. She immediately jumped out and exclaimed, "Oh, Mingxi bought a bike?"

Mingxi smiled and said, "Yeah, I bought a car. I feel like it's still more convenient to have a bicycle to go anywhere."

Aunt He nodded: "That's right, having a car makes it convenient to go anywhere, especially since you need to travel around to work."

Aunt He remarked, her eyes fixed on Mingxi's newly purchased bicycle, "Your bicycle looks quite elegant and nice."

A knowledgeable person nearby said, "Old He, you don't know this, do you? This is a women's bicycle. The wheel diameter is 26 inches, which is smaller than 28 inches. Doesn't it look more delicate?"

Aunt He: No wonder, I knew it looked even better.

She looked it over for a while and asked, "Xiaoming, this car must have been expensive, right? How much did you pay for it?"

Mingxi: "It didn't cost much, only two hundred and twenty yuan not counting the ticket."

"Tsk tsk tsk, isn't this cheap?"

Aunt He looked pained.

A regular 28-inch bicycle only costs 180 yuan, but this 26-inch bicycle is even smaller than a 28-inch one, so why is it more expensive?

Even though Aunt He's business is doing well now, she still feels bad about wasting forty yuan.

Mingxi smiled but didn't say anything. Just then, two more people turned into the alley. Mingxi didn't notice them at first, but when they got closer, she realized that they were not strangers, but Aunt Li and Teacher Hou.

Aunt Li leaned half her body against Teacher Hou, and Teacher Hou held Aunt Li's arms with both hands. The two looked a little too intimate, but no one noticed this because Aunt Li's leg in a cast was too conspicuous.

Mingxi exclaimed, "Aunt Li, what's wrong with you?"

Zhao Sulan: "Old Li, how did you hurt your leg?"

Aunt He didn't even have time to look at Mingxi's bicycle at that moment, and asked with concern, "Old Li, are you alright?"

Aunt Li waved her hand: "It's nothing, don't worry, I'm fine. I just fell and hit a rock, and I have a small fracture."

Aunt He: "Even with a fractured bone, this isn't a big deal?"

Zhao Sulan: "Old Li, what happened to you? How did you fall?"

Mingxi looked at Aunt Li curiously. Aunt Li sighed and said, "Don't even mention it, I ran into a bag snatcher today."

"What?!"

Everyone exclaimed in surprise. In broad daylight, in full view of everyone, someone snatched a bag! This order is huge!

Aunt Li: "I never expected anyone to do something like this in broad daylight. I was helping people carry things at my stall when a man with a pointed face suddenly appeared out of nowhere, snatched my bag, and ran away. I tried to stop him, but he pushed me instead, and I tripped and fell to the ground. My leg hit a rock, and it hurt so much that I couldn't get up. Luckily, Teacher Hou was nearby and helped me pack up my things and took me to the hospital for a checkup."

Upon hearing this, Teacher Hou waved her hand dismissively, "No, no, I didn't do anything."

Mingxi glanced at Teacher Hou and Aunt Li, smiled meaningfully, but said nothing.

Zhao Sulan, on the other hand, looked furious: "He dared to rob people in broad daylight! Not only did he rob people, he even injured someone. This is too much! Lao Li, did you call the police?"

Aunt Li: "I reported it to the police, and it was Teacher Hou who helped me report it."

Zhao Sulan: "That's good. The police will definitely be able to catch the robbers."

Mingxi chimed in, "Yes, Aunt Li, don't worry, the police will definitely catch the robbers and get your things back."

Aunt Li: "I hope so."