Su Qingzhi did not take a step back. She glanced indifferently at Li Haitang, who was hiding behind Zhu Mingfang.
Her gaze lingered for a moment before returning to its original position, her lips slightly pursed.
Then, she spoke slowly and deliberately.
"She said I bullied her? Then we need to clarify why she keeps bothering my man. Shen Zhiyu is my husband, whom I have a marriage certificate with, not some random stranger on the street. Yet she deliberately appears in front of him time and time again... Are these things coincidences or are they intentional? Have you asked her?"
She paused, then raised her voice slightly.
"Furthermore, she spoke ill of me in front of the old lady, stirring up trouble by saying that Shen Zhiyu was having an affair because I was too strict. Did she say that to you too? A lot of people saw what happened that day, it was crystal clear. She smashed the cup and lunged at my husband, grabbing his clothes, but my husband pushed her away himself. If she really felt wronged, why didn't she call the police then? Why didn't she just let the police investigate me? Why wait until today?"
Su Qingzhi showed no sign of panic; her expression remained calm and composed.
Her eyes were fixed straight ahead, without flinching or looking away.
Zhu Mingfang's heart skipped a beat.
Her previously firm resolve suddenly wavered.
Could it be... that what Su Qingzhi said was true?
Those "grievances" she thought she had were actually carefully crafted lies?
She hesitated and turned her head to look at Li Haitang behind her.
But they noticed that the other person's face was a little pale and their lips were trembling slightly.
Su Qingzhi watched this scene and a slight smile appeared on her lips.
"Comrade Zhu Mingfang, your Zhu family and our Shen family have a long-standing relationship. My father and your father fought side by side in the same trench. If you don't believe me, you can go back to Beijing and ask the Shen family, ask Grandma Shen, ask the Shen family members what really happened. The truth will never favor whoever cries the loudest."
She paused, her gaze sweeping across the crowd before finally settling on Zhu Mingfang's face.
"If you really want to stand up for Li Haitang, why not bring her back to your house? Your house is just sitting empty anyway. I heard your brother is still single and not young anymore, why not play matchmaker and make her your sister-in-law? Wouldn't that be a win-win situation?"
Her tone paused slightly, and a hint of coldness flashed in her eyes.
"But let me remind you, don't be used as a pawn without realizing it. Some people pretend to be weak and innocent, but what they want is not just a place to live."
As soon as she finished speaking, Su Qingzhi didn't even look at the members of the performing arts troupe who were standing there dumbfounded.
She reached out and grabbed Shen Zhiyu's wrist tightly, then turned and left.
Zhu Mingfang was left standing there, her brows furrowed into a deep frown.
"Mingfang, you didn't actually believe what she said, did you?"
Li Haitang's voice suddenly rang out.
“You know how much she’s always hated me… From childhood to adulthood, wherever I am, she’s never given me a good day. This is revenge, this is turning black into white!”
Li Haitang was a little anxious, and her voice trembled slightly.
She quickly began to explain.
“Mingfang, listen to me, it’s not what you think. I was really called to a meeting, it was a last-minute notice, and I didn’t even expect to be back so late.”
Zhu Mingfang snapped out of her daze, her gaze gradually focusing.
She blinked slowly, trying to process what Su Qingzhi had just said in her mind.
It must be said that those words sounded clear and logically sound.
But she and Li Haitang had known each other for a long time, having met three years ago when the performing arts troupe was recruiting new members.
At that time, they were both young people who had just joined the group. One sang and the other danced, and they often rehearsed together.
Over the years, the two have become close friends who can talk about anything.
They got along very well, their friendship was deep, and they were even closer than sisters.
That's why she can't easily deny their friendship just because of a few seemingly reasonable words from others.
"Haitang, I believe you."
Zhu Mingfang reached out and tightly grasped Li Haitang's slightly cold hand.
"I don't believe anyone else, and I won't doubt you. You're my best friend, and I'll always stand by you. No matter what happens, I believe in you."
Li Haitang's eyes reddened slightly, and she smiled with relief.
“Mingfang, I knew it. You’re different from everyone else. You never follow the crowd, and you never make wild guesses just because I come home late.”
As for who the "others" were, she did not say, and Zhu Mingfang did not ask further.
The two already understood each other without saying a word.
But the members of the performing arts troupe standing nearby could hear it clearly.
They exchanged a glance, their eyes showing surprise and embarrassment.
Are you talking about us?
"Mingfang, where are we going for our next performance?"
Li Haitang gently withdrew her hand and changed the subject.
"What's next after Jiangcheng? Has the itinerary been finalized?"
"It seems to be Yunnan Province."
Zhu Mingfang frowned, recalling what she had heard in the meeting last night.
"Yes, it should be a small county town in the southwest of Yunnan Province, near the border. There are many mountain roads there, and transportation is not very convenient, but the locals attach great importance to this performance."
When it came to work, Zhu Mingfang immediately forgot the argument from earlier and became serious.
"I heard that the local government has already arranged accommodation and a stage, and is just waiting for us to arrive so that we can start rehearsals."
Li Haitang's eyes flickered slightly.
"Really? I heard the scenery there is amazing, with primeval forests, high mountains and canyons, waterfalls and streams. I've always wanted to go see it, but I've never had the chance."
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