The three women exchanged glances, unsure if Fu Wenwen was bluffing or truly intended to go to the Public Security Bureau. However, they all clung to a sliver of hope. After all, they had gossiped for years, and no one had ever actually reported them to the authorities for such matters. These things always ended unresolved.
They believed this time would be no different. Fu Wenwen would continue to live in the alley, and how could she possibly avoid encountering her neighbors? She would surely compromise in the end.
That evening, when their sons returned from work, the families were having dinner as usual. During casual conversation, the police arrived. Only then did the three women realize that Fu Wenwen hadn't been joking; she had genuinely reported them.
Their wishful thinking shattered. The police looked at them sternly, and their families watched in shock as they were taken away.
"Comrades police, this is just a small neighborly dispute. We just said a few words; it’s not enough to warrant going to the Public Security Bureau, is it?" Aunt Ma cried, refusing to go.
"Mom, what exactly did you do?" Aunt Ma's son, Ma Tao, asked anxiously, watching his mother roll on the floor.
"I just said a few words to that little Fu next door. I really didn't do anything bad!" Aunt Ma protested tearfully, sitting on the floor and wiping her eyes.
"I told you to watch your mouth! This is all your own doing! You always gossip around outside, and when I told you to stop, you didn't take it seriously!" Aunt Ma's husband, Ma Zhongguo, fumed, slamming his rice bowl down and storming back into their room with a cold expression.
"Comrade Li Aimei, please cooperate with our work and come with us to the Public Security Bureau," the female officer said coldly to Aunt Ma on the floor. "If you refuse to get up and continue this unreasonable behavior, I will have someone drag you away."
"Mom, stop making a scene! Hurry up and get up and go with the police to the Public Security Bureau!" Ma Tao urged his mother, scolding her.
Hearing her son's words and seeing his annoyance, Aunt Ma, feeling wronged, finally stood up and left with the female officer.
As they passed Fu Wenwen's house, Fu Wenwen nodded at the female officer and saluted. "Thank you for your hard work, comrades police."
"Comrade Fu, you're too kind. This is our duty!" The female officer's attitude toward Fu Wenwen was very warm, and she returned the salute enthusiastically.
Seeing the interaction between the police officer and Fu Wenwen, Aunt Ma's heart sank. She didn't dare to look at Fu Wenwen and followed the officer to the Public Security Bureau.
After Aunt Ma left, Aunt Qu and Aunt Hu also emerged, tears streaming down their faces. The outcome of their commotion was the same. No matter what, they were definitely going to be invited for a "cup of tea" by the police today!
Fu Wenwen also saluted the police officers escorting Aunt Qu and Aunt Hu. "Thank you for your hard work."
"Comrade Fu, serving the people!" The two officers exchanged glances and smiled.
"What's your relationship with her? Why are you arresting us..." Aunt Qu wailed, seeing this scene.
"Comrade Fu has already filed a report. You are suspected of defamation, which has severely impacted Comrade Fu's reputation. Whether you are guilty or not, we will investigate thoroughly. Now, please cooperate!" The two officers' faces turned cold as they saw Aunt Qu still stubbornly arguing.
Frightened by the officers' stern expressions, Aunt Qu dared not say another word. She could only wipe her tears resentfully and be escorted away.
Fu Wenwen's actions caused a stir among all the neighbors in the alley.
Initially, many people thought Fu Wenwen was too attractive, and their opinions were somewhat swayed by the words of Aunt Hu and the other two, leading them to believe Fu Wenwen wasn't a good person. It was hard to shake off prejudiced views.
Unexpectedly, Fu Wenwen had actually reported them to the police, and the police had indeed taken Aunt Hu and the other two away, on grounds of defamation.
Everyone, whether they knew the details or not, was educated. They discovered that such a crime indeed existed. Instantly, all the negative labels attached to Fu Wenwen were cleared.
Meanwhile, the Hu, Ma, and Qu families, upon learning what had happened, hurried to knock on Fu Wenwen's door.
When Fu Wenwen opened the door and saw faces similar to Aunt Ma's, she guessed their identities. "Who are you, and what do you want?"
"Fu... Comrade Fu, hello. I am Li Aimei's son, Ma Tao. This is my father, Ma Zhongguo. This is Uncle Qu, and this is Uncle Hu," Ma Tao said softly to Fu Wenwen, his face flushing slightly when he saw her.
"Oh!" Fu Wenwen nodded at them and said indifferently, "My husband is not home, so it's inconvenient to invite you in. If you have something to say, let's say it here!"
"My mother, Li Aimei..." Ma Tao paused and then slowly continued, "said some things that were unfavorable to you. I am here to apologize to you on behalf of my mother. I hope you can forgive her. She is already old; please let her go! I will definitely supervise her from now on and ensure she never talks nonsense outside again. Please show leniency..."
Before Ma Tao could finish, Fu Wenwen's face turned cold. "Then, if I spread rumors that you are a thief and then later apologized, would a simple 'sorry' erase everything? If you were labeled a thief, how would you feel?"
"This... I believe Comrade Fu is not that kind of person," Ma Tao said, his heart suddenly panicked. Thinking of being pointed at by a thousand fingers, he knew his life would be ruined.
"I believe you are educated, and you understand the meaning of the saying, 'Before experiencing others' suffering, do not preach kindness.' Do you understand?" Fu Wenwen said calmly. "She said a few casual words, and it might not seem like much to you, but for me, who was slandered, I have to endure people pointing fingers and looking at me with discrimination whenever I go out. Do you know what that feels like?"
"You don't know, and none of you know. However, you will soon understand that feeling," Fu Wenwen said coldly, looking at the displeased faces of the three.
"Comrade Fu, you are still young and prone to impetuousness. We can understand that. However, if you want to continue living in this alley, offending your neighbors is not a good thing for you," Aunt Hu's husband said sternly to Fu Wenwen.
"That's true, but there's no reason for me to swallow my pride when people bully me, is there?" Fu Wenwen smiled. While she didn't refute him, she didn't agree either. "Why don't you go and ask around the alley how many people have suffered unfair treatment because of them?"
"Neighborly affection exists when people treat each other well, but it depends on who they are. It's not as simple as you slandering someone and then saying 'sorry' and expecting it to be over! You are an adult; do I need to spell this out for you?" Fu Wenwen looked at the three of them, then at the bewildered Ma Tao, and smiled slightly.
"Then, what will it take for you to let them go?" Ma Zhongguo also realized that Comrade Fu spoke with reason and evidence and would not easily compromise. He figured she wouldn't be appeased today without some compensation.