"Chunmei! What are you doing? I invited you over for a meal, and you're buying things? What's this all about?"
Li Sue'e immediately chided Du Fei upon seeing the fruit he was carrying.
Wu Chunmei smiled and said, "Sister E, please don't blame me. Xiao Fei saw that the grapes at the fruit stand were good, so he just bought some. We'll wash them later and all eat them together."
As they spoke, Du Fei and Wu Chunmei followed Li Sue'e into the courtyard.
The once somewhat desolate courtyard was now much livelier and full of life.
Li Sue'e brought out the stools she had prepared earlier and gestured for Du Fei and Wu Chunmei to sit.
"Du Fei, you are a lifesaver to this auntie. I don't know how to repay you, yet you frequently buy things to visit. What can I say?"
After sitting down, Li Sue'e looked at Du Fei.
Through Du Fei's persistent treatment, Li Sue'e's bone cancer was finally cured.
Although she was still in the recovery stage and a bit weak, she was much better than before, when she couldn't even get out of bed.
Wu Chunmei knew about the situation at Li Sue'e's home, so she would buy things from time to time.
Later, Li Sue'e also understood her intentions and told Wu Chunmei not to buy things anymore.
Despite the poor family conditions, Li Sue'e was strong-willed and did not want to be indebted to anyone.
This time, when Wu Chunmei wanted to buy anything, she brought Du Fei along.
"Oh, Sister E, Xiao Fei is a junior. Buying you some things to show filial respect is only right," Wu Chunmei said, deliberately trying to change the subject, "Oh, why don't I see Jingjing?"
"It's all my fault for being useless. I'm stuck at home every day and can't earn money, so Jingjing plans to drop out of school to work. She's going for an interview today. Alas."
Speaking of her daughter, a wry smile involuntarily appeared on Li Sue'e's face.
Whether it was in the past or now, if there was anything that could make Li Sue'e persevere even in her most desperate moments, it would undoubtedly be her daughter Jingjing.
From childhood to adulthood, Jingjing had always been obedient and sensible, never causing Li Sue'e any worry.
However, due to her own health issues, Jingjing's decision to drop out of school to work made Li Sue'e feel deeply guilty towards her daughter.
"Chunmei, how can this be? I heard you say Jingjing has good grades. Wouldn't it be a pity if she didn't go to college? How about this, I still have some savings on hand. I'll lend it to you first. We absolutely cannot let Jingjing drop out of school!"
Upon hearing this, Wu Chunmei immediately said with concern.
As a traditional and kind woman, Wu Chunmei genuinely wanted to help Li Sue'e's family from the bottom of her heart.
In her understanding, education was the only way to change one's destiny, and it would be a real shame if Li Jing dropped out of school like this.
"Chunmei, I already owe you too much. Alas."
Li Sue'e sighed, closed her eyes, and shook her head.
Wu Chunmei was about to try and persuade her further, but Du Fei, standing beside her, waved a hand at her.
Then, Du Fei slowly said, "Aunt Li, I know what you're thinking. But if you refuse the money from my mother, your daughter will have to drop out of school to work. What kind of job can a girl who hasn't even finished college find? Besides, she's still young, and society is complex. Can you bear to let her step into it so early?"
"I... I..."
Du Fei's words, appealing to emotion and reason, left Li Sue'e momentarily speechless.
Strike while the iron is hot, Du Fei continued, "Aunt Li, how about this? If my mother lends you the money, you can just write an IOU, and then pay back the interest at the bank's rate."
Wu Chunmei was about to say that she would give the money directly to Li Sue'e, but considering her personality, she couldn't do that. Hearing Du Fei say he would charge interest, she was about to object.
Unexpectedly, Du Fei had already anticipated her objection and quickly gave her a look.
Only then did Wu Chunmei retract the words that were on the tip of her tongue.
"Okay, Du Fei, that's a good idea. Chunmei, I'll go get some paper and pen right away and write you an IOU. I'll pay you back the money at the bank's interest rate."
After speaking, Li Sue'e got up and went into the house to find paper and pen.
As soon as Li Sue'e entered the house, Wu Chunmei immediately looked at Du Fei and complained, "Son, how can you charge Aunt Li interest? That's not like you."
Wu Chunmei knew her son's character, so she was a bit confused at this moment.
Du Fei smiled, "Mom, you just saw that if you lent Aunt Li money directly like you wanted, she wouldn't accept it. But when I said I would charge interest, she immediately agreed. Anyway, your goal is to lend them money to help them. Whether you charge interest later or not is up to you."
Hearing Du Fei's words, Wu Chunmei finally realized what Du Fei meant.
"Son! As expected, you're smart. Mom is old, and my mind isn't as good as yours."
Wu Chunmei smiled happily after hearing Du Fei's explanation.
She felt very happy to be able to help her fellow townswoman Li Sue'e.
"Jingjing! Mom is coming over now, don't be scared, Mom is coming over now!"
Li Sue'e rushed out of the house, holding her phone, her voice filled with excitement.
"Sister E, what happened?"
Everything was fine just moments ago, but after taking a phone call, Li Sue'e's expression became so agitated. Wu Chunmei quickly asked.
Li Sue'e looked nervous, "I don't know what happened. Jingjing was crying on the phone, saying someone accused her of stealing and is now stopping her from leaving. What should we do?"
"Aunt Li, don't be nervous. Did Jingjing say where she is? We'll go there now."
Du Fei was much calmer than Li Sue'e and the others. As he spoke, he was already leading them outside.
Getting into the car, after clarifying the address Li Jing had mentioned on the phone, he immediately started the car and drove towards it.
...
"Please, let me go. I really didn't steal anything. I just came here to use the restroom. I don't know anything else."
Li Jing's tender face was covered in tears, and her expression was full of fear.
A fat woman, as round as a winter melon and with a face full of flesh, pointed at her and said gruffly, "Only you and I were here just now, and in the blink of an eye, my diamond ring is gone. If it wasn't you, who else could it be? Hand over my ring immediately, or don't blame me for being impolite!"
The fat woman poked Li Jing fiercely with her short, thick fingers, causing her considerable pain.
Beside them stood several security guards in uniform.
"I really didn't steal her things. You must believe me."
Li Jing kept shaking her head, saying she hadn't stolen anything.
However, the security guards around them all looked at the fat woman and none of them dared to speak.
The fat woman wore a large gold bracelet on her wrist and a pearl necklace around her neck. Combined with her imperious demeanor, it was clear she was not to be trifled with.
Although Li Jing looked very pitiful, the security guards naturally wouldn't want to cause themselves trouble.
They were just working for a living and didn't need to offend a troublesome person like the fat woman for a small amount of money.