Chapter 77

Feng Aiqin was stunned by the accusation. Always priding herself as the most cultured person in the residential compound, she didn’t know how to respond.

Yu Xiangnian continued, “In your view, when a woman is violated, not only does she lose face, but her family does too. She should hide at home, cry all day, and even seek a desperate way to preserve her family’s honor.”

“It’s precisely this kind of thinking that leads to so many women suffering in silence and being driven to despair! And it’s this mindset that indirectly fuels such criminal behavior. These criminals know that even if they commit crimes, no one will report them, and they won’t be punished, which is why they act with such impunity!”

“I haven’t done anything wrong! Why should I hide at home? I go out not to accept your criticisms but to show everyone that I am not ashamed! I live with integrity.”

The soldiers listening from the side felt that Yu Xiangnian was right and nodded in agreement.

Even the family members who had been secretly badmouthing Yu Xiangnian earlier now felt embarrassed.

Yes! The wrongdoer is the criminal, so why should the already harmed woman be further criticized?

Cheng Jingmo watched Yu Xiangnian with a mix of intense emotions.

She stood in the crowd with her back straight, her figure so slender yet her spirit so resilient.

Her face still bore the faint scars, her gaze was unwavering, and her full red lips moved, articulating each word with powerful conviction.

Yu Xiangnian said, “We women should not be defined. We can be gentle or brave, we can be homemakers or breadwinners. Instead of gossiping and creating trouble, we should broaden our horizons and do meaningful things.”

“And when we face any harm, we should not be weak but stand up bravely. Only by being courageous can we prevent others from harming us and help others avoid such harm!”

After finishing her speech, she glanced around and saw Cheng Jingmo standing at the back of the crowd, looking at her with intense admiration.

Despite speaking so confidently and without hesitation just moments ago, she now felt her face warm under his intense gaze.

Someone started clapping, and soon the applause spread throughout the crowd.

A few soldiers said, “Well said! Everyone should live their own way!”

The applause grew more enthusiastic, and Yu Xiangnian went from feeling proud to slightly embarrassed.

At this moment, Cheng Jingmo squeezed through the crowd and stood beside her, facing everyone.

“My wife is right. She hasn’t done anything wrong and she has nothing to be ashamed of! I fully support her stance. When faced with harm, we should use the law to protect ourselves and not let criminals go unpunished!”

He then took out a document from his jacket pocket and unfolded it for everyone to see. It had an official stamp from the Public Security Bureau.

“And also, my wife was not violated. Please stop spreading such baseless rumors. Within the community, we should support each other rather than stir up trouble and damage relationships.”

Yu Xiangnian had never expected Cheng Jingmo to stand by her side and make such a statement in front of so many people.

His clear stance and support not only dispelled the rumors but also gave her strong backing, like a boat that had drifted for a long time finally finding a safe harbor.

Yu Xiangnian wondered if she had misunderstood him the other day.

She felt a touch of emotion, as if her heart had been gently stirred.

Feng Aiqin, now deeply ashamed, lowered her head, wishing she could disappear into the ground. The family members who had been cursing with her earlier also hung their heads, unable to meet anyone’s gaze.

Wu Xiaomin, standing not far away, watched the scene with a fierce look in her eyes.

Yu Xiangnian, you’re the one who repeatedly goes against me!

Cheng Jingmo and Yu Xiangnian walked back home side by side.

As soon as they entered the house, Yu Xiangnian excitedly asked Cheng Jingmo, “So, how was my impromptu speech earlier?”

Her eyes were sparkling with anticipation, and her smile was radiant. Cheng Jingmo, whose emotions had already been stirred, felt his heart surge even more.

He replied calmly, “It was great.”

Not just great—captivating! He was mesmerized!

Yu Xiangnian raised her eyebrows proudly. “I’ve wanted to give those residents a piece of my mind for a long time. Instead of gossiping all day, they might as well learn from people like Liu Zhen and Wang Hongxiang and do something meaningful!”

In July’s weather, Yu Xiangnian was wearing a white floral dress with a V-neck, which revealed her delicate neck and graceful collarbones.

She held her head high, like a noble white swan.

Cheng Jingmo swallowed and awkwardly looked away. “After talking so much, do you want some water?”

“Yes.”

Cheng Jingmo poured a glass of water for Yu Xiangnian. Just after she took a couple of sips, there was a knock at the door.

Su Mingliang and Feng Aiqin were standing at the door, with Feng Aiqin’s face full of shame and reluctance.

“Deputy Commander Cheng, Comrade Yu, my wife and I have come to apologize,” Su Mingliang said.

“Political Commissar, Sister-in-law, what are you doing?” Cheng Jingmo invited them in.

Su Mingliang looked guilty. “I didn’t properly educate my people, and she spread rumors and damaged Comrade Yu’s reputation. We’ve come to apologize.”

Su Mingliang gave a formal bow. “Comrade Yu, I’m very sorry!”

Although Yu Xiangnian had her biases against this couple, she was not one to hold grudges.

“Comrade Su, you’re being too formal. The matter has already been cleared up, and I have no intention of holding it against you.”

Su Mingliang gave Feng Aiqin a meaningful look. Feng Aiqin looked awkward and tried several times before she managed to say, “Comrade Yu, I’m sorry. I was rash and spread rumors that harmed your reputation.”

Yu Xiangnian said, “I accept your apology. I hope Sister-in-law Feng will be more careful with her words in the future and avoid creating conflicts.”

Qiu Yang had injuries, and neither of them had gone to the village to find herbs these past few days.

He Gang’s surgery was scheduled for the fifth day after the agreement.

Early in the morning, Qiu Yang picked up Yu Xiangnian from the residential compound and took her to South City People’s Hospital.

Qiu Yang still couldn’t fully believe that Yu Xiangnian was capable of performing surgery.

He wished he could follow her into the operating room and watch her perform the surgery the entire time.

The surgery lasted for over three hours, and Yu Xiangnian and Old He finally emerged.

Qiu Yang was more excited than He Ping and blocked their way at the operating room door, constantly asking, “How did it go? How did it go?”

Yu Xiangnian gave him a look that indicated everything was understood.

Old He said to He Ping, “The patient will be moved to the recovery room for observation. It should be fine.”

He then looked at Yu Xiangnian with admiration and asked, “Young lady, would you be willing to work at our hospital? I’ll talk to the director! With your skills, you could start working immediately after a short training period.”

Yu Xiangnian smiled and gently declined, “Thank you for your appreciation. I’ll come to you for help if I decide to join a hospital.”

After Old He left, Yu Xiangnian and Qiu Yang were about to leave as well.

He Ping suddenly called out to her, “Wait a moment!”