Su Tang’s words carried an implicit meaning. Even if she didn’t spell it out, everyone understood.  

If that fire had spread elsewhere, lives could have been lost.  

Su Tang’s reminder silenced the crowd.  

When it came to matters of life and death, no one wanted to bear the stigma of being complicit.  

Hu Lili abruptly raised her head, her face flashing with panic and venom as she instinctively retorted, “You—you’re slandering me!”  

Su Tang ignored her rebuttal and continued, “Your actions have gone far beyond mere neighborly disputes.”  

“Destroying others’ property is a serious offense, both in terms of the scale and the malicious intent behind it.”  

“You’re out on bail and have to pay compensation-that’s your responsibility. But that doesn’t mean the matter is settled, nor does it mean I’m obligated to forgive you. As for whether you stay or leave…”

Su Tang paused, her gaze sweeping over the onlookers before settling on Hu Lili’s face. Her tone was resolute.  

“That isn’t for me to decide, nor can it be changed by your crying, making a scene, or kneeling here.”  

“Without rules, there can be no order. Your behavior has severely disrupted the harmony and safety of this residential compound. It’s up to the authorities to determine whether you’re still fit to live here.”  

Her words stunned not only Hu Lili but also the crowd.  

That’s right—Su Tang wasn’t in charge of the residential compound. Whether she accepted the apology and whether Hu Lili could stay were two entirely separate matters.  

Hu Lili’s theatrics were purely an attempt to emotionally manipulate Su Tang, pressuring her into relenting so she could influence the higher-ups’ decision.  

By redirecting the issue, Su Tang not only distanced herself from the matter but also highlighted the absurdity of Hu Lili’s behavior.  

It was clear that being educated had its advantages—her reasoning was sharp, and her words were firm yet measured.  

“You—you—” Hu Lili pointed at Su Tang, trembling with rage, her carefully crafted pitiful facade on the verge of crumbling.  

Just then, a stern voice rang out from the edge of the crowd: “What’s going on here? Why is everyone gathered here?”  

The crowd turned to see Director Li from the residential compound’s management office, accompanied by two staff members from the neighborhood committee. They had clearly rushed over after hearing the commotion.  

Director Li frowned, scanning the chaotic scene before his eyes landed on the disheveled Hu Lili and the composed Su Tang.  

“Director Li!”  

Hu Lili, as if clutching at a lifeline, tried to throw herself at him in another tearful appeal.  

Director Li’s brow furrowed, and he raised a hand to stop her. “Comrade Hu Lili, it’s you again. Didn’t you learn your lesson from what happened before? Instead of reflecting during your bail, you’re causing another public disturbance?”  

Zhang Cui immediately stepped forward and quickly recounted the events, emphasizing how Hu Lili had publicly knelt in an attempt to emotionally blackmail Su Tang.  

If she dared to act, she’d better dare to face the consequences. Today, Zhang Cui was determined to teach Hu Lili a lesson she wouldn’t forget.  

As Director Li and the neighborhood committee staff listened, their expressions grew darker.  

In their eyes, Hu Lili’s behavior was nothing short of repeated defiance. She was still trying to disrupt public order and manipulate public opinion to pressure others.  

It was sheer opportunism and blatant troublemaking.  

“Comrade Hu Lili!”  

A female staff member from the neighborhood committee spoke sternly, her face stern with disapproval.  

“Your actions have seriously violated the residential compound’s regulations and public morality. Instead of reflecting on your mistakes during bail, you’re resorting to these tactics to harass others and force a decision. This is utterly outrageous.”  

After the woman finished speaking, Director Li shot Hu Lili a look of exasperation.  

“Regarding your residency status, we were still deliberating.”  

“But given your behavior today, we’ve concluded that you’ve shown no remorse for your actions and lack the basic qualities required to continue living in this residential compound.”  

“Since the neighborhood committee representatives are here, we’ll report your situation and today’s incident truthfully. The final decision will be made by the neighborhood committee and the security department!”  

Hu Lili was thunderstruck, her face instantly turning ashen.

She never expected that her carefully orchestrated melodrama would not only fail to achieve its goal but instead become the final straw that sealed her fate.  

“No! Please! Director Li, I was wrong! I truly know I was wrong! Please give me another chance…”  

Hu Lili was utterly panicked now, her cries desperate and genuine this time.  

“Come with us to the management office first.”  

Director Li waved impatiently, signaling the two young staff members who had accompanied him.  

The two immediately stepped forward and hauled up the sobbing, limp Hu Lili.  

The crowd fell silent. Those who had spoken up for Hu Lili earlier now stood frozen, their expressions awkward and ashamed.  

Su Tang’s words and Director Li’s handling of the situation made it abundantly clear—Hu Lili had brought this upon herself.  

Su Tang was the one who had been wronged and harassed.  

Director Li turned to Su Tang, his tone softening slightly. “Comrade Su Tang, I apologize for the distress this has caused you. We will deal with Hu Lili’s matter seriously.”  

“You did the right thing. Such unreasonable behavior and underhanded tactics must never be tolerated.”  

Su Tang gave a slight nod. “Thank you, Director Li. I appreciate your help.”  

Director Li then addressed the onlookers. “Everyone, disperse! In the future, when encountering such situations, learn to distinguish right from wrong. Don’t be fooled by appearances, and certainly don’t join in the commotion to pressure others! Go home, all of you!”  

Only then did the crowd begin to scatter, many casting glances of admiration and wariness at Su Tang.  

This young woman from Shanghai, who seemed so gentle and refined, was unexpectedly sharp and principled when it came to handling trouble.  

With effortless finesse, she had defused the crisis and completely rid herself of the problem.  

Impressive. Truly impressive.  

Zhang Cui let out a relieved sigh and patted Su Tang’s shoulder. “You scared me to death! But you were amazing—just a few words left her speechless, and you even got Director Li involved!”  

“Now there’s no way Hu Lili can stay. Serves her right!”  

Su Tang shook her head, a trace of weariness in her expression. “I just didn’t want to engage with her. People like her are nothing but trouble once you get involved.”  

She glanced at the sky, slightly frustrated at how much time had been wasted.  

“I need to hurry to the hospital now.”  

“Right, right, go quickly. Your work is more important,” Zhang Cui urged, anxious for her to leave.  

Su Tang went back inside to quickly gather her things, then strode out of the courtyard with her bag.  

But not far beyond the gate, she collided with a firm chest.  

Su Tang gasped and looked up—it was Lu Xiao.  

He was in casual clothes, clearly just returned, his brow slightly furrowed.  

His sharp gaze swept over Su Tang’s slightly disheveled hair and hurried expression.  

“I heard Hu Lili came to make trouble again? Where is she?”  

Lu Xiao’s voice was low, edged with tension. His eyes scanned Su Tang up and down, ensuring she wasn’t hurt.  

“It’s fine. Director Li already took her away.”  

Remembering yesterday’s awkwardness, Su Tang spoke quickly and tried to step past him.  

But Lu Xiao caught her wrist.  

His palm was warm and strong, slightly calloused. For some reason, her heartbeat stuttered.  

“Wait.”  

His hawk-like gaze pinned her in place, but what he noticed was the faint reddening of her ears.  

“Are you really okay? She didn’t lay a hand on you?”