When Chunhua saw that Sister-in-law Song admitted it, she was utterly furious. She had no evidence and was only guessing when she accused Sister-in-law Song, but she didn’t expect it to actually be her. This made her feel extremely disgusted and enraged.

A few drops of oil aren’t a big deal, especially since Chunhua is now working at Joy Soon Loy. Although her salary isn’t as high as Cheng Su’s, she’s been there for several years, and she even got promoted to a junior manager this year, bringing in more income for the family. So, the household situation is much more comfortable than it was a few years ago. Oil might be expensive, but it’s not to the point where they can’t afford to use it.

What really angered her was that as a neighbor, Sister-in-law Song would do such petty thievery. After all, everyone is neighbors. How could she do it? How could she show such a face?

There’s an old saying: distant relatives are not as useful as close neighbors. If neighborly relations are good, help can be quicker than waiting for faraway relatives. But can a neighbor who can’t keep her hands clean really be trusted? Is this reliable?

"We’re all neighbors. How could you do this? You..." Chunhua was so angry she couldn’t even speak.

Sister-in-law Song lowered her head, clutching the hem of her clothes, and stammered, "W-We are poor in our family..."

"Being poor gives you the right? Does being poor mean you can steal and rob?" Chunhua screamed.

Sister-in-law Song blushed and started crying, "Now that it’s used, what can be done? Do you want to call the police? Send me to the station."

"You—you, you do such shameless things and think you have a reason for it!" Chunhua’s anger almost drove her to hit her.

What kind of attitude is this, acting all wronged, like she’s the one being oppressed!

"Chunhua, that’s enough." Cheng Su stopped her, shaking his head, and turned to Sister-in-law Song, "Sister-in-law Song, you’ve got to change your habit of being petty. Taking things without asking is stealing. No matter what it is, if you take it without someone else’s consent, it is theft. We’re neighbors, so it’s nothing huge, but if this spreads, how will you live with that? How will your husband live with that? And what about your two children? They say parents are a child’s first teachers. Whatever parents do, children will learn. If you keep on stealing like this, won’t your kids learn to steal and cheat too? Isn’t this setting a bad example for your children?"

Sister-in-law Song’s face turned pale, and her lips moved, "I just used a little." How can this be so serious?

"Even a little, without consent, is still stealing," Cheng Su rebuked, "The scale doesn’t negate the act. Once done, it’s done. Besides, it’s lucky if the kids don’t know. But as neighbors, your actions are truly disheartening." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Sister-in-law Song hung her head.

"Chunhua, for my sake, let this one go for Sister-in-law Song’s family. They just moved here. Neighbors should protect and help each other, no?" Cheng Su said.

Chunhua huffed, "I’m not going to do anything to her, but from now on, we should lock the cabinets and keep the doors checked!"

Cheng Su sighed. By now, everyone surely had a knot in their hearts, and living so close together, they have to see each other often. It wouldn’t solve anything.

Sister-in-law Song listened, her face looking even more awkward, "I’m sorry," she said.

Chunhua replied, "Let it go this time. For the sake of Sister-in-law Qi and your two children, I don’t want to argue with you. But Sister-in-law Song, when we do things and live life, we really have to be worthy of our conscience. Don’t lead your children astray. Always think more about the kids in everything you do!"