The woman repeated it once again, clearly stunned.
But very quickly, that shock turned into ridicule.
“Ridiculous!”
“I’ve been neighbors with Captain Qin for so many years. Whether he got married or not, I wouldn’t know?”
“You’re just trying to marry Captain Qin, aren’t you? That’s why you’re stepping in for this little bastard—hoping to win his favor so you can climb your way into the Qin family!”
“Let me tell you, stop dreaming! This little bastard doesn’t know what gratitude is!”
Su Qinghe looked at her coldly.
“Who did you just call a bastard?”
“I’m calling him that!”
“Oh, so you’re the bastard then? That doesn’t sound right though—you’re so old already. You shouldn’t call yourself a bastard… you should call yourself an old bastard.”
The surrounding onlookers burst into laughter.
No one expected this beautiful young woman to be so sharp-tongued.
She looked gentle and pretty—but her mouth was lethal.
Everyone in the neighborhood knew exactly what kind of person Wang Dahua was and how aggressive she could be. Normally, people avoided her whenever possible.
Now seeing someone openly insulting her like this, they felt strangely satisfied.
Wang Dahua’s face darkened even more under the ridicule.
“You! Who exactly are you! I’m dealing with this little thief—what does it have to do with you? Why are you meddling?”
Su Qinghe crossed her arms.
“Who am I? Didn’t I already tell you?”
“Are your ears bad now too? Or is your memory failing?”
“I’ll say it again since I’m kind-hearted and respect the elderly.”
“My name is Su Qinghe. I just married Qin Yu today. I’m his wife—and this child’s stepmother!”
Even after hearing it again, Wang Dahua still refused to believe it.
How could Qin Yu marry another woman when he didn’t even marry her daughter?
Her daughter had waited for him for years.
Years!
She had waited until she became an “old girl”!
And now he just married someone else?
What was her daughter supposed to do now?
Panicked and furious, Wang Dahua turned to Qin Mu for confirmation.
“Is she really your stepmother? Did your father really marry her?”
Su Qinghe also looked at him.
“Qin Mu, why are you lowering your head? Lift it up!”
“You’re my cheap son—even if anyone wants to bully you, only I, your wicked stepmother, get that privilege!”
“If anyone dares to insult you again, you insult them right back!”
“If you can’t win the argument, then hit them. If you still can’t win, kick them, bite them, scratch them—whatever it takes!”
“Just go ahead and fight. I’ll handle the rest!”
Everyone around was stunned.
What kind of mother teaches a child like that?
Of course—she’s a stepmother!
A truly “wicked” stepmother!
Other stepmothers at least pretend a little in public.
But this one? She doesn’t even bother pretending!
Qin Mu slowly lifted his head.
His expression was complicated as he looked at her.
Su Qinghe raised an eyebrow.
“What are you standing there for? Hurry up and confirm it!”
“Otherwise people will think I couldn’t get married and had to cling to your dad, that old man!”
Qin Mu’s faint moment of emotion instantly vanished.
She could insult him however she wanted—he didn’t care.
He was used to it anyway.
But she couldn’t insult his dad!
His dad was the best person in the world!
How could she call him an “old man” in front of everyone after marrying him?
If she disliked him so much, why did she still marry him?
Angry, Qin Mu clenched his fists.
“Stepmother! I will only call you stepmother!”
He silently vowed that was all he would ever call her.
Su Qinghe turned back to Wang Dahua with a proud smile.
“Now do you believe it?”
Wang Dahua finally did.
Completely.
Qin Mu’s personality was clear to everyone—he would never call someone “stepmother” unless it was true.
But… when did they even get married?
Her face turned red with rage.
“When did you marry Captain Qin?!”
“This morning,” Su Qinghe said casually. “We just registered today. The marriage certificate is at home. Want me to bring it over for you to see?”
“No! Need!”
The words were squeezed out through clenched teeth.
Her daughter had waited for years and still failed.
And this woman just… succeeded?
Why?!
Was it youth? Beauty? Figure?
Her daughter wasn’t bad either!
The more she thought, the more furious she became.
She pointed at Qin Mu.
“He’s a thief! He stole my dried sweet potatoes! Even if you’re his stepmother, you’re still his mother now—you need to give me an explanation!”
“Otherwise, this isn’t over!”
“Not over?” Su Qinghe shot back. “Good! I don’t want it over either!”
“Someone go call the police!”
“What are you calling the police for?” Wang Dahua panicked.
“Of course to investigate!” Su Qinghe said calmly. “Just because you say he’s a thief, he is? We need to check properly!”
“What’s there to investigate!” Wang Dahua forced herself to stay calm. “It’s just a few pieces of dried sweet potato! Pay me some money and it’s over!”
“Over?” Su Qinghe sneered. “You want it over, but I don’t!”
“This must be made clear today! If people find out my cheap son is a thief, where am I supposed to put my face?”
Qin Mu lowered his eyes, a trace of disappointment flashing through them—though he quickly told himself there was nothing to be disappointed about.
They had only met today. Of course she wasn’t standing up for him.
She only cared about herself.
Su Qinghe looked at the crowd.
“Who can go call the police?”
No one responded.
Everyone was afraid of offending Wang Dahua.
She was notoriously difficult—once offended, she would cause endless trouble.
Su Qinghe pulled out a two-jin meat coupon from her bag.
“Whoever goes, this is the reward.”
Immediately, a strong young man raised his hand.
“I’ll go!”
He turned to leave—but Wang Dahua rushed forward and grabbed his arm.
“Where do you think you’re going? Who allowed you to go!”