Chen Shulan was defiant.

"For their reputation, of course."

"Who in the village isn’t praising Leng Yuan and Gu Zhiqing for being kind enough to adopt two children? Who doesn’t look up to them now?"

A villager rolled their eyes. "What nonsense. When you adopted Sweet Girl and Xiao Yang, we looked up to you, too. Who knew you two were so rotten to the core, abusing those kids?"

"If they’re willing to go this far just for a bit of reputation, then we’re happy to praise them even more."

Besides, praising someone doesn’t cost a thing, and the way that couple treats the children is the real deal.

And anyone with eyes can see how much those two kids have changed since they were adopted. They’re happier than a lot of children with their own birth parents. We’d never think they’re just doing it for show.

To be blunt, what’s a reputation worth these days? You can’t eat it or drink it. A single penny is more practical.

Seeing that the crowd not only failed to see through Gu Jiaojiao’s hypocrisy but had also started attacking her, Chen Shulan couldn’t help but retaliate.

"You all say Leng Yuan and Gu Jiaojiao are genuinely good to these kids. Then let me ask you, why are their grades so bad when both of them are teachers?"

The crowd: ...

"Well? Why aren’t you talking? Cat got your tongue?"

When the crowd didn’t fire back, Chen Shulan grew even more arrogant.

For a moment, no one knew what to say.

If it were any other teacher, that would be one thing. But Leng Yuan was an outstanding teacher who had been praised by the county, the city, and even the province. The students he taught always got excellent grades.

It was highly unlikely that he couldn’t teach a child well.

But they also didn’t believe that the couple was neglecting the children.

"Not every child is good at studying! Besides, how long have Sweet Girl and Xiao Yang even been in school? What’s wrong with their grades being a little poor?"

"Exactly! They’ve only been in school for a few days. How long has your kid been going?"

Chen Shulan spat. "Looks like you’re out of excuses. Don’t you know how amazing a teacher Leng Yuan is? What do you mean, ’good at studying’? His greatest strength is teaching kids who aren’t good at it until they are!"

When school was out, people from all the surrounding villages would hear of his reputation and bring their children to ask for his guidance.

Some even came from the city.

Leng Yuan always turned them all down, but there wasn’t a single person in Qingshan Team who didn’t know about it.

That was also why, even though he lived far from the village and barely interacted with anyone, people would still greet him warmly when they saw him.

The crowd fell silent.

To the side, Sweet Girl and Xiao Yang had finally understood. These people were standing here slandering Brother Leng and Sister Gu.

Xiao Yang’s expression was fierce. He tugged on his sister’s arm, very anxious.

’We can’t let these people ruin Sister and Brother’s reputation!’

Sweet Girl nodded and looked at Chen Shulan, her expression cold.

’This woman is evil. She always bullied us when she adopted us, and now she wants to bully Sister Gu.’

’But I’m too young. No one would be convinced by my explanation.’

Just then, Sweet Girl’s expression brightened.

She gave Xiao Yang a reassuring look, then turned to Chen Shulan and spoke in a clear, crisp voice.

"Aunt Chen, I know you’re mad at me because you didn’t get our house, but you can’t just slander me like this."

Chen Shulan had been gloating, but hearing Sweet Girl’s words made her so angry she nearly jumped.

"You little brat, what nonsense are you spewing? When did I ever covet your house?"

The moment she finished speaking, a wave of laughter erupted from the crowd.

For once, Chen Shulan’s old face flushed red.

There probably wasn’t a single person in all of Qingshan Team who didn’t know she had coveted Sweet Girl’s house.

How awkward.

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