Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife Chapter 1580 - 1581: Taking Without Asking Is Stealing

Chunhua was utterly furious when Sister-in-law Song confessed. She had only made a guess before, without any concrete proof, and hadn’t expected it to be true, which filled her with disgust and rage.

A few drops of cooking oil might not seem like much. Especially now that Chunhua is employed at Joy Soon Loy. While her earnings aren't as substantial as Cheng Su's, her years of service and recent promotion to junior manager have significantly boosted the family's income. The household finances are considerably more comfortable than they were a few years ago. Even with the price of oil, it’s not a luxury they can't afford.

What truly ignited her anger was Sister-in-law Song's petty thievery, especially considering they were neighbors. How could she act this way? How could she show such a brazen face?

An old adage states, “Distant relatives are not as helpful as close neighbors.” Good neighborly relations can provide quicker assistance than far-off kin. But can a neighbor with a penchant for pilfering truly be trusted? Is she reliable?

"We are all neighbors. How could you do such a thing? You..." Chunhua was too incensed to finish her sentence.

Sister-in-law Song lowered her gaze, clutching the edge of her garment, and mumbled, "M-My family is poor..."

"Does poverty grant you permission? Does being poor justify theft and robbery?" Chunhua retorted, her voice rising.

Sister-in-law Song's face flushed, and tears welled up. "It's already been used, what can be done now? Do you intend to call the police? Send me to the station."

"You—you, you commit such shameless acts and believe you have a valid reason!" Chunhua's anger surged, making her want to strike out.

What audacity! To act so wronged, as if she were the victim!

"Chunhua, that's sufficient," Cheng Su intervened, shaking his head and then addressing Sister-in-law Song directly. "Sister-in-law Song, you must curb your habit of petty theft. Taking things without permission is stealing. Anything you take without the owner's consent constitutes theft. While it's a minor issue between neighbors, imagine the consequences if this becomes widely known. How would you maintain your peace? How would your husband face society? And what about your two children? They say parents are a child's first teachers. Children inevitably learn from their parents' actions. If you continue this pattern of stealing, won't your children also learn to pilfer and deceive? Are you not setting a detrimental example for them?"

Sister-in-law Song's complexion turned ashen, her lips moving slightly. "I only used a little." How could this be construed so gravely?

"Even a small amount, taken without consent, is still theft," Cheng Su admonished. "The quantity does not alter the nature of the act. Once committed, it cannot be undone. Furthermore, it is fortunate if your children are unaware. However, as neighbors, your conduct is truly disheartening."

Sister-in-law Song bowed her head low.

"Chunhua, for my sake, please let this instance pass for Sister-in-law Song's family. They are new to the neighborhood. Should not neighbors offer mutual support and protection?" Cheng Su suggested.

Chunhua let out a huff. "I won't take any action against her, but from this moment forward, we will need to secure our cabinets and ensure the doors are properly locked!"

Cheng Su sighed. At this point, everyone was likely harboring resentment, and with such close proximity, frequent encounters were unavoidable. It seemed unlikely to resolve the underlying issue.

Sister-in-law Song, overhearing this, appeared even more embarrassed. "I apologize," she murmured.

Chunhua responded, "I'll overlook it this time. For the sake of Sister-in-law Qi and your two children, I do not wish to escalate this. However, Sister-in-law Song, when we conduct ourselves and live our lives, we must truly be guided by our conscience. Do not lead your children astray. Always consider your children in everything you do!"