The woman thought Mira would panic and explain herself after what she said.
But Mira didn't react at all.
She asked, "Are you this emotional because you've been through something like this too? Is that why you understand and want to stand up for Shishin?"
Everyone turned to look at the woman when they heard that. Some people even had pity in their eyes.
The woman looked like she was about twenty years old. When she saw everyone looking at her like that, she didn't feel touched. She just felt ashamed.
"Don't accuse me. I'm not like Shishin, that useless girl who let someone control her."
"That's strange. If you haven't gone through anything like this, why are you so emotional? And what did you just say? You said Shishin is useless? If you think she is, then why do you say you're defending her?"
Other people also looked at the woman.
"I… I just thought she was pitiful."
"You think she's pitiful and still call her useless?"
Mira didn't let it go.
Earlier, she felt something wasn't right. The woman kept saying she was standing up for Shishin, but her eyes were full of dislike. If she looked down on her, why did she keep talking about her? It felt like she had something against the boy standing there.
When Denim looked at her, Mira's fingers moved slightly. She couldn't help but reach out to pick off the vegetable leaves and eggshells from his hair.
Denim thought she was going to talk to him. But she gently stretched her hand to his head instead. When she removed the leaves, his face stayed the same, but his ears turned bright red.
Mira's heart warmed. What a cute young man. He reminded her of the boys she used to support at the orphanage. Seventeen or eighteen years old, full of energy and pride, but still shy in moments like this. Just too adorable.
"I do think she's useless. So what? Shishin was controlled by Mr. Mo for so many years. She finally got her freedom but ended up going crazy. She keeps running around the streets saying she was wrong. If that's not useless, then what is?"
Her words made Denim lower his head again.
Mira frowned and said, "Not judging others is the best way to show respect. It shows that you have good character. If you've never been through what Shishin went through, then you shouldn't talk like you understand. You act like you're better than others, but you don't even have basic manners. Don't you think that's wrong?"
She turned the question back to the woman. When she noticed Denim's expression change, she gently patted his shoulder to comfort him.
Some people in the crowd realized they were being used. The men didn't dare do anything to the woman, but some of the women glared at her. A few people left, while some stayed to keep watching.
"And I asked you from the start. What did this young man do wrong? If there was any mistake, it was his father's, not his. A son should not be blamed for his father. As a son, what's wrong with him asking for a doctor when his father is very sick? His father already got punished by the government. We shouldn't say more about it. You keep saying he should die and shouldn't ask for help. Are you saying you're better than the officials? Are you questioning their decision?"
Mira knew how people liked to act online, pretending to be righteous. Her words hit hard, and the woman's face finally changed. She looked up with an annoyed expression but didn't know what to say.
"I didn't mean that at all."
Mira said, "Then do any of you mean that?"
She turned to face the rest of the crowd. Everyone shook their heads.
Now, most of the people still watching were middle-aged women. Even though the Empress had changed the rules, many women were already used to doing nothing. They just liked gossip and drama.
Mira looked at Doctor Su and asked, "Doctor Su, I heard a bit of what was said earlier. As a doctor, you should care for your patients like they're your own family. Do you think Denim's father deserves to die?"
Doctor Su quickly shook his head.
"No, no, I would never think that."
Even though he thought Mr. Mo was a burden and almost beyond saving, Doctor Su would never admit that. If he did, it would ruin his reputation as a doctor.
Mira nodded and silently said sorry to Doctor Su in her heart. She knew he didn't want to treat Mr. Mo, but since she had stepped in, she wanted to help.
Mira said, "Miss, if you don't have that kind of intention, then don't act like that. Don't think you can do everything. What does someone asking for medical help have to do with you? You're just being nosy like a dog chasing mice. If you're so free, go run around the city. If you see any trash, pick it up. That way, you can actually help the city's street department."
The street department in this time was like the cleaning service of the city. Mira's words were basically comparing the woman to a street cleaner, and the woman felt insulted.
"You... how dare you compare me to someone from the street department. My Wang family is important in this city."
"Important people have so much free time they go around bullying a young boy? Aren't you ashamed? And what's wrong with people from the street department? You think they're lower than you? They work so hard to keep the city clean every day. How can you look down on them?"
Since the woman liked twisting the truth and judging others with morals, Mira used her own words back on her.
Mira looked truly disappointed. She shook her head. Her big round eyes stared at the woman, making her feel like she had done something terrible.
Several people in the crowd started whispering.
The woman said, "I... I didn't mean it like that."
Mira answered, "Alright then. Let's just say you didn't mean it."
"What do you mean 'let's say'? I really didn't."
She tried to keep arguing, but people around her stopped her.
"That's enough. The girl is being nice to you and giving you a way out. Why are you still talking? Learn to stop while you can."
"Yeah, let it go. That boy was only asking for help for his father. Then you came in and started talking nonsense. Now you're picking on this girl too?"
The woman couldn't say anything. She was so angry, but had no way to argue back.
Mira turned to the people who had helped her and gave them a sweet smile. "Thank you, uncles and aunties, for helping me."
"No need to thank us."
They were all smiling and felt warm inside. They forgot about the trouble and just thought Mira was such a sweet girl. Even though she was dark-skinned, she looked more and more lovable.
The woman saw she couldn't win and stormed off after glaring at Mira. She muttered, "You just wait."
Now that the problem was gone, Mira asked Doctor Su, "Doctor Su, can you please check on Mr. Mo? I really believe Denim means it. Like I said, he just wants help for his father. Please be kind and go see him."
She looked at him with soft, pleading eyes. Doctor Su's heart softened.
Not just him. The older men nearby also felt moved. Many of them had always wanted a soft and sweet daughter, but never had one. When they saw Mira's expression, they immediately supported her.
"Doctor Su, just go see."
"Yes, this girl is asking so nicely. Just go check on him. If anyone causes trouble, we'll say you were just helping a sick man. That's all it is."
"Yeah, go on. It won't be a problem."
Doctor Su felt his heart melt. Who wouldn't be touched by such a girl? Actually, he had already planned to go quietly. He just didn't expect Denim to be so stubborn and still kneeling there.