Yue Qingqing and Qu Ruorui exchanged glances, understanding Lu Zhu’s helplessness.
The alley appeared to be the product of illegal construction, home to all sorts of people from different walks of life, and it was probably an area with little to no oversight. The police surely weren’t keen on coming here.
Moreover, it was a family matter, so even if they did come, it wouldn’t be much help.
As for help from neighbors, that was even less likely.
According to Lu Zhu, the landlady was quite a decent person, but she rarely showed her face; it wasn’t reasonable to expect her to get into trouble over her tenants.
The environment here was simply too terrible. If they had moved to a community with strict security, those people definitely wouldn’t have been able to barge in, but here, that clearly wasn’t enough to stop Madam Lu and her few.
Qu Ruorui suddenly had an idea, "Didn’t we pass by some hooligans in a courtyard on our way here? Why not give them some money to protect Auntie?"
Lu Zhu shook her head, not bothering to refute Qu Ruorui’s naivety.
Yue Qingqing explained to her, "Those people have no morals. There’s a good chance they’d take the money and do nothing. Plus, think about it, Auntie is usually alone. What do you think would happen if those hoodlums knew she had money?"
Trying to play robbers against each other just wouldn’t work.
Auntie had a gentle nature. The fact that she had lived here in peace until now was probably mainly because she was too poor, and anyone could tell at a glance there was nothing to be gained by troubling her.
Following Qu Ruorui’s suggestion could potentially lead to even greater chaos.
Qu Ruorui’s face flushed, "I wasn’t thinking it through."
Yue Qingqing patted her head.
This silly child, although she had encountered bad things before, Qu Ruorui’s mother had always protected her well. It was normal for her not to think of these things, having never experienced them.
Lu Zhu didn’t mind either, "Forget it, don’t rack your brain over this."
She didn’t really expect her roommates to come up with any solutions; she just wanted to have her friends over for a visit.
Lu Zhu didn’t see any pity or sympathy on the faces of Yue Qingqing and Qu Ruorui, which made her feel rather good.
Yue Qingqing said seriously, "I think you ought to move somewhere else. It’s too chaotic here."
"But this is the only place we can afford."
People always say raising children is expensive, but Lu Zhu felt that sentiment more keenly than any parent.
Raising children is costly, but raising a mother is even costlier.
Zhan Zhenfang’s legs acted up during rainy, cloudy weather, requiring frequent trips to the hospital for acupuncture and physiotherapy, all of which cost money.
Yue Qingqing thought for a moment, "I think you’re putting too much pressure on yourself. Have you ever thought about letting Auntie earn money as well?"
Lu Zhu frowned, "You’ve seen her condition. First of all, who would hire a disabled person? And then consider her personality; is it suitable for her to go out? She might end up getting taken advantage of without realizing it."
"But you can’t keep this up forever. Auntie is an adult too. You should find a way to make her take responsibility for her own life."
Yue Qingqing saw a big problem with Lu Zhu.
She seemed to be like a parent who was overly concerned about their child, keeping Zhan Zhenfang at home and under her protection.
This way, Lu Zhu would wear herself out, while Zhan Zhenfang would grow accustomed to such a life, looking to her daughter whenever there was any issue.
But everyone is an independent being. Just as parents can’t worry about their children forever, Lu Zhu should also try to let go and allow her mother to grow.
Lu Zhu said emphatically, "It won’t work, she can’t do it."
Yue Qingqing countered, "How old were you then? Why can you do things that Auntie can’t? Or is it because you think she can’t, you won’t let her try?"
The two, who had been harmonious just moments before, were now on the verge of conflict.
Qu Ruorui looked at them, wanting to intervene, but she didn’t know what to say.
Yue Qingqing continued, "You know very well that neither moving nor calling the police is the best solution. The only way out is for Auntie to stand up for herself against the He Family."
Lu Zhu pressed her lips together, admitting that Yue Qingqing had a point.
But damn it, how could her timid mother ever stand up for herself?