Defending Fubao: A Family's Unwavering Love

"Yes, Fu Bao, don't worry, don't cry! Fourth brother will come up to play with you soon!" Li Xiaolei patted his chest, assuring her despite the sweat glistening on his forehead and his damp white vest.

A few women who had finished planting seedlings passed by and noticed Mrs. Li and Li Xiaolei toiling in the field, while Fu Bao sat under the shade of the trees. She appeared pristine in her pink floral skirt and neatly combed hair, a stark contrast to Li Xiaolei's shabby attire of a white vest and blue shorts, his body covered in dirt.

If the two children were likened to cats, one would be a well-fed house cat, and the other, a stray wild cat!

"This Li family is really strange, being so good to a girl?"

Aunt Zhao, known for her loquacity, couldn't hold back her irritation. She directed her words at Fu Bao, "Listen, little girl, why aren't you working in the field? What's the use of sitting here? You're five now. Come on, other girls have been working since they could walk!"

Before Fu Bao could respond, Mrs. Li shot a glare at Aunt Zhao. "I'll say it once, whether my granddaughter works or not is none of your business. If I haven't asked her to work, do you have a problem with that?"

"Hey! Mrs. Li, I'm just speaking up for fairness here! It's not right for the girl to laze around while you work so hard. We can't stand for it! My daughter started helping out at three, and now at ten, she can manage household chores just fine!"

"Yeah, it's not wise for the girl to avoid work," another woman chimed in. "If she can't handle chores, who will marry her in the future? No man would want her. She'll end up an old spinster!"

"Exactly, a man wants a wife who can run a household, not some princess expecting to be waited on hand and foot!"

The women burst into laughter, their words carrying a clear tone of mockery aimed at the Li family for treating and presenting Fu Bao as a princess.

Li Xiaolei couldn't bear their taunts about his sister and retorted furiously, "You people! What's wrong with us treating my sister like a princess and sparing her from work? It's none of your business! Your daughters are so capable, why aren't they goddesses? Go and ask them if they want to work!"

The women were taken aback, unsure how to respond. Aunt Zhao snapped back angrily, "You... you little brat, you don't know what's good for you! We're speaking up for your sake. As a boy, you should be the pride of the family. But now that a girl is stealing the spotlight, aren't you upset?"

"You better keep quiet!" Mrs. Li bellowed, her voice cutting through the air like a whip. "If you dare to talk nonsense about our family's affairs, I'll shut you up! The relationship between our boys and girls is just fine, there's no injustice here, and we don't need your concern!"

"That's right! We adore Fu Bao and pamper her like a little princess! If you have a problem with that, then tough luck!" Li Xiaolei chimed in, standing up for his sister.

"You..." Aunt Zhao's face flushed with anger. She couldn't scold Mrs. Li or Li Xiaolei directly, so she turned her ire towards Fu Bao, pointing a finger accusingly. "You lazy girl, always doing nothing. Be careful, no one will want you in the future!"

Fu Bao looked up at her, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she replied with a smile, "Auntie, are you feeling unloved? Since I was little, my grandparents, parents, and brothers have showered me with affection. Perhaps you're just jealous of me?"