Waiting for One Thing

Upon hearing the news, Mother Lin was visibly upset. She let out a sigh, slapping her thigh in frustration. "Haven't we explained time and time again that we haven't done anything wrong? How can people still believe these rumors?" she lamented, her voice laced with helplessness.

Li Hua's spirits were also dampened. "Mother, I now understand why rumors are so terrifying. It's because they continue to spread unless you completely eradicate them," she said, her voice heavy with realization.

"And they only get more exaggerated as they spread. But how can we possibly stop them when there are so many people in the town, all spreading these lies?" she continued, her voice trailing off in despair.