And just as with defense of necessity, self-defense absolves one of responsibility.

"That is to say, our actions were reasonable, rational, and lawful, free of any fault. The dog’s death was entirely your own doing, and we have no reason to compensate you."

Finally, Qin Mu looked at Cheng Chuxiao and reiterated his point.

After hearing this explanation, Cheng Chuxiao’s expression darkened. She clenched her teeth tightly as she surveyed everyone present.

But she found that none of them stood up to speak for her.

Their facial expressions practically screamed, "Well said!"

"So you’re determined not to pay, is that it?" she asked again, taking a deep breath and gazing intently at Qin Mu.

A faint smile played on Qin Mu’s lips, but he didn’t answer.

His stance, however, was perfectly clear: if it wasn’t their fault, they naturally wouldn’t take responsibility.

"How about this, Miss Cheng," Wan Zhongyuan, the Vice Director, interjected, stepping forward to mediate. "You’ve heard the legal clauses clearly. Perhaps... our nursing home could offer 200 yuan for burial expenses?"

His thinking was simple: minimize major issues and trivialize minor ones. If the problem could be solved, it was best to resolve it on the spot to avoid any lingering trouble.

However, Cheng Chuxiao had no intention of reconciling. She sneered, "I wanted to discuss this reasonably, but since this is your attitude, I have no choice but to call the police and let them handle it!"

As she spoke, she took out her phone in front of everyone and dialed 110.

While the call connected, she glanced around. Surely someone would be intimidated by her action and try to persuade her not to call the police.

However, the onlookers merely wore intriguing expressions, showing no signs of worry or willingness to compromise.

For some reason, there was even a hint of slight anticipation in their eyes. It seemed they actually hoped she would call the police.

"Hello? 110? I want to report a crime. Someone maliciously killed my dog and refuses to pay compensation! I have video and evidence..."

She must have misread their expressions, she thought. Once the call connected, she decisively reported the incident, requesting police intervention.

「A few minutes later.」

After clarifying the location and details of the incident, she hung up.

Staring at Qin Mu and the others, she snorted coldly. "Just wait. When the police arrive, we’ll see if you’re still so tough!"

Qin Mu: "..."

Wan Zhongyuan: "..."

Zhang Qingyuan: "..."

The elderly residents: "..."

Seeing Cheng Chuxiao’s arrogant demeanor, Li Weiguo and the other elderly onlookers gathered together, discussing openly.

"I’ve lived for many years, but this is the first time I’ve seen someone so brazen, daring to speak to Xiao Qin like that."

"The legal points were explained clearly to her, but she still doesn’t believe it. She’s really thick-headed."

"What do you all think? Will Xiao Qin get her locked up?"

"Hard to say. Xiao Qin seems gentle, but he holds a grudge. Anyway, those who’ve offended him rarely meet a good end."

"..."

Far from being worried, they were somewhat expectant.

If the police came, there would soon be a new show to watch! And Cheng Chuxiao’s actions certainly earned her the title of "fearless warrior." Vice Director Wan Zhongyuan had offered her an out, but she insisted on calling the police, truly digging her own grave.

In fact, they had gathered as soon as Old Zhang’s incident occurred, wanting to support Zhang Qingyuan.

However, not knowing much about the law, they could only offer support with their numbers.

Fortunately, Qin Mu had arrived, laying out all the legal arguments and firmly stating that not a single penny would be paid in compensation.

Unfortunately, this Cheng Chuxiao was completely unreasonable, leaving herself no way out and insisting on confronting Qin Mu to the very end.

...

「Twenty minutes later.」

WEE-OO WEE-OO WEE-OO—

Amidst the wailing of police sirens, Shen Dao, leading a few local police officers, entered the nursing home and made his way to the reception room where Cheng Chuxiao was waiting.

Upon entering, he glanced at Qin Mu in the corner. His heart skipped a beat.

Then, surveying everyone present, he asked in a stern voice, "Who called the police?"