"First, you have to marry that widow, but your family can't afford to send you to school anymore. You'll have to drop out and work to support her, her children, and your mother-in-law."

Su Mingfu's expression changed.

"Secondly, continue your studies, go to university, and consider marriage when you've achieved success. But during this time, you are not allowed to have any contact with her. If you do..."

Su Jianguo didn't say anything more.

"You choose."

Su Mingfu's mind was buzzing.

drop out?

He never considered giving up his studies.

From childhood to adulthood, he was always the best student in the family, and his father often said that he was the hope of the whole family.

"Dad...I..."

Su Mingfu's voice trembled.

"No rush."

Su Jianguo stood up.

"I'll take you to propose marriage tomorrow, and we'll hear how much dowry they're asking for before you make a decision."

The next morning, Su Jianguo changed into a presentable Zhongshan suit and even brought two bottles of fine wine.

Su Mingfu was also dressed neatly, and his forehead was sweating with nervousness.

"remember."

Before leaving, Su Jianguo said seriously.

"No matter what conditions they propose, don't interrupt; just listen."

The Zhou family's courtyard gate was tightly closed. Su Jianguo knocked three times, and Zhou's old lady's wary voice came from inside.

Who is it?

"It's me, Su Jianguo, I've brought my son to visit."

The door opened a crack, and Old Mrs. Zhou looked at the father and son suspiciously. When she saw the wine in Su Jianguo's hand, her eyes lit up.

"Hey, Brother Su, please come in!"

In the courtyard, Xiaomei was hanging clothes to dry. When she saw Su Mingfu, a look of surprise flashed across her face, and she lowered her head, pretending to be shy.

She wore a plain-colored cheongsam today, which made her figure look even more slender.

"Xiaomei, go make some tea!"

Grandma Zhou gave the order in a loud voice, and then warmly ushered the father and son into the main room.

After exchanging pleasantries, Su Jianguo got straight to the point: "Sister Zhou, I've come today to talk about the two children."

Grandma Zhou's eyes lit up.

"Brother Su means..."

"My son likes your daughter-in-law. Although our Su family is a small but respectable family, we will definitely follow the proper customs and have her married formally."

Su Jianguo spoke frankly.

Grandma Zhou beamed with joy and slapped her thigh.

"Oh dear, this is wonderful news! Xiaomei is a young widow, and it's her good fortune to have met such a fine young man like Mingfu!"

Xiaomei, who was eavesdropping outside the door, smiled slightly.

"So, Aunt Zhou, what do you think is a suitable amount for the bride price?"

Su Jianguo asked.

Old Mrs. Zhou rolled her eyes and pretended to be reserved.

"Well... logically speaking, even a young maiden can't compare to Xiaomei's qualities. But since Brother Su has spoken..."

She started counting on her fingers.

"The bride price should be at least a thousand yuan, right? The 'three turns and one sound' (referring to a traditional Chinese stringed instrument, watch, and radio) are a must, along with preparations for the new house, and the wedding banquet..."

Su Mingfu's face grew increasingly grim.

One thousand dollars!

This is equivalent to two or three years' salary for an average worker!

Not to mention the "three turns and one sound" (bicycle, sewing machine, watch and radio).

Su Jianguo remained calm and composed.

"Sister Zhou, you know our family's situation..."

"Oh, Brother Su."

Grandma Zhou interrupted him.

"Your family is wealthy, with ten thousand yuan to your name. What's this little bit of money? Besides, Xiaomei is so beautiful, she has plenty of suitors!"

Just then, the sound of a child crying came from inside the house.

At the crucial moment, Xiaomei lost her temper.

He shouted impatiently.

"Stop crying! Shut up!"

That sharp tone was completely different from his usual gentle demeanor.

Su Mingfu was stunned.

Grandma Zhou quickly tried to smooth things over.

"The child is fussy... Xiaomei! Go check on Xiaobao!"

Xiaomei reluctantly went into the house. Soon after, the child's crying grew louder, accompanied by several crisp slaps.

Su Mingfu couldn't sit still any longer and got up to see what was going on, but his father pressed him down.

"Sister Zhou, we need to go back and discuss this bride price matter. Let's talk about it another day."

Su Jianguo stood up and left with Su Mingfu.

After leaving the Zhou family, Su Mingfu remained silent the entire way.

Xiaomei's harsh attitude towards the child was like a bucket of cold water poured over his head, shattering all his beautiful fantasies.

Back home, Su Jianguo looked at his distraught son.

"Now, which one do you choose?"

Su Mingfu's tears finally fell.

"Dad...I was wrong..."

Su Jianguo patted his son on the shoulder.

"Life presents us with many choices; some mistakes can be corrected, while others can ruin your entire life."

"I choose to continue my studies."

Su Mingfu raised his head, his eyes resolute.

"I want to go to university, and when I'm successful, I'll take good care of you and Mom."

Su Jianguo nodded with satisfaction.

"Go apologize to your mother."

That evening, Su Mingfu knelt before his parents and solemnly kowtowed three times.

"Dad, Mom, I know I was wrong. I'll never do it again."

Wang Xiulan wiped away her tears and helped her son up.

Meanwhile, in the Zhou family next door, Xiaomei was so angry that she smashed her teacup.

"Stop pretending to be high and mighty! Can't even afford a thousand yuan, what a stingy person!"

Old Mrs. Zhou had a gloomy face.

"Don't rush, this is just the beginning, there will be plenty of opportunities..."

...

Before we knew it, the second day had arrived.

Su Mingfu had already packed his luggage.

He stood in front of the mirror, straightening his collar, his eyes much more determined than usual.

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