Seeing this, Li Jinhua walked over and gave him a push.
"What are you standing there for? Go buy breakfast! Can't you see so many relatives are hungry?"
"Now?"
Su Mingqiang glanced out the window; the sky was just beginning to lighten with the first hint of dawn.
"The breakfast stall isn't ready yet..."
"You blockhead!"
Li Jinhua pulled a few crumpled banknotes from her pocket and stuffed them into his hand.
"Go buy some soy milk and fried dough sticks. Those things come out quickly; they're probably all ready by now."
Clutching the money, Su Mingqiang squeezed through the crowd with his head down and fled out the door as if escaping.
The morning air was crisp and fresh. Su Mingqiang took a few deep breaths, and only then did he feel some relief from the tightness and pain in his chest.
Arriving at the breakfast stall, Su Mingqiang bought several bags of soy milk and fried dough sticks.
When Su Mingqiang returned home, he found the atmosphere in the living room had already become lively.
Li Decai sat on the only sofa, while the others sat or stood, crowding the small living room to the brim.
Li Jinhua was busy pouring water for everyone when she saw him return, and immediately snatched the breakfast from his hands.
Why is it so slow?
Li Jinhua rebuked.
"My dad and the others are starving!"
Su Mingqiang remained silent and retreated to a corner.
He watched as Li Jinhua broke the fried dough sticks into small pieces and distributed them to everyone, while also pouring bowls of soy milk.
When Li Decai took the bowl, he specifically asked a question.
"Mingqiang, have you made all the arrangements with the neighborhood committee?"
"We've made contact."
Su Mingqiang stammered in response.
"I registered yesterday, and they said I'd go at nine o'clock this morning."
"good!"
Li Decai nodded in satisfaction, then took a big gulp of soy milk and continued.
"Let's head out after we finish eating, and get there early to secure a good spot!"
Li Jinbao's mouth was stuffed with fried dough sticks, and he spoke indistinctly.
"Dad, we need to discuss what to say when we get there. That old fox Su Jianguo is definitely prepared..."
"What are you afraid of?"
Li Decai sneered.
"With so many of us, are we afraid of just one person? Besides, the neighborhood committee officials should also be reasonable. Mingqiang is his own son; it's only right that he gets a share of the family property!"
Su Mingqiang was feeling dizzy. He couldn't bear to imagine himself leading a group of people to argue with his father about dividing the family property.
"Mingqiang! What are you daydreaming about?"
Li Jinhua's voice pulled him back to reality.
"My dad is asking you a question!"
"ah?"
Su Mingqiang looked up blankly.
Li Decai put down the bowl of soy milk and wiped his mouth.
"I'm asking you, how much of that 30,000 yuan do you intend to ask for?"
The living room suddenly fell silent, and everyone stared at Su Mingqiang.
"I...I..."
Su Mingqiang stammered, unable to speak.
"dad."
Li Jinhua interjected.
"Mingqiang is honest and won't overcharge. If you ask me, it should be at least half!"
"half?"
After listening, Li Decai shook his head in dissatisfaction.
"That's too little! Mingqiang is the eldest son; according to the old rules, the eldest son should get 70%!"
Su Mingqiang's eyes widened.
"This...this is too much, isn't it?"
"What's so great about it!"
Li Jinhua pinched him hard.
"Have you forgotten how your father treated you? He kicked you out of the house and removed you from the family genealogy! You're still saving money for a father like that?"
Li Decai nodded and said earnestly.
"Mingqiang, you absolutely can't be soft-hearted when it comes to dividing the family property. Think about it, you've lost your job now, how are you going to live? Jinhua is still waiting to have your child!"
The mention of children sent a jolt through Su Mingqiang's heart.
Li Jinhua had promised him that she would have the child as long as she received a share of the money.
A surge of warmth welled up in his heart, and he gritted his teeth.
"Dad's right, I...I want 70%!"
"What a good son-in-law!"
Li Decai laughed and patted him on the shoulder.
"That's more like a man!"
Breakfast ended amidst a lively discussion.
Li Decai gave Su Mingqiang detailed instructions on how to behave in the subdistrict office, while Li Jinhua added details from time to time. Su Mingqiang listened like a puppet, nodding occasionally, but his mind was a complete mess.
At 7:00 AM sharp, the group prepared to depart.
Li Jinhua specially changed into the red coat she only wore on important occasions, and even put on some lipstick.
She directed the order of the group.
"Dad, you go first, Mingqiang will follow behind you, my eldest brother and I will be in the middle, and the other uncles will bring up the rear."
Standing at the door, Su Mingqiang looked at the group of people "cheering" him on, and a sense of absurdity suddenly welled up in his heart.
Are these people really doing this for his own good?
What are you staring at?
Li Jinhua gave him a push.
"Let's go!"
Su Mingqiang was pushed out the door.
The morning sun shone on the team.
They marched towards the street office like an army on a campaign.
Li Decai, who was walking at the front, suddenly turned around and gave Su Mingqiang a meaningful smile.
"Mingqiang, after today, you'll be living a good life!"
...
On the other side.
Su Jianguo also got up very early.
How could he possibly sleep well last night after his youngest daughter, Su Yuzhen, eloped?
I went out and washed my face to refresh myself.
Today is a big day, and he needs to be on his best.
In the kitchen, Su Jianguo started a fire and boiled a kettle of water.
The tea leaves unfurl in the hot water, releasing a delicate fragrance.
"Dad, why are you up so early?"
Su Mingfu's voice came from behind.
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