"You know, we've been married for so many years, have you ever thought about...having a child?"
Su Mingqiang's chopsticks fell to the table with a "clatter," and his eyes widened in surprise.
He opened his mouth, made a few meaningless murmurs in his throat, and finally managed to squeeze out only one sentence.
"What...what did you say?"
Li Jinhua lowered her eyes, gently stroking her husband's rough hand, her voice so soft it could melt water.
"I mean, we should have a child. Look at Old Wang next door, he got married two years later than us, and now his child is old enough to run errands."
Su Mingqiang's breathing became noticeably rapid, and his fingers trembled involuntarily.
Married for six years, every time he brought up wanting a child, Li Jinhua always had a thousand and one excuses to avoid it.
They always say they're too busy with work, or that their family is too poor, or that their house is too small...
Now she's actually bringing it up herself?
"Jin Hua, you...you always said..."
Su Mingqiang asked, stammering.
"I know I was too selfish before."
Li Jinhua's eyes reddened at the right moment, and a tear slowly fell.
"But it was only after my parents' accident that I realized how important family is."
She suddenly looked up at Su Mingqiang.
"Mingqiang, I want a child of our own, a little life that truly binds us together."
These words were like a fire, instantly igniting the deepest desire in Su Mingqiang's heart.
He suddenly stood up, the chair crashing to the ground, and pulled Li Jinhua into his arms, his greasy lips haphazardly kissing her face.
"That's great! That's great!"
Su Mingqiang was so excited that he became incoherent.
"Let's go to the hospital for a checkup tomorrow!"
Li Jinhua resisted the urge to push him away.
Although the smell of alcohol and sweat mixed on Su Mingqiang made my stomach churn.
But when she looked up, a shy blush appeared on her face.
"What's the rush..."
She gently pushed her husband away, but her fingers traced an ambiguous path across his chest.
"Having a baby isn't something you can just decide to do on a whim..."
Su Mingqiang was about to pounce again, but Li Jinhua nimbly dodged him.
She walked to the side, her voice suddenly becoming melancholy.
"But Mingqiang, raising a child costs money... and right now, you don't have any family to help you."
"I...I'll work overtime! I'll work overtime!"
Su Mingqiang followed her like a lapdog, his hand already restlessly resting on her waist.
"I'll never touch a drop of alcohol again, and I'll give you my entire salary!"
Li Jinhua sneered inwardly, but turned away with a sorrowful expression.
"Your salary isn't enough! Milk powder, clothes, school fees... raising a child these days requires at least several thousand yuan."
Her eyes suddenly lit up.
"Oh, right! Your dad still has 30,000 yuan in compensation!"
Su Mingqiang's movements suddenly froze.
Li Jinhua felt his body stiffen, so she immediately moved closer and breathed softly.
"Think about it, you were entitled to a share of that money. You were injured too, and besides, even legally speaking, it's only right for the son to inherit the family fortune..."
"But Father has already..."
Su Mingqiang's voice was weak.
"What does it matter if someone is removed from the family genealogy?"
Li Jinhua suddenly raised her voice.
"Legally, you are still his son, and you should receive every penny of your share!"
She leaned close to Su Mingqiang's ear.
"With this money, we can not only raise our children, but also buy a bigger house..."
Su Mingqiang's Adam's apple bobbed, and his eyes began to waver.
Li Jinhua knew the time was right, so she suddenly took a step back and her expression became serious.
"But you have to promise me one thing."
"You name it! A hundred pieces are fine!"
Su Mingqiang was impatient and was about to pounce on him again.
Li Jinhua extended a finger and pressed it against his chest.
"Go to the neighborhood committee first thing tomorrow morning and demand a separation of the family property."
"Separate the family?"
A hint of hesitation flashed across Su Mingqiang's face.
"Isn't this... a bit too..."
"Too much what?"
Li Jinhua's expression suddenly changed, and tears welled up in her eyes.
"Your father was willing to kick you out of the house, and you still don't have the guts to bring up the idea of dividing the family property?"
She turned away, sobbing.
"Never mind, forget I said anything about the child..."
"No! I'll go! I'll go, okay?!"
Su Mingqiang panicked and grabbed his wife.
"I'll go to the neighborhood office first thing tomorrow morning!"
Li Jinhua had her back to him, a cold smile playing on her lips, but her voice still trembled with tears.
"real?"
"Really! I swear!"
Su Mingqiang was so anxious that he kept stamping his feet.
"When the time comes, I'll get the money back and keep it all for you. If I utter even half a lie, may I be struck by lightning!"
Li Jinhua then stopped crying and smiled, turning around to give him a light tap on the shoulder.
"Fool, who asked you to make a solemn oath..."
She suddenly stood on tiptoe and gave Su Mingqiang a light, fleeting kiss on the cheek.
"Then...shall we get some rest early tonight?"
Su Mingqiang immediately became energetic, picked up Li Jinhua, and rushed towards the bedroom.
...
On the other side.
In the stillness of the night, at Su Jian's home.
The room of Su Jianguo was filled with the sounds of snoring.
He was exhausted these past two days, and now that he's relaxed, he's sleeping exceptionally well.
In contrast, in the west wing...
The oil lamp was half-extinguished, casting a dim, yellowish glow.
Su Yufen lay on her side on the kang (a heated brick bed), gently patting Er Mao's back with one hand, humming a lullaby that her mother had sung to her since she was a child.
The moon is bright, the wind is still, and the leaves of the trees shade the window...
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