Although the house was in a remote location, given the current situation in Beijing, relocation was only a matter of time. We negotiated with Manman to make concessions and let her know that her biological mother was going through a difficult time. It wasn't about money, and it wouldn't damage our relationship. Manman is a very capable person now, and although we can't use her right now, it's best not to offend her. Fenglan is, after all, her biological mother. As long as we maintain good relations with her, both Fenglan and the Song family will benefit.
Fenglan recalled Chunni's words and hesitated, "Chunni said that Manman gave the relocation compensation to my mother, saying it was for my retirement."
“You believe that? If your third brother hadn’t taken back the shop he gave us, would we be living such a hard life? Your family looks down on me and goes back on their word. Even if Manman gives the money to your mother, she won’t let you use it. If you don’t believe me, go back and ask for it now,” Song Shiyu said with certainty.
Fenglan realized that her parents' attitude meant she wouldn't be able to control the money.
“Manman will contact you. Talk to your child about the difficult times you had. What grudge can a mother and daughter have against each other? If Manman doesn’t like me, go see Manman and make sure she doesn’t see me. As long as you and your daughter have a good relationship, that’s all that matters.” Song Shiyu was very understanding.
Fenglan nodded. "Then we want the old house; we don't want the demolition compensation."
Song Shiyu nodded, "No, you're not doing this for the money. If you agree, we'll withdraw the lawsuit immediately and absolutely not cause any negative impact on the child."
"Everyone in the factory knows I sued Manman," Fenglan said sadly.
Song Shiyu said, "Then you can quit. I told you a long time ago not to do it. It's so tiring, but you insisted on doing it. I've recently found a project I like. If it works out, you can stay home and be a good Mrs. Song."
"Really? What project is it? We don't have any capital," Fenglan asked curiously. She thought Song Shiyu was very intelligent but had not been given the opportunity to shine.
"No capital is required. I'll tell you when it's successful," Song Shiyu said mysteriously.
Fenglan waited a week, but on the day of the court hearing, she still hadn't received a call from Manman. Before going to court, she panicked, "Shiyu, what should I do? Manman hasn't contacted me."
"It's alright, there's still a chance for mediation at the court. We'll talk about it when we meet," Song Shiyu reassured her.
"Really?" Fenglan nervously rubbed her hands together.
"Manman doesn't want to have a bad reputation either. Don't worry, she'll definitely accept the mediation. Our requests aren't unreasonable, so don't worry."
Song Shiyu accompanied Fenglan to the court, where they encountered Wu Zhiqi, Li Mancang, Lao Er, Chunni, Lao San, and Su Mo at the courthouse entrance.
Fenglan lowered her head, not daring to look at Wu Zhiqi and Li Mancang.
Song Shiyu smiled broadly at her "Mom and Dad".
Li Mancang and Wu Zhiqi strode into the courthouse as if they hadn't seen the two people. Thanks to Li Fenglan, they were now sitting in the defendant's seat at this age.
Wu Zhiqi directly refused the pre-trial mediation, saying that going to court for a verdict would also be a judgment on their relationship.
In court, Wu Zhiqi sat in the defendant's seat on behalf of Manman, while the legal counsel of Lao San Company served as the defense lawyer.
Song Shiyu and Li Fenglan were sitting in the plaintiff's seat. Manman was not seen, and the defendant refused pre-trial mediation. Fenglan could only sit there with a stiff upper lip, not daring to even lift her head.
The presiding judge, judges, jurors, court clerk, and bailiffs were all present, and the trial officially began.
The presiding judge said, "The court is now in session. Due to the special nature of the defendant's work, he has authorized his maternal grandparents, Li Mancang and Wu Zhiqi, to handle this case entirely. Does the plaintiff have any objections?"
"No," Song Shiyu replied. "Even if the court doesn't have it, it's useless for him to have it."
The presiding judge stated, "Plaintiff Li Fenglan states her claims."
Fenglan didn't dare to look up, while Song Shiyu began to speak eloquently.
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