Everyone in the Su family had gone out to work, except Old Madam Su and Su Jiao Jiao. When Huo Zheng and Su Qi’an arrived, the family was stunned for a moment before quickly coming back to their senses.
Seeing that they had brought things with them, Old Madam Su looked somewhat satisfied. After hearing that they had come to discuss the marriage, she immediately ordered Su Jiao Jiao to go to the fields and call the others back.
Su Jiao Jiao’s teeth were practically grinding to dust when she saw them.
Weren’t they saying yesterday that Huo Zheng had been taken away by the police? How was he already released so quickly? She had even planned to come today and watch Su Qi’an become a laughingstock.
Only when Old Madam Su glared at her did she reluctantly leave to call the others.
Soon, the rest of the Su family returned and sat together to discuss the marriage.
Last night, Liu Hongmei and Liang Zhaonan had been worried that the 280 yuan bride price might fall through. Unexpectedly, today Huo Zheng and Su Qi’an came personally—and brought the money with them. Seeing those crisp brand-new banknotes, their faces bloomed with joy, and even their attitude toward Su Qi’an turned much warmer.
The whole family was jubilant—except for Su Jiao Jiao, whose face was extremely ugly.
If Su Qi’an could get 280 yuan in bride price, what if she couldn’t get that much in the future? Wouldn’t the villagers laugh at her? Say she wasn’t worth as much as Su Qi’an?
The more she thought about it, the worse she felt. Liu Hongmei noticed her and tugged at her sleeve, signaling her not to cause trouble.
The other members of the Su family were also seeing so much money for the first time. Their eyes were shining, especially Su Qi’an’s cousins, who were visibly excited.
The family finally had money to marry wives!
“Hehe, I heard you were taken away by the police yesterday. Nothing serious happened, right?” Liu Hongmei asked with fake concern. In truth, she wanted to know what kind of work Huo Zheng had been doing all these years, whether he had any way of making money, and if he could bring her own son along.
After all, they were family. If he was willing to help outsiders, like Wang Yinghua, why wouldn’t he help his own relatives?
Relatives were much closer than outsiders.
Su Jianguo and the others also looked at Huo Zheng.
Huo Zheng raised his eyes lazily. “If you have something to say, just say it directly. Stop beating around the bush.”
The greed on their faces was almost impossible to hide.
Liu Hongmei hadn’t expected her thoughts to be seen through so easily. She laughed awkwardly. “I was just worried it might affect your wedding date. It’s fine, it’s fine.”
Huo Zheng let out a cold laugh and ignored her. Instead, he looked at Old Madam Su. “The bride price has been delivered. Now let’s talk about what dowry you’re preparing for Su Qi’an.”
Old Madam Su turned to Liu Hongmei. “Eldest daughter-in-law, you speak.”
Liu Hongmei put on a smile. “The dowry for An’an will naturally be the same standard as other families marrying off daughters.”
“Don’t worry, we won’t treat An’an unfairly.”
The same woman who usually called her “little bastard” and “fox spirit” now affectionately called her “An’an,” as if they were close mother and daughter.
Su Qi’an asked, “What’s the usual standard?”
Liu Hongmei replied, “A quilt and a double-happiness enamel washbasin.”
Su Qi’an wasn’t sure if other families were really like that, but thinking about how high the bride price was, she said calmly, “That’s too little.”
280 + 0 = 280
Two hundred and eighty yuan as bride price, but only a quilt and a basin—it didn’t match.
As soon as she said this, everyone’s expression changed, especially Liu Hongmei. She suppressed her anger and said, “What do you mean too little? Some families don’t even have that much when marrying off a daughter. Don’t be ungrateful!”
At least she was giving her something at all!
Ignoring her anger, Su Qi’an continued calmly, “Add another quilt, a thermos, and a set of clothes.”
Liu Hongmei nearly exploded. “Why don’t you just go rob someone?!”
Where was she supposed to get money for all that?
Huo Zheng spoke lazily. “Do it as she says. Otherwise, don’t expect the gift money either.”
Su Tianci anxiously tugged at Liu Hongmei. “Mom, hurry up and agree!”
Su Jiao Jiao glared at Su Qi’an with poisonous resentment.
Old Master Su finally couldn’t hold back. He slammed the table. “Second branch, don’t go too far! What family asks for so much dowry? Know your limits!”
The rest immediately quieted down.
As the head of the Su family, Old Master Su usually made all major decisions.
He hadn’t intended to interfere, but now that things were getting unreasonable, he had to speak up.
Su Qi’an looked at him with clear eyes and said softly, “But Grandpa, other families don’t demand such a high bride price either. If our family asks for so much, people might think we’re selling daughters.”
Her voice was gentle, but sharp enough to sting.
Old Master Su, furious, raised his smoking pipe to hit her—but Huo Zheng stepped in front of her.
His gaze was fierce, his whole body exuding a chilling pressure.
Old Master Su froze, intimidated, and slowly lowered his hand.
Old Madam Su quickly intervened, afraid the old man might be beaten to death. “Alright, alright—we’ll do it as she said.”
If this continued, there would be no end to it.
Better to agree first.
Only then was Su Qi’an satisfied.
As they left, Old Madam Su picked up the money to store it away. Su Jiao Jiao quickly clung to her arm. “Grandma, what about the dress you promised me—the floral fabric dress? Does it still count?”
Old Madam Su frowned tightly. “We’ll talk about it later.”
Thinking of the expensive dowry, she sighed.
Hearing the refusal, Su Jiao Jiao stamped her foot angrily.
The Su family boys were originally unhappy that she was asking for clothes, but after hearing she was refused, they felt better.
A girl like her didn’t need fancy clothes—better save money for marrying wives and continuing the family line.
Meanwhile, Liu Hongmei opened the gifts brought by Su Qi’an. Seeing they were nothing valuable, she cursed under her breath in frustration.
After leaving the Su household, Su Qi’an suddenly heard shouting from next door.
A sharp, piercing voice rang out: “Su Pandie! I’ve already taken the bride price from the Li cripple! You will marry him whether you like it or not—no choice!”
A girl lying on the ground looked numb, letting the middle-aged woman kick and beat her, as if she had long since grown used to it.
A tight feeling rose in Su Qi’an’s chest.
Su Pandie seemed to notice her gaze and looked up. When she saw it was Su Qi’an, a faint light flashed in her eyes. She shook her head slightly and mouthed silently:
“I’m fine.”