Toast, do not eat, fine
922 Words
"Your sister is very sensible. She knows how hard it is for us, so she went to get a summer job to cover her tuition and living expenses," Su Yifeng explained.
"Yeah, Jiaoyun has always been great. She's a true member of the Su family!" Su Chen said proudly.
"If it weren't for Old Li causing trouble, with the fish from Su Dali's pond and ours, we could have made twenty to thirty thousand yuan," Su Yifeng sighed.
Su Chen smiled and said, "Dad, leave Jiaoyun's tuition to me. I can handle it!"
"Really? But you mustn't do anything..." Su Yifeng trailed off, not wanting to bring up painful memories for Su Chen.
"Dad, I've grown up. Just wait and see," Su Chen reassured him.
"Alright! Your mom must be off telling the other ladies about your return. You rest here while I boil water and prepare the chicken."
Su Chen didn't stop his happy parents. He walked alone around the courtyard, everything so familiar. The main house was built of mountain stone, standing firm for over thirty years. Outside the living quarters, there was a kitchen, an outhouse, and a shed for livestock. The village, deep in the mountains, still relied on a well for water, drawn up through an old-fashioned pump.
One unique feature was the small storage room where Su Chen's grandfather, a herbalist, used to store his herbs. After his passing, it became a place for farm tools.
While Su Chen reminisced, a harsh voice came from the gate.
"Su Chen! You’ve got some nerve! Just out of prison and already bullying my dad! Come out here, and I’ll beat you to death!"
Hearing the commotion, Su Yifeng rushed out from the kitchen.
"Xiao Chen! Stay inside, I'll handle this."
"Dad, you continue with the chicken. I'll be back for dinner. Trust me."
Looking into Su Chen's sincere eyes, Su Yifeng somehow agreed and went back to his tasks, only to realize his mistake once Su Chen and Li Hong headed towards the back mountain.
"Oh no!" He hurried to inform Li Desheng, hoping the village head and some officials could help defuse the situation.
Li Hong and his five cronies, rough-looking youths, followed Su Chen to the fish pond.
"Li Hong, last year your dad used the same excuse and caught over fifty big grass carps from this pond, selling them for more than five thousand yuan," Su Chen began, recounting what he had learned from his father.
"What’s your point? My family's fish swam here. It’s only right to catch them back," Li Hong retorted, unfazed by Su Chen's reputation. In the county, everyone had a criminal record.
"From what I know, your dad doesn’t even raise grass carp. Even if he did, with his habit of drinking every few days, he wouldn’t have raised such large ones," Su Chen countered.
"Damn it! I’m not here to listen to your reasoning. Are you letting me catch the fish or not?" Li Hong demanded.
"Get lost!" Su Chen snapped.
"Alright, boys, let’s teach him a lesson!" Li Hong's lackeys, eager for a fight, rolled up their sleeves.
"Su Chen! You think you can bully my dad just because you got out of prison? Beat him, but don't kill him!" Li Hong ordered.
The five rushed at Su Chen, but the first one was sent flying three meters back with a single kick. The others followed, knocked down effortlessly. One even spat blood, staining his shirt.
Stunned, Li Hong watched his friends writhing in pain, realizing Su Chen’s strength.
Kneeling down, Li Hong pleaded, "Su Chen, it’s a misunderstanding! Don’t hit me!"
"Take your men and go! If I see you again, you’ll regret it," Su Chen warned, not bothering to deal with such weaklings.
"Yes, we’re leaving. I won't cause trouble again!" Li Hong helped his friends retreat.
"Are we really letting this go?" one of his cronies asked.
"No way! I saw the village head and others coming. We’ll get him when he’s in the county," Li Hong whispered.
When Li Desheng and the others arrived, they saw Li Hong and his men fleeing.
"Xiao Chen, what’s the situation now?" Li Desheng asked.
"Uncle Li and everyone, it's settled. Thank you for coming. My dad has prepared a chicken; come to our house for a meal. He’s very happy today and wants to celebrate," Su Chen invited them.
"Of course, we must go. We heard about your early release. That’s worth celebrating!"
"Yes, let’s join old Su and have a few drinks to celebrate Xiao Chen’s return and resolving this issue with Old Li."
The villagers were straightforward people. Su Chen’s return was a joyous event, and they were eager to share in the celebration.
The gathering lasted till the afternoon, with many villagers coming by to offer their congratulations. Su Dali, having drunk a lot, whispered to Su Chen about something related to Fan Tiantian, who was mingling with the village women, occasionally glancing at Su Chen.
That evening, a tipsy Su Dali asked Su Chen to push him home. As they arrived, Fan Tiantian's room was dark. Su Dali nudged Su Chen.
"Xiao Chen, you promised to help me out. Tonight's the night, right?"
"Brother Dali, I've had a lot to drink too. I might not be up to it," Su Chen replied, smiling wryly.
"Drinking makes you stronger! I know what I’m talking about," Su Dali insisted, pointing to Fan Tiantian's room. "You go in, and I'll head to my room to rest."
- Writer
