Chapter 4 of 15
Chapter 4
7 min read1,769 words
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“According to the Zhang family rules, the first son inherits 60% of the shares. This does not include the inheritance under your father’s name. There is also your grandmother’s inheritance. Your grandmother gave birth to your father and aunt. The inheritance given to your father will now be given to you to inherit, in addition to your grandfather’s 60% company shares.” Lawyer Zhou stopped to let the information sink in for the two of them.
“Your grandfather married your grandmother and had your father and aunt. Your grandmother’s inheritance, besides some shares, are all cash. All of these were already transferred to you when you were five years old, that’s why what your grandmother left you is more simple. You only need to change the password to this bank book. The shares are also already under your name, so now you only need to sign.”
Zhang Guo Qing took a deep breath after looking at the astronomical figures on the bank book, and quickly stabilized his emotions. Soon after signing the relevant documents, it was passed on to Zhou Jiao who was standing beside him.
Zhou Jiao, who’s heart was erratic moments ago, became numb and lost her feelings. Any more money and it would still be just a number, she knows that money that easily lands in one’s hands without any effort can’t be a good thing. Who doesn’t know that big named households aren’t messy and indecisive? Not to the mention all the things Lawyer Zhou just said, not including Grandmother Zhou’s shares.
Lawyer Zhou took a look at the couple’s reactions and performance and was very satisfied. It’s true that they say a tiger father would not have a dog as a son.* Brother Zhang’s son and daughter-in-law weren’t bad. After finding out their sudden inheritance, they didn’t jump to extreme happiness and excitement. The couple were very stable, neither too humble nor overbearing.
*(A strong father would not have a weak son)
Next, I will be talking about your father. He stood out in everything he did. He was a financial entrepreneur. He started his own business during college without relying on his family. He was well known even amongst the seniors of the financial industry. He participated in many company shares, and managed and planned things out for the company. Even now, people would say the loss of his life is a pity.” Lawyer Zhou regretfully said as he thought back to his memories of Father Zhang.
“When he decided to get married to your mom at the end, he collected and arranged all his assets. Then he invested in seven companies, which he placed all under your mother’s name. Due to the passing of your mother’s parents when she was still young, you are the only legal family member to inherit her assets.
These were all passed onto you when you were five years old. The other beneficiaries have been added to your bank book as well. For now, you should take a look at the signed document. This was what your parents left for you. Right after the signage was completed, you have already inherited your grandmother’s and your parents’ inheritances. You can take a look at the company share documents at a later time. If you have any questions, you can directly contact me. The rest you can arrange as you see fit. All the money can be accessed at the bank. The other jewelry and antiques will be given to you directly from your grandfather.”
Lawyer Zhou swallowed some of his saliva, and after a moment of thinking, turned to look at Zhang Guo Qing with a more serious expression.
“Then this last document is one that your grandfather wants you to sign. He has never dared to reveal your identity. Besides the inheritance from your grandmother and your parents, the inheritance from the family as a whole can be considered a guarantee and a threat, so to speak.
If you sign this, you can receive dividends from this share, control the company, and control the Zhang family. If you don’t sign it, the future variables are too big to predict. The elder specially mentioned that if Zhang Guo Qing, the eldest grandson, does not inherit this, then other than money to cover his retiree expenditures, the other 60% will be given to the orphanage.”
Zhang Guo Qing nodded his head—he understood why Lawyer Zhou decided to mention this document from his grandfather last. It was a big issue and was probably the reason why his grandfather never picked him up.
“In addition to these, I will go into detail about your grandfather’s second wife, she is your step grandmother and was your grandmother’s sister. She married your grandfather when your aunt was one year old and your father was seven years old. To prevent unfair treatment towards your father and the issue regarding the position of the eldest son, they agreed to not have any children within the next five years. In addition, your aunt was only one year old then. Much to your grandfather’s insistence, your second uncle was born six years later, and three more children followed after.
You have a second uncle who is thirteen years younger than your father, a second aunt who is fifteen years younger, and lastly a third uncle who is not much older than you. The older aunt who is not related to your grandfather was not very close to your father due to being educated by your step grandmother.
When your father passed away, she was studying abroad and did not come back to attend his funeral, and these few years your grandfather did not allow her to come back. Also, there are a few uncles, and relatives that you don’t need to pay attention to. Currently, everyone is worried about your step grandmother and your second uncle. When your father was still alive, your step grandmother was known for being virtuous, she also often argued with your other relatives, afterwards your grandfather found an opportunity to kick her out of the old house.
We all guessed that she had something to do with your father’s accident, but unfortunately we do not have any evidence. Right now, they all still believe that your father was the only who held the position and privileges of being the eldest son. But the wind and waves cannot be played. Your birthdate, your birth certificate, and your genealogy procedures have all been completed, and your parents’ marriage certificate has been processed. The clan elders have all confirmed it, as well. If you still have any questions, please continue to ask me, if I know the answer I will definitely let you know.”
“Lawyer Zhou, can I take the liberty to ask a question?” Zhou Jiao asked after silently listening to Lawyer Zhou from start to finish. Zhou Jiao could feel that the other party was being nice to them, otherwise, as a lawyer, he would not release the private matters of a family to them, unless directed by the elderly.
“All this information—was it the elder who told you to tell us or are you kind enough to tell us? And when you stare at my husband, it seems as if you’re looking at a familiar person, have you seen us before?”
Lawyer Zhou smiled and did not intend to conceal anything: “My real name is Zhou Qi You. I am Guo Qing’s father’s friend. From a young age, I have followed your father and I was also the one who sent letters back and forth between your parents when they started falling in love. Afterwards, there was one day when your mother disappeared, she didn’t say anything and just directly dropped out of school.
Our group of friends searched for a long time. The rest you already know, everything can only be blamed on the misalignment of fate. Actually, your father didn’t even need to rely on family wealth, because at that time he had already made a fortune in the financial district, not to mention the original marriage was a joke. Your grandfather never admitted to it either.
It should be your step grandmother who secretly told your mother. Your grandfather, such a big man, could only look for your father to tell him not to continue looking for your mother. Besides, we all knew that your grandfather would not be able to force your father. He thought that after a period of time has passed, that your father would agree to the arranged marriage.
Later when your dad had an accident, your grandfather made your step grandmother and her family move out of the old house. Now the old house belongs to you. Your dad grew up there, your dad’s study room is still there, and all the pictures collected over time. Take a good look at your dad’s belongings when you visit.
If you have anything, call me and find some time to meet your father’s friends. Your grandfather did not disclose your identity, we could only secretly watch over you. Professor Yang from your university grew up bare assed with your dad. Also the current chairman of your company, Gu Chang He—his start-up capital was from your father and you own 40% of the company’s shares. There are also several friends from the political and military circles. We’ll find some time and bring you to meet everyone, or maybe wait until your baby is born and celebrates his 100 days.”
Zhang Guo Qing truly smiled this time: “No wonder Professor Yang always called me his godson. When I first entered university, whenever he had time he would pull me over to his house for dinner. Xi Zi would always say he wasn’t Professor Yang’s actual son. Even this current job was recommended by him. After I’ve visited my grandfather I will visit each and every uncle to say my thanks. Also Uncle Zhou, there is a document I am missing, I will keep it with you for safeguarding.”
Lawyer Zhou listened happily, this time he was finally able to brag in front of his old friend, and he wouldn’t need to secretly inquire about the child in the future- which almost caused his wife to think that he had an illegitimate child outside.
He hurriedly nodded: “Just say it, as long as I can help you, Uncle Zhou will definitely help you. If I can’t do it, we’ll leave it to your other uncles, as long as it’s not illegal, there is nothing we can’t do.”
Translated 6/10/20