Chapter 5: Making a New Will

Lawyer Zhou looked at Zhang Guoqing for a moment. As expected of a lawyer, he could immediately tell what Zhang was thinking. “Mr. Zhang, even if you don’t want to accept the inheritance right now, you still need to sign.”

“According to the Zhang family rules, the eldest legitimate grandson of the main branch is entitled to 60% of the shares—not including those under your father’s name, nor your grandmother’s inheritance. Your grandmother had two children: your father and your aunt. The assets your father held are also yours to inherit. On top of that, the 60% stake in Zhang Holdings left by your grandfather is yours as well.” Lawyer Zhou paused to let him take it all in.

“After your grandfather married your grandmother, they had your father and your aunt. Most of your grandmother’s assets, apart from some shares, are in cash. When you were five, your grandfather deposited these funds into a Citibank account in your name, so your grandmother’s inheritance is very clear. All you need to do is change the password on this passbook. As for those shares, they’re already under your name as well—just sign here.”

Zhang Guoqing stared at the astronomical figure in the passbook, took a deep breath, and quickly calmed himself. After signing all the documents, he handed them to Zhou Jiao at his side.

Zhou Jiao was numb with shock, her heart pounding. No matter how much money it was, it was still just a number—but she knew sudden windfalls were rarely a good thing. Everyone knows big families have their share of dirty secrets. And from what Lawyer Zhou just said, there was still the looming presence of the step-grandmother to worry about.

Lawyer Zhou was quite satisfied with the young couple’s reaction. As the saying goes, “A tiger father begets no dog son.” Zhang’s son and daughter-in-law were impressive—not giddy or panicked by sudden wealth. They were steady, neither arrogant nor servile.

“Now, let’s talk about your father. He was an outstanding man, a financier. He started his own business in college without relying on the family and became well-known among the older generation in the financial world. He held shares in many companies and advised them as well. Even now, people still talk about his brilliance.” Lawyer Zhou spoke with a touch of regret and nostalgia.

“When he and your mother got married, he consolidated his assets and invested in seven companies, putting all the shares under your mother’s name. Since your mother lost her parents as a child, you are her sole legal heir. When you were five, these assets were already registered under your name, and the earnings were deposited into the Citibank account I mentioned earlier. Take a look at these documents and sign them—these are what your parents left you. Once you’ve signed, your grandmother’s and parents’ inheritances will be officially transferred. Keep these shareholder documents safe; review them when you have time. If you have questions, contact me directly. As for the rest, you’ll handle the details yourself. All financial transactions are through Citibank. The jewelry and antiques will be handed over to you directly by the old master.”

Lawyer Zhou took a sip of water, paused, and then, his expression turning serious, addressed Zhang Guoqing again.

“Finally, there’s the matter of the old master’s arrangements. He never dared to make your identity public. Apart from your grandmother’s and parents’ assets, the family fortune is both a safeguard and a potential threat. Here’s the deal: if you sign, you’ll receive dividends from these shares, and you’ll have control over the company and the Zhang family. If you don’t sign, the future is too unpredictable. The old master specifically stated that if the main branch—your father’s line—were to suffer an accident and there were no legitimate heirs, then after providing for the original spouse’s retirement, the 60% stake would be donated to the state for orphanages.”

Zhang Guoqing nodded. He understood why Lawyer Zhou had waited until now to bring up his grandfather’s inheritance—it was a major issue, and probably the main reason his grandfather hadn’t brought him back earlier.

“In addition, let me explain about your grandfather’s second wife—your biological aunt. She married your grandfather when your aunt was just a year old and your father was seven. To ensure your father wouldn’t be treated unfairly and to protect the importance of the main branch, they agreed she wouldn’t have children until five years later, when your father was twelve. But during those five years, there was an accident, and under your grandfather’s insistence, your second uncle was born six years later. After that, your step-grandmother had three more children: your second uncle, who is thirteen years younger than your father; your second aunt, fifteen years younger; and a youngest uncle, only a little older than you. Your eldest aunt, raised by your step-grandmother, was never close to your father. When your father died, she was studying abroad and didn’t return for the funeral, and your grandfather hasn’t allowed her back in recent years. As for the other uncles and relatives, you don’t need to worry about them. Right now, the main concern is your step-grandmother and your second uncle. Your step-grandmother was known for her virtue before your father’s death and was close to the other family members, but your grandfather eventually found a way to send her out of the old house. We all suspect she had a hand in your father’s accident, but there’s no evidence. Now, they still think they’re the main branch, but they can’t stir up much trouble. All your documents—birth date, certificate, family register—are in order, and your parents’ marriage certificate is on file. The family elders have confirmed everything. If you have any other questions, just ask—I’ll tell you whatever I know.”

“May I ask something?” Zhou Jiao spoke quietly after listening. She could sense the lawyer’s goodwill toward them—otherwise, as a lawyer, he wouldn’t have revealed so much family privacy unless instructed by the old master or out of loyalty to an old friend.

“Did the old master ask you to tell us all this, or are you doing it out of kindness? Also, when you were looking at my husband, it felt like you were looking at someone familiar. Have you met us before?”

Lawyer Zhou smiled, not intending to hide anything. “My real name is Zhou Qiyou. I was your father’s junior apprentice. I grew up with him. When your parents started dating, I was the one passing notes for them. Then one day, our junior sister suddenly disappeared, dropped out without a word. We searched for a long time. You know the rest—life is full of twists and turns. Actually, my senior had already made a name for himself in finance without relying on the family, and the arranged marriage was just a joke—your grandfather never acknowledged it. I suspect your step-grandmother secretly sought out your mother. Your grandfather, being a traditional man, would only talk to your father, never meddle in women’s affairs. We all knew your grandfather could never win an argument with your father, and figured he’d eventually agree to the marriage. After your father’s accident, your grandfather made your step-grandmother’s family move out of the old house. Now, the old house is yours. That’s where your father grew up—his study, his photos, all his things are still there. Take a good look when you go. If you need anything, call me. I’ll also introduce you to your father’s old friends. Since your grandfather never made your identity public, we could only keep an eye on you from a distance. Professor Yang at your university grew up with your father. The chairman of your current company, Gu Changhe, started out with funding from your father—you own 40% of his company. There are several other friends in government and the military. I’ll introduce you when I get the chance, or maybe after your child’s hundred-day celebration.”

This time, Zhang Guoqing truly smiled. “No wonder Professor Yang always calls me his godson. When I started university, he’d always invite me to his house for dinner, and my friend Xi Zi kept complaining he wasn’t the real son. Even my current job was his recommendation. After I meet my grandfather, I’ll make time to visit those uncles and thank them. Also, Uncle Zhou, I’d like to add a document. I trust you to handle it.”

Lawyer Zhou beamed. Now he could finally brag to his old friends, and no longer had to sneak around asking about the boy—his wife had started to suspect he had a secret child outside! He nodded eagerly. “Just tell me what you need. If I can do it, I’ll help you myself. If I can’t, your uncles will help. As long as it’s legal, there’s nothing we can’t handle.”"