Lawyer Zhou looked at Zhang Guoqing for a moment. As expected of a lawyer, he could immediately discern his intentions: "Mr. Zhang, even if you don't accept the inheritance now, you must first sign."
"According to the Zhang Family rules, the direct grandson of the elder branch holds 60% of the shares. This does not include what is under your father's name, as well as your grandmother's inheritance. Your grandmother gave birth to your father and your aunt. The assets your father holds are also inherited by you, along with the 60% left by your grandfather in the Zhang Holding Company, which is also yours." After Lawyer Zhou finished speaking, he paused to give the other party time to process.
"After your grandfather married your grandmother, they had your father and aunt. Your grandmother's assets aside from some shares are primarily cash. These were placed under HSBC in your name when you were 5 years old by your grandfather, so your grandmother's inheritance is very clear. You only need to change the password on this bankbook, and those shares are already in your name, you just need to sign for them now."
Zhang Guoqing stared at the astronomical figures in the passbook, took a deep breath, and soon steadied his emotions. After quickly signing the relevant documents, he handed them to Zhou Jiao next to him.
At the beginning, Zhou Jiao was shocked and flustered, but now she was numb. More money was just numbers, and she knew that unexpected windfalls weren't good. Everyone knows the filthiness in wealthy families. Not to mention, from Lawyer Zhou's words earlier, there is still the mountain of the step-grandmother.
Lawyer Zhou was very satisfied with the young couple's performance, indeed, a tiger father breeds no dogs. Mr. Zhang's son and daughter-in-law are quite good, without the shock and excitement that come with sudden wealth. The young couple is composed and dignified.
"Let me now speak about your father. Your father was very excellent; he was in finance. He started his own business independently during university without relying on the family. He was renowned among many senior figures in the financial community. He participated in many company shares and advised those companies. Even now, people mention that heaven is jealous of talent." Lawyer Zhou narrated with nostalgic regret.
"When finally marrying your mother, he gathered and organized assets, invested in 7 companies in one last separation, with all the shares under your mother's name. Because your mother lost her parents at a young age, her legal heir is you.
When you were 5 years old, they were already under your name, and previous benefits were credited to the HSBC bankbook mentioned earlier. Now, first, take a rough look at the documents and sign them. These are what your parents left you. With the signing completed now, your grandmother's and parents' inheritance has been handed over. Keep these shareholder documents together, read them when you have time, and contact me if you have questions. You'll arrange specific operations yourself. All financial transactions are at HSBC. Remaining jewelry and antiques will be directly handed over by the old man to you."
Lawyer Zhou drank a cup of water, thought for a moment, and then his expression became serious while looking at the signed documents with Zhang Guoqing.
"Now, this is the last, currently with the old man requesting you to sign. The old man has not dared to publicly disclose your identity. Besides the property left by your grandmother and parents, the family assets are both a guarantee and a threat, to put it this way.
If you sign, this share can earn dividends, can control the company, control the Zhang Family. If you don't sign, the future carries great uncertainty. The old man specifically noted that if the eldest son and direct grandson's line experiences an accident, without a direct son or grandson to inherit, besides ensuring pension for the original, the 60% will be donated to the country for orphanage use."
Zhang Guoqing nodded, understanding why Lawyer Zhou mentioned the old man's inheritance last, as it indeed carries significant weight, which was also why his grandfather hadn't brought him back.
"Apart from these, let me explain in detail about your grandfather's second wife, she is your aunt. She married your grandfather when your aunt was almost a year old; your father was already 7. To prevent unfair treatment towards your father in the future, and given the importance of the family elder branch's direct son.
The agreement was set for five years, thus when your father turned 12, she could conceive. Plus, your aunt was just an infant. However, an accident occurred within these 5 years, and with your grandfather's persistence, your second uncle was born after 6 years, followed by your step-grandmother bearing 3 more children.
You have a second uncle who is 13 years younger than your father, a second aunt 15 years younger than your father, and finally a younger uncle not much older than you. The big aunt you have was educated by her, hence isn't close to your father.
Your father passed away while studying abroad and didn't attend the funeral. These years your grandfather didn't allow her to return to the country. As for the other relatives like uncles and such, you don't have to concern yourself with them currently. Everyone is primarily worried about your step-grandmother and second uncle. Your step-grandmother was renowned for being virtuous while your father was alive, and mingles warmly with many members of the family clan, later being sent away from the old residence by your grandfather.
We all speculate there's her involvement in your father's incident, but lack evidence. Presently, they mistakenly think he is the eldest son, but can't stir up waves. All your birth dates, birth documents, family lineage procedures are in order, your parents' marriage certificate is managed by us, and confirmed by the family elders. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask me, I'll tell you as much as I know."
"Lawyer, may I presumptuously ask a question?" Zhou Jiao quietly listened before speaking. Zhou Jiao sensed the goodwill towards them from the other side; otherwise, a lawyer wouldn't casually expose family privacy unless instructed by the old man or an old friend.
"Did the old man instruct you to tell us this, or were you kindly telling us? Moreover, I feel when you stare at my husband, it's as if you're looking at an old acquaintance, have you seen us before?"
Lawyer Zhou laughed without intending to hide: "My name is Zhou Qiyou, and I am National Day's dad's junior schoolmate. I have been close to him since childhood; I was the one passing notes when his parents dated. One day the little sister of mine suddenly vanished, didn't utter a word before dropping out.
We friends searched for a long time. As for what happened later, you know. Merely a twist of fate. My brother was already making waves in finance without relying on the family, not to mention the initial marriage proposal was a joke, your grandfather never acknowledged it.
Perhaps back then your step-grandmother secretly sought your mother, given your grandfather's stature as a man, he'd only find your father rather than women's affairs. Besides, we all knew your grandfather couldn't defy your father, assuming he'd eventually consent to the marriage.
After your father's incident, your grandfather had your step-grandmother's family move out of the old residence, now it's yours. Your father grew up there, that includes your father's study, all photos, and belongings are there, check them out when visiting.
Call me if there's something you need, seize opportunities to meet your father's former friends. With your grandfather not publicizing you, we could only quietly observe. Your university's Professor Yang grew up naked with your dad. Even the current company chairman Gu Changhe, his startup funds were yours, you hold 40% of his company's shares, with several friends in political and military fields too; find time for me to introduce them, or wait till the baby's hundred days gathering."
Zhang Guoqing finally laughed: "No wonder Teacher Yang keeps saying I'm his godson; when I joined university, he often invited me over for dinner, causing Brother Xi to often say he isn't biological. He even recommended me for the current job. After meeting my grandfather, I'll take time to thank those uncles. Also, Uncle Zhou, I've thought of supplementing a document, handing it over to you gives me peace of mind."
Lawyer Zhou listened happily, finally able to brag before old friends without sneaking around, without leading his wife into suspicion that he had an illegitimate child elsewhere.
He hurriedly nodded: "Say it, as long as it's feasible, Uncle Zhou will definitely help you, even if impossible will enable your uncles' help, anything short of legality, nothing's unachievable."