Zhang Guoqing turned his head to look at Zhou Jiao, his gaze hesitant. Zhou Jiao immediately understood and nodded to him.
Sometimes all it takes is a glance to understand each other's intentions. It's not because the other person is particularly smart, but because they've placed their heart on you.
Zhang Guoqing suddenly recalled this saying and felt that no matter how difficult and challenging the journey ahead might be, with her by his side, it was heaven on earth.
"Uncle Zhou, I think we, as a couple, should add a clause to our will to reduce some risks. Once the old man's identity is exposed tomorrow, regardless of those people's intentions, we must block any possible repercussions."
Lawyer Zhou nodded upon hearing this. He had the same intention but hesitated to mention it, fearing Zhang Guoqing might have concerns. As of now, apart from the couple and their unborn child, in the event of an accident, the inheritance would legally go to those uncles and aunts according to the inheritance law.
"If we, as a couple, were to unexpectedly pass away, leaving behind a child, whether boy or girl, upon reaching 18, they would inherit the Zhang Family old house and all my cash, antique jewelry, etc. Other stocks would establish an accounting group, with 10% of the profits used for the child's education fund and career funds upon adulthood. The remaining 90% would be donated to the country.
If our entire family is involved in an unexpected accident, except for the Zhang Family old house, all assets would be donated to the country to establish an orphan education foundation. Uncle Zhou, could you please help refine this plan?"
After the three of them discussed and added an addendum to the will, they called in two acquaintances to witness it on the spot. Afterwards, Zhou Guoqing took them out for dinner, while pregnant Zhou Jiao could only stay home to rest. It had been a tiring day, given how many things unexpectedly happened, but the couple had already decided not to publicly disclose their financial and personal details, including to the Zhou Family. They would talk about it later once the time was right.
After dinner, Zhang Guoqing asked Zhou Jiao to rest, while he stayed alone in the study to quietly ponder the upcoming arrangements. He couldn't continue working, as dinner had brought Chairman Gu, who suggested he should go work at Zhang Holding Company.
Next, the cash from Citibank had to be consolidated into his account, and his grandmother's jewelry needed to be brought back and handed over to his wife. Uncle Zhou had already agreed to handle it and deliver it to him in two days.
The shares left behind by his grandmother and father needed some tidying up. After all, in over 20 years, some needed selling, while others needed adjusting. He also had to ask a few uncles to find retired soldiers. It looked like it would be a busy week ahead.
Tomorrow, he would continue visiting the old man and meet family members, spending a few days at the old house to fulfill his filial duties beside the old man. On reflection, it seemed manageable. Whatever comes, they would deal with it when the time comes.
The next morning, accompanied by Lawyer Zhou, the couple went to the hospital to meet the old man. After signing the property transfer papers and will, the old man insisted on being discharged to return to the old house.
He likely felt fulfilled now that his grandson had returned. Even then, he mustered the strength to notify the Zhang Family to meet, ceremoniously introducing his eldest grandson before dismissing everyone, even his step-grandmother and several uncles couldn't stay. Despite their discontent, there was nothing they could do; Zhang Family rules were like that. Witnessed by clan members, their only option was to go back and devise another plan.
After sending the servants and nurses away, leaving only the couple, the old man asked Zhang Guoqing to open a hidden compartment in the wall, retrieving a delicate wooden box about the size of a shoebox. Zhou Jiao examined it closely, finding it stylishly reminiscent of the Ming and Qing periods, with two small boxes inside once opened.
The old man gestured for Zhou Jiao to approach: "Child, when you first started dating Xiaoqing, I went to take a look myself. At that time, I thought this young woman was wonderful, coming from a biased family yet relying on herself to study, having filial piety and perseverance, even her eyes showed integrity.
Later, when you married, you didn't mind my grandson's poverty, and could even face hardships together. Back then, Grandpa was happy, holding onto this box of jewelry left by your grandmother, deciding to secretly give it to you sometime.
However, there was never an opportunity. Now seeing you both doing well, sharing adversity and true feelings, in the future with wealth and status, you mustn't forget each other. I can't stay with you all much longer, you should accompany Guoqing more. After I'm gone, he will only have you to rely on, and there's no amount of money in the world that can buy genuine sincerity."
Zhou Jiao nodded quickly, holding back her sadness. She couldn't let her tears fall, understanding this was the old man's concern for his only grandson. He knew relatives couldn't be trusted, otherwise, he wouldn't have stayed away from the old house all this time.
What she could do was, regardless of wealth or poverty, as long as Zhang Guoqing's heart had her, she would never leave him, sharing life and death together.
"Grandpa, don't worry. I will always stay by his side, through both riches and poverty, carrying our child with us wherever we go."