Chapter 708: Chapter 678: The Will
Fang Wenzheng said, "Mr. Zhou, can you be a little more patient? I will announce the will sooner or later. For now, let’s all pray for Elder Zhou, hoping that he remains safe."
Zhou Yi Wu stood up angrily and returned to Zhou Yiwen’s side, lowering his voice, "Big brother, it’s bad, the old man’s will also has Xu Chunliang’s name in it."
Zhou Yiwen’s face darkened, "I knew it!"
Zhou Yi Wu said, "No way, I absolutely will not allow an outsider to take a share of our Zhou Family’s assets."
Zhou Yiwen said, "Calm down, we don’t know the contents of the will yet." Although he told Zhou Yi Wu to stay calm, he himself was no longer composed.
Xu Chunliang got up and went downstairs. After he informed them, Zheng Peian brought Elder Xu to Jizhou City Hospital. Xu Changshan didn’t know exactly what had happened and was worried about his precious grandson the entire way. He only felt relieved when he saw Xu Chunliang was unharmed.
"You rascal, you’re really something, giving me such a scare."
Zheng Peian chimed in, "Next time, make sure to explain things clearly. Your grandfather is old and can’t handle such shocks."
Xu Chunliang said, "There are some things that are inconvenient to discuss over the phone." He led his grandfather to a secluded place and recounted everything from start to finish.
Xu Changshan was unaware of the relationship between Zhou Renhe and the Xu Family. Listening to Xu Chunliang was like a bolt from the blue. In fact, these events were something he had personally experienced back then. He couldn’t understand why his father was staunchly against Zhou Renhe being with his sister. After his grandson’s explanation, years of confusion were instantly resolved. It became undeniable that Zhou Renhe was his own half-brother.
Xu Chunliang told his grandfather that the plaque of Huichun Hall had always been kept by Zhou Renhe in the old house, along with several pieces of evidence from that time.
Xu Changshan nodded and suddenly felt a weakness in his legs. He crouched down, and Xu Chunliang, seeing that his grandfather was shocked, quickly helped him to a nearby bench. Xu Changshan took a breath and said, "Is there still hope?"
Xu Chunliang shook his head, indicating it was unlikely.
Xu Changshan said, "Take me to see if there’s still a chance to see him one last time."
Xu Chunliang accompanied Elder Xu to outside the operating room. The surgery was over, and Zhou Renhe’s external brain injury wasn’t severe, but due to pre-existing systemic diseases, several of his organs were failing. The doctors told them to prepare for the worst, estimating it would only be a matter of an hour or two. They likely wouldn’t regain consciousness, so the family was allowed to see him one last time in the observation room.
As direct relatives, Zhou Yi Wu and Zhou Yiwen were, of course, allowed inside, but they insisted that unrelated people should not be allowed in.
Although Xu Changshan and his grandson had a blood relation with Zhou Renhe, since this matter had not been made public and wasn’t legally recognized, the hospital could not let them in.
At this moment, lawyer Fang Wenzheng said, "I suggest that everyone go in and take a look. According to Mr. Zhou Renhe’s instructions, I can now announce the will. When I announce the will, all relevant parties should be present."
Zhou Yi Wu wanted to oppose, but Zhou Yiwen quietly tugged on his arm. Seeing him one more time wouldn’t change anything; they should first listen to the contents of the will.
The group went to the recovery room, which was an exception made by the hospital, as they believed Zhou Renhe no longer had any hope of regaining consciousness.
Entering the recovery room, Zhou Yiwen trembled and said, "Dad!" Tears began to fall.
Zhou Yi Wu didn’t cry; he couldn’t. All he could think about was the matter of his father leaving part of the inheritance to Xu Chunliang. If the old man did that, it would be utterly unfair.
Fang Wenzheng consulted with the doctor again and decided to announce the will.
Zhou Yiwen and Zhou Yi Wu’s attention was entirely focused on Fang Wenzheng, whereas Xu Changshan and his grandson were huddled around Zhou Renhe. After taking Zhou Renhe’s pulse, Xu Changshan gave up hope; Zhou Renhe’s life had come to an end, and there was nothing he could do.
Fang Wenzheng took out the will that Zhou Renhe had prepared in advance: "Mr. Zhou Renhe found me a month ago to draft a will. The beneficiaries of this will include Zhou Yiwen, Zhou Yi Wu, and Mr. Xu Chunliang."
Zhou Yi Wu shouted angrily, "Xu Chunliang is not a member of our Zhou Family. On what basis does he have the right to be involved? This is illegal."
Fang Wenzheng coldly replied, "Mr. Zhou, are you questioning my professionalism or the authority and fairness of the law?"
Zhou Yiwen told Zhou Yi Wu to first listen to the contents of the will, knowing his brother always had a short fuse.
Xu Chunliang continued to hold Zhou Renhe’s hand. The old man was still in a post-anesthesia sleep state. According to the doctors, he likely wouldn’t wake up, but Xu Chunliang hadn’t given up hope and quietly transferred a stream of True Qi into Zhou Renhe’s body, hoping to awaken him for a final meeting with his grandfather.
Fang Wenzheng said, "The testator, Zhou Renhe, male..." After routinely introducing Zhou Renhe and the identities of the trustees, he certified that the will was in compliance with national laws, having been drafted when Zhou Renhe was healthy and rational, before divulging the specific content.
"All my properties shall be inherited by Xu Chunliang."
A single stone stirred up a thousand waves, and the first inheritance distribution plan infuriated the Zhou Brothers. Zhou Yi Wu roared, "Why? We are his biological sons!"
Fang Wenzheng corrected, "As far as I know, you two are adopted sons of Mr. Zhou Renhe, and there is no blood relation between you."
Zhou Yiwen couldn’t help but interject, "We don’t have blood relations, but does he have blood relations with Xu Chunliang?"
Fang Wenzheng said, "Please be patient and let me finish reading the will."
He then announced Xu Chunliang’s ID number, which was also to prevent the two brothers from making a fuss, telling them that Zhou Renhe had designated Xu Chunliang as the heir to the house.
Fang Wenzheng said, "All the deposits and bonds under my name, totaling sixteen million, are inherited by Xu Chunliang."
Zhou Yi Wu could no longer tolerate it, "Fake, you’ve colluded to seize our family property."
Fang Wenzheng replied sternly, "Mr. Zhou, mind your words. You have already committed defamation, which carries legal responsibilities."
Zhou Yiwen was truly concerned about the ownership of Renhe Hall. Although the two brothers held seventy percent of Renhe Hall’s shares, the trademark holder was the old man. If the old man gave the Renhe Hall trademark to Xu Chunliang, it would be a huge problem.
"I leave the trademark of Renhe Hall and all registered formulas, as well as thirty percent of the shares in Renhe Hall to Xu Chunliang, on the condition that he shall not transfer the trademark to anyone during his lifetime."
The Zhou Brothers were thoroughly broken at this point. The most valuable thing in the old man’s possession was the Renhe Hall trademark, which he had given to Xu Chunliang. This meant that Xu Chunliang held their lifeline. No matter if they held seventy or even ninety percent of the shares, it would be useless. Xu Chunliang could completely prohibit them from using the Renhe Hall trademark. The old man was ruthless, even giving the registered formulas to Xu Chunliang, clearly pushing the two brothers to a dead-end.
Zhou Yiwen said, "Lawyer Fang, are you mistaken? How could our father possibly give the family property to an outsider?"
Fang Wenzheng said, "I have repeatedly stated that this will was drafted when Mr. Zhou Renhe was in good health and fully conscious. It is entirely reasonable and legal, and I advise you not to question my professionalism."
Zhou Yi Wu shouted angrily, "Nonsense professionalism! Where in the world does a father not leave the family property to his sons but to outsiders? Take your fake will and get out, you have no right to interfere in Zhou Family matters."
Zhou Yiwen said, "Xu Chunliang, you too, leave! We don’t need outsiders meddling in Zhou Family matters."
At this moment, Zhou Renhe slowly opened his eyes, his voice weak yet clear, "Since when did Zhou Family matters fall to you to decide..."
Apart from Xu Chunliang, no one expected Zhou Renhe would be able to wake up, each one was greatly surprised.
Doctors and nurses rushed in upon hearing the news, ready to check Zhou Renhe’s condition. Zhou Renhe shook his head slowly, "No need, I have a few words to say."
He looked at Xu Changshan, unsure of what to say for a moment. The mere presence of Xu Changshan here already spoke volumes. Between brothers, a single glance conveyed it all. Xu Changshan took the initiative to hold his hand and said in a trembling voice, "Brother!"
The single word "Brother" was filled with indescribable emotions. Xu Changshan’s nose tingled, tears falling swiftly. Zhou Renhe was also in tears. All his life, he had hoped to be acknowledged by his family, always living in misunderstanding and injustice, and now, before his death, hearing his blood brother call him "Brother," he could die without regret.
Zhou Yiwen and Zhou Yi Wu were dumbfounded. Wasn’t the old man supposed to be mortal enemies with the Huichun Hall? How could Xu Changshan call him brother? This was utter chaos.
Zhou Renhe pursed his lips and said, "Brother, I’ve wronged you all these years."
Xu Changshan said, "Brother, it is you who have borne the weight in silence."
Zhou Renhe cried tears of joy, and turned to Fang Wenzheng, saying, "Lawyer Fang, add one more thing, Xu Chunliang is my biological grandson, my only lawful heir!"
Zhou Yi Wu shouted angrily, "Old fool, what did you say?"
Xu Changshan suddenly stood, backhanded a slap to Zhou Yi Wu, catching him off guard. Holding his face, Zhou Yi Wu said, "You... you hit me?"
Xu Changshan shouted angrily, "I hit you, you ungrateful wretch! The grace of upbringing is greater than the heavens. Without my brother, you two wouldn’t be where you are today. Instead of being grateful, you speak harshly. A slap is too light for you."
Zhou Yiwen said, "Brother, you still don’t get it. They’ve long colluded to seize our family property."
Zhou Renhe sneered, "Yiwen, you think you are clever but can’t see through it. I’ve always been wary of you two wolves. Originally, I still cherished these decades of father-son ties, leaving you some leeway, but since you are so heartless, I have nothing to linger on. Lawyer Fang, please help me draft another statement. From today on, I sever the father-son relationship with Zhou Yiwen and Zhou Yi Wu."
Zhou Yiwen snorted coldly, "Aren’t you worried about having no one to see you off at the end?"
Zhou Renhe glanced at Xu Changshan, then at Xu Chunliang and said, "I’m not worried, I have a blood brother and a biological grandson!"