Free Web NovelChapter 566: Chapter 536 New Neighbor _1
As for Hua Jin Real Estate, they didn’t have many properties on the market; most were parcels of land they had purchased in advance. But in early 2013, Hua Country introduced the latest land development policy, which required that acquired land must be developed within a set timeframe.
Once this came to light, holding onto undeveloped land was no longer an option against policy. With a tarnished reputation, securing loans became difficult. How could they proceed with development?
Moreover, land is state-owned, and reselling it cannot be done privately. This meant the land would have to re-enter the circulation process through the municipal government. If undeveloped within a two-year period, the government had the right to reclaim the land, but they would only do so at the original auction base price. Other taxes and the land’s appreciation were nobody’s concern.
It may seem trivial, but do the math, and you’d see it amounts to a significant loss. Compared to the price they paid for the land, they were lucky if they retained a third of the value.
This situation looked like a corporate entity amputating its own flesh to stop the bleeding. Yet the impact on industries and employment for those involved remained invisible. Zhou Ning took a deep breath, trying hard not to think about this issue. He was no saint, nor did he have the right to concern himself with such matters.
From a professional standpoint, the killer was clearly aware that leaving fingerprints or images would be tantamount to exposing himself, given that he wore gloves throughout the smoking process.
As for the jogger he had encountered earlier, that was very likely the same person, given the striking resemblance in height and attire.
Therefore, the possibility that the assault was related to Fang Shengping was extremely low. The only connection was the laced Huanzi, particularly since the comparison results showed the ingredients were identical, including the nature of the residues, indicating it was the same "batch."
But how did the killer get his hands on this "batch"? The investigation hit a stalemate—too few known factors and no new discoveries. Continuing in this deadlock served no purpose. Moreover, Director Xu had shared that Mr. Hu was helping investigate his parents’ case, which wouldn’t yield results anytime soon. Everything still needed to happen slowly.
Zhou Ning sighed. As long as he could keep his family safe—both his uncle’s family and the Xia Family—he didn’t want them to be affected because of him. There was no room for haste; everything else was insignificant, but the sensation of having a sword suspended over his head was disquieting.
Yet, he couldn’t let these emotions affect Liu Yongxin and the others, who were more worried about him and felt guilty for the investigative deadlock.
After a half-hour wait, Mr. Zhao pushed Liu Yufei in. Zhou Ning glanced past them, noticing the absence of Chen Cheng and Dong Chengwen. Noting Zhou Ning’s gaze, Liu Yufei coughed.
"Don’t bother looking, they’ve all gone off to do their own things. Mr. Dong needs to prepare for a trial tomorrow; he’s as busy as can be. He just left straight from the courthouse. Seeing the number of cases he has, I’m deeply touched that he found time to handle this one, of course, thanks mainly to you."
Mr. Zhao grinned, grabbed two bottles of mineral water, gave one to Liu Yufei, and guzzled half of the other before taking a deep breath and saying:
"I have to say, there’s nothing quite like working with a professional. I thought this case would be really tough, since it’s basically about someone who failed to fulfill their child support obligations trying to claim their rights to maintenance and property distribution. Such cases usually involve both sides shifting blame and can be dragged out for a year or more.
But Dong Chengwen didn’t play by the expected script at all. He simply called in a human witness, which was Mrs. Fei’s mother’s former military unit leader, who provided all sorts of documents from the time the housing reform was managed. That property was originally assigned housing, and Mrs. Fei’s mother had tried to contact her father after her death.
They never reached him; later, they went to his home, only to learn that Mrs. Fei had been left in the care of her grandmother and aunt, with her father nowhere to be found. They used the term ’nowhere to be found’ because a missing person report was filed with the police station, and no immigration records were found, so they proceeded with the related missing person procedures.
Moreover, her unit accorded her the treatments due to a martyr, waiving all the fees needed for housing reform. The documents plainly stated that in consideration of Mrs. Fei’s mother’s death in the line of duty, her daughter Liu Yufei should be given special compensation, and that the property was to be transferred into Mrs. Fei’s name, explicitly stating it had nothing to do with Mrs. Fei’s father.
As for the house owned by Mrs. Fei’s grandmother, witnesses from the village committee, town office, and previous neighbors all came forward, providing the old lady’s will and relevant videos. Although not notarized, the will was acknowledged by the court, and within the legally prescribed 60 days, written confirmation of the will’s acceptance was given. The tangible and intangible evidence was complete.
With all this laid out, the property he was trying to claim had nothing to do with him, so there was no need for debate. Dong Chengwen stated that the defendant would fulfill the court-ordered maintenance obligation, but under two prerequisites.
First, given that the plaintiff fled Hua Country to avoid child support and illegally emigrated, he must compensate the defendant with child support from ages 5-18. Calculating based on the economic income at that time, with the accumulated interest over the years, the total is 78,684 yuan;
Second, after the plaintiff turns 65 years old and without any pension or income, he can make monthly maintenance payments as required. However, since the plaintiff has remarried and has children, to avoid unnecessary verification and confirm that he is alive, he must collect the payment from the defendant in person each month. Online transfers or any non-face-to-face transactions are not acceptable."
The judge then ruled that her father had no inheritance rights to the two properties. Regarding future maintenance obligations, after Mrs. Fei’s father turned 65, he must provide proof of no or low income, provided he resides in Hua Country. She must pay him a monthly maintenance fee of 280 yuan, in cash, month by month.
Additionally, the court upheld Mrs. Fei’s claim for child support. Based on the standard of living from 1991-2004 and common standards for post-divorce child support, her father is required to pay her an upfront amount of 78,800 yuan. If he fails to do so, the amount can be deducted from future maintenance payments."
At this, even Liu Yufei couldn’t hold back her laughter, clearly feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders.
"It’s a shame you weren’t there to see their faces when they heard the verdict. Their expressions were priceless. They want to appeal, but the judge said they can do so at any time, as long as they provide further evidence."
Zhou Ning paused, narrowing his eyes slightly as he looked towards Liu Yufei.
"Wait, you’re saying your father and his family were all present?"
Liu Yufei nodded.
"Don’t worry, I’m indifferent toward him. I have no recollection of him in my memories before the age of five, and my aunt and grandmother rarely mentioned him. So whether he’s happy or not, it’s no different than with a stranger.
But it looks like they’re not doing very well. His son has tattoos all over his visible skin, from the ears to the limbs—a dozen piercings on one ear alone. Although the tattoos cover the skin, you can see many puncture marks along the veins on his elbow. It’s clear how they got there."
Zhou Ning raised an eyebrow. Addicts and people who mooch off their parents—no wonder he wanted to come back and compete with his daughter for the assets. It seems they were drained dry and lacked the funds to support this son.
Zhou Ning also felt quite relieved that he had decided to seek out Dong Chengwen. Otherwise, given his biological father’s nature, as soon as he got the property, he might have pressured Liu Yufei to cover all of his son’s expenses using moral coercion and public opinion. He would spare no effort in employing every possible means. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
Gathering his thoughts, Mr. Zhao had already bared his teeth and moved closer.
"I don’t want to gossip, but just by the way that kid walks, I’m sure he’s a bottom. Now that this matter is settled and faces have been torn, it means no further contact. Mrs. Fei is relieved today as well. Dong Chengwen even got a restraining order for her.
Given Mrs. Fei’s unique job situation and the fact that she had suffered such serious injuries, the other party still disregarded kinship to proceed with legal action. Dong Chengwen requested that for six months, Mrs. Fei’s father is prohibited from harassment, stalking, or contacting Mrs. Fei. Moreover, if he doesn’t leave Hua Country after six months, this request will be extended indefinitely."
Zhou Ning rubbed his temples. Actually, this thing was just to disgust the other party, but right now he had no household registration or identity information in the country. If he violated the conditions, it would be difficult even to return. The restrictions still held some power over his current nationality and status.
Liu Yufei waved her hand.
"Okay, Dong Chengwen said he’ll keep an eye on it. If he wants to apply for a household registration, that might be difficult. The procedures in Hua Country for missing persons to restore their household registration require a few steps:
1. Gather family and relatives to obtain a proof from the village committee or sub-district office; 2. Take this proof to the local police station’s household registration office to re-apply for household registration; 3. After obtaining a household registration book, apply for an identity card.
I can’t possibly help him with that. My health doesn’t permit it, nor do I have any obligation. My aunt says she has high blood pressure and needs to go back and rest. Moreover, my aunt doesn’t recognize him as her brother. Without the first step, the next two are even more difficult to handle in a short time. Their visa’s validity period is limited, they’ve decided to deal with it the next time they come."
Furthermore, my grandma’s old house was demolished long ago; the village committee has merged several times too. Although I could find witnesses, the committee no longer exists to issue proof. It’ll take a while to resolve the household registration, as more proofs are indirectly required."
Zhou Ning rubbed his nose, pondering for a moment.
"If you can let go of it in your heart, that’s good. Let Momo take you to rest. It’s really been exhausting today."
Liu Yufei smiled and patted Xia Momo’s hand, gesturing at the others with a wave of her hand.
"I won’t say thank you to you guys. When my cast is removed, I’ll treat you to a big meal."
Everyone laughed, and seeing Xia Momo pushing Liu Yufei out, Zhou Ning breathed a sigh of relief. There was no news of the person who attacked him for now, and Mrs. Fei’s issue was settled. For the moment, it seemed like he could indeed rest well.
Mr. Zhao approached and patted Zhou Ning on the shoulder.
"I need to discuss something with you."
"What’s up?"
Liu Yongxin and the others looked over as Mr. Zhao rubbed his nose and whispered in Zhou Ning’s ear:
"I need to borrow some money. I’m a bit short for the renovation settlement in a few days."
Zhou Ning was surprised. Although Mr. Zhao hadn’t spoken about his family’s situation, it was certain they weren’t short on houses, and the wedding had been discussed and prepared by both families well in advance, with the house naturally ready. What was going on now?
"What’s the meaning of this? Didn’t the family prepare a house? What outrageous thing did you do to incur people’s wrath?"
Zhu Xingxing shot Mr. Zhao a look and stepped closer.
"He collapses at critical moments. Let me explain. The house the family redecorated for our wedding, to be used as a new home, is a bit far away. Commuting to and from work would be too inconvenient—can’t be traveling a long distance every day.
We both checked around, sold an old house each, and bought the 302 unit across from your building 7. This way, we’ll have someone nearby in the future. Because of this, the renovation is a bit tight, and we were hoping to borrow from the boss."
Xia Momo had returned, and the joy on her face was unmistakable when she heard they were going to be neighbors. Just as she was about to speak, Zhou Ning furrowed his brows tight and immediately raised his hand.
"I can lend the money, but can you be further away? Do you plan to freeload off my house every day? I disagree! I don’t want to be neighbors with you."
Mr. Zhao was taken aback as everyone burst into laughter. The old man patted Mr. Zhao’s shoulder, seeing him a bit stunned, and quickly said:
"Your intention is too obvious. Zhu Xingxing can’t even cook instant noodles. If you live across from us, won’t it mean you’ll be freeloading at my precious apprentice’s house every day? We don’t agree, even I don’t have such privileges."
"Come on, uncle, why are you joining in the excitement? Zhou Xiaozhou, you despise me!
