When King Jingyao said this, Gu Anxi just "oh"-ed lightly and said nothing else, still fiddling with the check in her hands.
Her older brother stared at her for a long mont before finally speaking with a hint of impatience, "Alright, alright, I’ll give you half of the family wealth tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, Wang Jingchuan was greatly taken aback.
He knew very well that King Jingyao’s wealth was astonishing. Was he really going to just give away half of it?
The little darling, however, just smiled sweetly. "Talking about money sours relationships, Brother. If you need anything, just say the word, and I guarantee I’ll handle it perfectly for you."
King Jingyao didn’t believe her sweet talk for a second, scoffing, "It would be a blessing if you just caused less trouble."
With that, he instructed Wang Jingchuan to see to it, and Wang Jingchuan acknowledged.
Later, after Gu Anxi had left, Wang Jingchuan ventured, "Are you sure about this, sir? Perhaps you should reconsider?"
King Jingyao took a sip of tea and smiled faintly. "What’s there to reconsider?"
Wang Jingchuan then analyzed in detail, "You might remarry in the future. Would your future wife be upset when she finds out?"
Hearing this, King Jingyao chuckled, his amusent light as air as he set down his teacup. "Precisely because I’m not married now, it’s more convenient, and no one can object. If I were married and then gave half the family assets to my sister, what would that look like? Wouldn’t it cause an uproar at ho?"
"Jingchuan, even the most magnanimous woman would be upset by this. So, it’s best to take care of this matter now."
Knowing King Jingyao had made up his mind, Wang Jingchuan didn’t want to be a wet blanket and so agreed, "You’re right, sir. I’ll imdiately arrange for the financial advisors to liquidate the assets."
King Jingyao thought for a mont then instructed, "Make sure most of it is in cash. As for those antiques, calligraphy, and paintings, I don’t think she’s particularly fond of them."
Wang Jingchuan nodded and imdiately left to handle the matter.
Downstairs, Gu Anxi, having been promised half the family fortune, was ecstatic.
Of course, this windfall didn’t co for free. Not only would she have to work herself to the bone for King Jingyao, but if her older brother ended up alone and childless one day, she would also be responsible for his care in old age and his funeral rites...
Her hands tucked in her pockets, she skipped downstairs cheerfully, only to bump right into Min Xin.
Min Xin was planning to retire in a few years. No longer vying for power and profit, he seed much more relaxed and even looked a few years younger. Seeing Gu Anxi, he stopped her. "You seem to be in high spirits. What’s up? Did you get your hands on King Jingyao’s marriage fund?"
Gu Anxi’s eyes widened. She had to admit, Min Xin was surprisingly perceptive; it was as if he’d been enlightened.
She paused. "Oh? Do you also have so family assets to share with ?"
This really sounds like she got a share of the assets, Min Xin thought. Not that he was surprised. Right now, Old Wang doted on her like she was the apple of his eye. Their relationship didn’t seem like that of siblings anymore; it was more like he was spoiling a young daughter, even more indulgently than a real father would.
Thinking this, he retorted, "I’m a man who has to raise his own children."
Gu Anxi had been about to leave, as she and Min Xin didn’t really have much to say to each other. But then, sothing occurred to her. She leaned against the wall, staring intently at him.
Min Xin found her gaze unsettling and chuckled. "Don’t look at like that. I’ve already told you, I don’t have any assets to give you."
Gu Anxi said slowly, "Tang Yuan is seriously ill. She may not live much longer."
Min Xin froze, his expression blank. After a long mont, he lit a cigarette and said coolly, "Why are you bringing this up?"
Gu Anxi stared into his eyes and said quietly, "Gu Mingzhu is your kid, right?"
Her directness made Min Xin visibly uncomfortable. Gu Anxi continued, "I know you gave Tang Yuan a check to be done with it. Tang Yuan gave that check, asking to take care of Gu Mingzhu. But after thinking about it, I believe you’re the most suitable person."
Min Xin took a deep drag on his cigarette. "You know, Zhou Yu and I..."
"Yes, you’re about to be a father, but you’re also Gu Mingzhu’s father. Once Tang Yuan is gone, Gu Mingzhu will be all alone. It’s not that I particularly pity her, but if no one looks out for her, she might get mixed up in the film industry and with those influential figures again. She’s only twenty; it’s easy for her to go down the wrong path. Mr. Min, do you want your own daughter to beco a howrecker, to be condemned by thousands, and one day have a legitimate wife like Ms. Zhou throw a check at her to get an abortion?"
His voice was hoarse. "You’re deliberately putting in a tough spot."
"I’m not trying to make things difficult; this is your responsibility. While Tang Yuan is alive, you can choose to ignore Gu Mingzhu. But once Tang Yuan is gone, you have to step up. Who asked you to lose control of yourself back then? Besides, look at Ms. Zhou. You two are like this now, and she’s aware of Gu Mingzhu’s existence. Gu Mingzhu is already twenty. It’s not like asking Ms. Zhou to raise a toddler. It’s just about you taking so responsibility so Gu Mingzhu doesn’t stray."
Min Xin looked down, finished his cigarette, and then sighed softly. "Actually, you’re right about a lot of this."
After a pause, he asked again, "Is Tang Yuan really... seriously ill?"
Gu Anxi pressed her lips together and remained silent.
Min Xin lit another cigarette, taking a slow, thoughtful drag. "Let think about it carefully."
Gu Anxi glanced at him once more, then left without another word.
Back at Si Garden, she went to find Bo Nianyao.
Bo Nianyao was engrossed in admiring a painting, examining it ticulously from top to bottom. Seeing the little one return, he naturally beckoned her over. "Co, help your Father Bo take a look. What do you think of this painting?"
Gu Anxi went over, studied it for a mont, and then said, "It’s quite nice."
"I’ve treasured it for many years." Bo Nianyao carefully set it down, rolled it up with delicate precision, and stored it back in the cabinet. Only then did he turn to Gu Anxi. "You went to see Old Wang?"
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