CHAPTER 1271: CHAPTER 1272: THE LOVE-STRUCK BROTHER’S SISTER 114

The affair of Elder Zhang was handled with low-key but grand solemnity. Although the Zhang Family didn’t have many relatives, Zhang Dong’s friends, as well as colleagues from the research institute, came to attend Granny Zhang’s funeral.

Zhang Dong had prepared himself, knowing that such a day would certainly come for Granny Zhang. But after the funeral was over, he couldn’t hold on and collapsed, taking a long time to recover his health gradually.

Once he regained his health, he gathered everyone again during the New Year to have a reunion dinner.

After everyone had eaten and drunk to their heart’s content, Zhang Dong signaled Zhang Yu to settle the bill, "I was sick for quite some time, and after recovering, I have many thoughts."

"A few years ago, I had already drafted my will, originally intended to be announced only after my death."

"In recent days, I’ve thought a lot and feel it necessary to say it in advance."

Zhang Hao had previously suspected that Zhang Dong gathering everyone again for a meal wasn’t just because of the New Year, but also potentially preparing for the aftermath.

Throughout the year, although Zhang Dong’s health had improved, it was still apparent that he had aged considerably.

But he only thought about this in his heart, worried that the situation might not be as he imagined.

Unexpectedly, the topic really was about the will, which made him sit up straight involuntarily.

Granny Zhang still remembered to leave something for Chen Jiaojiao and her son; there was no reason Zhang Dong wouldn’t leave something for them.

As for him? Zhang Hao no longer held expectations, but if something is left to them, it still remains within the family.

Lu Ming and his mother’s expressions didn’t change, as to them, the Zhang Family had already given them the best thing — a home.

When Zhang Yu returned after settling the bill, Zhang Dong said, "Alright, now that everyone is here, let me say it."

"Regarding the houses, I currently have two properties under my name. As for the villa, it’s being left to your Aunt Lu; she has taken great care of us mother and son."

Lu Ming didn’t expect the house would be left to them, "Dad, don’t give it to my mom, give it to Xiao Hao and Little Yu."

"No need, Little Yu had long said she doesn’t want my things, as for Xiao Hao, he already took something."

"The island house, keep it for Xiao Lu while she’s alive."

"Once she passes, sell the house, and donate all the money to the scholarship I established."

"As for money, I’ve already set up a fund for Xiao Bao and Xiao Fei to be used for their studies."

"The amount is 500,000, which will be left for them to handle themselves after I pass away."

"Any additional money will all be left to your Aunt Lu."

"As for the patent rights under my name, I’ve already put them into the scholarship, which will keep the scholarship going into the future."

Zhang Hao was truly eager to know how much Zhang Dong would bequeath to them, considering all the patent rights he held, which alone brought considerable income annually.

But who would have thought the family would only receive 500,000, and nothing more?

This infuriated Zhang Hao, he was genuinely angered, though it was better than Zhang Yu’s case because she gave up herself.

"Dad, I’m your biological son." Zhang Hao couldn’t help but speak up.

"If you weren’t my son, do you think I would pay for Xiao Bao’s tuition, or leave him anything?"

"If you had any ambition, would you constantly fixate on that bit of mine?"

"You could have easily earned money long ago; capable people always earn by themselves."

"All you do is fixate on the elder’s money." Zhang Dong critiqued bluntly.

"You know my health isn’t good, did you ever once call to ask how I was?"

"Did you ever message me to ask how my health was?"

"You never asked, pretending nothing was wrong."

"You haven’t acted like a good son, yet dare to say that as an old father I’m not doing well enough."

"The money is yours whether you want it or not; if it weren’t for Xiao Bao, I truly wouldn’t even want to give it." Zhang Dong said with irritation.

After Zhang Dong’s outburst, Zhang Hao, who was previously muttering about how biased he was, immediately fell silent.

Even if he resented Zhang Dong’s bias, he conceded that it was better than receiving nothing at all.

Lu Ming was still in a daze, unable to believe that Zhang Dong had left so much to them.

"Dad, um..." Lu Ming wanted to say something.

Zhang Dong interrupted, stopping him from going further, "I know who treats me well and who doesn’t."

"This is what you should get; if you feel uneasy, just visit us more later." Zhang Dong knew Zhang Yu wouldn’t often care for him.

Apart from being busy with work, she probably resents past issues, keeping her distance.

Zhang Yu listened throughout, occasionally taking out her phone to reply to messages, having no objections to Zhang Dong’s asset distribution.

As for Zhang Dong’s asset allocation, Chen Jiaojiao felt a bit disappointed. Before, she thought even if Zhang Dong disliked Zhang Hao, he would still treat Xiao Bao well.

At the very least, she expected him to give Xiao Bao half the assets, but unexpectedly, Xiao Bao only got a fraction.

No matter her dissatisfaction, she had to endure it now, else she wouldn’t even get 500,000.

"Dad, about Xiao Bao’s future tuition." Chen Jiaojiao remembered something important, fearing the 500,000 was a buyout of all future tuition and tutoring fees for Xiao Bao.

"As long as I’m alive, I’ll cover Xiao Bao’s expenses."

"Once I’m gone, Xiao Bao’s tutoring fees are your responsibility." Zhang Dong sighed internally.

Hearing this, Chen Jiaojiao felt relieved, repeatedly praying internally for Zhang Dong’s long life, so Xiao Bao’s tuition wouldn’t be her worry.

If he could live a bit longer, perhaps even see Xiao Bao married, surely as a grandfather, he wouldn’t show up empty-handed.

Zhang Yu looked up at Zhang Dong, then glanced at Chen Jiaojiao, thinking how nice; this way, Chen Jiaojiao would keep an eye on Zhang Hao, preventing him from doing anything foolish.

For money, Zhang Hao would restrain himself; Zhang Yu suddenly found it all quite meaningless. People become old and calculating, strategizing just to ensure kids treat their elders well.

Yet thinking further, having something to negotiate with is still better; the true misfortune would be having nothing to leverage over the children.

Liang Yan knew Zhang Dong was hosting a dinner today, and she really wanted to attend, but the resistance from Zhang Hao and them, fearing her presence might cause trouble, stopped her.

Seeing them return, she hastily approached, "Was there something going on during dinner?"

Reluctantly, Zhang Hao explained what happened, and upon hearing it, Liang Yan erupted in anger, "No house, and just 500,000 to you?"

"That’s like tossing alms to a beggar." Imagining her own children and grandchildren receiving so little, how could Liang Yan not be furious?

Watching the angry Liang Yan and listening to her accusations, Zhang Hao was also incensed, "If it hadn’t been for your insistence on helping the Liang Family, would I have ended up with so little?"

"Zhang Yu got nothing at all." Zhang Hao was exasperated. Had Liang Yan not caused trouble back then and remained Zhang Dong’s wife, would he be this destitute?