“The place where you were born, grew up, and lived for decades—you know it like the back of your hand. It won’t stump you.”
“If you sneak in, don’t bother with the big, heavy stuff. Just head straight to your mum’s jewellery vault and grab all her jewels.”
“And those designer bags of hers—if you can carry them out, take them all. Even selling one second-hand will fetch a decent sum.”
Zheng Hua’s three sons nodded along as he spoke.
Zheng Yifan said, “Feng Qing, that wretched girl, told us to sell off all our private assets, take our wives and kids, and leave Jiang City—or at least the city centre. She said that’s the only way we can live peacefully and hold onto what we’ve got.”
“Dad, should we listen to her?”
Zheng Hua pondered for a moment before replying, “Given the current situation, she’s pointing you to a clear path—a way out.”
“The folks from Wan City won’t openly move against you, but they’re all seasoned players in the business world. Call them kind-hearted, and even a ghost wouldn’t believe it. With a flick of their fingers, they can set a trap and drag you in.”
“They’ll bankrupt you and leave you drowning in debt. You’ll end up with nothing, buried under a mountain of loans.”
“Here’s the plan: during the day, you pester Feng Qing about splitting the family assets. At night, you sneak into the Feng family mansion and nab your mum’s jewellery. Put your houses and shops up for sale too—see if anyone bites.”
“Also, scout out a decent spot elsewhere and buy a house there first. Once things are sorted here in Jiang City, we’ll all move to the new place and steer clear of Madam Shang and her lot.”
“Keep it low-key. No more flashing about like before. You’re not the young masters of the Feng family anymore, and the Feng family isn’t your home.”
“And you three brothers—split up. Don’t cluster in one place, or they’ll take you all out in one swoop.”
Seeing his sons’ reluctant, resentful faces, Zheng Hua grew anxious and spoke earnestly. “Don’t begrudge it. Think of your mother. This isn’t about winning or losing—we can’t fight them. They’re the big rock, and we’re the little eggs. We can’t clash with them.”
“As long as the green hills remain, we won’t lack firewood. Feng Qing’s given you a sensible path—she’s looking out for you. She’s probably retreating to save her own skin and protect what she’s got too. That girl’s got your mum’s way of doing things in spades—she won’t come out worse off.”
“Knowing when to read the room, knowing that as long as the green hills stand, there’ll be firewood to burn.”
Zheng Hua had to admit his biological daughter was sharper and more level-headed than his three sons.
With their old man backing Feng Qing’s advice, the three Zheng brothers exchanged glances. Zheng Yifan spoke up, “Since Dad’s on board, we’ll do as he says.”
Ring, ring, ring…
Zheng Yifan’s phone buzzed.
He pulled it out and checked the caller ID—it was his wife.
He hesitated for a moment before answering.
“Zheng Yifan, when’ve you got time? Let’s head to the Civil Affairs Bureau and sort out the paperwork.”
Zheng Yifan pressed his lips together, then said, “Fine. Go to the bureau now and wait for me. I’ll be there in half an hour.”
With their marriage beyond repair, Zheng Yifan had come to terms with it and agreed to divorce today.
“What about splitting the assets?”
“Our marital property gets split fifty-fifty. We’ll co-parent the kids. If you remarry, they come back to me, and you don’t change their surname.”
The eldest Feng daughter-in-law replied, “Then sign the divorce agreement first when we meet, before we handle the formalities. Where are you now? I’ll bring the papers for you to sign.”
“I’m at the hospital.”
“When you come, bring the kids. Let them spend some time with Grandpa. My dad’s bored stiff in the hospital—having the kids around will cheer him up and help him recover faster.”
“Alright.”
