Xie Jinghu is handsome. Even in middle age he still has the kind of striking looks that turn heads.
Wealth adds another layer of charm. Right now he is at a man’s golden peak. When he gazes at a woman with deep affection and makes promises, few women can keep a clear head, just like the old Zou Weijun. Why was she in pain and depressed? Because she loved Xie Jinghu!
Now, though, she has seen through to his true nature, seen what a vile little man he really is. Beneath the handsome skin is nothing but ugliness. When he puts on the same loving expression again, Zou Weijun feels only nausea and the urge to vomit!
To avoid throwing up on the spot, Zou Weijun forces herself to shift her gaze to the dining-room wall.
Xie Yuping’s dining room still has its 1990s decor, with a row of green floral tiles as a dado. By today’s standards it looks a bit dated and tacky.
In Zou Weijun’s eyes, even those tacky green tiles are better-looking than Xie Jinghu’s face.
“I have nothing to feel reassured or not reassured about. My demand is divorce and a fair division of marital property. Big Brother asked me to give you one more chance, saying that with such an outstanding son as Xie Qian you wouldn’t keep making mistakes.”
Zou Weijun’s expression is icy. Xie Jinghu’s face is thicker than city walls. “Big Brother is right. I won’t make any more mistakes. Weijun, trust me—”
Zou Weijun cuts off his heartfelt confession. “Xie Jinghu, half of the company shares are mine too. If we really divorce, I may not interfere in Jinhu’s affairs, but I will never hand Jinhu over to someone else. From now on I don’t care who you love or don’t love, or who you want to be lovey-dovey with. That is your freedom. We will remain husband and wife only on paper. But there is one point: all joint property belonging to us as a married couple can only be given to Xie Qian. If I discover anyone else spending our money, whether it’s a whole building or a single needle, I will immediately file for divorce! If we divorce now, I am willing to split everything fifty-fifty. But if you push me too far, it will no longer be a simple equal split. Everything you have given to others over the years, I will make them spit it all back out, and I will not go easy on you or leave you much property!”
She pronounces the word “others” with extra weight.
Everyone present knows perfectly well who “others” refers to: Xie Jinghu’s mistress and his illegitimate children.
Just as Xie Yuping had never before torn away the last veil of decency, Zou Weijun had never previously spoken openly about Xie Jinghu keeping a mistress.
The old Zou Weijun cared deeply about face. When Xie Jinghu betrayed her, she could not blame the Xie family, so she could only force herself to endure.
Today, the entire Xie family stands behind her. If she still acts weak now, she has only herself to blame for not standing tall.
Today Xie Jinghu signs the share transfer agreement, giving 6% of the company to their son Xie Qian. This merely temporarily eases the conflict with Zou Weijun.
It is punishment for Xie Jinghu, proof of his “sincerity” in not wanting divorce. It is not a chain around Zou Weijun.
If he refuses to transfer shares, divorce is 100% certain, and Zou Weijun will not wait another second.
By transferring shares, her desire for divorce is not completely extinguished; she is simply giving the Xie family face, commuting Xie Jinghu’s death sentence to a suspended one.
From death sentence to suspended death sentence, Xie Jinghu feels no gratitude at all.
Zou Weijun is far too overbearing!
What does she mean that not even a building or a needle can be given away any more?
Xie Qian is his biological son, but Zhuo Chen and Zhuo Yue are also his biological children.
All from the same father. There is no reason Xie Qian should enjoy billions alone while the brother and sister live in hardship, is there?
That is what Xie Jinghu thinks, but he dares not say it aloud.
He realises Zou Weijun is not joking.
Moreover, after such fierce words from her, Xie Yuping shows no displeasure at all. How could Xie Jinghu not understand?
Big brother Xie Yuping supports Zou Weijun.
The old lady supports Zou Weijun.
The Zou family is now far less powerful than the Xie family, so Xie Jinghu is not afraid of Zou Weijun running home for help. Unfortunately, the entire Xie household stands with her and has made clear they side with her. If it really comes to divorce, Xie Jinghu will not come out well!
Before he can be a loving father or a devoted partner, Xie Jinghu must first protect his own interests.
Under the burning gazes of the whole family, Xie Jinghu has no choice but to bow his head to the domineering Zou Weijun.
“…There will be no more giving anything away. From now on it will just be the three of us living well together.”
After saying this, regardless of whether Zou Weijun or the rest of the family believe him, Xie Jinghu signs his name on the share transfer agreement. He signs and stamps it in one smooth motion.
Another 6% of the shares no longer belong to him.
Xie Jinghu’s heart aches so much he can barely breathe.
His solitary pain brings everyone else relief.
Xie Yuping beckons Xie Qian over and hands him the document. “Take the transfer agreement. Make sure all the proper procedures are followed. This is what your father willingly transferred; we didn’t force him.”
Jinhu has other shareholders. In principle, Xie Jinghu transferring shares to Xie Qian still requires an application to the board, followed by discussion and a vote. However, Xie Jinghu himself is the majority shareholder and chairman, and Xie Qian is his own son, so the vote is merely a formality.
No shareholder can really object to a father transferring shares to his son.
The proper steps must still be taken. Xie Yuping, wanting everything airtight, says he will have secretary Zhong Yong accompany Xie Qian to get it notarised.
Xie Jinghu has already signed; no matter how unhappy he feels, he will cooperate with these minor details.
Xie Qian holds the share transfer agreement, emotions surging inside him.
The old Xie Qian hated troubling anyone, sometimes even his own mother Zou Weijun.
Wen Ying had advised him to trust his family and unite everyone who could be united. He followed her advice, and sure enough, many things no longer required his own scheming. His uncle and grandmother were both terrified he might lose out.
Xie Qian is so touched he scarcely knows what to say. After a long pause, he promises Xie Yuping and the old lady, “I will work hard to do even better.”
Better at what?
Whether it is Jinhu or the Xie family, both are places Xie Qian will pour his energy into.
Xie Yuping feels deeply gratified.
He had been worrying needlessly. Divorce or no divorce is not important. As long as Xie Qian still acknowledges the Xie family, he will always be a Xie child!
Hou Zhixiu beams with joy, stands up, and heads to the dining room. “We’ve talked so much everyone must be hungry. Let’s eat! Xie Qian finished his exams today; I made several dishes he loves!”
This dinner celebrates the end of Xie Qian’s gaokao.
It also celebrates Xie Qian gaining another 6% of Jinhu shares.
And, of course, it celebrates Zou Weijun finally standing up for herself.
Women who only cry and whimper solve nothing. The weaker you are, the more you get bullied. Once you state your principles and bottom line clearly, men have to think twice!
At this meal, Xie Qian and Zou Weijun eat happily. Xie Yuping and his wife, along with the old lady, are all happy too.
The only one not happy is probably Xie Jinghu.
In all his years, Xie Jinghu has never eaten such an expensive dinner. One meal has cost him 6% of the company. How could he taste whether the food is good or not?
Truly, his heart is being cut to pieces, and the food is like wax in his mouth.
