Chapter 208: Ugly Schemes
Chapter 208: Ugly Schemes
Lu Jiaxin got out of the car first and steadied herself before helping Gu Xiuxiu out. As they prepared to enter the hotel, a female reporter rushed towards them with a microphone in hand, while her companion snapped photos relentlessly. Strangely, no security personnel intervened.
Instead of shooing them away, Lu Jiaxin focused on carefully supporting Gu Xiuxiu. Gu Xiuxiu, who had been worried that Lu Jiaxin might be frightened, was surprised to find her completely unfazed. She was pleased, feeling that this child was born to stand in the limelight.
The female reporter shoved the microphone in Gu Xiuxiu's face and asked loudly, "Ms. Gu, there are rumors that you've already made a will, and your grandnephew Gu Haifan and great-granddaughter Lu Jiaxin are the heirs to your estate. Is this true?"
Gu Xiuxiu's expression darkened, but she quickly arranged her features into a polite smile. "Those rumors are baseless. I haven't made any will."
"So, you don't intend to leave your estate to Lu Jiaxin and Gu Haifan but instead to your own grandchildren?" the reporter probed further.
Lu Jiaxin interjected with a cheerful tone, "Miss, my great-aunt is only sixty-eight this year, and she's in excellent health. Come back and ask her again in ten years, and she'll give you an answer then."
The reporter immediately turned the microphone towards Lu Jiaxin, asking, "Miss Lu, He Jiayi, the second young miss of the He family, claims that you're very good at bewitching people and have already swindled Ms. He out of several million. What are your thoughts on this?"
Although Lu Jiaxin despised He Yanyan, she wouldn't speak ill of her in public, or else the newspapers would spin rumors of discord between Gu Xiuxiu and the first wife's family. Feigning anger, she replied, "Those are all fabricated lies! I have no idea who's spreading such malicious gossip. Yanyan and I are good friends. These earrings I'm wearing right now were carefully chosen by her."
The reporter continued, "Miss Lu, this isn't just a rumor. He Jiayi insists that Ms. He bought the house in Fuan Community and gave it to you as a gift."
Are they trying to bring the dispute over the estate out into the open? That He Jiayi must have her brain filled with tofu.
Gu Xiuxiu could no longer suppress the anger burning within her. "Although I'm in good health now, life is unpredictable. I don't know when misfortune might strike. Buying each of them a unit was my way of ensuring they have some security."
She patted Lu Jiaxin's hand and continued, "This child is strong-willed. She refused to accept the house no matter what I said. Finally, I convinced her by telling her that a capable man doesn't rely on his family's wealth, and a capable woman doesn't depend on her dowry."
The reporter sharply retorted, "Miss Lu, are you employing a strategy of feigned reluctance? You say you don't want it, but in reality, you're plotting to take control of Ms. He's entire fortune, aren't you?"
Even Gu Xiuxiu's smile faltered at those words.
However, Lu Jiaxin maintained her composure, her face still bearing a polite smile. "Miss, my great-aunt's money is hers to do with as she pleases. It's her freedom to decide how to use it and whom to give it to. Others have no right to interfere."
By now, Gu Xiuxiu had also calmed down. "Since I brought them under my care, it's my duty to take care of them and provide for their future. I intend to leave them some money to guarantee their well-being. But this child insists that she won't take my money, and even if I give it to her, she'll donate it."
The reporter was taken aback. "Miss Lu, is what Ms. He said really true?"
By this time, they had reached the hotel entrance, and the hotel's security personnel finally stepped in to drive the reporters away. Nonetheless, the female reporter had already gathered enough material for several articles.
He Mingzhu arrived after receiving news of the incident and apologized to Gu Xiuxiu. "Fourth Aunt, I'm sorry. It was my fault for not making proper arrangements, allowing them to take advantage of the situation."
Gu Xiuxiu walked inside without acknowledging He Mingzhu or responding to her apology. Upon entering the lobby and spotting He Yanyan, her heart sank.
Here, He Yanyan was dressed in a high-end champagne-colored tulle princess gown, with a ruby necklace adorning her neck. Already naturally beautiful, her exquisite makeup further enhanced her stunning appearance. If Lu Jiaxin had worn the clothes and jewelry they had sent, she would have only served as a foil to He Yanyan's radiance.
With a smile, He Yanyan greeted, "Fourth Aunt Gu, you're here."
Glaring at her, Gu Xiuxiu asked, "Yanyan, did you tell others that Jiaxin cheated me out of several million?"
He Yanyan's face contorted with disdain as she replied, "Fourth Aunt Gu, she keeps saying she doesn't want your money and doesn't want anything to do with our He family. But what happened in the end? She immediately coaxed you into buying her a house worth nearly a million, and even got my sister to give her a dress, jewelry, and accessories. Fourth Aunt Gu, this woman is full of tricks. Don't be fooled by her sweet talk."
Initially, Gu Xiuxiu had thought that given her old age, she might pass away any day, and both Jiaxin and Haifan were too young to offend. Thus, she had chosen to turn a blind eye to many of their actions. However, at this moment, she was truly furious. "Jiaxin, did you see that? I wanted to buy you a house, but you refused. I wanted to give you money, but you refused that too. Yet, people are still saying that you're after my wealth. Since the reputation is already damaged, we might as well get some benefits out of it. At least this way, you'll have something tangible."
He Yanyan's expression changed slightly.
Lu Jiaxin, however, remained calm and unperturbed by their antics. "Aunt Gu, if you say the house is for my security, then I'll accept it. But I won't take any money."
"I'll transfer two million to you right now," Gu Xiuxiu said. "Once the money is yours, it's up to you how you want to use it, and I won't interfere."
Having said those words, she wouldn't go back on them, or else she would be embarrassing herself. Lu Jiaxin replied, "Aunt Gu, if you give it to me, I'll donate it."
"Whether you donate it or spend it yourself is your decision, and I won't interfere," Gu Xiuxiu asserted.
He Datai Tai had been discussing matters with the hotel manager when she heard the commotion and hurried over. Seeing her youngest daughter's livid expression, she grew unhappy. This Fourth Aunt Gu was truly getting more muddle-headed with age, trying to stir up trouble even on such a joyous occasion.
Despite her dissatisfaction, she maintained her composure and smiled as she walked forward. "Fourth Aunt, you could have at least called me before coming so that I could have brought Mingzhu and Yanyan to welcome you at the entrance."
Gu Xiuxiu had intended to mock He Datai Tai, but upon seeing the banner that read '50th Anniversary of He Jewelry', she sighed and said, "For the sake of your father, I won't hold today's matters against you. However, if you don't educate your children properly, they will bring disaster to your family sooner or later."
The smile on He Datai Tai's face faded as she retorted, "Fourth Aunt Gu, rest assured that Mingzhu and Yanyan are very close to me and Zhuliang. They are filial and considerate, unlike those who are adopted from outside the family and would do anything for money, disregarding the years of upbringing and gratitude they owe."
These words were a clear jab at Gu Xiuxiu's inability to give birth and her failure to properly raise the child she had adopted, resulting in a greedy and ungrateful person.
Gu Xiuxiu understood the implication and felt her chest tighten with anger.
He Datai Tai continued her attack, turning to Lu Jiaxin and saying, "Fourth Aunt Gu, you can never truly know a person's heart. Be careful, or you might end up raising another two ungrateful children."
Noticing Gu Xiuxiu's changing expression, Lu Jiaxin softly said, "Aunt Gu, the doctor said you mustn't get too worked up. Take a deep breath and calm yourself down."
In her opinion, He Datai Tai was deliberately provoking Gu Xiuxiu. The latter's health had taken a severe hit last year, and further stimulation could lead to a stroke or even worse consequences.
Following Lu Jiaxin's advice, Gu Xiuxiu soon calmed down. "Mingzhu, there's no need to send me invitations in the future. I still want to live a few more years. Jiaxin, let's go."
(End of Chapter)
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