Chapter 209: Handle
Chapter 209: Handle
Gu Xiuxiu took Lu Jiaxin to the bank and transferred her two million yuan. "Since I said I would give it to you, I will definitely keep my word."
Lu Jiaxin didn't refuse, but she insisted on donating the money instead of keeping it for herself. However, she wanted to donate it to the mainland instead of Hong Kong.
Gu Xiuxiu was feeling a bit tired and wanted to head back, but Lu Jiaxin was reluctant to leave.
"Auntie, I heard that the food at Fulinmen is delicious. It's almost dinnertime; let's go there!" Lu Jiaxin suggested.
It was rare for Lu Jiaxin to make a request, so Gu Xiuxiu readily agreed.
This time, Mei-gu accompanied them. Once they entered the private room, Lu Jiaxin said, "Mei-gu, please go back and bring Haifan here to join us for dinner."
Mei-gu hesitated, expressing her concern about leaving Gu's grandmother, whose health had always been under her and Hong-gu's care. She worried that something might happen while she was away, and Lu Jiaxin wouldn't know how to handle it.
Lu Jiaxin smiled and reassured her, "This place isn't far from St. Mary's Hospital. If my aunt feels unwell, I will immediately ask the restaurant staff to send her there. Mei-gu, don't you trust the service here?"
Fulinmen was one of the favorite restaurants of the wealthy in Hong Kong. It was renowned not only for its delicious food but also for its exceptional service and adaptability.
Gu Xiuxiu spoke up, "Mei-gu, please go and bring Haifan here. The two children have been in Hong Kong for so long, and I haven't taken them out for a meal yet!"
Although Mei-gu was reluctant, she couldn't refuse Gu Xiuxiu's request.
After Mei-gu left, Feng Lihua thoughtfully closed the door and stood outside. It was clear that her employer, Gu Xiuxiu, wanted to speak privately with Lu Jiaxin.
Lu Jiaxin asked, "Auntie, I want to know, what handle does the He family have on you that makes you endure their mistreatment so quietly?"
This time, Gu Xiuxiu didn't try to avoid the topic. "Knowing these things won't benefit you."
Lu Jiaxin didn't press further. Instead, she said, "Auntie, even if you committed murder or arson, the He family would be guilty of aiding and abetting if they helped cover it up. I don't know if they would be punished if the truth came out, but the stock prices would definitely be affected. So, you don't have to be afraid of them."
"It's not that simple," Gu Xiuxiu sighed.
Lu Jiaxin, sensing her hesitation, pushed further, "Auntie, you used to live in the He family's old house. I don't believe that He Shengbin plotted against you without the knowledge of the first wife. Auntie, they're just waiting like vultures. Why do you still consider them?"
Gu Xiuxiu let out a bitter laugh. "It's not that I'm considering old times' sake, but... Oh, since you want to know, I'll tell you. The reason your grandfather gave me ten percent of the group company's shares was because I took good care of him for many years. However, he was also worried that the shares would fall into the hands of outsiders, so there were restrictions. The shares cannot be transferred; I can only receive dividends, and they must be returned to the He family after a hundred years."
"In addition, the first wife found something on me back then. Before she died, she gave the evidence she collected to He Zhuliang. If I make a will, whether I leave the property to you and Haifan or donate it all, he will not let me off the hook."
So, she did have a handle that could ruin her reputation and status.
Lu Jiaxin asked, "What about the lawyer, Mei-gu, and Hong-gu? Have they all been bought by the He family?"
Gu Xiuxiu shook her head. "No. Lawyer Bai used to be on the verge of bankruptcy, but your grandfather helped him through that difficult time. After that incident, he became the legal advisor to the He Group. All the contracts I signed for my investments were handled by him or his disciples. However, he is a top lawyer who values his reputation and will not leak any information about me."
"Jiaxin, I know you don't want to see me wronged, but he knows quite a few people in the underworld, and he even swore brotherhood with a gang leader in the past. That's why I can't afford to offend him. If I do, all three of us will be in danger."
Although Lu Jiaxin had never met He Zhuliang, she could tell from Gu Xiuxiu's description and her own understanding that he was definitely not a broad-minded person. However, it seemed contradictory that he possessed evidence that could ruin Gu Xiuxiu yet allowed her to spend money freely. Unless Gu Xiuxiu also had something on him, creating a mutual restraint between them, which would explain his tolerance.
"This time, it was my fault," Gu Xiuxiu admitted. "I shouldn't have had the unrealistic idea of letting you get along with He Yanyan. But don't worry, there won't be a next time."
Lu Jiaxin fell silent for a moment before speaking. "Auntie, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pried."
Gu Xiuxiu shook her head. "I know you don't want me to be constrained by the He family. But ever since I entered the He family, I've been a part of them for this life."
Lu Jiaxin understood that her aunt's feelings towards the He family were complex. Perhaps it was due to her attachment or her deep gratitude towards He's grandfather. Regardless, it was her choice. What was poison to others could be nectar to her. Lu Jiaxin felt that being monitored was an invasion of privacy, but Gu Xiuxiu seemed accustomed to it and didn't mind.
"You don't have to worry about He Yanyan," Gu Xiuxiu said. "That child has been spoiled. In the future, she won't be able to marry into a prestigious family, not even one that matches her status."
Prestigious families had strict criteria when choosing daughters-in-law, and someone like He Yanyan was not even on their radar. To put it bluntly, even if she became a rich man's mistress, it wouldn't last long. Her temperament was such that few men could tolerate it.
In Lu Jiaxin's eyes, He Yanyan was nothing more than a petty clown, not worth fearing. "Auntie, just like you said to the tabloid reporter earlier, life is unpredictable. I think you should make more arrangements."
"Don't worry, I've already set aside an education fund for you and Haifan," Gu Xiuxiu assured her. "This money is enough for both of you to pursue your doctorate degrees. Jiaxin, this is all I can do for you, so please don't refuse."
Lu Jiaxin didn't actually need the education fund, but she accepted it as a token of Gu Xiuxiu's goodwill. After a moment's thought, she said, "Auntie, money is just worldly possessions. We come into this world with nothing and leave with nothing. If there comes a day when you can't hold on to your property, just let it go. Whether it's me or Haifan, we will take care of you in your old age."
Haifan was a smart child, and given time to grow, he would undoubtedly achieve great things. As for taking care of her in her old age, he was the type to value righteousness and would not shirk his responsibilities.
After dinner, it was already past six o'clock. Gu Xiuxiu didn't let Lu Jiaxin send them back to the Mid-Levels. "You have class tomorrow, so go back and rest early."
Unable to persuade her otherwise, Lu Jiaxin didn't insist. When they returned to the Fu'an neighborhood, Lu Jiaxin called Su Heyuan to inform him about the donation.
Su Heyuan was astonished. "Two million yuan? Are you really going to donate it?"
"A promise made is a debt unpaid," Lu Jiaxin replied.
Su Heyuan admired her determination. If it were him, he wouldn't be able to part with that much money. "The mainland is in dire need of foreign exchange. With such a large donation, they will definitely commend you for it."
Lu Jiaxin didn't want any praise. "I want to make an anonymous donation. I hope this money can help orphanages repair their buildings and improve the children's living conditions."
"An anonymous donation?" Su Heyuan asked. "What will you say if those gossip journalists catch wind of it and start asking questions?"
"Let them write whatever they want," Lu Jiaxin said firmly. "As long as I have a clear conscience, that's all that matters."
(End of Chapter)
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