Chapter Thirty: Easy to Take Up, Hard to Put Down

Chapter Thirty: Easy to Accept, Hard to Let Go

Xiao Tianci looked at Xu Guowei, confused by his words. "What do you mean by 'impossible'? The inheritance procedures are all done—aren't those assets and money mine now?"

Xu Guowei hurried to explain, "Yes, since you signed, all of the Xiao family inheritance belongs to you. But there's something you may not have noticed. In the Xiao family inheritance bylaws, Article 63, Clause 35 states that the heir may not freely sell, mortgage, or transfer their shares in the Meihua Group. As for the cash, stocks, real estate, and other assets, there are no such restrictions. If you wish to donate those, you may do so at any time. Of course, having inherited them, you won't be able to simply abandon them, but you may donate, transfer, or even discard them if you don't like. It's just the shares in Meihua Group that can't be moved."

"How is that even possible? Who made such a bizarre rule? Does any of it actually belong to me then?"

Xu Guowei wore a helpless expression. "I'm sorry, but it was your father who set that rule."

Tian Ni, standing nearby, had contemplated several times whether to tell Xiao Tianci to let it go, but each time, some thought in her heart held her back. She wanted to see what would happen next, though she hadn't anticipated so many complications. Did someone foresee all of this, or...?

Hearing this, Xiao Tianci's thoughts mirrored hers. Had his father—whom he’d never met—already anticipated such a scenario? Or was he simply afraid his son would squander everything? For the first time, Xiao Tianci realized that even giving money away could be a headache.

"Is there really no way around this?"

Xu Guowei replied, "Back then, many members of the Xiao family held shares in Meihua Group, though most remained under the family head's control. To ensure family unity, and to prevent the next generation from irresponsibly selling or mortgaging the shares, this rule was established. There were other reasons as well..."

Both Xiao Tianci and Tian Ni glanced at Xu Guowei, who shook his head. "Unfortunately, the elders only ever mentioned them, never explained in detail. So I’m sorry, I’m not entirely clear myself."

Xiao Tianci managed a bitter laugh. In fact, all these stipulations had been in the inheritance contract he’d signed, but back then he hadn't had the time to read them—just signing alone had nearly left his hand cramped.

Now there was no need to study them. After so many years of operation, Meihua was the world's leading enterprise and the Xiao family's primary source of wealth. Just owning shares meant an impressive dividend every year.

Xiao Tianci turned to Tian Ni; she deliberately looked away. She had struggled internally, wondering if she should intervene, but now she wanted to see how Xiao Tianci would handle this. She wondered if this was all just a farce—perhaps he already knew... Having once been bitten, she was now cautious, but her curiosity and expectation urged her to watch on.

What now? Xiao Tianci looked at Xu Guowei, then at the Chief Steward. "Chief Steward, do you have any good ideas?"

At this moment, both Xu Guowei and Chief Steward Lin Jian understood that Xiao Tianci's actions must be related to his newly-wedded wife. They recalled the events between Xiao Tianci's parents—even though Lin Jian hadn't been Chief Steward back then, and Xu Guowei had been young, both were familiar with the story.

Ah... truly, like father, like son—even in this. But it seemed Xiao Tianci was far more resolute than his father. Well, after all, it was inherited wealth, not something built from scratch. The Xiao family’s burdens were lighter now, and Xiao Tianci probably didn’t fully understand the benefits wealth could bring.

Still, considering the Xiao family’s temperament, once a decision is made, they never care about money—at least, both father and son are like this. Ah... this character trait—fortune or failure, it's all by virtue of this!

Their thoughts were similar, and when Xiao Tianci asked the Chief Steward, Xu Guowei glanced at Lin Jian. He thought, "Isn't asking him pointless? If I can't say, how could he, as steward of the family’s affairs, say anything? If the Xiao family lost everything, he’d lose everything too. But their family has enjoyed favor for generations; surely they have some assets—though compared to the Chief Steward of the Xiao family, they're just ordinary wealthy folk. Xiao Tianci is still too young."

Yet, to their surprise, Chief Steward Lin Jian spoke up. "Master, though your father considered everything carefully, rules made by people are like laws—there are always loopholes..."

Xu Guowei couldn't help but turn to Lin Jian in confusion. Why was he doing this? If the issue was making money, it would be fine—but Xiao Tianci was asking about squandering the inheritance, all of it...

“Quick, what’s your plan?” Xiao Tianci pressed.

Chief Steward Lin Jian shook his head gently. "I'm sorry, Master, I haven't figured it out yet. But we can study the matter closely. Of course..." He turned to Xu Guowei, "Attorney Xu is the most qualified to advise. I believe if he helps, the solution will come easier and faster..."

"Ah..." Xu Guowei exclaimed in surprise, "Master, I..."

Xiao Tianci was resolute. "Enough, no need to persuade me. Rest assured, if you help me, I'll make sure you're all well taken care of before any of this happens."

Tian Ni at the side could hardly believe it. Was this real? Had she lost her mind, or were they all mad?

Just then, Chief Steward Lin Jian’s communicator vibrated. The device now allowed global video calls, integrated with phones and computers, and other functions—though it wasn't yet widely used. Even Xiao Tianci had only switched to it after inheriting his wealth.

Xu Guowei had not known Lin Jian much longer than Xiao Tianci; their childhood acquaintance was almost negligible. Both were seeing him use the phone for the first time.

"Mm, mm, mm, mm." Four affirmations; the call ended.

Before Xiao Tianci could process the way Lin Jian answered, the Chief Steward solemnly reported, "Master, there are funds sweeping up Meihua’s stock."