After lunch, Liu Dongmei gave Shen Jianguo a meaningful look.
As soon as Shen Jianguo made a few noncommittal sounds, Su Jiaojiao immediately said to Old Master Luo,
“Grandpa Luo, my father and stepmother truly care for me. Before coming here, my father said that since I’ve reached adulthood, he would draft a property inheritance agreement stating that all his assets would pass to me after his passing.
In fact, he prepared the agreement before we came, waiting for this moment to have everyone witness it. Dad, why don’t you take out the agreement now?”
Shen Jianguo, “…” had no choice but to produce the prepared Property Inheritance Agreement.
Su Jiaojiao immediately took the two documents from Shen Jianguo’s hands.
Old Master Luo was quite pleased to hear that Shen Jianguo had drafted such an agreement.
However, when he took the top inheritance agreement from Su Jiaojiao’s hands, the Su Jiaojiao Asset Power of Attorney was immediately exposed beneath it.
He directly picked up the power of attorney and demanded, “What is this?”
After opening it and glancing inside, he slammed the document onto the dining table with a sharp “smack!” and immediately thundered,
“Shen Jianguo, how dare you try to control all of Jiaojiao’s assets? If you don’t give me a proper explanation today, I won’t let this matter rest!”
Shen Jianguo quickly tried to placate him, “Old Master, please don’t be angry. I discussed this matter with Jiaojiao, and she agreed to it.”
As he spoke, he gave Su Jiaojiao a meaningful look.
Su Jiaojiao immediately explained,
“That’s right, Grandpa Luo, please don’t be angry. I really did agree to this. After all, I’m just a young woman, and the large sum of money my mother left me will inevitably go with me to my future husband’s family.
But we can’t predict what my in-laws’ character might be like. Money can tempt people, and there’s no guarantee how they might treat me.
So my stepmother suggested that for now, the money should be entrusted to my father for safekeeping. Once we’re certain about my in-laws’ character, the money can be returned to me.
Grandpa Luo, I think my stepmother’s suggestion makes sense, so I naturally agreed.”
Everyone present, “…” This young girl is truly naive.
Shen Jianguo and Liu Dongmei’s expressions shifted slightly but quickly returned to normal.
Upon hearing this, Old Master Luo glared sharply at Liu Dongmei before turning to Shen Jianguo and scolding sternly,
“Shen Jianguo, Liu Dongmei, Jiaojiao is innocent and kind-hearted—she believed you after a little coaxing. But I’m not eighteen years old; I’m eighty. I see right through your schemes.
If you want to get your hands on the property Jiaojiao’s mother left her, you’ll have to get through me first.”
Then he turned to Su Jiaojiao and said very seriously, “Jiaojiao, you must not sign this power of attorney.”
Shen Jianguo immediately protested agitatedly, “Old Master Luo, what do you mean by that? I’m her biological father—how could I possibly deceive her? Haven’t I arranged for Jiaojiao to inherit all my property?”
As expected, complications had arisen.
Liu Dongmei was extremely nervous inside. Her fingers curled slightly where her hands rested on her thighs, then she smiled and said,
“Old Master, you’ve misunderstood. Although I’m her stepmother, I treat Jiaojiao as my own daughter. I’ve always properly arranged everything for her—food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. When she’s sick, I’m the one who cares for her. I dare say I’ve never treated Jiaojiao unfairly.”
Jiaojiao is Old Shen’s biological daughter, and all of his possessions will be inherited by her in the future. As for her mother’s wealth, we never even dared to hope for it.
We are genuinely concerned that if others find out Jiaojiao has so much money, it might bring disaster upon her. That’s why we thought of taking on the responsibility for her. Jiaojiao, isn’t that right?”
“Hmph…” Old Master Luo snorted coldly. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re scheming. Let me tell you, even if Jiaojiao agrees, I won’t.”
Shen Jianguo and Liu Dongmei’s faces immediately changed color.
Shen Qingyu suddenly shouted angrily at Old Master Luo, “Who do you think you are, you old geezer? This is our family matter, none of your business. Stop meddling!”
“Shen Qingyu!” Shen Jianguo roared. “You insolent brat, apologize to the old master immediately!”
The Luo Family’s status in Hu City was extraordinary—they belonged to the city’s top-tier elite. Their descendants were involved in either politics or the military, and Old Master Luo, in particular, was the guardian deity of the Luo Family.
Even he had to treat Old Master Luo with the utmost respect, yet this wretched girl Shen Qingyu dared to insult him.
Shen Jianguo regretted having spoiled Shen Qingyu too much in the past, making her unaware of her own limits.
Shen Qingyu pursed her lips and refused to apologize.
Shen Jianguo had no choice but to offer an apologetic smile. “Old Master, she’s just a child throwing a tantrum. She meant no harm. Please be magnanimous and don’t hold it against a child.”
“Hey, Mr. Shen, your ‘child’ is eighteen years old. At eighteen, she’s already an adult and should know what is appropriate to say and what isn’t, right?”
Luo Wen’s handsome face revealed a sly smile. “My grandfather is already in his seventies or eighties, and now he’s being scolded by a child. If this gets out, it will damage my grandfather’s prestige and tarnish the reputation of our Luo Family. Can we afford that?”
Shen Jianguo wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and asked, “Young Master Luo, what should we do then? What will it take for you to forgive this girl? Old Master, what do you think?”
Old Master Luo turned to Su Jiaojiao and asked, “Jiaojiao, my dear, what do you think should be done?”
Su Jiaojiao said, “Grandpa Luo, please calm down. Getting angry harms your health. My sister is just straightforward and speaks her mind—usually, she’s gentle and understanding.
How about this, Grandpa Luo? Let’s follow the ancients’ example and have my sister transcribe the Book of Rites ten times, then offer you tea as a formal apology. What do you think?”
She knew very well that Shen Qingyu detested reading and writing, especially classical texts.
Making her copy books was indeed the greatest punishment for her.
“Haha, that’s the punishment then,” Old Master Luo laughed heartily. “Shen Jianguo, did you hear that? Make your ill-mannered child learn some manners properly.”
Shen Qingyu’s face turned a mixture of green and red, looking utterly miserable.
Shen Jianguo could only agree, “Yes, yes, Old Master. Don’t worry, I will personally supervise her transcribing. When she’s done, I’ll bring the copies and her to your residence to offer tea and apologize.”
“Good, that’s settled. It seems you still have some sense,” Old Master Luo said, then abruptly changed the subject. “However, I still disagree with you making the girl sign the power of attorney.”
Shen Jianguo and Liu Dongmei’s faces turned extremely grim. They wanted to curse at Old Master Luo but didn’t dare, feeling utterly stifled.
Liu Dongmei turned her gaze to Su Jiaojiao, her voice urgent. “Jiaojiao, say something. We are family. We used to be so united and loving, so happy, remember?” subtly implying that Old Master Luo was an outsider.
Su Jiaojiao nodded and said, “Yes, stepmother. Don’t worry, let me speak with Grandpa Luo alone. Grandpa Luo, may I have a private word with you?”
Old Master Luo’s wise eyes, weathered yet sharp, fixed intently on Su Jiaojiao. Seeing her earnest expression, he nodded in agreement, “Very well!”
Subsequently, the two proceeded to a VIP reception room in the restaurant.
Upon entering the room, Su Jiaojiao knelt before Old Master Luo, weeping as she pleaded, “Grandpa Luo, I beg you to help me.”