HBWMA -Chapter 59 The Shen Family’s Attitude

That evening, the entire Shen family gathered in Shen Manor.

In the main hall of Shen Manor, the second and third branches sat on either side. Some were chatting, some scrolling on their phones. The maids moved in and out in an orderly manner,  serving each young master and young lady their preferred drinks.

Xiao Qi kept glancing toward the door and asked in a low voice, “Why hasn’t the old master arrived yet?”

Shen E glanced at the third branch across from them, whose faces were full of hostility, then turned slightly and lowered her voice. “No one can ever predict my father’s temperament. Just be patient and wait a little longer.”

The recent conflict between the Shen family and the Yao family had caused a huge uproar in upper-class circles. Rumors outside said that Fu Jiaming had his leg broken by the old master because of a divorce issue. As another son-in-law of the Shen family, Xiao Qi suddenly felt as if a blade was hanging over his head.

Shen Yuan noticed his brother-in-law’s unease and smiled as he took over the conversation.

“Speaking of which, congratulations, President Xiao. Once Yao Jun’s illegal sale of Golden Mountain to the M Country for a military base is confirmed, the A government will definitely reclaim it. To stimulate the economy, they’ll restart development of that land in the shortest time possible. Someone once valued Golden Mountain—once the commercial chain is activated, it’s a trillion-level project.”

The situation really was a twist of fate—like finding a path through a dead end, a sudden turn of fortune.

Just as Shen Yuan said, Xiao Qi had originally seized that land using misappropriated government funds because of its massive commercial potential. As long as the initial planning went smoothly, countless banks and companies would have been willing to invest. He could then use investors’ money to fill the gap in the misappropriated funds, and effortlessly accumulate enormous wealth.

But the policy of national reclamation of Golden Mountain had completely ruined his plan. It meant the money he had diverted would all go to waste. Worse, once exposed, he could even face prison.

The Xiao family had originally thought it was a dead end. Yet unexpectedly, news of Yao Jun selling the land suddenly broke.

One moment, the Xiao family was preparing to transfer assets and emigrate overseas. The next, they were ready to set off fireworks outside their villa.

Life truly had its ups and downs.

When Xiao Qi was overwhelmed, Shen E had given him a 20-million cheque, saying it was a private loan from Shen Yuan. Although the amount was only a drop in the bucket, Xiao Qi still accepted the favor.

So when Shen Yuan brought it up, he didn’t hide anything.

“Second brother, don’t tease me. My old man nearly cut ties with me over this. Luckily, things turned out fine.” He paused, then added meaningfully, “I’ll treat that 20 million you gave me as an investment.”

As long as the Golden Mountain project restarted, it would definitely be profitable. Although Xiao Qi didn’t say it outright, everyone understood he was essentially sending Shen Yuan a return.

Shen Yuan smiled and didn’t refuse. Business always involved give-and-take—especially when it came to favors.

Shen E had been in a bad mood earlier because of her husband’s investment troubles, but now that things had taken a turn for the better, she felt much more relaxed. Seeing Shen Qian, who had been silently drinking tea the entire time, she rarely showed concern and asked, “Big brother, are you alright?”

Among the Shen family, the one who had suffered the most this year was undoubtedly Shen Qian. He had suddenly lost his position as a legislator and been reassigned as a secretary in a small county in Nanwan. Just when his wife’s family was finally starting to rise, Yao Jun’s scandal exploded again.

Shen E looked around carefully and asked softly, “Why don’t I see sister-in-law? Did she not come with you?”

Shen Qian replied flatly, “She’s at the Yao family.”

The feud between the Shen and Fu families was still just a private conflict at its core, but the Yao family’s situation was a matter of survival.

Over the years, the Yao family had staked nearly half of their clan’s assets to pave the way for Yao San. If they were to lose now, the losses would be beyond what money could measure.

Everyone understood this, so they didn’t continue the topic.

Shen Yuan asked, “Big brother, has the transfer order come down? When are you planning to go to Nanwan?”

Shen Qian put down his teacup. “Probably within these next few days. I’ll go ask what the old master means later.”

Speak of the devil, and he appears.

Shen Zhuang walked slowly into the main hall with a cane. Right behind him was Shen Guiling, and only after that came Shen Zhi.

“You’re all here?”

“Dad.” The second and third branches all stood up in unison.

The old master nodded and, supported by Shen Guiling, walked through the side hall and took his seat at the main position.

“Sit down.”

Everyone sat again, though their eyes couldn’t help drifting toward Shen Guiling. All of them were seasoned players, though—after a few discreet glances, they quickly looked away without leaving a trace.

Shen Guiling kept her gaze lowered, calm and composed, unmoved by praise or insult.

Shen Rang was the first to lose patience. “Dad, what’s going on with the Fu family?”

The old master frowned. “What’s the rush? Let’s talk business first. As for the marriage between the youngest and the Fu family—consider it never existed. From now on, in the Shen family, don’t even mention cooperation with the Fu family in business or politics. Not even buying something in the same shop is allowed! Do you understand?”

Shen Zhuang’s gaze swept across his children.

There was no need to mention the third branch. Shen Jiao was their biological younger sister from the same parents, so they could still be trusted to hold to this principle.

But the second son was a different story—always indulgent, always socializing. In recent years, his business had grown, but so had his ambitions. Normally, Shen Zhuang would turn a blind eye, but at a critical moment, anyone who disobeyed would face his full wrath without mercy.

Shen Yuan felt a little embarrassed. He and Fu family’s sixth son often went to the same club to play—surely the old master didn’t even know about that?

Xiao Qi froze for a moment, then quickly realized: the Shen family was cutting all ties with the Fu family. Just what had the Fu family done?

Everyone shared the same question. Shen Zhuang glanced at Shen Zhi and waved his hand. “You tell them.”

“Yes.” Shen Zhi stepped forward and briefly explained how the Fu father and son had schemed against the Shen family and Shen Jiao that day. However, he left out everything about the “49 File” and the land sale conspiracy in Jinyin Hill.

“Unacceptable!” Shen Rang slammed the table and stood up. “That bastard Fu Jiaming! No wonder Er’er’s personality has gotten worse over time—they’ve been scheming against us like this all along! I’ll have him skinned alive!”

Shen Che’s expression darkened. He tapped the table lightly and said coldly, “Stop shouting. Sit down.” Then he looked at Shen Zhuang. “Dad, how are Jiao Jiao and Er’er?”

Third branch Madam Li passed away early, so Shen Jiao never really experienced maternal care. Because of that, both Shen Che and Shen Rang doted on her deeply. Shen Jiao was strong-willed and had rarely suffered grievances—but compared to their hatred for the Fu family, Shen Che was more worried that she might not be able to take the blow emotionally.

Shen Zhuang’s expression softened slightly. “She’s been affected a bit, but nothing serious.”

Especially Fu Sui’er. The old master had originally worried she might break down or have an emotional reaction, but instead she was said to have returned without crying or making a fuss—and even comforted Shen Jiao.

Shen Che thought for a moment. “Dad, why don’t we let the children go out and relax? We can deal with everything after the adults’ matters are fully resolved.”

The Fu family was clearly vicious and manipulative. This marriage would not be easy to dissolve.

Shen Zhuang had already been thinking along the same lines and nodded. “That was my intention as well. Originally, I planned for Shanshan and Er’er to go to Xiangying. Now it seems we should move it earlier.”