18 - Web of Fate

Translated by rabbitrisu

Su Gan was anxious to take his son for a full-body checkup, to confirm whether or not his son, who had been in a wheelchair for four years but could suddenly run and jump without obstacles, was completely back to normal.

But because of the old man’s arrangement, Su Gan could only stay.

Ten minutes after Lawyer Xu opened his mouth, he had been waiting for personnel from relevant institutions to flood inside the house and read the final will to the children and grandchildren present in front of the elderly, in accordance with Master Su’s arrangements.

Consequently, Su Zimo’s Uncle Su Ni held a mixed race little girl in his arms, wearing a white tutu and looking at Su Zimo with innocence and curiosity. It was truly pure innocence, a little different from Peng Peng who tried to hide his true temperament.

Institutional personnel set up video and playback equipment, and also put the notary staff in place with a quick speed. After ensuring that the record preparation was complete, the electronic manuscript of the will was placed on the wall of the manor’s main room.

Simultaneously, the paper manuscript of the will was also sent to the relevant parties after confirmation of the recording.

Each document was thick and marked with many details. Even if they sat down together with experts for weeks it would be difficult to find any loopholes.

The Su family didn’t have time to read everything in the old man’s room, and Lawyer Xu, who was in charge of the matter, was also aware of this. He bowed down to salute and said in a blunt manner, “The Master entrusted me to briefly take a look at the contents of the document.”

“First of all, Mr. Su Heng transferred all his personally owned property and most of the Su Group shares to Mr. Su Zimo, and the rest are to be divided between Su Gan, Su Duan, Su Kun, and Su Ni. Please refer to page 3 for specific allocation.” Lawyer Xu extended his hand to Su Zimo, who was standing in back, and invited him to take a step forward.

As soon as the words fell, the second and third sons of the Su family tore the will in their hands, and Su Zimo who stepped forward and shook his head to clear his mind.

Although it was a simple sentence from the lawyer’s mouth, for the Su family, this part in the will was clearly declaring that Su Zimo has become the new Master of the Su family! Not only the shares, but aso the main house and Shoushan where the main house was located became Su Zimo’s! ¹

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Half an hour ago, nobody would have expected such a result.

Was this a joke?

Let a fool be the Master?

Even if a fool wakes up, his mind would at most be like a little kid who hadn’t graduated from high school. What can he understand!?

When the notary viewers couldn’t help being surprised, only Su Gan and the youngest uncle Su Ni were calm. It seemed that the arrangement had long been what they expected.

Of course, Mr. Su Heng hopes that his eldest son, Mr. Su Gan, will be able to assist Mr. Su Zimo until he can work alone….”

“What a joke!” This time Uncle Su Duan rushed out directly and threw the torn and crumpled document in his hand directly to Lawyer Xu. “Was the old man confused when he made the will? Does he know that the most unworthy family member to run the family ancestry is Su Gan?”

“Sorry, Mr. Su Heng had a notary and a lawyer present when he made his will. There are video records and health evaluations throughout the process. If Second Son needs it, I can send you a video.” Lawyer Xu avoided. Taking a step back, he continued to look at Su Gan and said, “Mr. Su Gan, Mr. Su Heng specifically advised that you can choose subordinates whom you trust to help Mr. Su Zimo.”

“I understand.” Su Gan also chuckled, “I will let my adopted son Su Hewen help Momo manage the various industries together.”

Su Zimo recovered and turned back to Grandpa Su’s bedside. He just held Grandpa’s hand and ignored the strange eyes of the others in the room.

“It’s Su Hewen again!” Third Uncle Su Kun secretly shredded the paper in his hands, trembling with rage, but held back and remained standing in the same place.

“Furthermore, the four branch companies and their subsidiares owned by the four sons are still to be owned by the four sons. You can arrange it yourself.” Lawyer Xu seemed to know that the reading time shouldn’t be too long, so he hastened his speech, “Everyone please turn to the sixth page. Because Mr. Su Heng owns a lot of personal property, he has already signed a contract with ‘Hewen Trust Fund’ at an earlier time. There will be investment management of ‘Hewen Trust Fund’ properties.”

“The contract period between Mr. Su Heng and the family trust fund is five years. After five years, the properties will be arranged by Mr. Su Zimo.” Lawyer Xu finished and a large ball of paper was thrown at him.

This time, Third Uncle Su Kun couldn’t help it.

“Fuck your ‘Hewen Trust Fund!’” Su Kun’s eyes gazed coldly at Su Gan and Su Zimo. “Because of this, the family properties have all become Su Hewen’s wild seeds?! Dage, do you want to see our Su family be mocked by outsiders?”

Su Gan’s oil-rich technology company, Su Hewen is in charge!

The huge legacy of the old man was under management of Su Hewen’s Trust Fund!

Su Zimo couldn’t hold up Su Group, so Su Gan was supposed to help, but in the end, didn’t he just let that bastard Su Hewen intervene?!

The most annoying this was….

Technology companies, huge inheritances, and such a large Su Group, the last straw was that Su Zimo was a fool! That fool would be helped by Su Hewen, and he only needed to be a shopkeeper?! ²

“The four of us are the biological sons of the old man. According to law, we demand that the inheritance be divided equally.” Second Uncle Su Duan was breathless. “If we go on like this, the Su family will become an outsider’s.”

“Second Son, the matter of dividing the inheritance is still subject to the will created by the Master.” Lawyer Xu still smiled, as if he didn’t see that the Su Second Son wanted to beat him up.

“Second Son and Third Son, don’t be so irritable.” Su Gan, standing in the old man’s room, didn’t dare to light a cigarette, but he had a cigar in his mouth. “Hewen is very powerful, and he works hard. Additionally, he only works for the Su family. Except for the salary I gave him, he didn’t even want to pay any dividends. How can you say that he’s swallowed the Su family’s property?”

“Sometimes, you two have to look at me the same way and get a big dividend every year. Coupled with the profit from your own companies and the money you two have saved over the years, is it not good to play vigorously at this age?”

“It’s even harder to tell jokes to outsiders.” Su Gan spread his hands. “In the current situation of the Su family, if there is no help from Hewen, it is really possible that we would be a joke to people.”

“Situation? What’s wrong with our Su family?” Second Son Su shouted grumpily again.

“Erge, don’t be upset.” Su Ni next to him tapped his daughter, who was scared and hiding behind him, then slowly said to Second Son Su, “You and Sange now run what used to be the most profitable Su family company, but the situation of the two companies are very bad now. Maybe you can ask Hewen’s opinion?”

“Over my dead body!” Su Duan prepared to leave as soon as he shook his hand, but was stopped by the lawyer’s team with a smile.

“These are the general arrangements. Please read the documents in your hand for specific details.” Lawyer Xu took advantage of Su Duan and Su Kun’s departure, and immediately said, “Mr. Su Heng also knows that Mr. Su Zimo is still young, and hopes that the Su family be harmonious and united, so some conditions have also been set.”

“First, within one year of the effective date of the will, Mr. Su Heng hopes that the four sons and Mr. Su Zimo will be able to gather at the manor and have dinner once a week.” Lawyer Xu nodded and smiled. “If someone is absent once, the shares and industries that he should have will be used for social welfare, which is equally valid for Mr. Su Zimo.”

Hearing what Mr. Xu said, the faces of the Second and Third Sons changed dramatically again. That sounded like a restriction on Su Zimo, but they could almost hear an abominable old man say to them- if Su Zimo has an accident within a year, then the entire Su family fortune… would be donated to welfare?!

“Finally, Master Su specially asked me to pass on a message.” Lawyer Xu looked at the Second and Third Sons, who were on the verge of rioting, and at Su Zimo, who was sitting with Master Su. He effortlessly said without personal emotions, “To protect the family, raise external reputation. The high mountain is admired differently today.” ³

Family unity, family reputation, respect for elders, don’t forget the family motto….

The words that Grandpa Su couldn’t say at the end should be in this paragraph.

After the will testimony was over, Su Duan and Su Kun didn’t know why they hurriedly left the Su family manor and Shoushan, leaving only Su Gan’s and Su Ni’s family to stay on the mountain and accompany Grandfather Su.

Because Dr. Cai hoped that Grandfather Su would have happy final moments, after the old man repeatedly expressed his struggle to get back up, Su Zimo and his father wrapped him up in a blanket and put a hat on him, and carefully raised him into the adjusted wheelchair — the one Su Zimo no longer needed — and pushed Su Ni’s father and daughter to see Shoushan’s garden.

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While standing on top of the pavilion, you could overlook the whole city.

It’s a pity that Su Zimo didn’t know that his grandpa’s eyes couldn’t see the scenery.

“Grandpa, Mianmian sings for you, okay?” Su Zimo’s little cousin, Su Mianmian, stood in the middle of the gazebo as if on a stage, singing and dancing in front of the old man. She was singing english songs, so he assumed that the old man didn’t understand much, but Su Zimo felt that the old man should be very happy.

“Momo, don’t you think the burden is too heavy on your body?” Su Ni looked at the grandchildren who were ‘playing’ together and smiled at Su Zimo. “Neither your father nor I are businessmen. Your Second and Third Uncles only speak a lot. Actually, their talents may not even be the same as me or your dad. It’s only you if you think about it.”

“Youngest Uncle, I don’t even know what my talents are?” Su Zimo smiled bitterly. “You’re too confident in me.”

“I’m not confident in you, I’m confident in your grandfather.” Su Ni patted Su Zimo on the shoulder. “You’re the only child in the family who was brought up by your grandfather. When your dad and I were young, your grandfather was still a workaholic who cared for the company on his own. Only the child Hewen can compare with him when he was young.”

“Although you may not understand it for a while, I believe the old man has taught you everything he wanted to teach you. In the future, you’ll learn more from He Wen. Although the child is very trustworthy, you will eventually still have to be on your own.” Su Ni scratched his head again. “Your Uncle, I haven’t done anything more than writing novels, but if you have any troubles, you can always find your aunt. She’s much better than me now.”

“Thank you Uncle.”

Su Gan, holding a plate of dim sum in his hands, distributed it to his son, younger brother, and little niece, then held a delicious dim sum under the old man’s nose.

“Little brother, did you just see dad roll his eyes at me?!” Su Gan, who was still ‘unruly’ was violently hit at that moment.

“I want to roll my eyes. How old are you…” Su Ni looked helpless.

“Momo, they’re all bullies!”

“……”

“Uncle, Uncle! Shame, shame!” Su Mianmian also joined in the excitement.

Finally the old man closed his eyes forever to the sound of his little granddaughter’s singing.

In the end, the old man gripped Su Zimo’s hand tightly, with a slight grin on the corner of his mouth.

In the evening, the glow of the sunset reflected across the whole sky. Maybe some people would feel sad for the old man going on his fairy tour, but some already know that the old man already had the best gift of happiness that day. ⁴

Because of the preparations for what happened, Grandpa Su’s matters went on in an orderly manner. Even Su Duan and Su Kun, who had rushed out, turned back again after hearing the news, knelt in front of the pedestal and cried. Anyone who wanted to comfort them would be beaten.

The atmosphere in front of the pedestal was so odd that Su Zimo was a little depressed, and everyone looked at him with uncomfortable eyes. After sending them away as the new Master, Su Zimo went quietly to the top of the mountain again. He wanted to go to the pavilion for a while before returning.

After all, Su Zimo hadn’t yet been able to the new identity that was weighing down his shoulders.

In addition, his remaining life was only 362 days.

…….

As he walked to the garden, Su Zimo suddenly saw a tall figure standing in the light of the bushes and flowers, looking motionlessly in the directio nof the manor. Had Su Zimo not recognized the cold, icy face, he would probably regard the figure as a dummy.

“Ge.” Seeing the figure similar to that in his memory, Su Zimo called out and walked to Su Hewen standing over there.

Su Hewen, who was called the Su family’s left and right arms, was completely blackened, with a sharp face and apathetic expression, giving a sense of inexplicable regality. It was only when he heard that ‘Ge’ that Su Hewen’s motionless body shook obviously.

“Ge, why don’t you go inside?” Su Zimo rarely had the opportunity to call Su Hewen ‘ge,’ but he didn’t know why it flowed so smoothly at that moment.

“……” Su Hewen was silent for a moment before saying, “The reason why the old man trusted me is because I never mix with Su family affairs.”

“But you’ve been standing here because you want to go in and see Grandpa?” Su Zimo raised his eyebrows. “Grandpa will be very happy.”

“……” Su Hewen was silent. “Wait until people leave.”

“Ge, you worked hard.” Looking at the serious Su Hewen, Su Zimo had to start imagining what he looked like in the marketplace. “The company’s business…”

“Twenty years ago, your mother saved my life.” Su Hewen interrupted Su Zimo’s thanks, staring at his eyes behind his glasses, and announced very seriously, “My life belongs to the Su family. Yes… No. To be precise, this life is yours.”

“Ah?” Su Zimo looked bewildered.

“Just a joke.” Su Hewen took advantage of Su Zimo’s unresponsiveness and took back his words. “If I was the only one, no mater how great I was, I wouldn’t be able to sustain a company as big as Su Group.”

“The old man always said ‘the high mountain is admired,’ not just to accommodate the Second and Third Lords, but to make you value the elders of the Su family and Su Group who are still loyal today.” Su Hewen looked at Su Zimo for while, but didn’t know why he turned away. “Everyone has also cultivated some powerful helpers. As long as there’s no big problem with the Su family head, the Su family and Su Group will be fine.”

When he said this, Su Hewen glanced at Su Zimo again, apparently already knowing the contents of the will.

“What should I do…” Su Zimo’s voice was a little guilty when he thought about the remaining life displayed on the computer in An Yu Yi Yu.

“In this first year, it’s better not to show up. It’s better for me to handle important things.” Su Hewen’s voice tightened again. “You should be able to recognize that the car accident four years ago was unusual. If you’re not careful, I’m afraid that people will start to wave their hands again.” ⁵

Su Zimo couldn’t help but fall into his thoughts.

Although he was unwilling to speculate, Su Zimo knew that certain things had to do with his position as the Su family head. If Su Zimo disappeared in the car accident at that time, or hadn’t woken up today, then the Su family head would have changed.

Even if Su Zimo was now the head of the Su family, those who are dissatisfied will never let it go.

“Ge, you should know that Grandpa made an appointment for dinners. If something happens to me within a year, Su Group will have to be donated to welfare. They shouldn’t act rashly within the year.” At least Su Zimo thought so.

“One year is the time the old man gave you.” Su Hewen thought for a while and said, “If it was longer than a year, then someone may break the jar. ⁶ If it’s shorter than a year, the old man would have been afraid of not giving you enough time. But I’m afraid that neither you not the old man have thought about it. What if certain people turn you into a fool? Fools can also attend dinner.”

Hearing Su Hewen’s words, Su Zimo even shuddered. A person… can they simply turn someone else into a fool?

Is that what normal humans can do? This isn’t a nightmare world.

“In short, in order to ensure your safety, in addition to the weekly meal, the new owner should be inconspicuous.” Su Hewen said with certainty, “You can go abroad, go to school far away, or go to a villa to recover. Lots of elders do the same thing.”

“…..rest assured, I’m here.” Su Hewen paused, patted Zu Zimo’s hair a bit stiffly, then took his hand back.

“It’s difficult to grow up like this.” Su Zimo knew that Su Hewen was right. If he had to be away often, Su Zimo had his own ideas and arrangements, but he still laughed and refuted the sentence.

For Su Zimo, a place where he couldn’t be found, a place where he could grow up, where he could increase his lifespan, wasn’t that just An Yu Yi Yu and the Nightmare World?

What Su Zimo thought most about was that his grandfather had given him a year in his will, and his remaining life was almost exactly one year…

There seemed to be a web around them, and everything was caught within it from the start.

It’s just that Su Zimo now had a chance to change, he found a weapon that could cut through the web of fate. That is, the door behind him that leads to An Yu Yi Yu.

Footnotes

<ol>Shoushan is a region in the mountains of Fujian province. The mountain stones are said to be very smooth and good for long life. Shopkeeper as in the one who watches the finances and is possibly the face/name of the company. Also an ironic reference to Ayuyuyu ? 内以保家族，外以扬名誉，高山在所仰，今人岂殊古, a poem by Li Gou, Song Dynasty. A euphemism for dying, meaning of taoists going on a journey going to seek their faith. An idiom: to pull some strings, to make certain things happen. An idiom: to make a mistake, make things worse.</ol>