Chapter 700: Taking Your Family Wealth to the Grave
“The Wen family cannot be without an heir, such a vast estate cannot fall into the hands of outsiders.” Wen Rendong said, “Have a child with Gantang. If you’re worried about delaying Gantang’s life, then proceed with artificial insemination and find a surrogate.”
Wen Yanqing’s face turned cold in an instant, “Do you think I may not live long, so you’re in a hurry to have me continue the Wen family lineage?”
“Having a child connected by your own blood is not a bad thing.” Wen Rendong seemed to anticipate his reaction, persuading, “Don’t be in such a hurry to refuse. The child will be yours, whether you’re healed or injured, and you won’t be at a loss.”
Wen Yanqing faced the man who claimed to be his father, “Is this what you’ve contemplated all night after I told you about my illness?”
“I have to consider the Wen family.” Wen Rendong took a puff from his cigar.
“This is an irresponsible approach. My child should be the fruit of my love, not a tool for procreation for the sake of what you call an inheritance.”
“What is responsibility? You are a member of the Wen family, and this is the duty you should assume.” Wen Rendong frowned deeply, exhaling a ring of smoke, “He will receive the best education, the most careful care, the largest estate. Is this a tool? This is an identity others can only beg for.”
Wen Yanqing responded coldly, “Then remove my household registration, erase my name from the family tree, and pretend I’m not this unfilial son.” “You!” Wen Rendong became agitated, “All these years you have enjoyed the resources and connections of the Wen family, living comfortably. Now you can’t even do a little for the family? It’s just about having a child!” “Enjoyment?” Wen Yanqing laughed, his smile chilling, “The profits of Shengfang reap themselves by a gust of wind? Its leading position is just because of flattery? Have I been freeloading at home, or have I been loafing around, neglecting my duties?”
Wen Yanqing felt the irony, “Since I was a child, I haven’t spent a penny of Wen Rendong’s money. Since coming back to the family, haven’t I worked for Shengfang every day? The money I’ve earned could bury you. And you’re telling me to do a bit for the family?”
Wen Rendong was both angry and speechless.
“Why should I have your child? Just the thought of my child being raised by someone with your mindset sends a chill through me.” Wen Yanqing’s eyes were frosted over with cold, “A surrogate? If you’re so capable, you give birth yourself.”
Wen Rendong snapped in anger, “You know I can’t!”
“Then take your estate with you to the grave. No need to worry about who will inherit it.”
“Rubbish!” Wen Rendong slammed down on the coffee table in anger.
If at this moment Wen Yanqing could see, then the look he cast at Wen Rendong would be extremely cold, “Don’t set your sights on me. This is what I warned you about when I returned to the Wen family.”
Wen Rendong threw his cigar into the ashtray with force, looking at his son who had left him speechless with anger.
By the Yuanshui River.
Lin Gantang was unaware of the argument over the heir that had just taken place between Wen Rendong and Wen Yanqing; had she known, she probably wouldn’t be surprised at all.
For a person like Wen Rendong, things were usually fine, but once it came to children, the talk inevitably turned to traditional patriarchal thinking, bloodlines, inheritance.
She opened the door.
The place hadn’t been lived in for a while, but Aunt Zhong came to clean every few days, so it was still bright and clean.
She looked towards the neat and tidy kitchen, where the image of Wen Yanqing standing at the stove, tenderly and gently cooking for her as if it were right before her eyes, yet now he couldn’t even see a pot or spoon.
Lin Gantang’s heart ached.
Gathering her thoughts, she walked into the room..