Chapter 10 - 7: Before the Transmigration

In the following days, Zhang Guoqing was extremely busy. With so much capital, even converting it into gold required connections, and he needed to discreetly investigate the finances of the Zhang Family Holding Company to prepare for taking control. Additionally, he had to meet some contacts while the old man was still alive. Since he had officially acknowledged his ancestry, he also needed to meet Mr. Zhang's old friends. He left early and returned late every day, and apart from accompanying the old man, he was constantly on the move. Zhou Jiao knew he was very busy during this period and didn't disturb him. She stayed well-fed and rested at the old house, preparing to give birth smoothly. During this time, apart from giving Zhou Jiao a batch of gold, he also rented a large warehouse, buying plenty of reportedly safe foreign milk powder. From infant formula to adult, even pregnant women, there was enough for about ten babies, and other baby supplies like diapers, bottles, and pacifiers. Zhou Jiao didn't say anything about her husband treating tomorrow like the end of the world. In this life, she hoped for peaceful, stable years, hoping to see his smile every day. Zhang Guoqing figured that since their space could keep things fresh and they weren't short on money, he was happy with indulging himself. Ultimately, he wanted to make up for the childhood he lacked. Perhaps young Zhang Guoqing once longed for such toys and treats like milk candy when he was at the Welfare Institute. For someone born an orphan, this child carried his hopes—not hoping the child would become a dragon, just hoping for a real kin in this world, someone truly connected to him by blood with no suspicion or exploitation. A warm, loving home with a handsome and open-minded father, a beautiful and gentle mother, and a cute, lively baby. Gold, food, and supplies provided him with a sense of security. As a youth, he was eager to grow up, but now he wished time would slow down, wanting to prepare the best for the baby. Besides, he planned to have more children. Besides going for regular check-ups at the private hospital, Zhou Jiao chatted with the old man, shared funny stories about Zhang Guoqing, talked about his glory days at school, and listened to Mr. Zhang's legendary stories. Actually, elderly people knew everything, they were secretly collecting information, and now they just liked reminiscing. The school had been notified for maternity leave, preparing to leave. Previously, she didn't have the time or confidence to shop freely, but now she occasionally indulged when going shopping with Zhang Guoqing. Mrs. Zhou often called, urging a return to L City. Zhou Jiao had to make excuses for leaving with Zhang Guoqing. As expected, Mrs. Zhou cursed her out on the phone, only asking how they'd afford living expenses after she left her job—not showing concern about her pregnancy or if she found new work at XL after leaving. Zhou Jiao promised to continue sending money monthly, just like before. This led to: "What's the use of raising you?" Zhou Jiao, frustrated, replied, "How much did you spend raising me?" After that, Mrs. Zhou redirected her calls to harass Zhang Guoqing, always expressing dissatisfaction with Zhou Jiao, blaming them for leaving L City, and being obsessed with their property there. Once she knew the property wasn't Zhang Guoqing's, she regretted marrying off her daughter, leaving the couple both amused and helpless. Talking with her older sister over WeChat, Zhou Jiao realized they had little to vent their frustration on and often tormented her sister. Zhou Jiao didn't disclose what needed to be kept secret. Presumably, they'd settle in XL, and of course, the monthly filial stipend wouldn't decrease from them either. Beyond that, Zhou Jiao was unwilling to give more. They'd rather donate like Zhang Guoqing, who last week had donated 5 million directly to the nursing home, hoping to extend the old man's life, and reduce his pain. This superstitious gesture cheered the old man up greatly. Like arranging surgeries for a few kids at the L City Welfare Institute, Zhang Guoqing did just as he said. Money, when it's excessive, is just numbers; sufficient is enough. He also liked making anonymous donations to orphanages and nursing homes, partly out of prayers for his family. A month went by, and one morning, the old man suddenly requested to visit the cemetery. The doctor secretly instructed that his time was near; the couple cried bitterly, managing to compose themselves with difficulty. They gathered the family from the grandmother's second household, and the whole procession went to the suburban cemetery. After returning, as expected, the old man passed away with a smile while holding onto Zhang Guoqing's hand. Zhou Jiao always remembered the old man's trust, closely following Zhang Guoqing—certain people in life require a lifetime of remembrance. Sincere or not, tears fell everywhere. Such a kind old man had once existed in our lives, silently guarding his beloved ones, but eventually dissipated like mist. Facing the wind, holding back tears, Zhou Jiao stared at Grandpa's portrait, seemingly hearing his instructions again, "Grandpa, have a safe journey." After dealing with the funeral, Zhang Guoqing became more somber, often spending entire days at the cemetery. Only with the baby's movements did he come back to his senses, and Zhou Jiao discreetly breathed a sigh of relief. Zhang Guoqing took on the role of the family head, seemingly calm on the surface, but underneath, tensions were fierce. He had known for a long time that his mother had been forced out and that his father's car accident was premeditated. How could Zhang Guoqing not harbor hatred? With Zhou Jiao already over seven months pregnant, they had to eliminate the dangers before the year's end. Some fence-sitters, seeing the old man gone, began to sway. Upon taking over the company, with help from his father's friends, Zhang Guoqing swiftly dealt with several people and successfully took control, then the couple quietly awaited the child's birth. In their free time, Zhang Guoqing occasionally accompanied his wife shopping, visited a country leisure spot owned by old schoolmates for gatherings, chats, walks, and fishing, and sometimes helped those friends with agricultural produce and local specialties. Since they had storage space, the couple often returned with lots of shopping. Zhou Jiao took charge of packing things herself, fearing she wouldn't have time to care for Zhang Guoqing during her confinement; she also packed meals inside. When she found fruit she liked, she'd buy some and store it too. If you asked Zhang Guoqing specifically what's inside, he might be clueless, even buying many organic rice in his obsessive spree. All food ordered by Uncle Guang at the old house was thoroughly tested—after all, the rich can be so willful. Sometimes, when Zhou Jiao looked inside the storage at the smoked meat, local products, and miscellaneous items, she found herself both amused and bewildered, especially with the bundled food. She specifically had racks built, bought transparent storage boxes, separating raw and cooked food; otherwise, she feared not daring to eat any of it. As winter approached and her due date neared, everyone from the old house, including the couple and Uncle Guang, began preparing to go to the private hospital. The couple drove happily towards the private hospital in the suburbs; traffic was not as dense as usual. After half an hour, just as they were about to turn a corner, a large truck on the right lost control, heading straight for them. Zhang Guoqing's face went pale as he urgently swerved left, only to realize the brakes had failed. This was a premeditated accident. Zhang Guoqing could now only shield Zhou Jiao under him, hoping the bodyguards following behind would quickly rescue them. Zhou Jiao also held Zhang Guoqing tightly, thinking if there truly was heaven or hell, they should go together, as living alone was the most painful of all. They had been waiting there all along, but even if they couldn't survive as a family, did they think they could inherit his legacy? Dream on. Sorry, Jiao Jiao, in our next life, we still have to be together, and you must wait with our child to reincarnate together. With a loud crash, the car's windows shattered, debris scattered all over Zhang Guoqing and Zhou Jiao, and their blood flowed straight towards the necklace on Zhou Jiao's neck. The bodyguards following closely behind called the police and an ambulance, apprehending the driver responsible for the incident. The next day, major newspapers nationwide reported, "Mr. Zhang Guoqing, an invisible billionaire in XL, along with his pregnant wife, was involved in a premeditated car accident on their way to a private hospital, both died, and even the unborn child couldn't be saved. It's reported that relevant persons have been detained by the Public Security Bureau. Before their deaths, Mr. Zhang Guoqing and his wife had made a will, donating all their assets to orphanages nationwide, except for converting the Zhang Family's old house into a museum, which was also the cause of this accident. Now Zhang family's relatives remain silent about the case. Insiders reveal that Mr. Zhang Guoqing's father also died in a car accident, and he had grown up in an orphanage before rejoining the family this year. Stay tuned for more updates." For a while, there was much public discussion, and those with insight understood the will's significance. Aside from the wife, where were the arrangements for family and the Zhang Family? Considering the massive donation, investigations over several months found evidence. It was revealed that Second Uncle from the second branch was imprisoned, triggering a murder-for-hire plot involving the grandmother after the murder of Zhang's father more than 20 years ago. The Zhou Family's appeal was unsuccessful and so forth...