Chapter Seventeen: Donated Everything
Everyone in the Shi family hall stared at the countless treasure chests before them, their eyes nearly popping out from their sockets. Some, unable to restrain themselves, were already reaching out, eager to see what treasures lay within.
“The Fan family presents to the Shi family: a pair of Hetian jade bracelets!”
“The Fan family presents to the Shi family: ten million in cash!”
“The Fan family presents to the Shi family: a Tang Dynasty tri-colored golden horse!”
…
The reading of the gifts alone lasted a full half hour. By the end, the Shi family members were numb from listening.
“Finished!” At last, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Fan Xin stepped forward to Yan Yuanqing, placing a thick ledger into his hands.
“Master Yan, though these gifts are marked as given to the Shi family, the family head has instructed me that their disposition is entirely up to you. Whether you give them away or keep them, it is yours to decide."
Upon hearing this, a portion of those gathered had their eyes redden instantly. Though only ten million was in cash, the total value of all the gifts, converted to money, was at least a hundred million! Some of the collectible art pieces were simply priceless.
“Thank you, Master Fan. Truly, the medical expenses for this treatment don’t amount to so much. I will come and pay my respects someday, and thank you in person.”
Fan Xin laughed heartily. “Good, good. Humble and steady—a true talent! We underestimated you before. From now on, whether you have business or not, you are always welcome at the Fan family. We should sit together and talk at length!”
He exchanged a few more words with Yan Yuanqing, strengthening their bond, before departing in grand fashion—leaving behind a hall full of Shi family members, their envy reaching its peak.
“Yan Yuanqing, how do you plan to handle so many things?”
“Yes, there’s so much here—even you and Yurou won’t be able to store it all, will you? Why not let everyone help keep a share?”
“That’s right, we’re all family. No need to stand on ceremony, ha ha!”
As soon as Fan Xin left, the others began discussing how to divide the gifts Yan Yuanqing had received.
Shi Tianhe, as head of the family, found it inappropriate to speak at this moment. Yet his silence was itself a tacit promise to his clansmen.
“These items—apart from half the cash, I will donate everything else. All will be auctioned off, and the proceeds given to a charitable foundation,” Yan Yuanqing said calmly.
His words sent a shockwave through the hall.
“What? You’re going to donate all of it?”
“Only keep five million? The total value is over a hundred million—why donate so much?”
“Yan Yuanqing, have you lost your mind after getting a little windfall? Are you thinking straight at all?”
“Fan Xin just said these gifts are also for the Shi family. I don’t think you have the right to decide alone. Family head, please make a ruling!”
People were shocked that Yan Yuanqing had no intention of sharing even a scrap with them. Anxiously, some began urging Shi Tianhe to intervene and force Yan Yuanqing’s hand.
Shi Tianhe was deeply conflicted. He was tempted by the Fan family’s gifts as well. The Shi family was wealthy, but to turn away assets worth over a hundred million—even he felt a pang of loss.
“Yuanqing, you’ve brought glory to the Shi family. Let everyone enjoy the moment—why donate these things?”
“Why not convert them to cash and divide a portion among everyone, as thanks for the care you’ve received all these years? It would be a favor repaid, and everyone would continue to support you.”
“Don’t you agree? One must be broad-minded, especially in handling family relationships.”
Shi Tianhe, swayed by the others, finally spoke to persuade Yan Yuanqing. But upon hearing this, Yan Yuanqing’s face broke into a faint, cold smile—a look of disdain.