Chapter 21: Severing Ties in the Newspaper

Du Huacheng could hardly believe his ears. What had Zhong Xiao just called him? She addressed him by his surname? She dared speak to him like that? He was her father!

Du Huacheng slammed his hand on the table and shot to his feet. “Zhong Xiao, who taught you to be so insolent! Fine, I was going to consider the bond we shared as father and daughter and planned to give you a small portion of the family assets, so you could have an easier life when you’re sent to the countryside. But now, clearly, there’s no need for any of that!”

“From this day forth, I, Du Huacheng, sever all ties with you, Zhong Xiao! From now on, we are no longer father and daughter. Go wherever it is you’re supposed to go!”

Zhong Xiao asked deliberately, “And where exactly is it I’m supposed to go?”

Du Huacheng snorted coldly through his nose. “The investigation is harsh, but all the charges are against the Zhong family. Out of all of us, you’re the only one with the surname Zhong, so naturally, only you need to take responsibility! Or do you expect us to bear the consequences for you, to shoulder your debts?”

Zhong Xiao wore a look of disbelief. “What, you mean you’re going to send me alone to the countryside?”

At this, Du Ying’er finally let out a satisfied laugh. But as soon as she started laughing, pain shot through her lower abdomen, twisting her features between excitement and agony.

“Of course you’re going alone! I’m telling you, Zhong Xiao, from today on, we have nothing more to do with the Zhong family. Whether you live or die, it’s none of our concern!”

“And don’t even think about dragging us down with you. Dad and I are surnamed Du, and Mom is surnamed Yang. We have nothing to do with your Zhong family!”

Zhong Xiao listened to Du Ying’er’s rambling, growing impatient as she failed to get to the point. She hurriedly added, “Dad, you can disown me, you can send me to the countryside, but whatever you do, please don’t sever all ties with me. Do not, under any circumstances, sign any document to that effect!”

Du Ying’er’s eyes lit up at once. “Exactly! The severance letter!”

She had almost forgotten. If that fool Zhong Xiao hadn’t brought it up, it wouldn’t have crossed her mind!

Du Ying’er immediately turned to Du Huacheng. “Dad, we must put it in writing. Even if we break ties with Zhong Xiao verbally today, what if she goes mad in the future and tries to drag our whole family down with her? A written statement is the best protection!”

Before Du Huacheng could respond, Zhong Xiao immediately interjected, “No!—You can’t sign any severance document!”

Du Ying’er grew even more insistent. “See, Dad? The only reason she’s so desperate to stop us is because she plans to come after us if she’s ever in trouble! You can’t waver!”

Zhong Xiao pleaded, “Dad, please don’t!”

Du Ying’er pressed on, “Dad, who are you going to trust? This woman or Master Xuanming? Would the Master deceive you? If disaster really befalls us, how will you face Grandpa and Grandma, or our ancestors?”

Zhong Xiao argued, “It won’t come to that. Once this storm passes, things will turn around soon enough.”

Du Ying’er snapped, “Nonsense! Dad, don’t be fooled by Zhong Xiao. And don’t forget how she just addressed you! She called you by your surname, which means she’s never seen you as her father!”

Du Huacheng’s expression darkened.

Zhong Xiao pressed her lips together, looking as though she were about to cry. At last she choked out softly, “Fine… if you must, then write the letter. As long as it’s not published in the paper, there’s still room for maneuver…”

Little did she know, her voice was just loud enough for Du Ying’er to hear.

A gleam of joy flashed across Du Ying’er’s face. She declared, “Dad, we can’t just break ties. We must publish it in the newspaper right away! Let the whole city know that we have nothing whatsoever to do with this Zhong girl!”

Du Ying’er acted quickly. She used the words of Master Xuanming to convince Du Huacheng, who over the years had come to trust the Master above all.

After all, it was Master Xuanming who had once told Du Huacheng, “There is a benefactor in the southwest. The benefactor’s fate is frail, but he will bring you fortune.” That meant the Zhong family in the southwest was Du Huacheng’s great benefactor in this life. But the benefactor’s life was short, and so their fortune could be passed on to others. That “other” was Du Huacheng himself.

Thanks to the legacy left by the Zhong family, Du Huacheng had enjoyed twenty years of comfort—the peak of his life. No, more than that. He still possessed several hundred catties of gold. In this troubled era, nothing was more valuable.

His good days were far from over. Greater riches awaited him.

Du Ying’er was right—he must not let Zhong Xiao destroy everything.

With the authorities’ investigations growing ever more severe and countless eyes fixed on the Zhong family, even the smallest misstep could destroy all that he had painstakingly built.

Du Huacheng could not take that risk. Better to act ruthlessly than be destroyed.

Besides, Zhong Xiao wasn’t even his biological daughter. Her fate was none of his concern.

With this, Du Huacheng made up his mind. Returning to his room, he took out a savings certificate.

“There’s a thousand yuan here. Take it for your trip to the countryside. From today on, our bond as father and daughter ends. From the moment you called me ‘Du’, I ceased to recognize you as my daughter!”

A cold laugh echoed in Zhong Xiao’s heart. Du Huacheng was the very picture of hypocrisy, always shirking responsibility. It was his own cowardice and fear of implication that made him desperate to sever ties with her, yet he laid the blame at her feet, claiming that her words had chilled his heart.

But no matter. Zhong Xiao’s plan had succeeded. She wept theatrically, begged Du Huacheng not to abandon her, all the while goading Du Ying’er, and finally flung herself into Zhou Yongxin’s arms for comfort.

Enraged, Du Ying’er demanded that Du Huacheng go to the newspaper office immediately. The announcement of their severed ties must be in print by morning.

Du Huacheng actually went. In no time, he returned, ready to drive Zhong Xiao out.

Zhong Xiao said, “It’s late, and I’m just a girl. Where would I go at this hour? At least let me stay one more night. I need to pack my things—I can’t just leave empty-handed.”

Du Huacheng snorted. “Fine. You have one night. From tomorrow on, I never want to see you again.”

Zhong Xiao lowered her gaze, laughter echoing in her heart.

Yes, from tomorrow on, if you ever wish to see me again, Du Huacheng, it will only be if you kneel and beg forgiveness. Otherwise, never!