Chapter 34: Hate the tree and its roots, but not the fruit.

Zhou Yuyan, the only daughter of the Zhou family thus she was spoiled rotten. She married a nouveau rich man through an arranged marriage but the man was short-lived. And because they don't have any children, all of the man's wealth was transferred to Zhou Yuan – his legal wife. Of course, some people said that Zhou Yuyan might have killed her husband so that all his wealth would go to her, as the man also didn't have any family.

But these rumors naturally disappeared since they also know that Zhou Yuyan is the princess of the Zhou family, which is one of the wealthiest families in the country. So why would she kill her husband? Doesn't that not only make her be rumored as a husband-killer woman but also make her a widow? So, no one talked badly about Zhou Yuyan anymore, since they are also afraid of being retaliated against by her. They are just actually envious of her life, especially after her husband's wealth went to her.

Zhou Tianshan looked at his son who obviously doesn't want to be here. But, Lan Xing still returned because of his father. This made Zhou Tianshan feel moved since he knows that his son still has him – his father, in his (LX) heart. So, no matter how Lan Xing doesn't like Zhou Yuyan, Lan Xing suppressed his temper out of respect for his father.

As to why Lan Xing doesn't like his aunt, it is because she doesn't like Lan Xing. But, if it was just this, Lan Xing, as a man, wouldn't bother himself with his aunt. However, who made Zhou Yuyan always target his (LX) mother, Lan Meiying, when Lan Meiying was still alive? So, Lan Xing blamed Zhou Yuyan, too, for his mother's death. If Zhou Yuyan didn't target Lan Meiying always, Lan Meiying wouldn't be depressed and finally die.

So, Lan Xing really hated the Zhou family, since he also blamed his father for his mother's death after he found out that Zhou Tianshan didn't love Lan Meiying at all. And out of spite, Lan Xing chose to change his surname to his mother's surname. For some reason, maybe due to guilt, Zhou Tianshan didn't object and let Lan Xing do whatever he wanted to do.

"She's pregnant." Zhou Tianshan answered.

Zhou Yuyan saved her husband's sperm before her husband died, and planted it in her womb after he died.

Lan Xing was surprised. "Congratulations to her, then." He indifferently said. Even though he hated Zhou Yuyan, her child didn't do anything wrong to him. So, he is willing to bless her child.

Zhou Tianshan smiled, knowing that Lan Xing can tell the difference between what was right and wrong. "Lan Xing." He called as his expression turned serious. "This is not only the reason why I called you." He said.

"What else is there?" Lan Xing carelessly asked as he resumed eating.

"Your grandfather... he said that if you won't change your surname to 'Zhou' – " Zhou Tianshan took a deep breath. " – and if your aunt's child is a boy and change his surname to 'Zhou'... he will make your aunt's child the next heir." He told Lan Xing.

"Oh." Lan Xing muttered, looking indifferent. "You should already know how much I despise the surname Zhou." He said.

The servants who are present trembled and immediately lowered their heads, acting deaf and blind. After all, this is a private matter of the family they serve.

But Zhou Tianshan ignored them. "I know." He sighed, feeling exhausted. He already expected Lan Xing's reaction since he knows that Lan Xing blames the Zhou family for Lan Meiying's death. That is why he (ZTS) didn't object to Lan Xing changing his surname even if Lan Xing's grandfather was furious and threatened him (ZTS) of Lan Xing's inheritance.

But Zhou Tianshan knows that with Lan Meiying's wealth alone from her job as an actress before, Lan Xing could live a lifetime even if he would be a wastrel. So, Lan Xing is not afraid of being disinherited by the Zhou family. The only reason why Lan Xing still stuck to the Zhou family is for his father. After all, at the end of the day, they are still father and son. And this is the reason why Zhou Tianshan is willing to endure Lan Xing's disrespect of him.

Because Lan Xing is still a filial son despite Zhou Tianshan shouting at him for being not filial.

"Is there anything else?" Lan Xing asked when he saw that his father is silent.

"Go meet your aunt. She's arriving in a minute." Zhou Tianshan said.

Lan Xing just shrugged and returned to the living room. At the same time, the doors opened and a beautiful woman entered. She's none other than Zhou Yuyan. She looked at Lan Xing when she saw him. The atmosphere instantly became tense.

"I've already seen her." Lan Xing just said before he walked out of the mansion.

The servants are silent, not daring to raise their heads.

"You leave first." Zhou Yuyan told the servants.

The servants immediately left along with Zhou Yuyan's luggage.

Zhou Yuyan sat on the couch. "Brother." She called.

Zhou Tianshan nodded at her and sat across her. "Xing-er congratulates you on your pregnancy." He told her.

Zhou Yuyan paused. She didn't expect Lan Xing to say it, but she knows that her brother won't lie to her. "Thank him for me." She said. "Brother." She called and looked at Zhou Tianshan. "I already know father's condition." She told him.

Zhou Tianshan didn't speak.

Zhou Yuyan smiled. "I know that he (LX) is not interested in our family's wealth." She spoke. "But, I have made my decision. I will not make my husband and I's child as Zhou'." She said.

Zhou Tianshan froze. He looked at her, stunned. "What?!" he exclaimed in shock.

"I am not doing this out of guilt of him (LX) after I realized how immature I was before." Zhou Yuyan said. "I am doing this to keep the remembrance of my husband to me." She explained.

Zhou Tianshan's face turned serious. "You can't let father know this." he told her and helplessly sighed. Their father would definitely be furious!

Zhou Yuyan nodded. "I know. That is why I came to you." She said.