Chapter 81 The Will

The Guanlan Court apartment was ultimately registered under both Xu Ruyi and Qin Guan's names.

Joint ownership.

This decision was influenced by her father-in-law, but more so by Xu Ruyi herself—Qin Guan often secretly glanced through Xu Ruyi's phone. He'd seen her discussing this matter with friends.

Though her friend, much like her mother-in-law, was shrewd and calculating, insisting that one must always have contingency plans regarding major assets like property, Xu Ruyi held completely opposite views.

"What does he have? No parents, no home. He's utterly destitute. What could he possibly scheme from me? And where would he even keep it?"

"What use is wealth to him? Guarding an empty mansion alone? Hoarding money? He's already endured enough of that desolate existence. What he truly craves is familial warmth."

"His childhood was nothing like my privileged upbringing. He's suffered immensely, developed strong yet fragile self-esteem. When two people are together, they should mutually understand and accommodate each other. Since he treats me well, I must reciprocate. I won't damage his dignity with cold financial calculations."

After her friend stubbornly cited numerous cautionary tales, Xu Ruyi simply concluded, "I trust his character. I trust my parents' judgment. And I trust my own."

Qin Guan was thoroughly satisfied with these responses.

But brief elation soon gave way to new complications.

While he and Xu Ruyi made all design decisions for their renovation, their work schedules forced supervision duties onto her parents. Every detail—from conceptualization to implementation—required the elderly couple's constant oversight.

During one inspection visit, Qin Guan stood in the study admiring the floor-to-ceiling mahogany bookshelves, buttery leather armchair, glass-smooth desk that made fingertips tingle, and the latest Mac Pro...

Outwardly composed, his heart surged—this was his home now. A downtown penthouse with private elevator, luxury finishes...

What a magnificent abode.

He'd finally escaped that wretched mountain village. Finally become the elite he'd always aspired to be.

But before this wave of triumph could fully recede, Xu Ruyi's startled cry echoed from the adjacent bedroom:

"Mom! Why did you install a safe in my wardrobe? What am I supposed to hide here?"

A safe?

His mother-in-law had installed a safe?

Qin Guan's pulse quickened—he knew her family possessed valuable heirlooms. Were these now his?

He moved to investigate, but froze at the study doorway upon hearing his mother-in-law's urgent "Shhh!"

The warning wasn't for her husband measuring walls in the nursery. It was for him.

Pressed against the doorframe, he caught her hushed whispers:

"Darling, this safe is...precaution. You're our precious girl entering marriage. As we age, you need safeguards..."

Her voice faltered, choosing words carefully:

"Life is unpredictable. People change. Even spouses should maintain...financial independence. Private savings..."

Qin Guan's blood turned to ice.

They were discussing him.

The damning words continued:

"Listen—no one loves you like parents. Keep assets protected. Maintain secret funds..."

He stood paralyzed, disillusionment drenching him like frigid water. His revered mother-in-law—whom he'd cherished more than his own mother—saw him as an outsider.

Yet he betrayed nothing. He remained the devoted son-in-law, delivering premium ginseng from clients, visiting weekly even after having children. When she fell ill, he nursed her tirelessly.

Outwardly, harmony prevailed.

But Qin Guan knew an invisible membrane now separated their hearts—proximity without true connection.

Their kindness was never for him, only for Xu Ruyi.

Why else had her father refused startup funding when he'd clearly had the means?

His thoughts scattered as doorbell chimed. Two officers entered, eyes scanning the trash-filled apartment.

"Spring cleaning, Mr. Qin?" one smirked. "Found Qi Min's phone yet?"

They were fishing—without hard evidence from Xinhue Hotel, they couldn't obtain a search warrant. Their "help" offer was transparent ruse.

"I need to visit my in-laws'," Qin Guan cut through pretense. "Left a work USB there."

"Jia Yuan Complex?" The cop's eyes sharpened. "Did you know your father-in-law left a will mentioning that property?"

Qin Guan's breath hitched.

A will?

The old man died suddenly. Since when did he prepare testamentary documents?