Chapter 244: Chapter 233: Alzheimer’s Disease Chapter 244: Chapter 233: Alzheimer’s Disease Guh Xiuxiu first called the He family old house, and hearing they hadn’t returned, she called Zhuliang’s office, but no one answered.
Putting down the phone, Guh Xiuxiu smiled and said, “Your Uncle He has gone to a social engagement. I will call him tomorrow and discuss this matter with him.”
However, Lu Jiaxin was not willing to wait until tomorrow. She said, “Call Aunt He. If she’s not there either, then talk to Sister Mingzhu. I believe they will understand.”
Seeing her insistence, Guh Xiuxiu compromised and called Mrs. He. The other party made it clear that sending Guh Haifan to the international school was for his own good, but since Guh Haifan didn’t appreciate it, they could just forget it.
Lu Jiaxin was standing by, and her face turned ugly as she listened to Mrs. He’s mocking tone. These people were truly ridiculous, looking down on others as if they were so superior, yet no one was pleading with them.
Aunt Hong came over and said, “Old Madam, Miss Cousin, the dishes are ready; we can eat now.”
Because Lu Jiaxin was staying for dinner, the kitchen had specially made three dishes she loved. But with worries on her mind, even the tastiest dishes didn’t appeal to her appetite.
By the time dinner was finished, it was already dark, and Lu Jiaxin did not go back but stayed at the Guh Residence. After helping Guh Haifan with a few questions, she returned to her own room.
“Thump, thump, thump…”
Aunt Mei came in with a bowl of red dates and bird’s nest soup, smiling as she said, “Miss Cousin, the Old Madam noticed you’ve lost quite a bit of weight and specifically instructed the kitchen to stew this for you.”
Lu Jiaxin walked over and locked the door, then in a very low voice queried Aunt Mei who looked baffled, “Aunt Mei, tell me the truth, does Aunt have Alzheimer’s disease?”
Aunt Mei’s eyes went wide with shock, realizing her lapse, she quickly lowered her head, “Miss Cousin, what are you talking about? I don’t understand.”
Lu Jiaxin said, “Aunt Mei, I’ve been in Hong Kong for over half a year. You should know I’ve never thought about taking Aunt’s money. Whether it’s Visit NovelHub for more amazing novels and chapters. But my guardianship is in Aunt’s hands. If you don’t tell me the truth, I’ll be at a disadvantage if the He family finds out about Aunt’s condition.”
Seeing Aunt Mei struggle, Lu Jiaxin stoked the fire further: “Aunt Mei, you should know that the He family are all greedy for profit. If they get my guardianship, they might send me off to some old man for the sake of their interests, and my life would be ruined.”
Why she wouldn’t go to the He family old house was not only because she detested their insatiable greed, but also feared their malicious manipulations; some perverts favoured young and beautiful girls. Outside, she was protected by Gu Wenfeng, but once inside the He family old house, it wouldn’t be convenient for him to stick close by her side at all times.
Upon hearing this, Aunt Mei said, “Young Master Nie is pursuing you. Once you two are in a relationship, the He family will have to be cautious.”
Lu Jiaxin laughed and replied, “Even if I were truly in a relationship with Nie Zhan, if he saw me being ruined by an old man, he would leave me far behind, not to mention stand up for me. Aunt Mei, don’t think about relying on a man. In this world, men are the most unreliable things.”
Not to seem abrupt, she continued, “My dad used to adore me, truly cherishing me like a fragile treasure. He wouldn’t even let my mom hit me, and he would quarrel and fuss over it with her. But what happened in the end? After marrying his new wife, I became less than trash in his eyes. If even my own father can be , you can’t expect much from other men.”
Aunt Mei had not realized how deep a shadow Lu Hongjun had cast over her.
Lu Jiaxin said, “Aunt Mei, if you don’t tell me the truth, and the He family discovers Aunt’s illness, I’ll be at a disadvantage without any time to prepare.”
“Aunt Mei, if it really comes to that, I’ll ask Big Brother Su for help to bring my dad over. The He Family may be rich and powerful, but the court will definitely award custody to my dad. It’s just, what can be done about Aunt and Haifan?”
Of course, she was just placating Aunt Mei. She couldn’t possibly bring Lu Hongjun to Hong Kong. After finally getting away from him, why would she go out of her way to invite trouble again?
Aunt Mei fell silent for a moment before asking, “Miss Cousin, how did you guess that the Old Madam contracted this disease?”
Lu Jiaxin replied, “At first, I thought Aunt was just becoming forgetful with age and didn’t think too much of it. But the last time I came back, she treated me like a stranger until you reminded her to call my name. No matter how forgetful, it’s impossible for her not to recognize me. Plus, today Haifan told me that Aunt has been forgetting things she just agreed to. Aunt Mei, has Aunt’s condition worsened?”
Aunt Mei sighed, “Yes, the Old Madam’s condition has indeed worsened. We managed to keep it hidden from the He Family, but you discovered it, Miss Cousin.”
“When did you find out?”
Tears welled up in Aunt Mei’s eyes, “Not long after she was rescued. The symptoms were mild then and could be controlled with medication. But I didn’t expect the illness to progress to the point where she occasionally gets confused, even with the medication.”
Lu Jiaxin was puzzled and asked, “Aunt has been living in the He family old house for so long. How come the He Family didn’t notice?”
Aunt Mei scoffed, “They had the Old Madam return to the old house for the New Year, not out of true filial piety, but for the sake of the shares she held. During her stay, she only had dinner with them on New Year’s Eve; the rest of the time she ate with the Young Master Cousin in the side building.”
Speaking of shares, Lu Jiaxin was confused, “I had previously advised Aunt to return the shares to the He Family, as she has tens of millions in assets under her name, which is more than enough for her retirement. But she didn’t agree. Why?”
Any woman who can laugh last in the inner court of a great family is no simpleton. Hence, Guh Xiuxiu’s reluctance to make a will raised her suspicions. Xiuxiu had explained later, but clearly something was held back.
Aunt Mei sighed again, “The Old Madam has Alzheimer’s. Even if she made a will, the He Family could challenge it in court and have it declared invalid. There have been such cases in Hong Kong, which is why the Old Madam has not made a will.”
There was no point in making a will if it wouldn’t hold up, so why bother?
Of course, there was more she didn’t say: The Old Madam wanted to be buried next to her husband. This required Elder Master He’s consent, so she didn’t want to have a falling out with him.
Lu Jiaxin wasn’t well-versed in the law, but she could seek professional legal advice for this. She called Yan Yihua for advice on the matter, avoiding the company’s lawyers because she didn’t trust them. Yan Yihua was different; at most, he would tell Nie Zhan but would not disclose it to others.
After listening to her account, Yan Yihua said, “If a will is signed while the person is of unsound mind, it is invalid and will not be recognized by law; however, if the will is made while the person is in good mental health, able to recognize and control their actions, then the will is valid.”
Lu Jiaxin finally understood that Guh Xiuxiu’s concerns were legitimate. The He Family, with their power and influence, could indeed overturn her will, “Lawyer Yan, thank you so much!”
Yan Yihua surmised something and added, “Miss Lu, feel free to come to me with any legal matters, and I will provide you the most professional assistance.”
“Thank you. Let’s have a meal together when you have time.”