Chapter 1 — Cut Out of the Will

Grandmother divided her four houses among her four maternal grandsons, leaving only me out in the cold. Her reasoning was simplicity itself—I am a granddaughter.

"Once a daughter marries, she is no better than spilled water. What use does she have for a house?"

The entire family nodded in agreement. My mother lowered her head, not daring to utter even a single syllable. I remained silent, a faint smile on my lips as I quietly finished every last bite of my meal. Back inside the quiet sanctuary of my car, I placed a phone call to the housekeeping agency.

"The live-in housekeeper at that residence, the one drawing a monthly salary of thirty-eight thousand—terminate her contract effective immediately, starting today."

By the following day, the entire household was weeping and pleading with me to beg the housekeeper to return.

01

It was Grandmother’s birthday celebration. The large, polished mahogany round table was packed tightly with relatives, the atmosphere thick with raucous merriment. After three rounds of toasts, Grandmother cleared her throat. Her face was flushed with a healthy rosy glow, and she beamed radiantly.

"Today, I have a major announcement to make."

Instantly, everyone dropped their chopsticks. Dozens of eyes turned to fixate upon her in unison. My four cousins—Big Ming, Second Strong, Third Stand, and Fourth Tail—exhibited barely contained excitement shimmering in their eyes. My mother nervously rubbed her hands together under the table. I kept my gaze lowered, sipping the clear broth in my bowl one slow spoonful at a time, refusing to look up. Grandmother reached out and retrieved four red deed booklets from beside her chair. With a heavy thud, she slapped them down onto the table.

"I currently hold four properties under my name in the old downtown district."

"The locations are all exceptional, situated right within top-tier school districts."

"Today, I am going to distribute them right here and now."

The breathing of my four cousins turned heavy and ragged.

"Big Ming, you are the eldest. This largest apartment goes to you."

Grandmother slid the first booklet toward Big Ming. He sprang to his feet instantly, bowing from the waist at a full ninety-degree angle.

"Thank you, Grandmother! I will surely be dutiful and filial to you for the rest of my days!"

"Second Strong, this unit has just been newly renovated. Take it so you can use it to get married."

"Thank you, Grandmother! You are practically my own birth mother!"

"Third Stand, this property yields the highest rental income. Since you are doing business, you need the capital."

"Rest assured, Grandmother! Once I make a fortune later on, I'll buy you a golden walking cane!"

"Fourth Tail, you are the youngest. This place is located conveniently close to your workplace."

"Grandmother! I love you to death!"

My four cousins chimed in one after another, sweet-talking Grandmother until her smile stretched from ear to ear, unable to close her mouth. My uncle and aunts wore expressions as bright and blooming as spring flowers. They raised their wine glasses, offering toasts to her one by one.

"Mother, you are truly wise and visionary!"

"This is the proper, time-honored tradition of our Li family!"

"Sons are the true roots of the family; family assets naturally belong to the grandsons!"

Amidst the noisy uproar, Grandmother’s gaze finally drifted over to land upon me.

"Nhiran, my child."

I lifted my gaze to meet hers.

"Grandmother knows you've worked hard these past few years."

"However, a daughter must eventually marry out into another family."

"Once married, she is no better than a bowl of spilled water."

"What would you need a house for anyway?"

"Your male cousins are different; they must carry on the family lineage and ancestral incense."

"When you marry into a good family later on, just tell your husband to buy you one."

As soon as she finished speaking, everyone at the table nodded vigorously.

"Right, right, right. What does a woman need a house for?"

"With Nhiran being so exceptionally capable, is she afraid she won't have a place to live?"

My mother’s head sank even lower, her shoulders trembling faintly. She dared not look at me, nor did she dare to meet Grandmother’s eyes. A calm smile touched my lips. I reached out and picked up a piece of steamed fish resting on the plate before me.

"Grandmother is entirely right."

"This fish is genuinely delicious."

Grandmother nodded with profound satisfaction, clearly deeming me "sensible and understanding."

"That is good. Eat up quickly."

The meal drew to a close amidst the grand fantasies my cousins spun regarding their prospective properties. They debated how to renovate them, how to maximize rental yields. Not a single person cast another glance in my direction. I finished the very last grain of rice in my bowl, set my chopsticks down deliberately, and spoke.

"I have finished eating. There are still some lingering matters at the office, so I shall take my leave first."

"Go ahead, work is important."

Grandmother waved a hand dismissively. My mother opened her mouth as if to say something, her lips twitching, but in the end, no sound emerged. I stepped out of the house and climbed into my private car. Starting the engine, the air conditioning immediately breathed forth a cool, refreshing breeze. I leaned back against the leather seat, closed my eyes, and sat in absolute stillness for three full minutes. Then, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number that was etched deeply into my memory. The call connected smoothly.

"Good evening, Ms. Chu."

"Aunty Wang’s contract is terminated starting today."

"Is this the live-in housekeeper Aunty Wang who looks after old Mrs. Li Xiulan?"

"That's correct."

"The one with the monthly salary of thirty-eight thousand?"

"Yes."

"Understood, Ms. Chu. We will inform her immediately to hand over her duties, and she will depart this evening."

"No handover is necessary."

"Tell her to gather her belongings right now, this instant, and leave immediately."

"She is not to leave a single personal item behind."

"Very well, I understand completely."

I ended the call. Through the car window, I glanced at the brightly lit windows of my uncle's house. Waves of joyous laughter still drifted out from within. I pressed my foot down on the accelerator, and the vehicle smoothly merged into the flowing stream of traffic. Grandmother, you can forget about taking advantage of me ever again. This is merely the beginning.