For instance, the wealthy would transfer all their assets into trusts, alter shareholder rights, and then, within their companies, draw an annual salary of just one yuan.
This way, even if a wife married him for ten years and then sought a divorce, she would only be entitled to five yuan. If divorced after just one year, it would be a mere fifty jiao.
The rich possess a strong awareness of asset protection, which is why many young women today harbor dreams of marrying into wealthy families. In reality, success is difficult to achieve.
Even if successful, the partner would be extremely guarded and wary, allowing you no opportunity to gain any significant advantage.
Instead, you might find yourself becoming a free nanny and a breeding machine for others, only to be kicked out of the mansion without a penny to your name.
However, regarding property, it was Mi Guo's own affair. Since he was willing to transfer all his assets to Du Lan Xing's name, it was Mi Guo's own choice, and Gu Qing Cheng naturally would not dissuade him.
Seeing Mi Guo's firm reply, Gu Qing Cheng could only say, "Then work hard, continue to strive, and I hope you marry a beautiful wife soon."
Du Lan Xing was unaware that she was about to become the owner of a large fortune.
Over the past few years, Mi Guo had followed Gu Qing Cheng across various endeavors. Gu Qing Cheng had not treated him unfairly, transferring significant shares to him, as well as some shops and gold and silver jewelry. In essence, Mi Guo was already wealthier than most people.
A couple of days later, Mi Guo took the signed agreement to Du Lao Da.
Du Lao Da took the agreement and, seeing the clearly itemized list of assets, noted that both the private and official seals were perfectly affixed.
He was taken aback, his gaze shifting to one of admiration. He said,
"I thought you would wait until things cooled down, perhaps come to me and say it was just an impulsive moment and you didn't want to transfer the assets to Lan Xing's name.
Even if you had done that, I would have understood, as no one's money comes from a gust of wind.
I didn't expect you to actually keep your promise. Since your mind is made up, as long as Lan Xing is willing, I won't object to your union."
Mi Guo hadn't expected the matter to be resolved so easily. He was overjoyed. After thanking Du Lao Da, he scurried away to share the good news with Du Lan Xing.
Du Lan Xing's jewelry shop, Lan Xing Jewelry, was experiencing booming business. The shop was bustling with customers, with crowds gathered in front of every jewelry counter.
Du Lan Xing was deeply engrossed in her business. With insufficient staff at such times, she personally stepped in to assist with explanations.
When the beautiful, lively, and knowledgeable proprietress explained things, a throng of affluent wives and young ladies would always surround her.
Du Lao Da had initially thought that Lan Xing opening this shop was merely a way to pass the time. He hadn't expected his daughter to have ambitions of opening a chain of stores.
Years later, Du Lan Xing indeed transformed Lan Xing Jewelry into a brand chain, opening stores across all the islands.
Naturally, many of these chain stores were franchises. She seized the opportunity to earn a substantial amount from franchise fees and consistently profited from supplying goods to the franchise stores.
This business model was also orchestrated by Gu Qing Cheng and proved to be highly successful.
Therefore, forging a connection with Gu Qing Cheng was a great stroke of luck for the Du sisters.
When it came to business, Gu Qing Cheng truly excelled. A single suggestion from her could elevate their business significantly, leading to immense profits.
Mi Guo watched Lan Xing handle everything with ease from outside the crowd, a sense of immense pride filling his heart.
Such an outstanding woman would be his future wife!
The thought made Mi Guo's triumphant emotions surge.
At that moment, Du Lan Xing spotted Mi Guo. She quickly concluded her demonstration to several customers and walked over with a smile, asking Mi Guo, "What's up? Not busy today? You have time to see me in broad daylight? Be careful, your sister might come looking for you."
Du Lan Xing knew Mi Guo feared Gu Qing Cheng the most, so she teased him.
"Haha, if she knew I was coming to see you, she'd open the gates for me," Mi Guo said with a grin. "My sister is fully supporting my pursuit of you. She's granted me a month's leave. I'm still on vacation, why would I be working?"
Du Lan Xing's face suddenly flushed upon hearing Mi Guo's words. She chided, "There are so many people here, keep your voice down!"
"Hehe, what's there to whisper about? You'll be mine soon anyway. Uncle Du has already agreed to our courtship."
Mi Guo suddenly dropped the good news.
"Really?"
Du Lan Xing's eyes gleamed, but she still found it hard to believe.
She knew the real obstacles. Her father would surely worry about her being older than Mi Guo and strongly object.
"Of course, it's true. Why would I lie to you? I haven't..." Mi Guo said proudly.
"Then tell me, how did my father agree?"
Du Lan Xing asked, puzzled.
Mi Guo then recounted the story of the asset transfer. Du Lan Xing listened, dumbfounded, and then awkwardly said, "What is this? My father actually put a price tag on me?"
Seeing Lan Xing's awkward expression, Mi Guo quickly consoled her, "You are a priceless treasure. Who would dare put a price on you? Uncle Du is doing this for your own good. From now on, my money will be your money, and your money won't be my money. If I ever treat you badly, you can kick me out of the house, and I'll be penniless. Wouldn't that make you happy?"
Du Lan Xing didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but her heart was warmed.
She truly hadn't expected Mi Guo to actually transfer his assets to her for their future.
She had always believed that no man in this world could wholeheartedly invest in a woman.
Men faced too many temptations, especially wealthy and powerful ones. She never imagined her father would use such a trick, nor that Mi Guo would actually play along.
Du Lan Xing couldn't deny feeling touched.
While they were talking, Mi Guo handed the agreement to Du Lan Xing.
Du Lan Xing read the long list of assets and exclaimed in surprise, "Mi Guo, you're actually this wealthy?"
The Mi Guo before her, dressed in comfortable cotton trousers that could be bought for twenty wen a pair, and a cotton shirt that cost less than two hundred wen, looked so ordinary. Who would have imagined he was as rich as a nation?
Du Lan Xing truly couldn't fathom it, as she had always assumed Gu Qing Cheng controlled the finances of the Gu family.
Especially after getting to know Mi Guo and learning he was adopted, she thought he would only be slightly better off than average.
Mi Guo was a child saved by the Gu family. In the general perception, Mi Guo should only be grateful, not expect any rewards.
She hadn't expected the Gu family to be so generous, and that Mi Guo would be so wealthy.
He had shares in all the projects Gu Qing Cheng was involved in. The annual dividends and commercial rents alone were enough to allow him to live more comfortably than an emperor without lifting a finger.
All this money was now hers?
Du Lan Xing's hands trembled slightly as she held the agreement.
"It's nothing. I'll be even richer in the future," Mi Guo said nonchalantly.
Money, to him, was just a number, a source of security, and nothing more.