Old Master Huo's illness worsened, and everyone was paying close attention to the Huo family's every move, wondering whether the banquet would still be held as scheduled.
Until the day before the banquet, there was no news of cancellation, so everyone suppressed their various thoughts and came with joy and honor.
Everyone in the Huo family was present, including the old man. What made the Huo family uneasy and surprised outsiders was that the Huo family's illegitimate son, who had recently been making a name for himself, was also there.
As the guests arrived, Huo the eldest son, on behalf of the old man, welcomed the guests. Then, Butler Su pushed the old man to the podium.
The Huo family's children and grandchildren stood calmly with smiles on their faces, but their hearts were pounding with anxiety, because they didn't know who the old man would choose as his successor.
The Huo family did a good job of keeping it a secret. All the invited guests thought that Huo Ting was still the main character today, and they were ready with a lot of praise and their hands were ready to give thunderous applause at any time.
Old Master Huo's illness worsened, and he could no longer maintain an upright sitting posture. He slumped in his wheelchair, his head tilted and mouth drooping, as if he had suffered a stroke.
He clasped his hands together, trying to hold the sandalwood box in his arms. The small box attracted everyone's attention.
The butler adjusted the microphone to the appropriate position, and the old man's frail and weak voice immediately filled the entire space.
Perhaps because speaking was difficult, he gave a brief introduction before getting to the point.
"...From this day forward, Huo Guihai will become the heir of the Huo family. After my passing, he will inherit the position of family head and shoulder the heavy responsibility of the Huo family's prosperity..."
Before he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted in the banquet hall. Everyone applauded enthusiastically, as if their own family had a worthy successor, and their joy was genuine.
After some people realized what was happening, they whispered to the people next to them. The people clapping also realized something was wrong and gradually stopped clapping, soon their clapping could not be drowned out by the whispers.
Then, all the sounds disappeared, leaving only the heavy, heart-wrenching breathing of Old Master Huo that echoed through the speakers.
Who is Huo Guihai?
They knew the Huo family had an illegitimate son, but they hadn't paid attention to it, and many didn't even know his name.
The Huo family had never given up on Huo Ting in the previous four years, so there was no reason for them to let an illegitimate son overshadow him now. This was everyone's thought before this moment.
Among the Huo family members, the young man standing in the far corner stepped onto the stage with a calm expression. He bent down to hug the old man, took the microphone, and was about to speak when Huo Laoyao jumped up angrily and knocked the microphone out of his hand in a few steps.
He pointed at Yu Guihai and roared at the old man, "Dad, what are you talking about? How can you let an illegitimate child step on our heads? Are you senile?"
The housekeeper angrily shouted "Insolence!" Wen Nian, who had just realized what was happening, stepped forward and slapped her son.
She rushed up there in such a hurry that her mind was still a blur between confusion and clarity. She twisted her ankle while wearing high heels, but she endured the excruciating pain and bowed her head to apologize to her husband, who was half-buried in the ground: "Jianye, Xiaowu has always been a straightforward person. He just couldn't accept it for a moment. Don't be angry."
Grandpa Huo was panting heavily, but he had probably expected this scene, so he didn't get angry. He just glared at his youngest son and said to his wife, "If you can't manage it, then let someone else manage it for you."
Wen Nian's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly pulled her son down to admit her mistake.
Huo Lao Er was also dissatisfied and said, "Dad, Yu Guihai, he..."
"Second Master, it's Huo Guihai."
Huo Lao Er's facial muscles twitched, and he gritted his teeth, saying, "He's just a lowly illegitimate son who hasn't received any elite education. He's just a lowly policeman. I suggest you think carefully. If we make him our heir, how will we face the world?"
Fourth son: "Dad, haven't you seen how hard we've worked all these years? Just because we made a small mistake before, are you going to abandon us? How long has he been in the Huo family? Do you even know what kind of person he is? Did he threaten you? Dad, we are your own sons whom you watched grow up. Do you really not want us anymore?"
The third son said, "Dad, Yu Guihai is just like Mom. They haven't had any contact with the Huo family for so many years, but now they're suddenly becoming very active. Aren't you afraid he has some kind of conspiracy? You're still handing the Huo family over to him. If he gets power, what will become of us legitimate Huo family members? Will we even have a chance to survive? Don't forget, his mother..."
Butler Su said loudly, "This is the result of the master's careful consideration. Do not be presumptuous."
The third son shouted back even louder: "Dad, you know we can't let him know about that. If he takes over, do you think we can keep it a secret? You're trying to force us to our deaths!"
Yu Guihai had already picked up the microphone. He coughed lightly to attract attention, then smiled and said, "If Uncle is referring to my sister's matter, I already know."
Huo Laosan was taken aback.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Yu Guihai gritted his teeth, trying his best to control himself and not reveal any flaws.
He looked around, his mouth still carrying the taste of rust, but his face was all smiles. He said casually, "Grandpa has already told me. A person's life can be as heavy as Mount Tai or as light as a feather. Beihe is just an ordinary child, but she was able to save her mother. It is her honor."
Everyone who knew the truth looked at him, only to see that his gaze was clear and sincere, as if this were truly his innermost thoughts.
"I, Huo Guihai, am able to stand here today thanks to my father's recognition. I know that I am not worthy of entering the Huo family with my status, so for many years I have never dared to hope to recognize my father or have any connection with the Huo family. But my father saw me, found me, and told me that I am also his son, an excellent son whom he admires," he said, his eyes welling up with tears, as if he were very excited, "Thank you, Father, for giving me this fulfillment."
He squatted down next to the old man, took his hand, and continued with deep emotion, "I also want to thank Grandpa for his trust and guidance. I know I still have shortcomings, but I will not let Grandpa down."
Grandpa Huo seemed deeply moved as well, straining his eyes to look at him, giving him a light squeeze, and saying with effort, "Remember what you said."
Yu Guihai covered the microphone and moved it away, bowed respectfully, and said in a low voice, "I will remember this. If I break this oath, may I die a horrible death."
Old Master Huo was satisfied.
"If anyone is still dissatisfied and wants to continue causing trouble and making a fool of themselves, then get out of the Huo family."
No matter how unwilling the Huo family descendants were, they dared not continue to provoke his remaining power.
The old man called out "Old Su" and turned his gaze to the box in his hands.
"Old Su, give this to him."
Butler Su picked up the box with both hands and handed it to the young man.
"Smack—"
It was the sound of the Huo family's hearts breaking.
Old Master Huo spoke into the microphone with great effort: "Phew—From today onwards, you, Huo Guihai, will be the next head of the family. After I pass away, you will inherit all the businesses I leave behind. Remember to respect your elders and be kind to your brothers."
He took a breath and continued, "But if they are unjust, you can also be unkind."
"Smack—"
This is the sound of the Huo family being slapped in the face.
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