It Started With The Hickeys

The Tong Family, as one of the three major families in Cloud City, naturally drew a crowd of the elite for Grandpa Tongs funeral. It was a gathering of the citys most influential figures.

Amidst the noise of the event, a girl dressed in a simple white T-shirt caught everyones attention. Among the wealthy and noble attendees, her attire stood out—cheap and even with holes, it clashed with the luxury that permeated the venue.

Curiosity piqued, a guest couldnt help but ask, "Who is she, sitting with the Tong family?"

"Word is, shes the second Miss Tong, who was exiled and only recently called back by Grandpa Tong on his deathbed," came the whisper.

"I heard hes going to announce his will publicly. She must have returned for that!"

...

The girl, unaware of the murmurs, kept her gaze steady and her expression indifferent, belying her young age with a coldness that was unusual.

Her focus was fixed on the central portrait of Grandpa Tong, and no one could fathom her thoughts.

Ran Tong, the favored younger daughter of the Tong family, couldnt help but complain to her mother about Tonys demeanor. "Mom, why isnt this country girl even pretending to cry for Grandpa? People will talk if the media catches her like this. And she refuses to change her clothes; it looks like were mistreating her!"

Mrs. Ye, upon hearing her daughters complaints, frowned in agreement. She had no affection for Tony, the daughter from the countryside, and her return had already caused her distress.

For now, she planned to send Tony back to the countryside after the funeral to avoid further embarrassment to the Tong family.

Seeing her husband arrive, Mrs. Ye whispered to her daughter, "Ran, be patient. Your father is here; we must prioritize the important matters at hand."

Ran could only swallow her discontent, unable to show her dissatisfaction in public.

Unnoticed, Tonys lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. Her extraordinary hearing had picked up every word, and she understood her mothers true feelings towards her.

Was pain always expressed through tears?

—

Kevin Tong slowly ascended the stage, delivering a long speech that praised Grandpa Tongs greatness before announcing the reading of the will.

Many in attendance were already aware of this, so there were no surprises.

With only one son and one daughter, it was clear who would inherit the Tong familys wealth. However, the reason for this public display was puzzling.

The lawyer, trusted by Grandpa Tong, unsealed the will and began to read it aloud.

"I, Tong Changming, after careful consideration, have decided to bequeath all shares of Tong Enterprises, all real estate, and a cash deposit of 500 million Huaxia currency in the Swiss bank to my granddaughter, Tony Tong..."

A gasp echoed through the venue as the news settled.

Not only the Tong family but all the guests were stunned.

Tony Tong?

Wasnt she the so-called disaster, the second Miss Tong, who had been exiled by Grandpa Tong since childhood?

How could this be?

The Tong familys fortune was to be inherited by her, leaving everyone with their mouths agape in shock.

Only Tony Tong remained unfazed, as if nothing had happened.

Her gaze still fixed on the central portrait of Grandpa Tong, she whispered almost inaudibly, "Old man, what are you up to?"