Chinese millionaire kept his wealth secret from his son for 20 years. The intriguing tale of Zhang Zilong’s revelation about his family’s substantial riches has become a sensation across mainland China‘s social media landscape.
According to the South China Morning Post, Zhang Zilong is the son of Zhang Yudong, founder and president of the Hunan spicy gluten latiao brand Mala Prince, which produces 600 million yuan (Rs 6,92,66,54,358) worth of goods a year.
Chinese millionaire kept his wealth secret from son for 20 years
The Secrecy Unraveled
Zhang Zilong’s journey begins shrouded in secrecy, as his father, Zhang Yudong, opts to conceal the family’s staggering wealth from his son until he completes his university education.
Zhang Zilong told Jiupai News that his father lied to him about his real financial status for the first 20 years of his life, so he would work hard to achieve success.
Despite growing up familiar with his father’s renowned brand, Zhang Zilong is led to believe a different narrative—that of familial financial struggle and indebtedness purportedly to sustain the company.
Life in the Shadows
Raised in modest surroundings within Pingjiang county, Zhang Zilong navigates his academic pursuits without relying on familial connections.
His aspirations post-graduation are modest, aiming for a job with a monthly income of 6,000 yuan (US$800) to assist in alleviating the purported family debt burden.
The Unveiling
The pivotal moment arrives during Zhang Zilong’s graduation ceremony, where his father finally unveils the truth, disclosing the family’s affluent status and relocating them to a lavish villa valued at 10 million yuan (US$1.4 million).
Embracing the Legacy
Following the revelation, Zhang Zilong embarks on a new chapter, joining his father’s company and contributing to its growth trajectory.
With aspirations to propel the brand into international markets, he assumes a role in the e-commerce division, eager to leverage his skills to drive success.
The Road Ahead
Despite newfound awareness of his family’s wealth, Zhang Zilong’s aspirations extend beyond entitlement.
His father, Zhang Yudong, stipulates that any potential inheritance of the company is contingent upon Zhang Zilong’s performance and merits.
Public Reaction and Speculation
The Zhang Zilong saga sparks a flurry of discussions on Chinese social media platforms, with opinions divided between skepticism and admiration.
Some speculate that the timing of increased company advertising aligns with Zhang Zilong’s graduation, signaling an end to familial secrecy.
One user wrote, ”What a fairy tale. The ordinary frog turns into the Mala prince.”
Another said, ”I believe the story. The brand only started advertising itself in recent years. It must be because the prince graduated and there was no need to hide any more.”
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The remarkable narrative of Zhang Zilong’s journey from obscurity to heir of a lucrative business empire resonates deeply with audiences, encapsulating themes of perseverance, family legacy, and the transformative power of truth.
As the Zhang Zilong saga continues to unfold, it stands as a testament to the complexities and intrigues of modern-day China.
