![\"This](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-132556811,imgsize-1020612,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/photo-zhang-yudong-and-his-son-zhang-zilong.jpg\" "\\"Photo:")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat if your child never knew you were rich? It’s a question most parents will never have to answer. But for Chinese entrepreneur Zhang Yudong, founder of the popular spicy snack brand, the answer was clear. Despite building a multimillion-dollar business, he deliberately kept his wealth hidden from his only son for more than two decades. His reason wasn’t fear of losing the money- it was fear of raising an entitled child.<\/p>\n According to the South China Morning Post, for years, Zhang Zilong lived what he thought was an ordinary life. His father never spoke about being wealthy. Instead, Zilong grew up believing the family’s business had left them burdened with debt. Like many young adults, he worried about finding a stable job and supporting his parents financially.<\/p>\n 3 Jul 2026 | 12:38<\/p>\n Speaking to Chinese media, Zilong recalled, “I did not know my family was wealthy until I graduated from university.”Because he believed his family was in financial trouble, his career goals were modest and practical. \u201cMy dream was to find a steady job that paid about 6,000 yuan (US$800) a month so I could slowly help my family repay their debt,\u201d he said. It wasn’t until after he completed university that his father finally revealed the truth. The family was not struggling at all- they were, in fact, extremely wealthy.<\/p>\n The decision was intentional. Explaining why he hid the family’s fortune, Zhang Yudong said, “I wanted him to be down-to-earth.” His parenting philosophy was shaped by his own upbringing. According to reports, he said, “I am the son of a farmer, and I inherited my father’s teaching of living a simple and frugal life.”Rather than allowing his son to grow up surrounded by luxury, Zhang wanted him to understand the value of effort before privilege. Even after revealing the family’s wealth, he made it clear that simply being his son would not guarantee control of the business. “I would only consider handing the company to him if his performance justifies it,” he said.<\/p>\n Photo: Zhang Zilong <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n For many, learning overnight that they are heirs to a multimillion-dollar fortune might be overwhelming. Zilong’s first reaction, however, was refreshingly candid. “Being rich does make me happy,” he admitted. Today, he has joined the family’s business and works in its e-commerce division. Rather than treating the company as an inheritance, reports say he hopes to help grow the brand further.<\/p>\n Zhang Zilong\u2019s story extends far beyond wealthy families. It has struck a chord among parents. Should parents let children experience financial comfort or should they be deliberately shielded from privilege so they can learn resilience and gratitude? Well certainly, most families won\u2019t have to hide their multi-million assets from their children, but the story offers a deeper meaning. In Zhang Yudong’s case, hiding the family’s fortune wasn’t about deception for its own sake. It was an attempt to ensure his son built ambition before inheritance. Similarly, many parents share the same goal: They want to raise hardworking and resilient children. Zhang Yudong chose an unusual route to teach that lesson. What do you think of his approach? Share your thoughts in the comments section. <\/div>\nHe believed his family was struggling financially<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
How do you teach children about money and financial responsibility?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
“I wanted him to be down-to-earth”<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
How did the son react?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
![\"Photo:](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-132556830\/photo-zhang-zilong.jpg\" "\\"Photo:")
<\/p>\nWhy this story is resonating with parents<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n