Chapter 38: 38.
The people who came across Chen Kai's mind for less than five seconds were his caretaker family. He had no harsh resentment toward the family, only indifference after he settled down.
The man they raised let go of his grudges towards them and left this star for a new life. The treatment they gave him is surely frowned upon but it's all in the past.
From Chen Kai's perspective and thought process, they are minor background people who have no impact on his life. When he returns to Zhejiang, he will visit their home and repay them for the expenses of caring for him. He's not in their household and has no access to his funds. He also has no obligations to care for them, they can't claim family piety and stand on moral kidnapping.
'It will be best to simply mail a cheque to them,' he said to himself, 'Maybe I should show my face one last time. Give them some sort of respect.'
"Young Master, it will be here in three minutes and counting."
Xiao Wei's reminder came in timely.
They finished their pressing errands in the administration building and made a turn at the closest bank branch to pick up Chen Kai's request. The driver and bodyguard assigned to him moved to a new ride, a customized Mercedes G-wagon, allowing Xiao Wei to be his present driver.
"Good."
The Lamborghini Urus S followed the Mercedes ahead of it, swerving around the cars on the three-lane streets. Their momentum gained a lot of eyes and the drivers of the other cars eased away from the two-car convoy.
How not to? Those two luxury cars cost over a million or more put together, if damaged the repair costs will give anyone a headache.
When the convoy crossed an intersection, a loud rumble sounded through the streets, the eye-catching burnt orange and fierce lines of the supercar made the drivers hug the curb. The engine sound caused the onlooking car lovers to cry out, their chests trembled when the Lamborghini Revuelto came into view.
A loved hybrid car for divers who love both speed and technology. The car flashed by and caught up to the convoy that was coming to a stop beside a business street.
The G Wagon and Urus S stopped smoothly, surprising the pedestrians with the unexpected appearance. The occupants of the G-Wagon stepped out the moment the Revuelto halted beside them.
Chen Kai and Chen Yan left the Urus S under the alert eyes of the guards. The driver of the Revuelto opened both doors, giving the outsiders a quick view of the inside of the car.
"Quick! Take a picture!" A few young guys aimed their phones at the lineup then at the spectacle they caused on the street. Many phones were focused on the trade-off, especially to the young man making his way to the driver's side.
"God truly isn't fair. Handsome and rich. Why not just give him our girlfriends?" A guy muttered to his friend beside him when he noticed his girlfriend becoming starry-eyed over the rich young master.
"Does it look like he needs our help?" his friend retorted.
The few females on the street unexpectedly gain the confidence to approach the men. The guards cut them off and helped their Young Masters into the car.
A live streamer was within the few and captured the grand move earning a lot of comments and additional views. "Hey! Handsome! Over here! Can I interview you for my segment?" she shouted pushing at the guard. She aimed her phone at Chen Kai, who was now seated in the Revuelto, adjusting the seat and driving mode to his styling.
Chen Yan was seated calmly watching everything his brother did after buckling in. His door was already closed leaving his guard to stop the girls from coming closer.
"Miss, please don't
The comment section in the live streamer's broadcast was taken over by females.
- My mother's and sister's hearts are fighting each other. Who's family sons are these? Let me pay my bride price.
-Are good genes only selected for the rich? Look at this little brother on the other side. His older brother is even top tier. Life!
- Anchor, get more shots of inside before he drives off.
-Yes. This is better than online shots.
- It really is a combination of the Hurucan and Urus. Ah! The orange is so fine! No one will dare to say it's flashy, it fits this model so perfectly.
-NO! He's going.
The guard gently pushed the anchor away when Chen Kai spoke. He turned his head to look at his master. "Two will suffice. Xiao Wei will return to his schedule."
"Yes, Young Master," The guard answered solemnly and closed the car door.
Chen Kai gave the anchor a lazy gaze before cutting off her view.
Her broadcast room erupted once more.
- One second. I'm trying to close my legs.
-Let me clean the screen from my licking.
- My body suddenly became weak. How dangerous are those eyes?
-Anchor, are you alive?
- That is a move of someone who knows how damn tempting he is.
- Why can't I have these encounters? Anchor is so fucking lucky.
- Do you know the guys your mother warns you about, he's one of them.
The camera followed the Revuelto smoothly merging back into the traffic and disappearing from their sight. The girl came back to her senses when the guard left her presence and moved to the Urus S. She rushed after him to learn the name of the 'young master' but was once again tongue-tied when Xiao Wei left the driver's seat.
- Holy shit! Anchor, which temple do you pray to?
-So this is the quality of personal drivers for the rich?
- He looks like an ancient noble adjusting to the modern world. Most guys don't wear their hair so long these days.
- The question is - Are those guys handsome enough to do so?
-He's fucking fairy from a wuxia novel. Look at that clear face, sharp eyebrows, and cold look. Give him a white robe and a master's sword and he's our fantasy hero.
"Uh.. ummm..." The failed speech came from the anchor gaining much laughter and sympathy from her viewers. If the guy in the Revuelto is a Male God with his expressive eyes and unpredictable aura then this man is the iconic Male Beauty. His face carried a beauty rarely seen with sharp eyebrows to add to his masculinity.
The shoulder-length hair was compatible with his mixed features, giving him the image of a noble hero. That's how the anchor saw him in her eyes.
Xiao Wei saw the woman but ignored her.
"Assistant Xiao allow me," the guard called out.
Adjusting his suit, Xiao Wei slipped into the backseat and returned to the emails he had been tackling since morning.
The guard politely asked the bystanders to move away before getting into the car. The crowd watched on as the two cars smoothly moved away.
-An assistant! He's an assistant! Wait, my brain is switching modes.
- Are you thinking of a title? Heheheh, The Playboy CEO and his Pet. Yo, I'm a genius.
- I want to know if they're hiring for the position of beds.
- Ayeeeee!!!! A like-minded friend upstairs.
- Ummmm.... are we breezing past how cute the guards are and how official they are in their suits?
- Crap.... (opens new Word Document) I will have new works soon.
- A hero is among us.
~~~~
"When can I drive this?"
Chen Yan's question made him smile. Chen Kai's playful side was out since he settled into the car. He has been testing the short bursts of speed, the harsh braking, and how smoothly he can swerve between cars.
"Grow a bit taller to sit as tall as me, then you can drive," Chen Kai teased.
"Tch! Speak better." How can Chen Yan not know his brother was messing with him? This was a typical scenario for them. Away from elders and officials, they were bickering brothers.
"Don't be impatient. Once you resume your training your growth will spiral."
"The same plan? This body feels incompatible with the techniques you taught me."
"I have a few that are suited for the present you and the low spiritual energy on this star. What we will do is use cultivation to keep our health at a good level; martial arts training will be for self-defense. It won't be harsh," Chen Kai reassured him.
"That will be a huge change," Chen Yan said in a thoughtful tone as he looked ahead. He liked the rush of speeding towards their destination with wild abandon. It's a pity they had less moving space.
"You're twelve once again, little brother. A chance to be a kid even if you have the mentality of a nineteen-year-old. I want you to enjoy yourself."
"I know. I know." Chen Yan gave him an exasperated look and changed the subject to the places he happened to glimpse as they drove by.
The brothers arrived at Yenning Plaza that's dedicated to the high life. Each boutique is considered a domestic and international luxury brand. The eateries are the same, you can order a Chinese dish at one cafe and step to the next to get a French snack.
The security is tight and the environment was designed to be an oasis amid the high-rise buildings. Chen Kai chose this plaza because of how close it is to home and a Givenchy boutique is located there.
Driving in, the patrolling security guard motioned at him to stop for a moment. Rolling down his window, Chen Kai gave the man a questioning look.
The middle-aged man knew he had to be polite to each guest, you may never know their backgrounds. Even if they come driving a 50,000 Yuan car, you have to be respectful to them.
"Good day, sir. The open car park is full. There are a few spots in the underground parking lot," the man said with a business smile.
"There's no problem with that."
The security guard gave him directions to the entrance and mentioned the parking procedures.
When he drove in, the attention he gained this time fluctuated between admiration and envy. The patrons at Yenning Plaza were all vaccinated by million-dollar cars from a young age and will consider the Lamborghini Revuelto as an option and not a desire.
This was the gap between the rich and the wealthy.
Stopping by the entrance, the security guard at the toll booth logged in his vehicle and issued a ticket as proof of his visit. A copy was for the car for easy identification when patrolling guards pass by.
Finding his assigned spot was easy. Chen Yan queried about the luxury cars they passed and the cost. The kid was like any other male when it comes to cars.
The two took a short ride in the elevator to the second floor and were shown that the main attraction of Yenning Plaza wasn't the luxury store but the impeccable majestic landscape they created.
The doors opened to beige-colored marble floors and gold-framed glass railings with a wide view of the entire plaza. Three buildings entertained the stores, in respect the buildings were conveniently called, Left Wing, Right Wing, and Center Wing.
Chen Kai and Chen Yan were in the Center Wing and it blessed them with the layout of the view ahead of them. Similar to the leisurely shoppers on this floor, the two took to the rails and silently gazed at the beauty of the concrete and nature combination.
The ground floor housed the cafes, each store owner was given a designated space outdoors for open-air dining. They were tastefully sectioned by waist-high wooden partitions that tied into the miniature bamboo garden at the center of the three buildings. In the garden was a water-designed rockery surrounded by a few green plants and stone statues.
It looked very peaceful.
Following their line of sight upward, the wide expanse of a well-maintained lawn was seen but a traditional Chinese Pavillion was placed symmetrically with the Center Wing. The evening sun was still bright and shone on every reflective area creating a warm picturesque beauty.
Beautiful is what came to mind.
"It's carefully positioned," Chen Yan commented for only his brother to hear.
"A master helped and from the vitality and prosperity here, it means he's genuine in his art." The reply was equally low. The topic of Feng Shui has been watered down to superstition and talking openly may be bring ridicule or misunderstanding. He was mildly surprised by Chen Yan's deduction on the current state of society. A high sense of pride bloomed in his chest as an older brother.
His XiaoYan was smart.
"Young Masters, we're here."
The two unified voices caught little attention. The brothers turned to see the two guards who managed to catch up to them.
"Very well. We won't stay here long. I lost too much energy today," Chen Kai said, grumbling.
The guards were briefed on the elder young master's unpredictable behavior. They took all of his comments seriously, who knows what he will do.
Chen Yan didn't pay much attention to Chen Kai. He knows in a few minutes or an hour the guy will be the most energetic.
"Let's go."
The group of four walked along the path and did a bit of sightseeing. The boutiques had generous space on their layout. Each store was designed for either the company's brand or an interchangeable personalization. Whether it was domestic or international, mid-tier or high-end luxury, they were unique and eye-catching.
Chen Yan was caught in the pit immediately. He left Chen Kai's side and slipped into a store called ShaoMin. From the outside, Chen Kai got a glimpse of accessories of unconventional designs mixed with traditional. He didn't follow but gave the guards the bank card he prepared for him and had them follow him.
"004089. When he's ready meet me at Givenchy, and ask for Manager Guo."
The two went to Chen Yan's side silently, startling the shopping guide who fell into full big sister mode when Chen Yan approached her about a piece of jewelry. Who can deny a cute little brother?
"I have to prepare myself mentally when he goes to school."
~~~
With everything completed and Xiao Wei watching over the company, Chen Kai's mind was at ease. The original plan was to simply manage the rewards he got from the system but he was reminded of how an ant can be crushed by an elephant with one step.
It's best to add to his little squadron, right? His purpose of being low-key can still be achieved but can accumulate prestige with the same mindset.
A million ants can overthrow an elephant.
'Let's do it. Recreate my achievements on this star,' he said inwardly.
The system heard this and opted to stay quiet. It wasn't authorized to reveal its host retirement plan nor was it authorized to help its host.
If Chen Kai was privy to the administrator's plan for him, he would find major similarities to his newly thought decision.
Feeling relaxed, his mind turned to a certain young lady. His new relationship with Su Lian was over a day old but it felt longer. It's possible that the lingering feelings of the old soul and his present feelings for her made the affection for her stronger. She's great in all the aspects he cherishes in a woman to be his partner and it seems like it's the same on her side.
"A wife," he whispered. Su Lian feels more like a wife than a first-time girlfriend.
Glancing at the store ahead and the two before it, he slipped into the nearest one when he read the name. When he crossed the threshold, his phone rang. A shopping guide spotted him at the same time and approached him smoothly.
Chen Kai answered the call with a gentle smile, not noticing the shopping guide getting closer to him and the eyes he attracted when he entered.
No matter where you go, the public will judge you by your way of dress.
The three-piece suit on Chen Kai's body was of great quality at a glance. Those with a love and sense for fashion pinpointed the tailor of the suit and spotted the Patek Phillipe watch on his wrist.
Top-tier target.
The shopping guide was about to place a hint of coquettishness in her greeting but stopped when she heard Chen Kai's greeting words for the call.
"Wife!"
Su Lian began to violently cough when she heard Chen Kai's greeting on the other end of the call. Her face was red from the violent cough and the effect the word had on her.
"Kai. It's too sudden," she yelled.
Chen Kai didn't care where he was, he laughed heartily at her cuteness then sobered himself. He motioned an apology to the other guests and motioned the patient shopping guide to follow him.
"Think about it. It's been four years, Lian. Don't you think its appropriate? Yesterday was a confirmation. What do you say?" he said softly.
Su Lian on the other side was smiling shyly when she listened to his concise explanation. They have been dancing around each other since freshman year. Her attention on him caused friction between him and other male admirers. To take the attention of him, he went into a relationship with Zhang Rui. That annoyed her but he's her man now.
She had no attraction for anyone else. Only Chen Kai.
"Okay, husband~"
Her laugh at the end made his heart thump a bit harder. "Now that's established. I won't accept any other name."
"Oooo~ So domineering. Is this the makings of my very own domineering president? If so, I wish to add a few more names. Am I allowed?" she teased.
"You may but approval depends on me," he quipped. Walking to the fine jewelry counter of Cartier, he looked for the bracelet he wished to mark his relationship. He pointed to the 'Four Diamond, Yellow-Gold - LOVE Bracelet' and the matching 18K Yellow Gold necklace while trading teasing comments with Su Lian.
The shopping guide inwardly jumped in excitement. Her commission will be grand at the end of the month. The bracelet and necklace in total is 114000 Yuan. She rushed to the other side of the counter under the envious eyes of her colleagues and retrieved the items for Chen Kai.
"How was the move? Was it smooth?" he asked. Motioning for a notepad, he wrote down his needs for the shopping guide and she in return wrote her questions. He gave her an apologetic look and pointed to the phone and then the jewelry.
Force fed.
She was unintentionally force-fed dog food by this man.
"The moving van and the porters at the apartment were a huge help. The furniture Da Mei ordered came before noon so now we are decorating our rooms. The stuff we brought filled up the spaces greatly. It feels so cozy."
"What about linens? Curtains, bathmats, and all of that stuff. You didn't buy much yesterday."
Su Lian chuckled at the thought of her boyfriend worrying like an overprotective mother. The women around him in the store were also amused by his question.
"It's enough, husband~ These things are seasonal, remember that." Su Lian coaxed him gently with a wide grin on her face.
"Say it again."
His voice was low and it tickled her ears over the phone. She had to release the breath she took when he spoke.
"Husband`" she replied softly.
"Perfect."
"Mmm~ You tease. Aren't you in public?"
"Yup, that won't stop me though. I'm at Yenning Plaza. Xiao Yan is doing a bit of shopping before we go home and I wanted to check in at Givenchy." He spoke freely with her, there was no reason to hide. She's the woman whom he trusts.
"So everything went smoothly with his custody papers? How is he doing?" The worried tone in her voice couldn't be missed.
"He's fine. The doctor said there was no damage to his brain and to help him add some weight to his body. His height doesn't match his body mass. The chef has been notified and he and a nutritionist have been talking. The old guy is happy to cook for one more person."
"Hey, Director Chen," she called out after digesting the news.
"Yes, Miss Su."
"You sound happier."
At her statement, his hand froze midair upon retrieving his card after paying for the items. That moment was a shock to his mind. It also brewed an emotional feeling when he picked apart her words.
Clearing his throat, he silently motioned for the items to be delivered to Givenchy when completed with the special requests and left the store before speaking.
He uttered three words softly over the phone.
"I am happy."