The Tycoon Inheritance

On the other side of the hall, surrounded by guests who can be considered top bosses in Nanjing, Chen Kai was slowly learning about this star's China.

His initial insight was from the reclusive college student and not someone baptized by society.

By listening to these business veterans and matching it to his experience the past week or so, China is still the country with the highest consumption rate. Luxury goods including cars are in high demand.

Real estate was second whether it was land or an eye-catching building.

Technology was sufficient and can be said to reach the world stage but the popularity can be said to be stuck in the East. To reach the West, they will have to play second fiddle. The pride of the red was high when it came to these negotiations but it was advantageous. One can develop further, with the right people and reliable investors the East will be the leaders.

If this can happen, China can take the same path as his original home and become the dominant force in robotics, gaming, and other branches of the technological path. This can be achieved with high freedom in research and open channels.

Thinking about this, he was firm on his choice of not injecting funds to speed up this path.

Too troublesome and has many leeches.

Asking about each industry he wanted to enter and giving his own opinions without shooting himself in the foot, Chen Kai gained the recognition of these old guys.

Being a young man talking to these bigshots comfortably, the younger generation present deducted his identity. Some weren't confident enough to approach that circle of elites, others decided to look from afar and gather information while few were brave enough to break through this wall.

Four approached them but no one gave them any attention. When they arrived, Chen Kai was listening to a potential client's sales pitch.

Filling up his contact book was secondary, his primary duty at this auction was to screen new clients for the Nanhe Emperor Plaza that would be soon completed.

Movers and shakers in Jiangsu wish to have a spot in this new commercial 'community' and being in the Vice President's good book is one of the ways.

Since leaving XXX University and acquiring the shares from Nanhe Emperor Mall, he has been handling the job of Vice President behind the scenes. The general manager has been his liaison while the Chairman did the heavy lifting after getting the billion-dollar injection.

Come Monday, he will follow millions of fresh graduates and enter the workforce, the difference is, that his starting point is at the top of the food chain.

Easy dealings for him.

"Can you tell us how you earned your billions to get this far?"

A frown formed on Chen Kai's face. The annoyance was seen on his face by the older gentleman before him; the man had an identical frown on his face. Both he and Chen Kai turned to the rude interloper. Those who were listening intently did the same.

Someone is rather blunt.

The .... person who spoke had no trace of remorse or embarrassment on their face when numerous eyes were set on their body. Head held high, eyes filled with arrogance they silently waited for Chen Kai to answer. Their posture mimicked a haughty queen asking her servants a question that they must answer.

The man of the hour didn't do such a thing. The look the person received was confusion mixed with ignorance. Chen Kai returned to his conversation with a world of questions in his head.

That ... person caught him off guard, not because of their rude behavior but their look. He didn't know how to address the person. They were dressed in slim-fit business suit, neatly styled short hair, and had androgynous features. From his quick perusal for any signs saying they were female sunk.

There were no assets - neither front nor back. His conjuncture isn't complete.

What should he call them?

Is it a man transitioning to a woman? Or. Is it a woman transitioning to a man?

One has to be cautious.

If he addresses them by the wrong pronoun won't that cause a lot of noise? He had no energy for that.

"Isn't it rude to ignore someone who's asking you a question?" The person posed another question with a loftier tone. The companions who accompanied them didn't speak. They didn't have a strong mentality to withstand the pressure the older gentlemen were putting on them. Easily they took a step away from the arrogant friend.

A heavy sigh was heard.

This came from Chen Kai. He turned to speak to this.... person but someone beat him to it.

"It's also rude to interrupt someone's conversation. I believe this was taught in kindergarten. Do you need a refresher?"

"It is also impolite to ask about one's resources. Have you not learned this etiquette?" Chen Kai added this statement in an emotionless tone. His entire look and words showed how uninterested he was with the happenings around him. His dark eyes landed on the person, sending a trace of unease in their body.

"I attended the most elite schools how can I not learn? You're just refusing to answer a simple question and being unaccommodating..." the person began, shaking off the discomfort they got from Chen Kai.

"Then go back and learn better. Maybe get a handle on your thinking," Chen Kai advised, cutting through the upcoming irritating arrogance-filled speech.

He excused himself, gesturing to Xiao Wei to receive their business cards then left to find XiaoYan. Going head-to-head with entitled people wasn't on his agenda today.

Xiao Wei caught up to him and relayed what he learned from the old guys. Information about the rude guest was also included.

It turns out that the person was a young miss of Yunfeng Group. They specialize in pharmaceuticals in both Eastern and Western medicine. Within the Medicine sector, they were in 6th place within the top ten groups.

There was silence between the two. If one can follow their thinking after learning that piece of information, one will be surprised how close they are. No one voiced their thoughts for a few seconds until they couldn't hold back.

"So it's a woman. Why is she wearing a men's suit?" Chen Kai asked with a blank expression.

"It's probably a hobby," Xiao Wei answered for only their ears. It wasn't wise to talk about the Yunfeng young miss in such an open area but the curiosity was there. They couldn't help it.

Chen Kai stopped his steps and narrowed his eyes at his friend. "Are hobbies that extreme these days? She even spoke in a man's voice."

"You sound like an old man with that question."

Xiao Wei once again questions this guy's daily thought process. It's like his brain can't keep up with his mouth at times, leaving him with an unpredictable personality.

"I do not. It was a plausible question but really though. Isn't that aggravating the public and bringing anger upon yourself? " Chen Kai was genuinely confused.

Xiao Wei: "..... I.. I don't know."

"Maybe it's a physical thing. Insecurity is very common amongst the young people."

Xiao Wei: "Again, you sound like an old man, and what physical thing?"

Chen Kai pursed his lips and raised an eyebrow at his friend's silly question. Xiao Wei saw that 'really?' expression.

"You didn't notice?"

Xiao Wei: (sigh) "I did. Brother Kai now is not the time for this topic."

Shrugging his shoulders he returned to his walk with a slight swagger in his steps. His business elite demeanor was washed away by this rogue attitude.

"I'm just saying, she's really pitiful. It's even worse wearing that suit. She looks like a chalkboard."

"Huh?! I was more leaning towards a washboard," Xiao Wei muttered with a thoughtful expression.

"Even a washboard has a little bump, my friend."

~~~~~

"So you're saying your brother is a Givenchy shareholder, the Nanhe Group Vice President and your new home is the Mei Long Villa," Shang Ren was saying for the third time. The guy was still processing this information.

They were all the same age and the most they have in their names are the 5% shares in their parents' company and a few cars in their name. If their parents push their authority over them, they will be another drone worker in the company.

The difference between them and XiaoYan's brother was huge.

"Yeah. He's about to graduate XXX University officially in a few weeks."

Liu Chao clutched his chest at the innocent yet piercing words the kid spoke.

A first-tier University? Haven't graduated yet? What kind of existence is this?

That guy is a template of 'someone else's child.'

Shang Ren and the others were numb. They won't be surprised if the guy receives honors upon graduating. To invest and earn so much and to occupy a coveted Villa, shows the guy's innate talent in business and numbers.

Ah~ Truly someone else's child.

"Hey! Brother! I'm here." Chen Yan saw Chen Kai weaving through the crowd, looking from left to right. When he called out, his brother's business look was gone and replaced by his carefree expression.

This was the sight Bai Shun and Wei Rong saw when they turned on their heel to greet Chen Kai. He looked more handsome than yesterday. The relaxed, sunny guy is the same distant young master from before.

How versatile.

Chen Yan hopped off the sofa and reached Chen Kai halfway. He showed the types of fish he chose and explained them seriously.

The others watched on as the older brother indulged his kid brother, retrieving similar cards from his pocket and giving them to the kid. No one can miss the doting look in the older brother's eyes.

"Why do I feel jealous of a kid?" Bai Shun asked with a sour nose.

"Because most of us don't have what he has. A doting big brother," Shang Ren sighed.

Chen Yan turned and beckoned his brother to follow him. The group fixed their posture and waited for the kid's introduction.

This is what their parents require of them - meet and leave a good impression on the Vice President.

Even Bai Shun shelved her boy-chasing attitude to complete this order. Although she's from Shanghai, getting a foothold in Nanjing or where the Nanhe Emperor Plaza will be won't be a bad move.

Maybe she can learn from this man. She somehow felt ashamed of the difference between her and him. The man she wanted to know intimately is on the level of a young tycoon while she waits for her allowance every month to shop, using her family's power wherever it reaches.

Isn't that pathetic?

Coincidentally, the others were going through the same mentality change. When your parents compare you to others, you feel annoyance and contempt thinking that your parents wish that child was theirs.

But, when you compare yourself to others, someone in the same age group, a sense of inferiority or superiority steps in.

For the group, it was inferiority.

How little they felt standing before this man who was not yet 30.

"Everyone this is my big brother, Chen Kai."

~~~~~~

In a quaint teahouse, away from the noise and heat of the city, three ladies of varied ages and temperaments quietly indulged themselves with perfectly brewed tea and delicate snacks. Afternoon tea is sacred amongst the high society ladies.

Madam Ji XinYi specifically made arrangements at this traditional teahouse to host a quiet tea ceremony with the incomparable Madam Huo.

To support her and elevate her family, Ji XinYi brought along her darling daughter, Chu JiaLi. She's quite proud of her child, a beauty amongst her peers and a freshman at Zhejiang University.

To have a tighter network and have Madam Huo favor her daughter, Ji XinYi promised the woman a near-impossible feat.

"Your outfit today is well-matched and fits your bright mood today, Madam Huo."

"Thank you, Madam Ji. How are things preparing for your son's birthday? I heard a bit of news." Madam Huo is an elegant mature woman in her 40's but can hold the age of late 30s due to her careful care of her physique. Presently a widow but worth millions, placing her as one of the richest women in Changxing County.

No one knows her origins but it is said she was a young miss from the capital who wed a man ten years her senior out of love. When that husband died, she inherited his fortune. Later in her years, her parents died leaving her a share of the family assets whether it was shares in investment or their own company. Madam Huo became a wealthy widow overnight.

Having connections with her is heaven-sent. To gain this, you have to fulfill her request.

Madam Huo's request was simple from her perspective but difficult on Madam Ji's side.

"Hahaha! Yes, we are all in high spirits for XiaoHan's birthday. It was meant to be a surprise but he adores the Xu family's daughter. He can't help but shout it to the world." Ji XinYi tittered merrily as she exhorted her son's relationship with the Deputy Mayor's daughter.

Madam Huo laughed along and followed Ji XinYi's flow in the conversation. She even brought in the sullen-looking Chu JiaLi to create a harmonious scene.

"Is the venue okay? I heard it's a lot of guests, some are out-of-towners?"

"Yes. Yes. Thanks to your help we were able to book the Emerald Hotel. XiaoHan is highly pleased. He's even happier when it was confirmed that his older brother is coming back home," Ji XinYi said with gusto. The last tidbit was meant for Madam Huo.

The woman has been waiting for Chen Kai since she heard of him from Ji XinYi. The introduction came in the form of a mother seeking a wife for her son. Everyone knows how many young men Madam Huo cared for. Chen Kai is her turning point. She wants someone to take over her company but she didn't reveal that little news. In everyone's eyes, he's the new one she wants.

"Your eldest called?" Madam Huo asked with a smile.

"Yes. He called XiaoJia here to surprise XiaoHan and to inform us about a class reunion with his high school friends. It will be a distressing weekend for him."

The role of the concerned mother was played beautifully.

Sympathy from Madam Huo was gained. "How is he in Nanjing? Are you able to persuade him back home?"

"He's a stubborn one. What can I say? As a stepmother my power over him is small. He's a fresh graduate now heading to the workforce, maybe you can talk to him when he visits."

Ji XinYi made sure to put herself in a vulnerable position. If things don't work out with the ruse they're about to execute, she won't be implicated right away.

To sell their weak side, she tapped her daughter's leg to speak up.

"Auntie, he may listen to you, after all, you have been in the industry for a few years. Your experience will teach him well." Chu JiaLi gave a tremulous smile to sell their story. She didn't want to be here and she doesn't even care for that bastard.

This ploy to use him wasn't worth it.

How will they be so sure that Chen Kai follow their actions?

Chu JiaLi can only wish them luck in this venture.

"Finance is his major which is a large field but he's young. I worry about him very much, I will leave him in your hands. As a friend, I know you will care for him greatly." Ji XinYi was putting out her acting points vigorously.

Madam Huo played along and voiced her concerns even promising to repay her for her kindness.

The three finished their meeting on a pleasant note. Ji XinYi and her daughter sent Madam Huo with elegant waves, watching the luxury car with greed. When the car was out of sight, their smiles fell.

"Your boyfriend is confident that he will be attending the reunion?"

"Yes, mother. He even sent me screenshots of their group chat. I recognized that bastard's arrogance just by his words." Chu JiaLi didn't hide the contempt in her voice. Chen Kai was a black mark in their family.

They will always carry the title - 'holding an oil bottle'. It was clear to even a blind man that Chen Kai was never her father's child.

He was too smart.

Too polite.

Too handsome.

One look and you can see how different Chen Kai was from, his so-called siblings and his peers in the county. Someone even made a joke that he may be a lost noble son.

That joke wasn't funny to Chu Han and Chu JiaLi at all. Wasn't that saying their family are peasants serving a noble?

It doesn't matter anymore. He's no longer living with them and they are living a better life, much better than those old gossips. The least he can do is repay them for the years they cared for him and being the husband of Madam Huo is sufficient.

"I always wonder where he gets his confidence from. He's nothing but a thrown-away orphan. It doesn't matter. We have the largest banquet hall at the Emerald Hotel and your boyfriend can have a private room in the restaurant area, let him send the news of the venue I will tell XiaoHan the specifics. Everything else is up to Madam Huo then our family name will rise in this place."

Chu JiaLi relayed her mother's message to her boyfriend and added a bit of heat.

'Don't say we didn't care about you, dear big brother. A wealthy wife is what every man wants, right?'

Five minutes later, a new gossip was circling amongst Chen Kai's high school classmates.

Author's Note ~

A day earlier than the determined day.

-_- Christmas cleaning and such. See you in a few days.