The Tycoon Inheritance

Su Lian: I love it! Be right back.

Without her text, he knew she received his gift. It was a plus knowing that she loved it. By the text, it seems like she's excited to use her new devices.

A light laugh filled the cabin of the car, the occupants responded in various ways knowing why Chen Kai laughed the way he did. One thought was unanimous - Damn Couples!

Exiting her chatlog, he spotted the increasing red numbers on two group chats. The blaring number value of 99+ was annoying, the urge to make it disappear was clear.

He clicked on the first chat; entered it; browsed a few conversations then exited.

That one was his class group. From what he caught from the quick look - someone was getting married, a blind date went bad as expected and someone got kicked out of their home. The name wasn't mentioned so it wasn't a good piece of gossip for Chen Kai.

He popped into the second group chat. As expected, this chat was still lively as ever. Don't these people have work to do? Are their phones glued to their hands?

Chen Kai paused his thoughts and looked up from his phone. 'I'm doing the same thing, aren't I?'

He made a move to exit this group chat but his name caught his attention. When he read the contents that were attached to his name.

After reading, the car was filled with his wild laugh.

"Yo~ Guess what?"

Xiao Wei was amused by his friend's behavior and stupid question. They were close to the Villa district and everyone was idle.

"Someone on your back again?" he asked.

"Yo, good brother!" Chen Kai exclaimed with mild disbelief.

"I was right?"

"Yup. It turns out that I'm eating soft rice. Tsk~ I found a rich woman so easily, the luck I have is so great. What are you waiting for Brother Wei? Need some luck?"

Xiao Wei's laugh at Chen Kai's absurd words was stifled by the last question. "Brother Kai, I request silent support from you on my dating life."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Entering the Villa District, Chen Kai ceased his teasing of Xiao Wei and truly looked at his neighborhood. It was lined with million-dollar architectural villas paired with wondrous landscaping, streets named after exotic flowers, high-class security, and wealth-leveled neighbors.

It's all perfect.

To Chen Kai, it is a great place to relax after a hard day's work though for him it's decades of work. It has everything you can ever need but it lacks clean air.

On the street that leads to his home, there are only four villas before the boundary wall. Passing the black-colored street lamps that were security cameras in disguise was the start of his land. His villa was the last on this street occupying the largest piece of land and carefully planned scenery. The entire estate can be self-sustained once developed right.

'Self-sustained. There's a thought,' Chen Kai commented inwardly.

The Sleeping Dragon will be his family home. Isn't it right of me to make sure my family and I live comfortably?

'System!'

[Yes, dear host.]

'Is it possible to place a request with you?'

[The previous rules are still in effect, host.]

During his past lives, the missions at times took a lot of energy from him. He was the only person executing changes from the higher authority on low-level stars. Help was given to him in terms of requests but one must adhere to the rules.

> No change to missions.

> No harm to habitants of the present star.

> Request must be/can be in line with the host's skills.

> The laws within that particular dimension or plane must not be broken

> Requests must be wary of the star's technological level

Earth's current level is 1.7. If he wanted to introduce new technology to this star, he can only request 2.0-level ideas that have no room for upgrade. He can only wait for the star's inhabitants to catch up, to cement anything higher.

All the rules were reasonable. Chen Kai uses the system as an unpaid assistant when he does these requests.

'System, I would like to request a spirit gathering array combined with a protection spell of divine level for this estate.'

He put a hold on his conversation with the system when they slowed down for a quick inspection.

The car passed through the main gates and came to a stop at the villa's front step. Xiao Wei followed him in with Argon, the home AI being their butler.

{Welcome back, Young Master Kai. The chef has lunch prepared. Shall I inform him of an extra guest?} Argon's male synthesized voice was heard clearly from the outside speakers.

They were now in the front garden. Chen Kai glanced at the clear river flowing below his feet. He couldn't wait to see the Kois in their new home.

"Please do. "

"I never expected this home AI to be so in-depth. Is a housekeeper needed?" Xiao Wei asked as they entered the main hall. It wasn't the first time hearing Argon, it was the human-like interaction.

AIs have become a new trend but having a smooth conversation will take more configurations by the companies.

"The estate will be cared for by both man and machine. It's a grand place, leaving robots to deal with the delicate parts is worrisome. The robots are in-house security commanded by Argon. XiaoYan also needs some type of maternal presence. Although he has me as support, I may not be enough."

"You're right. He will be going back to school next week. This is in line once he passes their admission exams," Xiao Wei added. Thanks to his contacts, he was able to get an interview at one of the top 3 Middle Schools in Nanjing. It helped that it was his Alma Mata.

"I briefed him about the school but he was only focused on the extra-curricular clubs."

Xiao Wei thought about it. "Judging by the new director, they should be new ones. This one isn't entirely conservative and open to changes once it benefits the kids."

"That's good enough for me. XiaoYan studies well so I don't have to worry about his grades. I just want to see him make friends." As he finished his last sentence, an email arrived from the General Manager of Tiaxin Equestrian Hall.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the outskirts of the metropolitan area, a group of five moved through various stores, collating outfits to visit a recreation club they were invited to. Within their circle of friends, one of them followed their idea of opening a Donghua Cafe. They said it is a great concept but things like these need to start with a trend.

He didn't mind setbacks as the cafe wasn't really for profit, it's his love for Donghuas, light novels, and so on. They understood but still shared the good news.

"He loves animation on a broad spectrum whether it is Chinese, Japanese, or American, he loves them. This cafe has a taste of all but the main theme will be Donghua." Shang Ren was telling XiaoYan about their friend as they chose new pairs of shoes to complete their outfit.

"I never watched or read any," XiaoYan answered softly.

"How come? You're 12," Liu Chao exclaimed. What kid doesn't rot their brains or become crazy fans of these things? They still look forward to the latest shows or updates on work.

"Exactly. I'm 12. As my brother says, it's the beginning stage of my development for college. Everything else is frivolous."

The two subconsciously touched their faces. It wasn't the first time for the day that these brothers face-slapped them when breaking their worldviews.

Is Vice President Chen training XiaoYan to be as brilliant as him? Two monsters in one family?

"I think he's giving you time to play around with these frivolous things. Aren't you out playing with us?" Wei Rong called out from the nearby display shelf.

"If it was the original itinerary then it will be back to the villa and do some reviews. I have an admission exam on Tuesday to finalize my transfer."

"Yo~~ Then we saved you from that dull evening," Shang Ren joked.

"Thanks?"

Leaving the shopping center, the four friends received individual messages.

"Brother Chen?" Shang Ren was accompanying XiaoYan on this last lap of their trip. He happened to speak aloud when the WeChat came in.

"That must be your compensation for taking me out," XiaoYan commented unhurriedly.

Shang Ren glanced at the kid then the message then back at him. "Compensation." The word sounded strange on his tongue.

He opened the message and read the contents once.

Twice.

Thrice.

He turned his head to the kid beside him.

"So. What is it? Big Brother has a talent for choosing perfect gifts for others," XiaoYan boasted with a grin.

"..... Membership card... to... yeah..."

XiaoYan raised an eyebrow in question about Shang Ren's stuttering. "Membership Card? Oh. I thought it was something fun."

"It's fun! Fun! My father will be on his knees to get this membership card. Tiaxin Equestrian Hall is one of the places everyone struggles to get into due to its exclusivity. Each member is screened for three months before approval. I can't believe we got Gold Membership Cards like that.

The hell is up with your brother's contacts." Shang Ren began his popular science lesson, excitedly and with great enthusiasm.

"You did? That's great, then you guys can come along with us tomorrow. My Brother bought me a new horse. I'm going to visit him."

Of course, XiaoYan will be happy to have his new friends with him.

His age and mind are not the same. How the heck was he going to entertain pretty young ladies?

"Wait. That tone. It was more relief than simultaneous joy for my good luck." Shang Ren's enthusiasm was greatly reduced, and even the excitement in his body visibly deflated. He narrowed his eyes at XiaoYan, waiting for an explanation.

"So!" XiaoYan began with a clap of his hands. "Tiaxin is brother's. According to him it's the Chen family's but I prefer to call it his because he did the heavy lifting and I have a business of my own to say it's part of the Chen family."

"You're 12! What business you're going to run? A toy store? Anyway, we are straying from the topic," Shang Ren yelled. He felt these Chen Brothers were far from the common sense they were used to.

"Hehehe! Sorry about that. Still learning to focus on one thing. Anyway, Tiaxin is my brother's and we're spending the day there tomorrow. His girlfriend and her friends are coming along, so I will need your help. It's their last day before heading out to work."

"Your brother has a girlfriend?" Shang Ren asked with great interest. A thoughtful look flashed across his face before it was covered with slight pity.

"Yes. They've known each other since freshman year in college. I thought we were talking about Tiaxin."

"Haven't you heard of 'getting your facts straight'? I need to understand everything that you're saying."

XiaoYan: ......

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There were calls of disbelief to both XiaoYan and Shang Ren's phone. The former calmly explained while the latter was just numb.

Shang Ren was numb after XiaoYan told him about the Sleeping Dragon and all its bells and whistles, the companies that he acquired silently, and the present one that will be under their family name - Chen. The net worth of these companies didn't shock him, it was the accomplishment and dedication to the unspoken goal.

Both he and Chen Kai were at the same age. Educated and financially stable, yet one is beyond the other. Shang Ren has a love of books and loves to read. This plays a role in his creative imagination and sensitivity to people around him. With those aspects, he created two novels of his own but they were all drafts. Never read by outsiders nor published.

He is seen as an idle second-generation kid.

If he has no interest in business and finance, can he be successful elsewhere?

The car came to a stop.

The street was eclectic. Different types of stores, vibrant and bustling with patrons young and old. This was a typical everyday scene but one store captured the hearts of many.

"We're here." Shang Ren announced their arrival to XiaoYan dazedly, he found his answer right then.

Yes, he can find his success elsewhere.

The store that gained much attention was his friend's.

The cafe was truly eye-catching. The store front was half-frosted glass with the store name. Looking through the glass, the coffee station can be clearly seen with workers in Xianxia costumes designed with a modern flair.

XiaoYan and the others entered the cafe and felt relaxed instantly. The scent of coffee and plants was a hard-to-come combination in the city. The cafe was already busy but that didn't distract the manager from recognizing the important guests who just arrived.

She approached their group and bowed solemnly.

"Welcome young masters and young misses, I am Madam Yang, the appointed manager. The master has instructed me to give you a tour before escorting you to the private room. Do you agree?" Her speech wasn't unhurried, she held their gazes without a hint of arrogance and stood at a respectable distance.

Having been raised on Royal Etiquette from both Eastern and Western royalty, XiaoYan was quick to recognize how trained this woman was. Her hand movements were smooth, her eye level at a practiced level, and her salute was appropriate. This woman was either trained in modern etiquette classes or raised in a home with a heavy background.

To be the manager of a young master's business - it all starts with loyalty and trust- this woman had this with the boss.

Shang Ren stepped forward. The manager's show of respect caught the eyes of the patrons, some took quickly to their phones to record this while others questioned their identity.

"Hello Madam Yang, you should know our names but we have an extra friend. This is Young Master Chen Yan, he will be attached to our name from now on."

The manager looked at the child who the young master introduced. Those striking brown eyes held her gaze firmly before she lowered her head and uttered her greeting. Chen Yan gave her a small nod, releasing her from her posture. Madam Yang subconsciously widens the distance between her and XiaoYan after feeling his oppressive gaze. She swore this little child could see through her.

What type of people can raise a child like this?

"Yes, Young Master Shang. Please follow me for the tour."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Impressive!"

This was the one-word XiaoYan said aloud after he toured the two-floor cafe. Handpainted tiled floors, scenic walls, private leisure rooms, coffee and bakery station, library, reading nooks, entertainment room, and last but not least a merchandise store. Animations from different countries were beautifully pulled together in this store. There was no chaos only serenity.

It kept the running theme of palace gardens with the color of Nature's green and Jade White throughout in terms of tiles, uncovered walls, and little knick-knacks. It was well planned out.

"It really is. When he was discussing his ideas of what to do, I thought it was too much. It turns out the designer he hired and he is an out-of-the-box pair." Liu Shao answered XiaoYan's unbiased praise with his admiration for his friend.

Madam Yang led them to the reserved private room with two waitresses holding the group's purchases and another two following them with their ordered refreshments.

Entering the private room, three other occupants were there.

XiaoYan has a habit of surveying a new area when he enters before putting his attention on other people. The four greeted the three then made way for XiaoYan.

He stepped forward and returned polite greetings to the three after Liu Shao gave the introductions.

"XiaoYan, this is Ruan Zhenhong, Qin Yi and Chen Quan. Brother Chen is the star today. Guys, this is ... Chen Yan. Three Chens who have knocked my brains today," Liu Shao said with a bitter smile.

XiaoYan gave polite words to Ruan and Qin but when he reached Chen Quan, the two eyed each other closely.

The two had their own thoughts about this meet-up and kept it to themselves. It was Wei Rong who brought up a basic fact between them.

"Is this a long-lost relative meeting of the Chen cousins?"

Chen Quan chuckled and XiaoYan grinned at the comment.

"A family name does have a root of existence before it spreads. We're probably tangled by a distant branch family," Chen Quan commented.

"You're right. He and his older brother are now settling into Nanjing," Bai Shun educated her three friends.

"So why didn't his brother tag along? The more the merrier," Qin Yi asked. He's known to always have a good time no matter where it is.

"Because his level of fun may vary from us. Have you taken a look at the Nanhe Group today?" Liu Shao asked his friends.

"My dad has been muttering the name at breakfast but I didn't listen clearly. What happened?" Ruan Zhenhong asked somewhat interested.

"Are you talking about Nanhe's big move and the new VP? I'll admit that it shook a lot of people but what does that have to do with XiaoYan's big brother?" Chen Quan asked. He was also interested.

His father spoke about the changes that will take place and the competition between companies. Nanhe Emperor Plaza was delayed for six months due to funds. The scope of Nanhe's project is enormous and needs a lot of capital to jump through the hoops they will encounter. Everyone is waiting to nab a prime location at the plaza.

The profits will have them laughing in their sleep for days but it will be greater for the elites in the group.

This 'plaza' is a newly built community which means fresh customers, and more opportunities. Getting on Nanhe's good side is the only way to get into that plaza because the chairman is honest as the same he's ruthless.

The three friends saw Bai Shun and Wei Rong giving them smug looks. Shang Ren simply gestured for Liu Shao to speak on their behalf. XiaoYan was busy sending photos of his purchases to Chen Kai and telling him about his afternoon.

"His brother is Chen Kai, the new Vice President of The Nanhe Group and the billionaire investor who rescued them from the pit."

The three look at the kid who was texting away on his phone.

At the same time, XiaoYan raised his head to speak but was slightly stunned by their varying looks of disbelief. He ignored the looks and said what he meant to do.

"My brother wants your contacts and invites you to Tiaxin as thanks for looking after me."