The Tycoon Inheritance

Tiaxin's owner.

Tiaxin's owner is a young man their age?

It's estimated that Tiaxin and its private land can be at 5 Billion Yuan - and that's a polite number for conversations.

A billion-dollar elite retreat is owned by such a young guy.

It's not his family's backing, right? From the proud look of the attendant and her wording, it's clear that there is no backing, this was the owner's private assets.

Young Master Gu had a slight sneer on his lips, his friends knew where his thoughts went because theirs did too. Qin Shao now befriended this man. To have such a connection is priceless. If someone this young can own this place, there will be others. This is someone to cling to, opportunities may fall in your lap.

Envy grew larger within Young Master Gu. It won't be long for his parents to hear of the great connection the Qin Family's son made. He won't hear the end of the comparisons and so on.

If only they could meet the guy.

Like a lifesaver, Li Yaqin's voice was heard. She was silent for a while before regaining her senses and keeping her over-flowing jealousy tucked under her beautiful gaze.

To keep ugly emotions under a serene gaze was a talent in itself.

"I'm sorry. I'm embarrassing my new friends. I'm their guest to Tiaxin. I just didn't expect to see an old friend from Hangzhou and wanted to surprise her with a pop-up message. So sorry."

Li Jaqin's apologetic and appeasing tone affected them all.

Young Master Gu was a bit distressed, he didn't want the woman he was pursuing to be wronged. He glared at the attendant prompting her to apologize but the attendant didn't act according to his silent script.

She ignored the look and explained in a plain tone that she could call her friend naturally or send a message via the attendants.

"Via attendants?" Li Jaqin asked warily.

"Yes. Your messages are made in a voice memo and sent to the other end. It's all encrypted. It's your choice."

~~~~~~~~~~

In the gazebo, the new friends were getting acquainted with each other over a light breakfast and planning their activities that could be done until 3 PM. At 3.30 PM, there will be an Equestrian Dress Show that is held twice a month.

The group was pleased to know that they could attend. It is known to be a must-attend gathering to cultivate relationships between families and business partners.

All they can say is thanks to Chen Kai for this small opportunity.

"So it's decided. Manager Cui, trouble you," Chen Kai said to the present attendant.

"This is my duty, Young Master Chen..." When she was about to bid goodbye, a notification sounded on her iPad. She calmly read the prelude of the message and then politely offered the device to her boss.

"Two guests at Gold Level wish to send a message to your companions, Young Master Chen."

"Oh?" Chen Kai read the names aloud and silently observed the people the message was sent to and played them.

A 'Li Yaqin' sent unexpected greetings to Su Lian hoping for a quick catch-up before the busy days ahead.

The other, 'Young Master Gu Zifei wishes to invite Qin Shao to the golf course as a greeting.

The two noted people had frowns of confusion on their faces. Su Lian didn't hide and pointedly told Chen Kai that Li Yaqin was a simple acquaintance from back home. They've only spoken at gatherings, nothing more to form a friendship bond.

Young Master Qin Yi was listening to his friends' remarks on the message Gu sent. He looked at Chen Kai who was speaking to his wife then scoffed at the clear thought process of Gu. "I'm sorry, Brother Chen for bringing new faces before you. " His tone was eloquent but the tone when he said the word 'bringing' had a different cadence.

How can Chen Kai not understand the purpose of this friend? It's common for people to reach out for a possible connection through others, even if they're rivals.

He understood these moves but that doesn't mean that he will let them come freely by a simple message.

"Understandable." Chen Kai returned the iPad to the manager and dictated his response to the two people.

The manager left, leaving the group in a semi-awkward silence. Chen Yan understood the reason for this but wasn't affected much. He didn't care about people who wanted to climb a golden thigh. He cared more about the horse his brother got for him. Jumping to his feet he said a few words.

"Let's go. It's no use sitting here and letting the day go by."

Then made his way towards the dock with full excitement.

"It's best to do as he says. Make him wait longer and will be the birth of an irritable brat," Chen Kai commented.

Soft laughs filled the area, dissipating the once-awkward atmosphere. They left the gazebo regaining their excitement for the day at this lakeside retreat.

Chen Kai and Su Lian lingered at the back allowing their friends to occupy the boats to move across the lake.

"My wife is so beautiful today."

Su Lian's tense body softened upon hearing his soft, doting voice. A fleeting kiss was placed on her head before he threw his arm across her shoulders in a playful manner. Her amused laugh reached his ear, relaxing his heart by the second. Chen Kai never liked to see her upset or frustrated, it always made him uneasy.

"I'll listen when you're ready," he said quietly, reassuring her that he'll always be on her side.

Chen Kai had a small understanding of Su Lian's background. Her family is regarded as first class or elite in Hangzhou and she, as the only daughter is held as the family's princess. He doesn't know the specifics but there is an estrangement between her and her family. He didn't pry, things like that are personal and can bring up old wounds.

"It's nothing mind-shattering. It boils down to a few words. Patriarchal family. No voice. Leverage for big business mergers. As the daughter of the illustrious Su Clan, I was expected to be a quiet supportive companion who follows her father's decision then her husband's.

I destroyed that when I refused to go to an art college in Hangzhou and applied to XXX University to study Finance and Business management. I further broke the illusion of a perfect daughter by refusing a marriage proposal to merge companies. My father and brother were furious and embarrassed by my actions. They pushed my mother to 'advise me better' but that didn't help."

The bitter laugh from Su Lian was a hint that things didn't get better. In addition, her flat unemotional tone in relaying her life at her home cemented his decision to stay by her side. It's natural for any child to feel remorseful after fighting with their parents or family but there was none of that when Su Lian spoke. They hurt her deeper than she admitted.

Chen Kai made his deductions quietly and listened to her.

"Father hosted a banquet for me under the guise of my college admission but it was a matchmaking event. In other words, I was placed on a platter for potential business partners to view. When I found out, I calmly rejected all of the potential suitors and left the hall not giving my father any face. I really didn't care. All the trust I had in my family was gone.

I didn't even shed a tear when he threw me out of the house. My aunt took me in. She also experienced the same things as me when she was my age. Thanks to her I reached Nanjing safely and had a strong financial support over the years."

Su Lian lapsed into silence and Chen Kai didn't break it. He led her to the last boat on the dock and carefully helped her to board.

"I don't regret going against them."

Holding her gaze, Chen Kai lowered his head closer to hers until their lips were a whisper apart. Their close proximity and the reassuring warmth in his dark eyes chased away the gloom Su Lian was feeling. It's no use to be hung up on things that make her sad when in front of her is her happiness.

"I'm here and always will be. Didn't we make a promise last night?"

Su Lian closed the distance and initiated a kiss that re-confirmed their promise. Chen Kai allowed her to have the upper hand, knowing that she needed this little control.

"Yes. I promise," she whispered against his lips.

"That's my wife."

Looks like the issue of bothersome in-laws is solved.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Waiting in the gold card lounge, Li Yaqin and Young Master Gu got a first-hand experience of being snubbed. They saw it all.

The message was received by the Tiaxin Boss. It was also clear by the faces of Qin Shao and Su Lian that they didn't give them face.

Embarrassing.

A message was returned to their side.

"The boss invites you to today's Equestrian Dress Show as a sign of apology. The plans made within the group cannot be disturbed. Do you wish to accept the invite?" the attendant asked. She kept her expression stoic as she relayed the message. It was obvious that she too saw the snub.

"Yes. Trouble you," Young Master Gu answered through gritted teeth. Though the invite was a good thing, there was nothing to be happy about. How dare Qin Shao shame him in front of strangers. The damned pampered prince didn't even lift a finger to receive his message out of courtesy.

Wasn't this stripping a layer off his reputation?

On the other hand, Li Yaqin wasn't any better. It was a big slap to her face.

It's common to save face in front of strangers to keep their dirty laundry hidden and accept the outstretched hand. This is normal with people who are hung up on the past. That isn't Su Lian.

Li Yaqin misjudged her.

"Please thank them," she replied with a helpless smile, wanting to show a bit of confusion about what happened.

"Very well. Since this is an abrupt invitation, we can help you in choosing appropriate outfits. I will notify the rest of your party also."

"Okay. Sure." They both answered flatly

The attendant sent out a few messages to her colleagues and then helped the two with their planned activities.

Li Yaqin wasn't reconciled with an invitation to some stupid show. Naturally, she didn't know the importance of such an invite within the circle of Nanjing's Elites and looked down on it.

She decided to quell her anger in her own way.

A naive and predictable way.

~~~~~~~~

Across the lake, everyone went their own paths to enjoy their free time. The ladies had no interest in horse riding. They wanted to 'bond' with each other.

In other words, they wanted to know how each side met Chen Kai and the answers to questions that had been banging in their heads earlier.

Bai Shun and Wei Rong weren't snobby nor had the image of a highly spoiled daddy's girl. They tend to be cautious when befriending new people, even if they were introduced by their steadfast companions. Judging by their initial judgment Su Lian has a similar background as theirs. No heavily tutored child can miss the formal seating and standing posture she displayed naturally, even her greeting.

Her friends can be said to hail from a middle-class home. They were polite, not overbearing, and observant.

These families are classes that touch both sides of wealth and are considerably easy to get along with.

It was an interesting group. Wei Rong relaxed her guard and pulled Lin Fa and Ye Jun into a lively discussion until she was distracted by the tidbit of Lin Fa being a popular broadcaster.

Wei Rong couldn't wait to test out her affinity for live broadcasting. It was all fun for her.

Bai Shun was left with Su Lian and Da Mei. What she didn't expect was the straightforward question of the red-haired beauty.

"When did you fall into the pit?"

"Huh?" Bai Shun was confused. The three were playing a leisurely game of golf under the feeling of such a lazy day.

Da Mei smirked and asked the same question but added more information. "She's talking about Brother Chen."

Bai Shun blushed. "I'm sorry. I didn't actively pursue him. He blatantly told me that he had a wife but I couldn't stop my interest in him."

"It's okay. I'm not upset or the insecure type. I tend to find it funny when I see ladies chasing him and he's oblivious to it all. His clueless look is so cute."

Hearing Su Lian's explanation she felt slightly relieved and partially dumbfounded. She stared at the woman gushing about how cute her husband was.

Da Mei patted her on the shoulder to share her pain of witnessing such a scene. "Don't worry. This is normal. It's been like this for 4 years and they weren't a couple then."

"Wow!" Bai Shun was truly amazed by Su Lian's pure like-love for Chen Kai. Wasn't this kind of thing only seen amongst older folks and books?

It's pretty nice to witness it. Luckily she didn't go into full chasing mode.

The trio continued their game talking about nothing and everything. The wedge of strangers was slowly knocked out.

Anything can be a start to a smooth friendship. For the fellas who were approaching a private stable under Chen Kai's leadership, it was one thing - and they could make it easy.

Money.

How can you not bond over money?

Shang Ren brought up a question about going against the domestic trend and incorporating foreign aspects. Ruan Zhenhong followed up with a similar question.

This isn't uncommon. For business magnates to stay ahead of their industry, they have to think further than their competitors and also be mindful of their consumers. If they can't stay in their position, they will be choked out of the race.

Chen Kai answered concisely with words that would trigger lots of meaning to everyone present. This allowed the group to think about their areas and adjust the advice where applicable.

Their chat moved from money-making trends to the highlight of their visit to the stable.

Opposite each other in luxurious private stables was a pair of Pure-Bred Andalusian and Friesian horses.

The Andalusian sensitive to the new presence in its territory got to its feet and patiently waited for these humans to come closer. Its black coat held an elegant sheen, its long mane and tail were groomed meticulously by the stable master after its run. From experts and owners, it is said the Andalusian breeds are highly intelligent, and from the strongly built horse's actions, they are right.

Chen Kai reached its door first. He didn't say a word. He eyed the proud and majestic beast, its dark eyes fixated on him before it approached Chen Kai. It released a heavy snort and shook its head up and down vigorously throwing its bangs across its eyes. It moved its head closer to nuzzle his hand. "You have two masters to choose from, little one."

XiaoYan joined Chen Kai and eyed the Andalusian. A smile bloomed on his face. "Brother. He reminds me of Alucaurd," he said softly. His brother saw the nostalgic look in his eyes and couldn't help but agree. He too felt the familiarity.

"Then I shall be rude," Chen Kai reached out and petted the docile beast's head.

XiaoYan smiled. "The Friesian is familiar to Shuhei. Thanks, brother."

'System?'

[The Friesian was taken from the Maison Empire. Prince Vance's steed genes are within the present one's DNA. As for the Andalusian, the administrator chose one of familiar temperament as your last companion.]

'Thank you.'

[You're welcome, dear host.]

~~~~~~~

The party of seven took great enjoyment in their activities. Horseback riding. Watersports on the lake. Archery. It was all done within the scheduled time.

During the interaction with everyone, Chen Quan couldn't help but look at the Chen Brothers with great interest. The questions were becoming greater, only he knows why those questions were formed. Chen Quan wanted to deny them but the two walking pieces of evidence were right in front of him. If it was someone else in his position with the same surname, they would have the same thoughts.

Suppressing his curiosity, he began to brainwash himself into thinking that it was all coincidence. How on earth can two 'mishaps' come in contact with each other?

Even though he told himself to forget it, he can't help but take another look at the one who had the biggest impact on him.

What was supposed to be a slight glance was caught by the person.

A smile.

That's what he received but it left him uneasy. His eyes showed no emotion to match that plastered smile. When he leaned his head slightly to the right, Chen Quan couldn't help but feel ridiculed.

He turned away from Chen Kai and created a good distance from the guy.

Let's keep this silent for now.

Author's Note ~

This was a delayed chapter before I fell sick the past few days. This is sent out as an apology after the wait.

Oh yeah, this novel isn't a translated story. It's a real-time novel hence the weekly update of 2-3 chapters.