The Tycoon Inheritance

The night passed bringing a new morning.

Nearing 7 AM of the new day, the Chen brothers were returning to the main house after their morning training session. Kai was reminding XiaoYan of his responsibilities when he was away from the property and his status in the household.

"Argon will remind you of your authority if you forget. If you need anything, simply order it or tell me. You should notice the new textbooks in your study. Review the knowledge of this world. Some things may be similar to what I taught you but still learn about this star. You should have no problem with the test Wednesday but it's best to be prepared.

Property Manager Bo will arrive at 9:30 with the staff. You will take the lead."

Chen Kai spoke with him until they reached their courtyard. He will be busy for the entire week. Handling the official takeovers of the companies he acquired requires a lot of energy. Xiao Wei, under his orders, was searching for capable assistants to aid them both. Shuttling from company to company is tiring.

It's best to leave an assistant next to the appointed Presidents to watch over things while they are busy.

"Are you sure you'll be okay by yourself?"

"I'm an adult, not a ..." XiaoYan began his protest with great irritability then stopped his words. He sighed heavily upon the umpteenth realization. He IS a child.

"Brother, I'll be fine for the hundredth time. Plus the house will be filled with staff and robots. I won't be alone here."

"Sorry. Old habits."

XiaoYan waved him off and escaped to his quarters.

Chen Kai returned to his study to gather the report Argon did on the two companies he will visit today. The corresponding plan was sent to Xiao Wei and the chosen personnel who will accompany him.

The system gave him companies that were either close to dying or relevant to his growth. They are all under his name and he won't let idlers stain his name.

Browsing the investigative reports of the first company to visit - Haidan Group, a faint headache was brewing.

"It's best to talk to the old man about this first. Argon please inform Mr. Xu Sheng to attend the meeting this morning. I wish to have a private word with him."

{Yes, young master.}

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

Nearing 9 AM, a sleek black SUV left the gates of the Sleeping Dragon Villa. Visitors and reporting new workers noticed this and began their queries of the occupant. One recognized the domestic car model - Honqi which was said to be only driven by officials or families with unimaginable wealth.

The visitors were from the same housing district and had never seen any of their neighbors driving such a car. This gave an idea of how prestigious this new resident was.

The new workers were simply dumbstruck, they wanted to know who their boss was. All correspondence was in the name of an assistant or the property manager. They were already lucky to pass the interviews and screening, but now they have to be mindful to keep this job.

The visitors were sent away and the new workers were escorted to the outer villa.

"Was it so beautiful last time?"

"The air. So fresh. I can smell and feel the nature around me."

"Is this the difference between the rich and poor?"

"I don't think so. I guess it's the perk of acquiring great Real Estate. It does feel different from outside the security barriers."

Comments like these were heard by the Guards leading the group. They too felt the change in the area and questioned the commander. The old man didn't know the reason. All they can say, is there's no problem. There was clean air to breathe, and training on-site was more relaxed. The flora were more lush and seeing little critters became a normal occurrence.

They were working in a vacation spot in the city, incredulous, right?

"This is considered normal since the building of the entire Sleeping Dragon was careful not to disturb the surroundings. It's probably the difference between here and the city that's more prominent." The Guard who led them indoors gathered them in the large lobby and spoke unhurriedly but his tone was firm, showing his level within the estate.

A Female Guard appeared from the right hall and in her hands was a package of pens and sticky labels.

"This is delayed but welcome to the Sleeping Dragon Villa. You have been meticulously chosen to be the live-in staff for the Young Masters. This Villa is known as the Golden Carp. It houses the administration system of the estate. Staff meetings, visitation of families, and leisure time are all done here.

Further in are the training facilities for the Security Team and the private gym and restaurant for staff such as yourself. Before I escort you to the main conference room for further orientation, Private Han will help you with your bags." The young man stepped back and let the Female Guard take over.

She explained to them the process and patiently waited for them to label their belongings so they could be sent to the staff Villa.

"Please follow me."

The new staff members followed quietly, not looking around with a child's curiosity but a thoughtful look as to their future on the estate. Most didn't think of being a live-in staff to an unknown rich family. The pay is good, they have insurance and their freedom isn't restricted. The only thing they have to be careful of is the confidentiality agreement.

No private things of the Young Masters aren't to be shared with outsiders including their families.

Any internal news is not to be shared.

The contact of personnel you are assigned to is to be kept private.

Overall, they can't say a word of what happens past that security barrier out front. Not even gossip.

Entering the conference room, they met a familiar face, two to be exact.

"Please have a seat."

Commander Liu silently took note of the people present while Manager Bo spoke.

"Congratulations upon entering the Sleeping Dragon estate. Given to you is your welcome package."

The Female Guard from earlier delivered blue-colored plastic document envelopes. The new group opened the package and quickly browsed the contents. Printed copies of their work contract and NDAs, rules and duties, work permits, a ticket to redeem their uniforms, and profile sheets of their immediate bosses.

There was no mention of the young masters. No name was said not even their age.

Within the group was a familiar face. The others had looks of acceptance and enthusiasm to start this new laid-back job but to this person, it was a shameful experience. Her entry here was based on her last connection to the big guys. After being fired from her last two jobs, she couldn't make ends meet to pay her rent or buy a new bag that caught her interest.

She did apply for a job at this place but it was only to leave a humble look to her 'friend.' She didn't expect her application will be a step toward a new job after hitting so many walls.

Housing and Insurance captured her interest but - maid work- she was going to be a MAID! She had to bite her tongue and move along. Thankfully they were all given a 6month contract. No one questioned why the initial contract is six months but it was better than nothing.

"Follow Private Han to retrieve your uniforms then meet me in the courtyard."

After Manager Bo's last word, they followed the Female Guard obediently to the second floor to a large room which was the logistics front office.

The Main Villa staff consists of 1 Head Maid, 1 House Manager, 4 Gardeners, 6 Maids, and 3 Male Attendants. The uniforms were cotton shirts and polo t-shirts with their choice of paired pants/skirts. Each position had a different color and the Head Maid and House Manager were given a well-designed brooch stating their hierarchy within their group.

When the two elders giddily mentioned their private cottages near the staff villa, a round of envious comments filled the room.

"Seeing that you're settled, we should be on our way. We have ten minutes to arrive at the main house." The Female Guard's words brought them back to the matter at hand.

Since they arrived they've only focused on their promised benefits, actually starting their jobs was far from their mind.

Once again they followed her lead. They returned to the courtyard where two large customized golf carts were parked. Manager Bo and Commander Liu stood beside a smaller golf cart waiting for their arrival.

"Please." Manager Bo gestured to the land vehicles and then joined the commander at the front.

It didn't take long for everyone to get seated and buckle up. The little drive out of the courtyard and onto the private road felt like a tour bus ride through a botanical garden. The road was lined with lush trees, standing tall on a vibrant green lawn.

As they drove further in, the sound of birds dancing from tree to tree, butterflies checking each colorful wildflower, and the warm morning breeze brushing against their skin felt surreal.

The expected anxiety in starting a new job wasn't there.

Going further up the road, they approached the looming decorative metal gates of the main part of the estate. The leading golf cart veered to the right, driving onto a side road that was as long as 3 meters to come across a similar and less imposing metal gate. It slowly opened after an electronic buzz sounded followed by a manual bolt sliding back.

Two Male Guards stood on either side of the gate watching the newcomers with a sharp alertness. Commander Liu left the cart and took the iPad from one of the guards.

"We are strict when it comes to security. When you leave and return through this employee gate, you must present your work permit. Your times will be recorded in case of emergencies. Please present your work permit to officially start your new jobs."

Seeing such a meticulous work environment and the peaceful scenery, they retrieved their permits and eagerly showed the Commander. Even the reluctant Dai Li was infected by her surroundings. She couldn't wait for her new living arrangements. Judging by what she experienced, it shouldn't be a shoddy dormitory building with timed utilities.

After check-in, the new staff was once again led by their two bosses. The gate closed after the last golf cart, enclosing them in a large clearing. At a distance of a few feet from their pathway, through the tree lines, they can glimpse the main villa in all its majestic images.

Too Much.

Only two people live in that palace.

How long is it going to take to clean?

Their thoughts were written on their faces when they saw how massive the entire villa was from their point of view. They can only see 3/4 of its length as they drove to their building and through the trees they saw the traditional architecture mixed with modern. Their curiosity to see inside awoken.

The convoy turned away from the tree line to reveal a traditional Chinese compound that can hold up to 16 - 20 people. It was nestled at the center of the clearing, blending in with the greenery around it, with its tea-green tiled roof and cream-colored outer walls.

On one side, two cottages stood side by side with ample privacy, and on the other side a garage and workshop for the golf carts and the gardeners.

Everything was introduced to them before they were once again taken away.

This time they were on the main estate.

The little road along the trees opened up to two exits, one to the main driveway to the villa and the other to the servants' access on the ground floor.

Gasps of surprise and wonder were heard as they made their way to the front steps. They marveled at the oppressive golden dragon and even more so at the imposing facade before them. They felt small as they stepped onto the marble steps and through the tall columns.

A palace.

This wasn't a villa. It's a palace.

Their thoughts matched each other after a few turns of their heads.

{Welcome to the Sleeping Dragon Villa. This is your entry tour, newcomers. After this introduction, please adhere to the rules of entry. The Second Young Master shall meet with you.}

The polite, unhurried mechanical voice startled them. Questions floated in the air but were silenced when the front door was opened.

Manager Bo led them in, positioning them along the tiled walkway. A few were about to ask why they were standing there when the Commander and the Manager stepped forward and walked to the start of the bridge.

A child with the face age of twelve or thirteen appeared from the side entrance on the other side of the Koi Pond.

The Second Young Master? The voice mentioned him but they didn't think it would be a kid.

Dai Li frowned at the thought of being ordered around by a kid.

The young boy walked leisurely towards them. His clear amber eyes flashed over them one by one with no traces of a welcome smile or excitement.

When he got closer, the staff realized how different wealthy kids were from the normal kids they knew.

Besides his immature handsome features and distracting eyes, they were attracted to his dress style. It was peculiar to see a pre-teen wearing a dyed tunic and loose cotton pants. The design can be said to be from the Arabians due to its ethnic flair.

He stood on the bridge and accepted the Commander and the Manager's greeting, listening to their small report.

Commander Liu took the lead in formal introductions.

"This estate belongs to the Eldest Young Master Chen Kai. Besides us is the Second Young Master Chen Yan. There are only two owners of the Sleeping Dragon and your bosses. Under no circumstance should there be any invasion of the private life they have built nor any disrespect because of the age difference.

We are not asking you for blood loyalty as in the ancient times but have a certain measure as the contracted subordinates of the Chen family."

He paused and allowed them to digest his heavy words. It can be seen how protective of their home and private life the Chen Family was. In an era where the internet is the 'truth' and 'lifeblood' of many, precautions were put in place.

"The right courtyard is tagged as a restricted area. The house manager and head maid are the two who were given access to fulfill their duties. After the tour of the Villa, you shall decide amongst yourselves a routine that will be optimum for you..."

The two took turns stating the rules of the house and what the owners expected from them while Chen Yan patiently stood beside them.

The adults listened attentively not wanting to miss a thing but quietly evaluating this ' Young Master.' Most of them were below the age of thirty and still searching for a foothold in the adult world, their mentality has already solidified on the saying, 'the older, the wiser', a superiority over the the young.

What they found after scrutinizing this little boss is he doesn't act his age.

There was no discomfort or shyness when facing a group of adults. His stoic look and upright posture gave them the illusion of a noble looking down on his subjects. Though he was shorter than the commander and manager, his presence was taller than the two. His body was young but everything else was mature. A bit of unease ran through their mind. If the kid is like this, then what of his brother?

They shook it off and focused on the ongoing talks.

In XiaoYan's eyes, they were all subordinates that couldn't be trusted. The double assassination plot when he was younger left a psychological shadow. Chen Kai was aware of this and had equipped Argon with new features and sensors around their courtyard. It was their chef who poisoned them upon the fact it was the brothers' last meal together.

Heh. Who would have thought the man meant it literally?

He sighed and chased away those memories then stepped forward when the little welcome moved to him.

'There won't be a situation like that in this life. I can't be subjective towards them,' XiaoYan said inwardly.

Plastering a stiff smile on his face, he spoke to the group.

"Let's not mess up a good thing, shall we?"