The Tycoon Inheritance

The woman flinched. This was the first time she got such a harsh reception. When she arrived and queried about the new President the main talking point was how godly handsome and young the man was. She settled on this one fact. She had seniority here and this was her family's company, she had these two cards to gain some semblance of authority until they could figure out how to capture Haidan.

Seeing the overbearing man behind her father's desk with that look of annoyance on his face, she knew she had to work harder.

"Apologies, Mr. Chen. It's my eagerness to meet and welcome you to Haidan. I am Xu Mai, the Manager of the Advertising Department......"

Chen Kai split his attention to the desktop and maneuvered to the company's Internal Network System of the company. Going through the profiles, he found the woman who claimed to be Xu Mai. The Advertising Manager and the only daughter of the past President Xu Sheng.

"Miss Xu, what do you see for Haidan in the future?" Chen Kai ignored her words of flattery and her apologies for the absent rag-tag group and went straight to business.

He didn't welcome her to sit but she did so boldly. She crossed her stocking-covered legs slowly at the knee and sat upright to show her slim waist and heavy bosom.

To any normal thinking, hot-blooded male will find her little show enticing and ready to return such intentions but not Chen Kai.

This man has seen a lot of 'shows' and Xu Mai's act was immature. The only thought in his mind was - 'I will bet my next deposit that she suffers from a lot of back pain. Why are her boobs so huge on that tiny body? Women don't have it easy. I wonder if Lian has back pain because of hers? I should ask.'

"Haidan is still at a development stage..."

A raised eyebrow of mockery stagnated her speech for a while.

"... and a lot of factors will have to be focused on to reach the level of competitors. I'm only in Advertising, I don't have much insight into the major parts of the company but I know the executive team will lead it to the top. At the moment they're still uneasy and feel betrayed by this takeover.

The team have been at my father's side for years and I feel their pain by this arrogant move." Xu Mai maintained her unhurried speech and firm eye contact with Chen Kai. In between she did a few body actions to move his eyes to that part but she failed to accomplish that.

"Miss Xu, Haidan has been in the food and shopping industry since the 80s. Within that period from then till now, do you think it is still in a developmental stage? Do you know why it has become stagnant in the past years? Do you understand why Mr. Xu decided to retire and let someone else take a knack at this? Miss Xu, do you understand the meaning of a convenience store and supermarket to the public?

Can you answer these questions? Even though you're the Advertising Manager you must be in the know of different aspects of the company. Didn't your 'elders' teach you this?"

Each question was a hammer on her head. The answers she came up with to some were frivolous while the others she really couldn't answer. The last one struck her badly.

"My elders are the people who hold this company together, so they taught me well. I am... I mean, I was the sole heir to my family's legacy. Mr. Chen, we are both young and in still need of guidance. Though they were impulsive with their walk-out I can assure you of their professionalism once they return at their posts." Xu Mai made sure to put a tone of assurance when speaking.

All of her words were heard. Chen Kai's assumption of how deeply she was being used was confirmed. She didn't have her own thoughts about the company. Xu Mai only saw the ownership of a popular company and the profits it throws out. Her Managerial position can be said to be an empty post, the final decisions are made by her elders based on their thoughts.

This can be heard by her continuous praise for the veterans and her justified opinion of him needing them. She couldn't answer his questions about the current status of the company and went straight to that little speech.

They have hooked her deeply. This made him think of another reason why they wanted to push Xu Mai to the president position and keep her in the dark about simple things.

He wanted to know her attitude towards her father. Holding the thoughts and decisions of others is dangerous and realizing that you're a puppet is hard to figure out. Words are a powerful thing.

"I see. You have a lot of trust in your elders. Don't you trust your father? He was at the helm of everything and knew how far the company could go under his leadership. I'm sure he was willing to give you some advice when you decide to come to Haidan to train."

Xu Mai frowned at these words. "Yes, he was at the helm of everything but he refused to listen to the executive team's decisions. Isn't that destroying your own home?"

It was Chen Kai's turn to frown. Based on the rejected proposals and the approved semi-decent proposals, Mr. Xu's eye for business was good. It was the decision-making process that sabotaged the old man. The process of change can be seen but it is the faction who has been stalling progress. Mr.

Xu became tired and wary of them so he decided to take a step back. His energy was no longer there and they had already entangled his daughter in their plot.

What else can the old man do besides retire and get away from all of that poison? Mr. Xu also had to make the hard decision of letting his daughter find her way out of this mess. Chen Kai wonders if it's the mother who is pushing things.... no, he refuses to think deeper into that mess.

Seeing Chen Kai not respond and had his gaze on her, Xu Mai leaned forward with her arms folded under her chest to make her cleavage more noticeable.

"Brother Chen. Can I call you that, we are near the same age after all," she said full of coquetry.

"Mr. Chen or President Chen will suffice," he said flatly, shutting her down in one fell swoop.

Xu Mai's confidence was waning. All her little tricks were easily accepted by many, having them under her thumb. Even those fresh meat that just entered.

She chuckled and called Chen Kai's love for rules - admirable. "We should talk more since I wasn't here for the company meeting. How about I treat you to dinner, Mr. Chen?"

"I didn't expect you to be at the meeting today nor see you, after all, you were on your second three-week vacation for the year. We're in May. You must have worked hard," he responded with a sarcastic smile.

"Yes. The authorities have been paying attention to mental health and the company follows their thinking. It is hard in the workforce. You're new to this type of pressure, these time offs will benefit you greatly."

"Thank you for the advice, Miss Xu. Now that you're refreshed, I hope to see a steadier work log. You may return to your department and ease their minds."

Xu Mai became flustered and then angry by the failed attempts. This man cut off all her advances and didn't give her a chance to speak more, nor did he react to her teasing. What was wrong with this man? Didn't they say he was a white face trust fund kid playing with daddy's money?

Does the cold-faced, oppressive man behind the desk look like a naive brat?

"Have a good day, Miss Xu."

The words were clear. He was throwing out unwanted guests.

"Have a good day, Mr. Chen." She refused to call him his company title as it was originally hers. Hiding her anger due to her failure, she left the office with an arrogant flair.

When the door was slammed shut, the cold look on Chen Kai's face turned pensive. His thoughts that encountered various emotions flashed across his eyes. He felt melancholic after these thoughts. The first thing he wanted to do to solve his melancholy needed the help of the system but he held back.

"Miss Duan, please report to my office." The message was sent through video intercom to his secretary outside.

"Yes.. sir."

He scoffed at the reluctant tone, it was obvious that she didn't take his position as her new boss to heart.

The woman with the age group between thirty and thirty-five, stepped in with a proud momentum and stood before his desk with a polite smile.

"What was the simple order given to you a mere hour ago?"

Chen Kai didn't bother to look at the woman. Her behavior was unacceptable. He didn't give a shit that it was his first day as the boss, respect must be given and he won't condone anyone's lack of professionalism. She was told to do one simple thing and failed to do so.

"There was no order, Mr. Chen," she replied calmly.

"Oh? So you failed to hear or refused to listen to my words sent by my assistant. What was the order, Miss Duan?" he asked once more.

The warning tone was heard but she kept her proud visage.

".... Assistant Xiao relayed to me that you won't be accepting visitors."

"Very good, yet there was an awfully rude woman in my office moments ago," he said unhurriedly and lazily looked at the woman.

"Miss Xu is the Advertising Manager and President's Xu's daughter...."

"Uh. Uh. Uh. She could have been my long-lost cousin thrice removed and she will still be a visitor to my office. Your reasoning is also wrong. She is the daughter of Mr.

Xu Sheng but there is no more President Xu. You were there as a witness, weren't you, Miss Duan?"

"Yes, Mr. Chen."

He smiled at her perfunctory answer.

"That's good. I was waiting to start my little rearrangement in a day or two but I changed my mind. It is best to start today. Do you want to be an example Miss Duan Shenjie? Please report to the HR Manager by the end of the working day."

Her eyes widen, cracking her proud look. She began to mutter, 'You can't do this?' 'On what grounds' but Chen Kai didn't answer, he remained unmoved which triggered her.

"Do you know how long I've worked here? You are nothing but a child playing in an adult world. You can't fire me. You can only speak with no action. You need employees, where are you going to find a new secretary? You will drag us all down with your immaturity.

You're nothing but a little white face who stole Miss Xu's inheritance." The woman screamed and pointed her finger aggressively at Chen Kai

"If you continue to scream like a banshee, I will be forced to embarrass you by throwing you out like a broken rag doll. Think carefully."

Miss Duan gritted her teeth in anger, her eyes blazing with contempt for Chen Kai. Seeing the unbothered young man looking at her making a fool of herself. She stormed out of the office and went straight to her phone.

Chen Kai on the other hand notified the new HR Manager to start the process earlier than scheduled.

Since the motley crew sent Miss Xu to persuade him, the other members of their faction will act next. It is best to do the rearrangement now.

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

News of Miss Duan's termination circulated through many devices along with photo evidence within the company. The lower employees didn't think much of this and found it to be a good piece of gossip. Some of them experienced the proud woman's contempt when they encountered her either in the elevator or simply as a passerby. It is in human nature to revel in your enemy's downfall.

The higher-ups who knew the inside story were silently settling things and praying they weren't kicked out or pushed to do something they would regret. At the end of the day, their job was their lifeline.

It has been hours since the new president took office and his people filled the positions that became unexpectedly empty. This proficiency made them wary of Chen Kai's ability to know the outcome and the background of things.

How can one know the people who will stage a walkout and easily replace them?

Xu Mai took note of this and reported it to Pan Jun, the previous Vice President. He was the one who started the faction for his hidden reasons.

Ironically, the man who is said to be close to the Xu family wasn't aware of Xu Sheng's moves, not even Xu Mai and her mother knew of it. The trust in the faction is shaken and he's currently trying to regain his foothold. Without some of them, he won't be able to receive what was promised. Hearing the person closest to the new president was dismissed he had to try other ways.

Their leaving was a hasty decision and couldn't retrieve documents that could help them flourish in other companies. Pan Jun ordered Xu Mai to access his work account and copy the stated documents for him.

The Internal system was introduced in the 2000s with Xu Sheng improving it along the way. The company issues the work emails and passwords and all projects, letters, and proposals are saved and sent through this system. For outsiders to gain access to it, it can be hacked or willingly retrieved from an insider.

User Not Found. Access Denied. Unauthorized Access from Portal DOA0021.

"What is this!" Xu Mai shrieked. Her computer froze for a second before the glaring prompts showed up on the screen followed by the alarm sound. She was startled by this but confused by the prompts. User Not Found?! How can the Vice President's account be missing and what is this Unauthorized Access?

This never happened before.

Xu Mai closed the prompts and re-entered the log-in, the same three prompts returned. She messaged the previous HR manager and explained the problem but before she retrieved the answer the other party sent, three figures entered her office.

"Excuse me, what are you doing in my office?" she asked arrogantly.

The man in the lead, dressed in a casual business suit stepped forward, he didn't smile nor frown. He kept a calm expression and surveyed the office with a quick once over. The Security Guards beside him were informed by the Monitoring Room that no one entered or left the office in the past hours. This meant the person who set off the cyber alert was this woman.

"Miss Xu, President Chen would like a word with you."

"Can't he use the phone like normal people," she sneered, knowing these three were part of the team Chen Kai brought.

The leader finally smiled but it carried a hint of mockery when Xu Mai saw it. Just like their boss. Was her authority so low that the help could look at her that way?

"Wouldn't it be useless for him to ask over the phone why the Advertising Manager wants to access the previous Vice President's account? The man did resign."

Her eyes widened upon realization, she subconsciously glanced at the large prompts on her computer and then at the man who spoke along with the guards. Xu Mai cursed her inattentiveness to the clues, that the so-called new president had eyes and ears everywhere. He took hold of the internal system and made changes so smoothly. What else did he do in this short period?

"Miss Xu. Please," the leader said motioning towards the door, "Or else it will be rather embarrassing." He gestured to the female Security Guard who was eyeing her warily.

This was the most courtesy she and others who wished to sabotage Chen Kai's progress would get. Upholding their image is all they can receive.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Brother Wei: The invites were delivered. I sent two with your driver.

Chen Kai: Thanks. Ending things here in an hour.

There was no reply and he didn't expect one.

His mood was presently teetering between distracted and melancholic. He wanted to talk to someone, maybe even be near someone familiar but no one was there. This placed him deeper in his sad mood.

His phone rang and the contact that lit up brought back a bit more life in his eyes. He remembered this person from the memory integration. This is the mother figure that helped keep him grounded. Chen Kai quickly answered with the brightest of voices. His body relaxed as he greeted the old lady on the other end.

"Auntie Lan, I planned to call later after I finish work. How are you?"

"Oh, then did Auntie's call come at a bad time? You did tell us about our job interview, it's good to know you passed. How is your first day so far?" The warmth in the woman's voice can never be false. Lan Yueran and her husband Chi Xuan are the two people who helped Chen Kai over the years as he grew up in Zhejiang Province.

They treated him like a son and didn't hesitate to use their hard-earned money to buy him clothing or food. The child is innocent, why vilify him?

"Auntie some things have changed and it's a good thing. There's a lot to tell you and I would do so when I come visit this weekend."

Lan Yueran laughed joyously and quickly relayed it to her husband who was sitting on the porch listening to the one-sided conversation.

The old man grinned until his wrinkles moved with his smile. Slapping his knee, he shouted and asked Chen Kai what special food he wanted to eat. Before he can get an answer, Chi Xuan is already planning the meals himself and rushes to the kitchen to make a list.

"Let Uncle prepare for two. I found a relative, a close cousin. He lost his mother also and is living with me. His name is Yan. Chen Yan. Plus I have my own place now, so you don't have to worry about me too much Auntie."

Lan Yueran sat on her armchair and listened to the young man with a wistful look on her face. This is what she prayed for. The child has grown up and is starting his own family, contrary to what people expected from him. She listened to his happiness and also the sad parts of being cheated on by his ex-girlfriend and framed by a roommate. Minor things, he made it through.

"Are you coming back for your class reunion?" she asked flatly. There was no reason behind the query.

"I was invited. This is to give them face," he answered coldly.

The woman hummed in agreement. She only asked because a few ladies around the small neighborhood were mothers to some of Chen Kai's classmates. She acted as his unofficial guardian and had some contact with them. She was privy to their cold violence against him and the gossip the parents spread. Her outlook on them was very poor.

"That's good enough. You don't owe anyone, anything. It doesn't matter if you stay in Nanjing and develop, Uncle and Auntie will support you along the way."

Chen Kai grew quiet.

How many years has it been? When was the last time he was doted upon like this? Memories of his birth parents as Li Yun have faded and only the photos restored by the System can he remember them. He missed this.

This couple treated Chen Kai like their own even if it angered their biological son who was older by three years.

In their eyes, it's a blessing to have two sons.

"Thank you, Auntie."

Lan Yueran had a watery smile on her face. She heard the sincerity in those two words which made her heart sore. How many years did they watch the child grow up? He never lost his polite manners and kept a good temper; he studied hard and was self-sufficient. The only thing he lacks is a sturdy household.

"Bah! No need for all of this. You tell us when you're near. Focus on your work. When is your graduation?" she asked chasing away the sentimental mood.

"Two weeks."

"Good. Uncle and I will find you the perfect Graduation gift."

"You don't have to do that…" he started to protest.

"Xiao Kai, you listen to auntie."

"Yes."

She chuckled at his obedient and perfunctory answer then regaled him with stories that happened in their neighborhood and the changes that the County made. She made a quick comment about her son and his wife but didn't stay on it.

"I'm sending a bit more this month. Don't panic. My situation as I said is good. You just have to figure out what level of good." A hint of laughter was in Chen Kai's words which confused the woman. She didn't take it to heart. Every month a sum between 500 and 2000 Yuan will reach their account.

They will try to return but it will be refused by the child so they learned to accept it and use it for daily necessities and save some for medical emergencies.

"Well. Okay. Auntie will let you off. I have to go start the cleaning for your arrival. Be safe, dear."

"Yes, Auntie. Give Uncle my best."

Ending the call, Chen Kai felt a bit better. He didn't wait till the next day and transferred 20,000 Yuan to the old lady's account. More than that and she may have a heart attack.

In Zhejiang Province, still sitting with her phone in her hands, Lan Yueran was digesting everything Chen Kai shared with her. Her husband came into the sitting room writing on a notepad with a frustrated face.

"We need lamb and more fresh vegetables. Are you going to make his favorite side dishes? We should make some preserves for him to take back to Nanjing. What else do we need?" The old man grumbled and sat beside his wife.

"He's bringing along a relative he found. A cousin. Oh, and we need to decide on a graduation gift for him. We gave Xiao Lan the savings we made for him, what can we give Xiao Kai? From what he said, he's living comfortably now and he won't take the savings we made for him," his wife said with a pleased smile on her face.

Chi Xuan knew how happy she was to hear of Chen Kai's good fortune. He was the same, also. He opened his mouth to give his suggestion when a notification came in. Lan Yueran raised the smartphone and glanced at the on-screen notification. The visible contents read – You have received a transfer from Chen Kai…. The amount wasn't displayed.

Thinking it was the same 2000 Yuan that he normally sends, she opened the bank app to transfer half to savings and the rest for grocery shopping.

Her actions paused. "Dear, get me my extra pair of eyes."

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

The working hours of Haidan are 9 am – 4 pm, there are only four hours of overtime that is allowed. Chen Kai left at five through the private elevator.

The driver changed the vehicle to the Mercedes-Maybach which was much more comfortable and enclosed in Chen Kai's opinion.

The bodyguards escorted him to the car and watched it leave the underground carpark.

"Here you go, Young Master." The bodyguard sitting in the co-pilot seat, leaned back and gave him the two purple envelopes.

"Thank you. Go to the food stalls next to XXX University and park away from the crowd."

"Yes, sir."

Twenty-five minutes through evening traffic, he reached his destination. Letting the driver and bodyguard do what they like, Chen Kai walked on the outskirts of the crowd clamoring for a quick meal on the side of the road, and made his way to the familiar food stall. Whether it's the morning or evening shifts, this stall is always busy. Clean environment, delicious food, and welcoming shop owners.

When he arrived, a table was being cleaned by the afternoon helper. He easily claimed the seat and waited for the server to take his order. He placed a takeaway order for two and a few snacks for himself and sent the message, 'Kai is here.'

It didn't take long for the old Auntie to come rushing over to his table. He stood respectfully and allowed her to see him in his business suit. The pride was in her eyes as she gave him a once over.

Chen Kai was greedy. He longed for some sort of comfort and doting from a parent. Even though he received it from Auntie Lan's call, he still wanted more. His heart has been disturbed for the majority of the day and this little attention from his elders made him greedy for more.

"Hi, Auntie."

The woman gave him a firm nod and grabbed his hand tightly. The two sat together with a few customers looking their way, curious of the young man in the expensive suit. Why is such an elite at a street stall?

"Our Little Kai looks good in his suit. How was your day? Your uncle is preparing your order."

Chen Kai smiled warmly at the woman.

Madam Zheng Lia and Mister Xie Huang are a childless couple who live their years in each other's companionship. They both lived through ups and downs and created a small home for themselves waiting for the years to go by. The food stall beside the University will be six years since they were approved by the public authorities.

Since they opened, they bore witness to many youths who arrived at the University to start their paths. They talked to a few, gave little advice, watched them go through emotional upheavals, and so on but none ever captured their heartstrings like Chen Kai.

When they first saw him, he was like an existence unable to merge with the present flow. He will sit quietly by the same table they were at and wait for his turn. His speaking will be soft and polite and his eyes will shine with curiosity before it dimmed to cold indifference. He didn't get close to other kids his age, from the eyes of the elderly he was like a vigilant black cat wary of people.

A child who grew up alone.

Day by day they spoke to him and brought him into conversations until they saw a relaxed state. Even when they simply wanted to help the child open up to his surroundings, the need to protect him was there. That's where their connection solidified to substitute relatives.

"Work was fine. The company I took over is giving me a bit of headache but it will be fine in two weeks."

Zheng Lia's eyes widen at the mention of 'company take over'. The young man did tell them of an inheritance given to him but didn't go into much detail. He has always been quiet about things about himself.

"I don't know much about those business stuff but your words are firm, so I have confidence in your abilities. Have you seen Xiao Yan? He hasn't visited for a while. I heard about what happened at that school. Did you go help him?" The motherly worry was evident in her tone and on her weathered face.

"Xiao Yan is fine. His aunt called me when he was in the hospital. After I learned what happened, I took him home. It was best that I did that. She… *sigh* Xiao Yan is safe now," he reported, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

The old woman took a deep breath and stopped herself from asking about what happened. From the fluctuation in Chen Kai's expression, she knew it was bad but the child is safe. "Good."

"I gained a chance to transfer him to a better school. His entrance exam is on Wednesday. He's currently reviewing papers at home, I will tell him to visit you when he's outside with his new friends." Chen Kai made sure to ease the woman's mind telling her in a roundabout way that Xiao Yan is happier now.

"It's good enough to know he's fine."

He obediently nodded his head then retrieved the two envelopes from his suit jacket, and presented them to her. "My graduation ceremony is in two weeks. I would like to invite you and Uncle as … my family."

The meaning of family has been torturing Chen Kai for the entire day after the situation between Xu Sheng and his daughter came up.

He asked himself – Would I let go of the reins on my daughter and let her fall deeper into the quagmire? How would I feel if my daughter had no trust in me?

Chen Kai began to miss his three children even more after that.

After Auntie Lan Yueran's call, once again the meaning of family came up. The old couple who already had their biological child, reached out their hands to the neighborhood's orphaned bastard child. They were his unofficial foster parents. They had no obligations towards him but loved him. The past and present Chen Kai is thankful for that love.

When it comes to this old couple who supported him with hot meals and emotional support, he was grateful. They too are family, foster aunt and uncle if one had to give them a title.

When he came to this star, his goal was to create his own family- recreate the family he lost over his past lives but it was already in place, just an unorthodox version that he alone could love and appreciate.

[Congratulations host on achieving one of your retirement goals. You have received.....