The Tycoon Inheritance

The Haidan Group employees had their world turn over the next day. Maybe it's a sixth sense or the threat to their laidback days was felt because the atmosphere was in their eyes different when they approached the building.

There was more security in the underground carpark, more patrolling guards outside, and new faces in the security team were placed in the lobby. The employees were being actively checked which haven't been seen for two years.

The lobby was no longer dreary, the professionalism was back. The dumbfounded employees saw the subtle changes that were made overnight, and little by little they began to fear Chen Kai's ability.

When the day began, they were hit with another change – a major one.

The spoiled princess was demoted.

Those in her department witnessed the scene of her refusing to leave her spacious corner office while the promoted Manager silently waited by the side. The HR Manager and two Security guards spoke to her with the patience of a saint as she ranted about her authority and her family being the real owner of the company.

The newly appointed HR Manager was briefed with the details of the internal fighting amongst various parties. The middle-aged woman had her experience in this industry and was poached from a company in Beijing. Handling this spoiled princess will be easy and the backing of the boss allowed her to show the ruthless character she was known for.

"Miss Xu, you had a talk with President Chen yesterday. I'm sure the details are still fresh in your memory. This tantrum you are displaying is unfitting for a young lady of your age….."

Xu Mai's face flushed red when those words fell upon her head, even more so when she finally felt the gazes filled with ridicule and secondhand embarrassment.

Seeing her vulnerable disposition the manager continued. "In respect for your father, a demotion was issued by President Chen resulting from your behavior. You have two choices. Accept the demotion and learn more about Advertising – Or – take a break at home indefinitely. Think of the President's decision as a one-time pardon."

Everyone heard the statement and began to wonder what Miss Xu Mai did to gain this one-time reprieve.

Crossing her arms in indignation, she raised her chin and proudly stated, "We in the Xu family do not live on handouts or cheap favors. I rather die than work for that immature brat. I pity everyone who decides to stay here. Without the previous executives, this place will burn to the ground."

"Then I take it that you chose the second option."

The day went by quickly after that episode along with four emails from President Chen, the Financial Manager, the HR Manager, and the Technical department, respectively.

In four letters, the trajectory of the company was changed.

~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday morning found Chen Kai leading Chen Yan back to the main house. Their morning routine was shared with the house manager and attendants were assigned to them from the moment they left their courtyard.

Chen Kai was slightly surprised to see a familiar face when he woke for his morning jog the previous day. It was even funny to see her dumbfounded expression that turned sour when she grabbed hold of the situation she fell in.

"Do you think you can fit in with a few brats until you become of age?" They were in close distance to the waiting maids but a Sound barrier was put up around them, making it look like they were whispering to each other.

Chen Yan mulled over the mockery-filled question thrown at him. He was nineteen in hindsight but the concept of time was skewered since he travelled over numerous dimensional planes. So maybe he's centuries years old? In a twelve-year-old body? The mature demeanor was visible which brings the contradiction. "Hmmmm, maybe?

This can be a new experience. I never attended school. You kept me locked up in the castle."

"Protection. I was protecting you."

Laughing at his brother's weak rebuttal, he then revealed how much he was looking forward to reliving this age in a peaceful era.

"Well, you make the best of it. Our lives here are gifts, who are we to not appreciate it."

The two arrived at the school thirty minutes before their appointment. After a fruitful talk with the headmaster of the school, it was decided that Chen Yan would take the entrance examination and continue his day at the school to assimilate better.

The school term was ending and his grade was getting ready for final exams. Xiao Yan didn't mind the barrage of tests he would face in a short time. He was excited to simply start his new life.

Upon their arrival, the headmaster himself welcomed them at the doors of the school. The brothers didn't expect this treatment nor was their ego inflated because of the old man's initiative. Chen Kai was the first to step down from the car and greeted the man politely. It was the latter who shook his hand first and bowed in greeting.

"Headmaster, this isn't needed. I have already taken part of your time in personally welcoming us." On his last word, Chen Yan was by his side and greeted the old man with a polite tone.

"This is nothing, Director Chen. You are putting your brother's education in our hands, we have to see to this in a proper way." The Headmaster has seen many parents who wish for their kids to attend XXX Academy and money was freely offered, even perks to him and his staff but he has an eye for which family can benefit them.

The Chen family is such a family.

This family owned Tiaxin Hall in which they hold their equestrian showcases. Though it's an event to let the kids show their talent, it's a meeting event to gather prominent people in business and politics.

He did a soft investigation on Chen Kai and learned of his budding reputation of 'the young billionaire investor' and the Vice President of Nanhe Group. He's also the new owner of Fanrong Building. Keeping a connection with this budding powerhouse is a good decision.

"If you say so, headmaster." Chen Kai moved to take Xiao Yan's backpack from him with familiar, doting actions then followed the old man.

In the floors above, a few kids were looking out the window when their arrival was spotted and the Headmaster's presence, the old man was close to licking the young man's boots as they spoke. The kids didn't focus on the older people, this was a normal thing in their eyes, it was the kid with amber eyes that caught their attention.

A transfer student so late in the semester?

Which family did he come from?

Which grade is he in?

Oblivious to the budding curiosity and upsurge of gossip, the Chen Brothers were led to an empty classroom where three teachers were idly waiting. They were trying to guess the child's background when the Headmaster entered.

Jumping to their feet, they greeted then turned to the young man and teenager following closely.

"Greetings teachers. I am Kai, surnamed Chen. This is my brother, Xiao Yan. Thank you for this meeting."

They accepted his polite words and eyed the child who silently bowed to them, meeting their gazes bravely afterwards.

"Xiao Yan, these are your teachers for Math, English, and Ancient Chinese. They personally set the entrance test for you after going through your transcripts. They will also be your invigilators for the test." The Headmaster welcomed him to the separate desk and went to talk with the three.

Chen Kai watched over his brother carefully which caught the eye of the teachers. The question of their parents circulated in their mind as older brothers aren't usually this attentive.

"Why don't we go to my office to finalize the entry…"

"Before he finishes the exam?" Chen Kai asked carefully.

"We are optimistic about his capability, this is just a formality," the headmaster finished.

The brothers shared a speaking glance and went along with the farce.

The teachers watched the headmaster and Chen Kai leave then turned their attention to the kid sitting upright and boldly gazing at them, waiting for them to start. There was no sloppy appearance or posture and he exuded an air of nobility. The child's background was a mystery. Only the elder brother was stated on his personal file. Is it an orphaned family that left a large inheritance?

This etiquette of sitting and speaking were trained movements, there were a lot of high society kids in their school like this child.

He would either fit in or be outcasted. Kids are mean and honest with their likes and dislikes. If this kid's handsome appearance and his expensive clothes garner a lot of attention, it would stimulate the small-minded spoiled brats among the masses.

The teachers didn't put much thought into what may happen to Chen Yan's social life, they were more focused on his studies. The academy thrives on their background for producing brilliant graduates and this child would be a good seedling.

"Alright, Xiao Yan, let's start with English."

Through the halls of XXX Academy, the headmaster gave Chen Kai a thorough tour and explained in depth of the various classes and clubs. The academy can be considered a partially private school due to its diverse races and households. They occupy a vast piece of land to cater to the sports center, the stables, and the dormitory. Overall, Chen Kai saw where the money goes and no corner was missed.

The two were in a serious conversation about life training for the students and offering different options they could indulge in after high school.

It is understood by both men that majority of the kids that attend the academy have their lives planned out but it won't hurt to show them a past time to balance their lives.

"Xiao Yan has taken an interest in soccer and basketball if he chooses one of the two then I would like to be a sponsor for the seasons he plays. He has a knack for gaming and I can see that his creativity will evolve that love of gaming. How about a donation to upgrade the computer and gaming clubs you have established?

Most traditional parents won't see the gold piece in letting their kids indulge in such things but I can. I'm sure you've studied jobs in that field."

The Headmaster was already giddy about the sports sponsorship which is a struggle every season. The donation was a pie in the sky falling right in his hands. Both were offered because of one child. How dedicated is Chen Kai to his brother's development?

"I will boldly accept Director Chen."

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

"Thank you."

The soft-spoken words came from a man in his forties as he was served his meal along with his companion. His upright posture didn't change as he reached for the glass of wine and began to solemnly eat.

There were no words between him and the man opposite him. His companion is none other than his father, a stern-looking, strapping man in his early 70s, dressed in a dark tailor-made three-piece suit. His graying hair was neatly styled away from his forehead. A slightly wrinkled face and piercing eyes showed his maturity in life.

The man in his forties focused on his meal. This was his only moment of quiet and rest. Meals whether it was with family or by himself, were the only time when he could focus on himself and not the responsibility thrown at him.

When the last sip of wine was drunk, he waited for the old man to speak.

"Did you handle the media?"

"Yes, father."

"Be sure to settle the loose threads that Xiao Tian forgot. There should be no problems in the coming days. The villa he wants is prepared. You need to contact the Ling house to cater to the woman's needs. You can't be too stingy even though we are doing them a favor. If she wasn't pretty and educated no man would marry such a fierce woman.

It's a good thing her old man has a hold on her."

"It has been taken care of."

"Good. At least you're acting like a leader now. You're still soft when it comes to those beneath you. You don't owe them anything."

The man can only nod his head in acknowledgment after listening to the 'wise words' of his father. He continued to listen to the hidden teachings in the old man's words with a deaf ear. His soft eyes and handsome features confuse anyone of his true personality, even his father. The face the old man saw currently is the look of a subservient child he has in the palm of his hand.

"Everything is sorted, father. Xiao Tian can celebrate his wedding without worries."

The old man left the private dining booth pleased that everything was handled efficiently. He has always been careful of his family's image as this was taught since young. No matter what the children of the family do behind closed doors, it shouldn't be seen by outsiders. The recent smudge wasn't his youngest fault. How can he know that the woman he dumped years ago was so weak-willed to kill herself?

Things like that shouldn't be attached to their family. He didn't delve deeper into his child's personal life; his Xiao Tian is one of the best among the young people, many families look up to them for support; wanting to tie their family's Tianrui is the best way in their doors. This marriage will be the highlight for months to come as two major families are coming together.

Back in the private dining booth, the smile withered from the man's face and merged into an indifferent look. The years have stolen his once easy-going smile, things that people close to you shouldn't do were experienced by this man. Grabbing his coat from the wall, he slowly made his way out of the restaurant where his car and bodyguards waited.

In the car, his assistant waited. She handed him three files and went back to her work on her device. The years of friendship brew a tacit understanding. There was a hiccup at one point in time but when he understood the reasoning, he buried it deep in his heart and memories.

"Have them relocated and compensated. If they refuse, enlighten them of his decision," he said after reading two of the files.

The last one was interesting. This was of the woman who ended her life for his scum of a brother. The child was left to her sister and she didn't inform Tianrui of him. What elixir did his brother give this woman?

He frowned when he met the last page.

"How can a twelve-year-old child disappear into thin air? You mean to tell me that no camera caught his image after he left?"

"Yes, sir. We had our team interrogate the medical staff and their answer was the same, 'His family discharged him'. When asked which family, they simply answered, 'his older brother'. There was no name mentioned. We went to the aunt but she refused to talk. She calmly said, 'He was never my worries.'" The assistant reiterated every word she read in the report.

Even she was confused by it.

"I don't know if to keep searching to block any issues for the future or forget the child. Whoever is hiding him may have a reason. The woman's remains were collected, did you find out whom?" he asked thinking of a connection there.

The assistant shook her head with a negative response.

The man had an inkling of curiosity to dig deeper but something was stopping him.

~~~~~~~~~~

In the confines of his office, five paperman talismans appeared before Chen Kai at eye level. Coated in his spiritual energy, he silently watched on as a layer was remotely stripped off the bodies leaving a faint image of their bodies. He read the names of the talismans.

The memory spell was triggered by someone investigating Xiao Yan.

He chuckled.

"Someone is very thorough."