The Tycoon Inheritance

There's a saying – 'There's nothing that can match a Mother's love.'

A mother's love can be tender. It can be caring or tough. It can be said in words or be done with actions.

A child may notice late or early in their lives but the fact that remains is that there will be only one mother in their life who will love them unconditionally.

Unbeknownst to him, in the background of his new life, his mother's love and care for him has begun to go through the predetermined motions. When it's his turn to receive this love, it will be up to him how to perceive this love.

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

"Pretty wife, we're here."

"Say that again." Her voice was slightly muffled as she burrowed deeper into the arms of the man she trusted the most. His lowered laugh tickled her ears even more after he kissed her cheek to wake her up gently.

It was a two-hour drive from the airport and to the county, Chen Kai lived in. Su Lian was able to relax and be worry-free after she witnessed the meticulous actions of the bodyguards and Chen Kai. When they arrived in Zhejiang Province, it was finally revealed to her that he now has a home in Hangzhou and he sent a team to secure the villa and also have a pickup detail waiting for him.

One of the two vehicles he had at the Villa was their pick-up transport and the car he would use over the weekend.

Her eyes didn't even widen in shock when she saw the gray Maserati Grecale. She was concerned about catching up on her sleep.

That sleep was more of a nap because they reached the hotel too fast. 'What can I say! The driver is skilled and the car is a Maserati.' She silently lamented.

"Don't let me throw you over my shoulder and carry you into the hotel."

Her giggle pierced the warm silence of the car. Throwing her arms around his neck and placing a kiss below his air, she taunted him, pushing him to execute his threat.

The guards were outside waiting on their boss while one went to do the check-in procedure. The knock on the car window was heard by the one nearest the backdoor; he opened the door and waited for the couple to step out. They kept their faces stoic when they saw the boss princess-carrying the young miss in his arms quite easily.

Su Lian's peal of laughter was heard and caught the attention of people on the sidewalk and patrons entering the hotel. She didn't care about the disapproving stares, she proudly held onto Chen Kai as he carried her into the lobby.

"The colors are so nice and inviting," she commented when she was helped to her feet.

"The design mimics the Western hotels with their flair for promoting the 'home away from home' ideal. This is a four-star hotel that is very popular here. The reunion will be hosted in one of its grand banquet halls."

"Ooo~ Fancy~" she quipped.

"I said the same too when I heard my class monitor mention this place. I guess they want to make it special. Usually, a school reunion gets less attended over the years."

Su Lian listened to the nonchalant tone he spoke with concerning this. From what she understood, most people will be eager to go back to their high school classmates and show off how accomplished they've become. Chen Kai is currently living the dream before his 30th birthday. Anyone would ask why he wasn't boasting about this accomplishment if they heard him now and knew of him.

'Because these are simple things in his eyes,' she answered inwardly.

The couple sat in the sitting area waiting for the guard to visit them.

Seeing bodyguards around the young couple, patrons couldn't help but whisper wanting to know who they were and where they came from. The receptionists saw them when they entered and were slightly distracted. The woman helping Chen Kai's bodyguard was one of them. He didn't call her out on this, he patiently waited for her to continue. She caught her faux-pas and returned to her duties.

A female guard approached him and relayed a message from their boss.

The receptionist recalled this guard that came with the couple.

"Is room service still available?"

"Yes, sir. You can place your order here and we will relay it to the kitchen," she said offering him the leather-bound menu book.

"Two please." The guard sent the first menu back to his boss and took the initiative to place the dinner order for the team.

" Here are the room keys. One Presidential Suite and two State double rooms. Thank you for your patience."

The receptionist made sure to keep her eyes aligned with the man before her. It was already a shocker to have such a fine man to be checking in at this time of the night without a human accessory on his arm. She became numb when more good-looking people came in escorting a fairy-like couple who made a scene with their blatant display of affection.

How can the gods be so unfair? With her unpredictable work schedule, it's hard to meet guys that are pleasing to the eyes. Throwing back her shoulders to display her well-endowed chest, she focused on using her body's charm to get some results.

"Do you need help in choosing? I'm sure everyone is famished," she offered sweetly. She leaned her head slightly to the left to give a cute but sweet approach.

"Thanks for the offer. Can you help me choose dishes that will require less time?" Leaning against the desk, he gave the receptionist his undivided attention.

The guard didn't mind the woman's advancement. It won't hurt to know the locals. As the young master reminded them, this was their minor weekend vacation.

A bellboy and the flirtatious receptionist escorted them to the top floor. Chen Kai and Su Lian were positioned at the back with the guards encircling them. The bellboy was anxiously quiet when he entered the elevator, it had been a while since so many imposing figures arrived at the hotel.

The receptionist kept up the chatter with the hotel's history and things they could do for the two days in the county. Su Lian wasn't quite listening as she noticed a peculiar suitcase at the top of the luggage carrier.

"Whose is that? It's a pretty suitcase. I wonder where they bought it," she asked poking Chen Kai in the side.

The bodyguards heard her musings and smothered their smiles. Her cluelessness was justified as they were told to keep it out of her sight until they arrived here.

"How else am I going to bring along your gifts?" Chen Kai teased.

"Oh. It's my gift….. OH! So the suitcase is also mine." Her joy was infectious.

"You should be asking what I bought for you, Lian, not just the suitcase." He chuckled when she moved closer to inspect the vintage carry-on suitcase. The white with beige straps and rose gold finishing carries the image of a luggage piece for a princess. Chen Kai personally chose it from the boutique along with three items inside.

"The wrappings heighten my expectations."

"Well, both of us will like them."

Su Lian's face carried a heavy blush on her cheek. "There is a time and a place for everything, Kai," she scolded. He didn't take her scolding seriously; he was busy inwardly shouting how adorable she looked at that moment.

The guards were used to their bold young master but the receptionist and bell boy couldn't help thinking what Chen Kai gifted Su Lian.

The Presidential Suite was a single bedroom.

Chen Kai held back his amusement when he took in every emotion that flashed across Su Lian's face when the receptionist gave them both a rundown of the amenities of the suite. The extra people left, leaving the two alone in the spacious living room. Their bags were placed near the bedroom door which Su Lian kept glancing at.

"Dinner will be here soon. You can wash up first."

No response was expected. She was nervous. This will be the first time they will be in the same space for more than five hours.

Unhurriedly he came to her side and held her hand, then moved to hug her to his body from behind.

Kissing her neck, he placed his head on her shoulder and watched her without a word. Her fair cheeks were still enflamed with her blush. It made him wonder what thoughts were in her head. She may be bold in speaking and eccentric in her actions but she's still innocent when dealing with the opposite sex.

The more he didn't speak, the more relaxed she became. He allowed her to become more aware of their close proximity and his wish to hold her more than before. His Lian wasn't naïve. She will never allow herself to stray from logical reasoning.

"You have been thinking about this for a while." Su Lian finally spoke. The response she got from him was a low hum of acknowledgment.

"Don't overthink things. Our relationship is different from the standard. I know you have the thought of being too bold that I will see you in a different light."

"You won't?" Her question was soft and filled with apprehension. He understood her wariness. Some men can't handle bold and straightforward women, he didn't care; less mind games he has to deal with.

"I won't," he replied gently.

Gaining her courage, Su Lian took the initiative to kiss his lips that have been on her mind for so long. Her dominance over him was weak. Chen Kai allowed her to shift their positions to her being the one holding him.

Hands-on her waist, his body shuddered when she placed a kiss below his ear and proceeded to put her ownership on him. Soft lips mixed with a slippery tongue agitated both of them, she nipped at his sensitive neck, loving the feel of him against her and his subtle scent of sandalwood wafting to her nose.

A breathy groan passed his lips; Su Lian gave a soft gasp of surprise when she felt Chen Kai's physical reaction to her actions below his waist.

Squeezing her sides, he moved his hips against hers allowing her to get a more prominent feel of her influence on him.

"Kai."

His name was a hoarse whisper against his neck before returning to his lips.

"Baby."

Her slender hands pushed off his cardigan and slipped under his t-shirt. Her kisses became erratic as she responded to the feel of his smooth skin. His muscles twitched under her touch; wanting to see him react more, she moved her hands from his back to his waist and blindly followed her hand movements. The contours of his abdominal muscles excited her.

She was about to let her hands explore his muscular chest when the doorbell rang.

"Room Service."

Both inwardly cursed and drifted apart.

Su Lian went to compose herself and Chen Kai went to retrieve the food.

Taking the cart from the waiter, he returned to see a relaxed Lian in the dining room. Her cardigan and shoes were gone and she seemed a bit freer in her expression and subtle action. This pure beauty was his woman. He felt the compensation from the little interruption return to below his waist. Though they won't go further, for now, it won't hurt to taste her lips a bit longer.

Forgetting about the food, Chen Kai pulled her back into his arms.

How can he be satisfied with a little taste?

"We should eat."

"Yes. We can also eat dinner in a few minutes," he replied to her with a smirk against her lips. Soft and addictive.

"Nice wordplay."

This time it was him doing an exploration. Her t-shirt was swiftly rolled up to reveal her pillowy chest. The violet lace bra was a mind-numbing contrast against her pale skin. The deep design exposed a dangerous cleavage to which he succumbed to.

Devilishly, he buried his face between her breasts and placed random kisses on them.

"That Tickles~ Kai~" Her uninhibited laughter mixed with her state of undress will be a favored memory for him. After teasing her with deep kisses to leave a vague mark, he nipped at her puckered nipples and stepped back.

He couldn't push her further than brushing his fingers along the edges of her bra but he felt her anticipation when he tugged at the lace. Looking at her face, her kiss-swollen lips were so enticing but he knew he had to stop. It was late and they had a full day tomorrow.

Wrapping her in his arms once more, he whispered sweet, teasing words about their previous soiree in her ear to see her blushing face before moving for a quick dinner.

After washing up, they sat in companionable silence, anxious for their first night sleeping in the same bed.

Su Lian sat on the king-size bed and watched on as Chen Kai packed away their things in the closet and bathroom before approaching her with the vintage suitcase. He was meticulous with his actions and considerate when it came to her personal things. She wondered if this was a normal thing between couples.

Chen Kai will do what it takes to make her hour or day easier. All he would ask in return is her happiness.

She had a soft smile on her red lips as she gazed upon her lover. Chen Kai didn't read much into her avid gaze because it was a normal occurrence between them. At times, he would be lost on her in the same way that their friends call 'the most nauseous look of love'.

"Okay, beautiful. I will go take a shower. You can check your gifts," he said against her lips before kissing them.

Waving him away, she moved swiftly to open the suitcase. Chen Kai got his phone from the sofa and took a few photos of her childlike reactions to receiving gifts.

Leaving her to her antics, he took a well-needed cold shower. He prayed to the gods to have control when he returned.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Chi Xuan took one last walk around his home, securing the safety locks, locking the windows, ensuring the places he and his wife cleaned were still in order, and rechecking the kitchen.

The old couple was excited for Chen Kai's arrival.

The past few days were planned out from the moment Lan Yueran ended the call with him. They took one day to acquire his graduation gift and did some extra shopping. The house was cleaned the following day; they wanted him and his newly found cousin to have a place where they will always be welcomed.

When he texted them with the change of plans, Lan Yueran's eyes gleamed with the excitement of a future mother-in-law. Her 'son' was bringing his wife home. The husband and wife pair cleaned the guest room that Chen Kai used when he spent a few weekends with them. The daughter-in-law must have a quiet place to rest.

"This one must be the girl he secretly liked," Chi Xuan murmured. He knew the boy spoke to his wife about special things when he decided to look for help.

The child learned from young to keep everything hidden; he also developed the tendency to manage everything on his own. They were only playing the role of support which he accepted and they didn't mind. Through his efforts, he accomplished a lot.

"It's good that he grew well." The old man climbed the stairs to the second floor and made his way to the master bedroom.

His wife was putting the last touch on the wrapped gift when he entered.

Sensing her husband behind her she relayed the message from Chen Kai. "He's staying at the hotel where the school reunion will be held. He gave the time of nine or ten of his arrival."

"Good. I know he will stay for the day before going to that reunion," Chi Xuan commented.

"That insufferable woman down the street started the talk of our Kai eating soft rice. You know she had a daughter in the same year group with Kai. Maybe her pride for her daughter is still hurt when Kai rejects the child's love letter. Bah! Why doesn't she focus on the son she still coddles at home? That waste 30 years old and still depending on his mother for an allowance.

If our Kai is being catered to by a woman at least he's using his benefits for himself. Hmph!"

Chi Xuan had nothing to say, and silently agreed with his wife's venomous tongue when it comes to anyone targeting their children. They may not socialize with most but they know of these people and their mindset.

The couple talked about the trivial things in the neighborhood and got ready to settle into bed. It was nearing midnight, past the hours they usually turn in. Tired, yet excited, they turned off the bedside lights and burrowed under the blankets for a good sleep.

(ALERT! FRONT GATE IS OPENED! ALERT! PRESENCE DETECTED!)

The security alarm sounded twenty minutes after they fell into a mild sleep. The loud alarm created a faint headache but they ignored it and looked at the upright tablet at their bedside.

"Do you see them? Shall we alert the police?" Lan Yueran looked over her husband's shoulder with a slight fear in her eyes as they both watched the front door camera. The dialog box to alert the police popped up in the corner for their immediate use.

The front gate was opened and held back by a large suitcase. The slight view of the front of a car was seen but it wasn't familiar to them. They waited for the presence that the security system detected due to not seeing anyone on the other cameras.

A red alert popped up when a young man entered the gate with two suitcases in his hands followed by a young lady holding handbag.

"Isn't that… Xiao Lan?" Chi Xuan said out loud.

The couple was confused. Why was their son here? It's late and he should be in the city at this time of night.

The old man pressed the speaker icon. "Xiao Lan? What are you… wait a minute. Your mother and I will come down soon."

The young couple was startled to hear the old man's voice when he wasn't there physically. Xiao Lan looked around to find the source when he saw the small white box beside the house number. He frowned. When did his parents install this?

"Dad?" he said warily to the camera.

"He's on his way down, Xiao Lan. Why are you here so late and you have this young lady with you?" Lan Yueran began her scolding then cut it off to meet them downstairs. So many scenarios popped up in her head as to why her child was back home without a call. He could of alerted them of his visit so they could wait up for him.

What happened?!!

Chi Rulan had his companion wait on the front steps so he could retrieve the large suitcase at the gate. His untimely visit was his entire fault. He didn't want to tell his folks the reason why he was coming over the phone, not wanting them to worry.

Returning to the front door, his parents were already there waving his companion inside with guarded expressions. He can see the questions in their eyes.

"Sorry for the worry, mom and dad. I didn't expect you to wake up so quickly," he hurriedly spoke as he entered. He was nervous about placing his burdens on his parents' minds but he needed help. He was at his wit's end.

His mother helped him with his suitcase while his father locked the front door, activating the security system once more.

Chi Rulan went to his companion's side who was standing like a lost sheep in the small foyer, avoiding the eyes of his parents. They were ushered to the formal living room to have a good talk.

"It's been a while since I returned. Why didn't you tell me that you've stepped up security?" Xiao Lan brought up a vague subject to ease the awkwardness that came down on them.

Father and Mother sat opposite their son and his unfamiliar companion. The woman he introduced them to last year was not this one. Lan Yueran smiled at her son and then looked at the young lady. "Your father and I are alone in the house so it's best to take precautions," she kindly answered.

"That's true, it didn't cost much right?" he asked wanting to steer the conversation to a less tense topic.

"You don't worry about our affairs. How about you? Tell us the reason for you to be visiting in such a way and who is this young woman?" Lan Yueran took note of the woman's lack of etiquette. There was no greeting from her not even the slightest murmur of her name. She simply stood like a wooden dummy letting their son take the brunt of whatever situation they were in.

"We came to visit for a few days. This is my girlfriend, Shang Ming."

"Hello, Auntie. Hello Uncle. I am Xiao Ming. It's nice to meet you. Apologies for my untimely visit," the young lady said jumping to her feet to bow in greeting. Xiao Lan said a few words about her and then helped her to sit.

The old couple looked at the 3 bulging suitcases that were said to be for a few days then at the couple. Chi Xuan rubbed his tired eyes, not wanting to go around in circles with his son. They both know it will take a while before he reveals what he did or needs.

"What about work?" Lan Yueran asked.

"I got a few days off as vacation, so that's why I came back home in a hurry," Xiao Lan explained with a strained smile. He was trying his best to act natural as his mother was good at sensing where and when he messed up.

Lan Yueran didn't call him out on his faux pas; he was given rest days at a job that cherishes things like gold. She wasn't gullible. How many times did he give the excuse of not being able to return home because of work or refusing their visit because of work? Something was wrong.

"Its late. We can all talk about what's bothering you while you visit. Your brother will be visiting tomorrow. Why don't we all get some rest, your mother and I were about to turn in for the night," Chi Xuan said in a firm tone, ending any idle talk.

"Oh. Chen Kai is visiting. That's nice."

Chi Rulan's displeased tone was heard by his parents, but they didn't comment on it as this was an unresolved argument within the family of three.

"I will escort Miss Shang to the guest room. You know where the sheets are for your room," Lan Yueran followed up with a stiff smile.

"She can stay with me, mom. I know the guest room is probably prepared for Chen Kai's visit. We don't want to put him out, do we?"

Chi Xuan frowned at his son. He wanted to comment on his yin-yang speech but his wife silenced him with a sharp glance.

"Since you wish to have her with you, that's no problem with us." Lan Yueran escorted Shang Ming to their son's room on the ground floor while Chi Xuan helped with the bags.

When he entered, Chi Rulan saw the changes done to his room – new paint, a larger bed and a new carpet. He frowned. In his thinking, his parents did all of this because Chen Kai was visiting when they did this piece by piece waiting for him to come back home.

The couple saw all of this in his expression but was too tired to explain.

Some things are better left unsaid.