The Tycoon Inheritance

XXX Hotel is a well-known four-star hotel in the county. With their improved services and amenities, they hope that a fifth star will be awarded in the next review. Being famed for its exclusive hosting of prominent events and luxurious atmosphere, XXX Hotel once again basked in this glory.

Two events were booked in the grand banquet halls. One host was higher than the other in terms of societal prestige; just the guest list and the reason for the event of both hosts proved so.

There are two grand banquet halls in XXX Hotel; each one can accommodate up to 300 guests and this is upon the design of a large dance floor and an orchestra's corner. They are located on the east and west of the hotel with their own facilities of kitchens, lounge areas, and restrooms.

The sun had set and the halls were decorated; numerous tables dressed in carefully selected tablecloths; silverware shone under the crystal chandeliers, and fine china was delicately placed at each seat awaiting the upcoming diners. The wait staff were reminded at the last minute by the respective event managers, ready to show XXX Hotel's optimum care.

An hour or two after the designated attending time, guests arrived at the doors. Their arrival was their upkeep of 'fashionably late'.

The ladies wore their best to one-up their old friends or to burn the eyes of their high school crush. They pulled out all the stops, even to the point of taking advantage of shopping loopholes.

The men were subtle in their designer suits but jewelry and cars were their bragging grounds.

Groups were formed in the lobby, eyeing every guest arriving, whether it was patrons of event 1 or 2, idlers were waiting to share what they saw.

The attention of the few stragglers outside was caught by sleek gold Rolls Royce Ghost slowly coming to a stop. Most of the arrivals came in BMWs Mercedes or domestic luxury cars but none of the top foreign names showed up till now.

Most were curious of the owner while few knew of the master of such a car at a glance. The knowledgeable females who were attending the rich kid's birthday party had a look of momentary disgust on their faces before reclaiming their genteel looks. The men similar to them were waiting for a show.

The valet stepped back when the driver, himself, slipped out of his seat and promptly opened the backdoor.

A beauty was seen sitting lazily in the backseat as she passed an empty wine glass to a young man on the seat beside her. Her mature charm was befitting her age. Clad in silk and donned with the finest diamonds, this was Madam Huo, gracing the 'common people' with her presence.

It's known that she's nearing the threshold of 40 and with this growing age, her appetite for youth and beauty has become vigorous. Her companions are becoming younger and her beauty seems everlasting.

The driver helped her out while her companion for the evening rounded the car to catch up with them.

Madam Huo was of average height with a seductive body on which she prides herself. The lavender silk dress danced across her body with every step she took, emphasizing her curves and bringing attention to the snug bodice of the dress and the split that began from her thigh. The men in the crowd envied the man she was holding on to; the women couldn't help but envy her perfect looks at this late age.

Walking to the entrance under the stares, Madam Huo's vanity spiked. The flattering calls made her smile grow larger, she loved the focused attention whenever she attended these small invites. She thrives on these praises. Which woman didn't like to be fawned over? She had nothing to worry about in life – money, power, handsome men – this was the perfect life for her.

It's even more satisfying when those people who look down on her lifestyle come asking for a backer.

A good example is the host of this birthday party. Hmph!

Before she entered the lobby, four uniformed men exited the door on the right of the entrance she was about to enter.

Their presence attracted everyone.

These four tall, intimidating men, dressed in casual dark clothes were rather eye-catching and imposing. Everyone's wild guess came to one factor – a big guy's bodyguard team.

Madam Huo has an eye for detail and quickly spotted the gold dragon insignia on their shirt collars. Not many families waste their time doing such a trivial thing for their security team, she wouldn't waste money like that. Those people are collateral.

"I wonder which big shot is visiting," she murmured under her breath. Inwardly, quick calculations in meeting this elite person took birth. She, along with the stragglers waited outside the hotel to watch the little show. Madam Huo wanted to know whether it was male or female, then she would know which plan to execute.

The bodyguard team stood at the curb with their hands placed behind their backs, waiting patiently for something or probably someone.

It didn't take long for the familiar sound of a sports car to cut through the night.That low rumble can catch anyone's attention.

A sleek grey SUV approached the hotel and smoothly parked alongside the curb. Listening to the calm rumble of the engine and the type of vehicle confused the normal onlookers. For the car lovers, spotted specific details of this SUV and recognized the logo instantly.

One stepped forward to see better and was amazed the first time they saw it on the official website. "I didn't expect to see one of these in this county. It must be a big shot from the capital," he exclaimed in delight. In practiced moves, he retrieved his phone and quickly took photos of the luxury SUV.

"One of what?" his friend asked dully. He was used to his friend's eccentric behavior around cars.

"Maserati Grecale. The top car dealerships have to order these if a client wants one. Can you imagine having a 100 Million Yuan car gathering dust in your store? Take about heartache for countless days."

Maserati?!

100 Million Yuan?!

Two points stood out from that statement.

Who in their right mind will spend so much on a car and leisurely drive it in their 2nd tier county?

A spoiled rich kid or a frivolous bigshot – those are the two possible answers.

The 4-man bodyguard team moved. One went on the passenger side, one went to the trunk and the remaining two stood guard at the driver's side.

"Good evening, Young Master. Good evening, Young Miss."

The chorused greeting sent shivers along their body. It reminded them of the wealthy families and big men in TV dramas. Witnessing firsthand was exciting. The doors were opened and the first person they saw was a red-haired beauty being helped out of the car.

The mature beauty of Madam Huo was erased from their mind.

Within their sight was an enchanting beauty; each step was graceful as the bodyguard helped her onto the curb. She represented the phrase 'beauty of different sides'.

The royal blue pantsuit was bright yet elegant against her fair skin; her hair was coiled in a simple braided style giving the masses a look at diamond earrings on her delicate ears.

This woman was undeniably gorgeous - slightly plump lips, slender nose, almond-shaped eyes, and proportional features; there was no sense of disharmony from her shapely body, beautiful features, fair skin and pleasing demeanor.

The question was – who can have such a woman waiting for him?

It didn't take long for the driver to leave the car.

One bodyguard moved into the driver's seat then drove off promptly. The other was shielding the driver as he led him to the waiting beauty.

When she moved towards him that's when the remaining three bodyguards shifted their formation and made their way to the entrance.

A few sharp gasps sounded, paired with loud shouts of disbelief.

Madam Huo wanted to know why there was such a reaction when she heard a familiar name. A slow smirk took home on her lips, a great contrast from the sneer she had when the young woman appeared taking all the attention from her.

Looking at the source of the disbelieving cries, she was dumbstruck for a moment before she returned to normal.

"Interesting." Her one word was heard by her companion. She tugged at his arm, signaling them to continue on; he followed but glanced at the young man entering the lobby a few steps away from him.

By one look, he knew the meaning of Madam Huo's one word.

~~~~~

"It's someone who looks like him right?"

"A doppelganger!"

"After years in society, you two are still stupid. Who can forget Chen Kai? That is the real Chen Kai. Is there any other male god from our class?" The contempt in the voice of the person who spoke was clear.

"Then its true that he's eating soft rice then. Can anyone afford so much money to flaunt like this?" Mockery was heard this time.

"What about the beauty on his arms?"

"Tch! Any girl can fake it for the right price. He probably paid with his face."

"Is face value so high these days?"

Su Lian was bristling with anger as she listened to these toads talk about her Kai. He told her about his quiet high school life and the distance he kept from everyone but she thought it was due to his personality. Hearing these so-called classmates boldly speak about him in this manner changed her understanding. They didn't even care that he heard their mockery.

What gave them the right to do so?

"Bunch of narrowminded clowns! Look at them! Like cockroaches cowering in a corner yet brave the light…"

Chen Kai tightened his hold on her hand when he heard her low curses. How can he not know his wife was angry on his behalf? Her creative curses were quite amusing.

She turned to him with concern-filled eyes, looking at the familiar demeanor she met with years ago. This man now looked like a fading silhouette, detached from everything around him. The mockery, the contempt, the curses about his birth were all white noise to him. His indifferent look was a mask. This was a wall of defense he put up to make it through this negativity.

"Is my wife angry for me?" He leaned closer and whispered his question in her ear. Her fair neck now carried a slight blush from his warm breath.

"Of course I am. You certainly won't!"

He softly laughed and kissed the tip of her ear. "There's no need to be angry. I did no wrong and my origins are even unknown to me. Be good, my Lian."

Chen Kai's bold intimate act made her blush even more, it became more prominent on her cheeks. She stepped closer to him and lowered her head to hide a bit.

His laughter became louder seeing her shy act. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he led her to the assigned banquet hall.

All the eyes that were on him, saw this and couldn't help but envy his dog-shit luck.

Amongst them was Luo Xianruo who was returning to the lobby to meet up with her friend who just arrived.

She was melded to the spot upon seeing Chen Kai. His immature good looks have matured into a handsome rogue.

He… looked different from that 17-year-old kid who everyone disdained. She can tell from afar that the clothes on his back and the seemingly simple watch on his wrist are worth a lot.

What stifled the breath in her throat was the woman by his side. Compared to the elegant pantsuit the woman wore, she, Luo Xianruo who is usually proud of her outstanding looks was like a cheap model when one looks closely.

It was a knock to her pride to understand that comparison but it was a slash to her pride when Chen Kai passed by without a glance her way.

There goes another hit to her pride.

The dress she bought was specifically for Chen Kai to notice her after years of indifference towards her. How can his eyes be so small and not fawn over her like the others?

"Chen Kai! What's with this rude behavior? Why haven't you greeted your classmates?" Luo Xianruo shouted these words under personal humiliation. She wanted whatever image he showed that woman to falter.

"Is this the first day of pre-school, Miss Luo Xianruo? Or did you forget the basis of a greeting?" He didn't spare her glance when he answered. The sharp tone in which he responded with no hesitation was the same back in high school.

Luo Xianruo flinched at those sharp words. She forgot how poisonous a man's tongue was.

She opened her mouth to retort but the guy was already meandering down the corridor. Her plan to cause him trouble already crashed before it can even fly.

~~~~~

Su Lian was frowning all the way to the banquet hall. She couldn't understand why Kai's classmates were like this. She knew his temperament. Unless provoked, he will keep his distance from people.

"I can see why you saw this reunion as a chore," she muttered in his ear as he led them to the registration table.

"A movie would have been nicer," he replied. After signing his name in the decorated guest book, he looked for his name within the numerous nameplates but found that it was missing.

Noticing his initial confusion and then the nonchalant look, Su Lian lightly nudged him, asking him silently, 'What's wrong?'

Understanding her actions he was about to answer when a young man approached the table. "Hello, is there a problem?"

"Are you a part of the hotel staff for this event?"

"Yes, sir. How can I help?" the young man replied with a too-wide smile on his face. His little triangle eyes kept shifting to Su Lian, showing his inattentiveness.

"Since you came here to help me then you're in charge of this 'registration'. Should I offer my high school diploma to get my nameplate or can I select a random table?" Chen Kai asked dully. He wasn't too invested in the game these idiots want to play. Heck, he didn't even want to come here.

"Uh… no. You have to use your nameplate to find your seat."

"First name Kai. Last name Chen. Can you help me find my name?"

The young man gave him a look of displeasure and then set to look for the name. He halfheartedly searched and feigned confusion. "Mr. Chen, your name seems to be missing."

"…. Shocking."

Look at that, they even have canon fodders in their little game.

"Pfft!!!"

The snort came out unexpectedly. Su Lian hid her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking lightly with laughter.

The young man's face was red from being embarrassed by Chen Kai's sarcastic response plus Su Lian's laughter.

"Then can I choose a table or is it – no name, no entry, sort of thing? I didn't expect the ever-efficient and meticulous class monitor, Madam Mu Zui will botch up a simple registration. Mind-blowing!" This was said lazily as he swept his gaze over the nearly filled hall.

A few newcomers were by the table retrieving their nameplates when they heard his nonchalant comment. From the inquisitive looks on their faces, it was obvious that this scheme they wanted him to fall into, wasn't known to everyone. He didn't look at the group chat where they don't hold back in their conversations.

"There should be a few tables free for guests. We are sorry for the inconvenience," the young man said in a too polite manner. Who knows what were his thoughts? To him, he was executing a simple request from the host of the reunion. The extra 20,000 Yuan was a great bonus.

"Lead the way."

The young man eyed Chen Kai who seemed unbothered by this mild humiliation. He didn't place too much thought on why the host wanted to upset this big shot. Anyway, it's none of his business. He led Chen Kai to one of the large empty tables in the corner of the hall, away from the main event.

The stares didn't bother the couple. They were actually grateful they were away from the beady eyes on them. They can have a quiet meal and then return to their room.

The two sat in amicable silence, admiring the décor of the hall. Gold and purple were the color scheme, painting an elegant scenery for the gathering. The banquet hall itself was grand but the décor made it look more livelier.

Not much was added, only a purple and gold balloon sculpture around the stage, a projection of their school's logo on the far wall, and on the tables were purple bouquets with gold trimmings. Little gift bags were at each placeholder for the guests, a little memento of the reunion.

Everyone was having a grand time chatting with each other, opening their gifts, sipping on drinks – the place was lively compared to the corner where Su Lian and Chen Kai were.

The outcasted couple were in their own two-person world. Su Lian was creating photo moments of them while Chen Kai teased her. After half an hour, his laidback demeanor became cold. It was clear they wanted to mess with him but involving his woman was his bottom line.

Within half an hour, no server approached them nor looked their way when the evening's appetizer was shared. He saw the few mocking smiles but ignored them. He stayed silent, giving them the benefit of the doubt.

What do they want him to do? Create a scene then they will turn the tables? Do they think he's so gullible?

Whatever tricks they have line up for him are all probably mediocre. Give him a plot with twists and turns, then he will give it some attention.

"I'll have them send us a meal from the restaurant. I'm sorry." Chen Kai's anger came from having his wife suffer alongside him. His Lian kept quiet even when she noticed something was wrong.

"We can always leave. You've given them enough face, don't you think?" She replied to his apology with those words and ended it with a kiss on his cheek.

He didn't respond as she expected. Bringing back her gaze to him, she realized that he was already looking at her. Being so close to him was blinding. Sometimes his good looks left her dumbstruck even though she saw him every day. Tch, this guy!

He smirked when he saw the dazed look in her eyes. Leaning closer, he whispered her name against her lips before stealing a slow kiss in her distracted state. The feel of her lips was intoxicating. The softness paired with the scent of her favorite perfume was testing his patience.

When he parted their lips, Su Lian recaptured his lips and deepened the kiss, pushing his limit. Chen Kai chuckled at her aggressive response and allowed her to take the lead. Experiencing her dominance was satisfying.

……Maybe they should leave.

"Let's go." His voice was hoarse when they paused for a breath.

The eyes don't lie.

Su Lian didn't object. She, too was on the borderline of her physical attraction for this man.

This was their special weekend, after all.

~~Author Note - A sip.

Stock piling chapters.

Add the book to your library and please await updates. :)