The Tycoon Inheritance

Donghua Construction has made a name for itself since established in the late 1970's. They kept up with the restraints and changes of the country placing their name as a household topic over the years. From a shabby courtyard on the outskirts of Nanjing to a towering and wide compound, the company grew but changed hands only once from the original family to another.

Over the years numerous projects and plans made the company grow internally and externally.

It was after the technological turnover in the country in the 90's, Donghua have been a bit stagnant but kept their place in the top 10 in the most successful rankings when it comes to construction and partnership.

Donghua had some talents within its little empire but in the midst of those who wished to climb the golden ladder, a lot of internal strife began.

That strife spilled over and those with greedy hands for the company reached out, placing the current Donghua Construction where it is.

The company is now under its third owner – the Chen Family.

"… after negotiations after three days, Donghua Construction and Merun Real Estate decided to break the contract on their hotel project. The other party agreed on compensation. As you requested, Merun Real Estate was placed on the blacklist for the duration of two years."

The little Project Director who was not yet thirty, silently exhaled a breath of relief after she finished her report in front of the executive board. Her heart was misbehaving and it took every ounce of strength in her body to display the confident unyielding woman she portrayed herself to be.

This wasn't the first time she attended a meeting such as this. As the Project Director, she was the mouth piece for every money-making path the company came across. She dealt with different people on a daily basis but today, this sunny Monday, was one day that tested her feminine mind.

"Thank you, Miss Huo. You can now tell us how many from your department have decided to resign?"

Unhurried. Deep. Domineering. Unfeeling.

This was the voice of their new boss. The new owner of Donghua Construction.

Miss Huo, once again took a deep breath trying to keep her composure as three pairs of thought-provoking, mind-numbing eyes landed on her body.

It was too much.

Which woman can stand firm with these gazes?

"Yes, sir."

When she was through with her report, another voice spoke. This time it was from the boss's right.

He was introduced as a business partner. Cold and meticulous can be described by this person whether it is his tone of voice or his appearance. "Thank you, Miss Huo. The Human Resource Director is next."

Sitting beside the young boss, this business partner wasn't inferior in looks at all.

There was a young man on the boss's left side but he wasn't introduced. He didn't speak but his Ash grey eyes spoke volumes. He was also part of the 'Otherworld Beauty' Association and his temperament was aligned with the other two.

Looking at the three, Miss Huo felt lucky and cursed to be in the same room as them.

The boss was a damn male beauty that can overthrow kingdoms, he was the same as a coveted beauty. His domineering temperament and alluringly dark features gave him the image of a tempting demon king that many mortals would bow to.

She would definitely be one.

The man on his right was of noble temperament. A cold male beauty who carried the image of a modern-day prince with his fair skin and shoulder-length inky black hair that was held up in a Jade hairpin. His eyes showed clear indifference, unbothered about the ongoings around him but aware of everything.

Miss Huo wondered where this man came from. Her curiosity also fell on the man on the left of her new boss.

At first glance, her instincts told her to stay away and speak less in front of that man. Those grey eyes may have looked creepy on anyone else but on his exquisite features, it looked captivating. The more one looks, the more one loses his composure.

Miss Huo has been trying her best not to look his way.

These three calamities.

The women in Donghua are going to suffer.

The meeting went on, and by each minute the pressure within the conference room got lower. The three young men at the head of the table can be sons to three-quarters of the Executive Board, yet they had these company veterans cowering in their seats.

"I must say Donghua Construction is lucky to be still standing. If I hadn't go through the formalities and seen this compound, I would've thought I was scammed. Can someone explain why a company ranked in the Top 10 in the country as being served as a buffet to outsiders?"

Chen Kai lazily swept his gaze over the trembling board members as he leaned heaving on his raised arm. Among the fearful were a few targeted ones that are the root of the problems within the company.

Trust can kill a man without seeing his murderer.

Xiao Wei sat beside him with his legs crossed at his knees with a now bored expression on his face.

Qi Yuyan, a close college mate and friend of Xiao Wei had an amused smile on his lips as he watched the show.

No one answered.

How can the three who were proficient in business and the sly workings of human nature be unable to see what was truly happening?

The previous boss was too upright and honest, he was taken advantage of by these vampires. Everyone is greedy, that's innate for humans. The ones you have to guard against are the ones who have no sense of loyalty or honor.

The previous owner's steadfast trust in his employees made him lax and unguarded to the machinations of outsiders.

Elite employees were poached.

New projects are being copied by competitors.

Numerous internal strife constantly appears.

Missing funds and replaced construction materials weren't recorded.

Rising to his feet, Chen Kai fixed his suit unhurriedly then looked at this so-called Executive Board.

"We know the bad parts of this company, now its time for you to decide if you wish to stay and help rebuild or find better opportunities. These options are currently received by the employees as I speak. Recommendation letters are offered upon one's past performance over their tenure. You have an extra five minutes to decide.

I don't believe none of you didn't have a thought in leaving Donghua when rumors started." He tucked his hands in his pockets and patiently waited for them to leave on their own accord.

Xiao Wei and Qi Yuyan glanced at the few who they wanted to get rid of.

They were giving these people a clean break. Unexpectedly one of them raised his hand in an 'uncertain' manner and posed a question. "Can we still receive our retirement fund if we willfully resign?"

The three young men gave the man a chilling smile that gave him an ominous feeling. He felt that this question just dragged himself in a pit.

"Finance Director Zhuang! This question! You already know the answer – continue with your present plan or apply for a cash out."Chen Kai answered very enthusiastically which made everyone uneasy. The more perceptive ones heard the mockery behind his words.

Finance Director Zhuang was too caught up on his own worries that he didn't hear the underlying meaning. He took a moment for himself then stood and announced his resignation regrettably.

As he took the lead, three others stood up and boldly declared their resignation. Their peers were shocked and tried to dissuade them from their decision. No one knew where he suddenly got an arrogant air but when the Finance Director replied to them his sniveling tone became lofty:

"Mr. Chen. It's a good thing to have ambitions but one has to know his limits. You bought a shell of a company yet you think its salvageable. I hope you take this advice of a senior in this business – cut your losses and start smaller."

He believed Chen Kai will be impulsive and retort harshly, just like most hot-headed young masters but he was disappointed in the next second.

"Ex- Finance Director, thank you for your meaningful words. I hope your future endeavors will be successful."

Mr. Zhuang was choked by these well meaning words. He couldn't say anything to put this kid in a bad light so he led the way out.

Entering the hall to make his way to the elevator, the look on his face became fierce, retrieving his phone he sent a round of messages to a few of his contacts ignoring the three men behind him. He had to make a clean break before heading home.

The other three were silently going over the foolproof escape plan they created when they started their little side business. They don't know how long it will be before that new boss investigates the shortcomings he mentioned. Deep down they hoped he was an arrogant young master who would leave everything to inexperienced staff.

The elevator stopped at their respective floors. Mr. Zhuang's floor was first. With his focus on his phone, he didn't note the abnormal atmosphere and made his way to his office.

"D-Director.."

" Director Zhuang…"

"Hey! Director!"

The last shout pierced through Mr. Zhuang's unfocused state. He turned to the person who stopped him with an irritable expression on his face. "Are you in the market to be calling out to me so loudly?"

The young man who was scolded was no longer worried about this superior of his. Why should he warn him of his incoming embarrassment? His colleagues eyed him to see if he was humiliated but were slightly shocked to see a spring breeze smile on his face. "Apologies Director Zhuang. You were so focused on your phone that I called out to you to pay attention. It won't do us good to see you injured."

Anyone can smell the bullshit in those words.

Mr. Zhuang scoffed at his useless words and continued on. Behind him, whispers began each voice was either cursing the director or trying to figure out why such people were in the director's office.

"There's a new owner. What do you expect would happen? It's not hard to think what would happen in the next few days," the previous young man stated as he returned to his desk. Moving the mouse on his desk, the screen lit up, displaying the last email he was reading. Should he trust the new boss or not?

Re-reading the email for the fifth time, a loud commotion jolted him out of his thoughts. Everyone was stunned for a second then rushed to the scene of the noise. Their eyes widen upon seeing the farce.

Uniformed officers were seen moving file boxes out of Director Zhuang's office while the director himself was pressed against the wall being handcuffed, spitting curses at the new boss. The director's assistant was crying his eyes out which wasn't a good sight since the guy was a tall man in his thirties.

The peanut gallery couldn't resist filming this scene.

"I'm going to sue that bastard for embarrassing me like this. Do you know how many years I've given this place?! Is this the way he's going to treat me? These false charges?!"

Zhuang's voice was loud as he was pulled from the wall and pushed forward. His eyes were glancing into the office as he spouted nonsense. Seeing his strange movements, the crowd looked into the office also.

"Eh? Why are they moving the decorative cabinet?"

"Didn't they take the files already? That cabinet is a show-off piece for the director."

"Do we know why they are taking away the director?"

"Tch! What else could it be? Didn't you see the Vacheron Constantin watch he was showing off a week ago? Do you expect him to afford that watch on his paycheck?"

"Ah! Embezzlement! Classic!"

A few nodded their heads in agreement with a profound look on their faces.

There were sharp-eyed onlookers who wanted to feed their curiosity. They kept their eyes on the two officers searching the cabinet, pressing and pulling different angles of the interior, and taking pictures of their progress. One of the officers was talking to the other and unhurriedly tapped a carved leaf which was part of the border design.

This tap made the leaf move inwards.

The officers paused in their actions. A second later, the backing in the interior of the cabinet dropped smoothly revealing small shelves five inches high and six inches wide.

Every eye of the onlookers was focused on the stacks and bars of money.

"Gold. We have been looking at a golden cabinet for years," someone uttered in disbelief.

"Heh~ I touched the golden piece of Zhuang.~"

A Burst of laughter exploded after hearing the made-up name of this new 'relic'.

"Maybe you will soon inherit its golden touch and become as wealthy as Director Zhuang!" someone quipped.

Laughter continued as the man who created this relic was ridiculed humorously by his colleagues.

"Bah! It's more like a cursed golden piece now. The director can't enjoy that wealth it's going right back to the owner."

There were eight shelves that were halved in the middle. On one side were gold bricks, and on the next were stacks of 100 Yuans. They were unable to estimate the value of everything there.

"I think we can tell how long Director Zhuang has been doing blind robbery on Donghua," one joked.

"A common trait of an embezzler. As expected!"

"What do you mean?" A female colleague asked.

"Hiding the cash he stole in a spot close to him. His arrogance is so damn high to keep the funds at work. How Brave!"

The woman scoffed at the man's last statement after she understood his explanation. "This is more like foolishly brave."

In the conference room above, whatever was happening below didn't bother them. The remaining board members were focused on the young men who could change their livelihood with one word.

"Once again my name is Chen, first name Kai. On my right is my business partner surnamed Xiao and on my left is your new Managing Director Qi Yuyan. Donghua Construction is under a new family and that comes with internal changes. The profit going forward concerns all of us. If the devil on your shoulder prods you to mess with those profits, its best that you turn to the other one on your shoulder.

I don't expect your undying trust or loyal but I expect your respect and a good work ethic. After all the end result for this daily interaction is a paycheck sent to your account."

The board members listened to Chen Kai's unhurried and indifferent words that shook their wayward thoughts. Though the words said were simple from Chen Kai's posture and the look in his eyes showed the warning behind those words.

"In the next two days, internal changes will take place. For one month, there will be no intake of projects from outsiders. All delayed internal projects will be resumed under Director Qi's lead. I hope we can all move forward together."

No one responded only solemn nods.

"Good. Director Qi, I leave the rest to you." Chen Kai took the lead and left with Xiao Wei following after handing over the devices that now belongs to his friend.

Qi Yuyan waited for the duo to leave before putting away his smile. Straightening his posture, he eyed each Department Director. Those grey eyes seems to be seeing through their thoughts, making them alert and wary of him. Their instincts were telling them that this kid was also dangerous. Why are young people so frightening?!

"I believe we have some issues to sort out. Let's talk, shall we?"

It wasn't a polite question it was a strict order.

'What kind of messed up Monday is this to bring these demons to Donghua?'

~~~~~~~~~~

Chen Kai didn't stay in the company, he had an appointment with his counselor pertaining to his graduation.

Apparently he received honors in Finance and Media Studies plus a special award for the new website and app proposal he placed in his thesis. Though he made major accomplishments in his past lives, this one was special.

This graduation will be the first ceremony he ever participated in.

As Li Yun, he accepted his diploma online and through the mail due to being stuck in bed.

He was privately tutored as a royal when he lived his life as Emperor Vincent so there was no need for such ceremony. The Grand Tutor will simply record his grade of his studies.

The second like as a superpower Awakener was a miserable life. Rok Naline's education recorded stopped at high school due to his livelihood but he silently educated himself about that world.

The life as a Divine Doctor was fast paced. His IQ was high and learning was easy as breathing. His diplomas and awards were mailed to him because he was too busy with research and handling high profiled patients.

In his previous life, his mother hired a private tutor for him and sent him to a private school, this were the means she took to protect him from his half-siblings and sperm donor. Emmerson Lee in that life was known as cold and cunning business prodigy. His IQ was the same as his previous lives and his mental state wasn't right. Socializing and having celebrations weren't on his list.

In this life as Chen Kai, he can live out an event that is normal to many with high excitement. His makeshift family would be present and his love will be by his side. He's thankful to experience one of his simple regrets.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Shanghai

"President Chen."

The first half of his schedule just ended with a meeting with a collaborator of their group. Leaving the private elevator, he saw and heard his dutiful assistant who stayed back to complete a few end jobs.

"Yes, Shuri."

He came to halt when he saw her tense posture. It looked like she was waiting awhile. Her pursed lips loosened after she spoke. She wanted to say more but couldn't.

"What can possibly affect you like this?" President Chen was both curious and amused by whatever made the Ice Goddess Shuri react like this.

Not bothering to wait for her answer, he took the lead in returning to his office knowing she will follow. The day was already busy and his father's constant calls about his brother's grand wedding was testing his patience.

Shuri knew his work ethic – everything must said at once- a minute wasted is money lost. Its just this news will affect her boss and dear friend. There must be a reason for that person to reappear. She decided to be straightforward.

"Brother Ji visited an hour ago."

His steps faltered for a second. He managed to press down those 'useless' feelings he tied up for twenty odd years. The mention of that name stirred those emotions he wished to bury because it was linked to her.

Shuri saw his blunder but didn't call him out to it. She too was affected by that man's visit.

Ji Moxuan was once a close friend to this man, Chen Huai. She was also part of the close knit group along with one other person. Mentioning one will always link to the other. Shuri still feels guilty of what happened that time, reality shattered dreams which couldn't be fixed.

She wanted to ask Brother Ji why he returned but he simply handed her a package wrapped in brown paper and bounded with red twine. There was no information about the sender nor was it stated that it was for Chen Huai. Ji Moxuan only gave her a sympathetic smile and stated that the package was for Chen Huai's only.

Her mind had many questions and her curiosity was high but she blocked it all out and place the package on Chen Huai's desk.

"He left the package for you." Shuri had an inkling on who sent it but didn't place much hope on it.

Chen Huai stood at his ornate office desk that had various documents and a few ornaments, the package seem out of place but somehow fit the surrounding aesthetic.

Shuri kept silent and returned to the outer office.

Chen Huai didn't move for five minutes, his eyes were stuck on the package and were filled with complicated emotions. The one that stood out was guilt.

He wanted to open the package to see if its message from her. He wanted to know how she has been these past years; where did she disappear to and if she can possibly forgive him for throwing away their love.

For years, he searched for her but was forced to stop by his father. How pathetic! It was because of his old man that he had to chase away the only woman he loved.

His hand hovered over the package for a while before he gave in.

This is the only link he has of her. He had to take this moment to ease his heart. He didn't tear it open hurriedly, he untied the twine slowly and used the letter opener to cut through the packaging. The paper fell apart to reveal a polished Rosewood box, beautifully carved with designs of a flower – the Calla Lily.

"Qing'er."

That name escaped from his lips after so many years but it was only on a whisper filled with longing.

Brushing his fingers along the intricate carvings, he silently admired the smoothness of the polished wood and the beautiful wood grain. Madgascar Rosewood is a great wood piece but rarely used in the recent years. The gold plated lock was a bit stiff in opening and the hinges seem to be the same also. He wondered how long this box has been closed for.

A jewelry box.

A letter.

A small photo frame.

The first two were ignored, the photo frame gained all of his attention. Pushing aside the letter, he picked up the sterling silver framed with a trembling hand.

The photo captured such a beautiful moment – mother and son turned to the camera mid-smiles as they were playing with some colorful toy blocks. They were 80% identical with their dark hair and deep dark eyes. Their fair skin glowed under the sunlight bringing meaning to the expression ethereal beauty.

Chen Huai traced the woman's smiling face and a loving smile bloomed on his face as lonely tears fell, recalling this woman in his memories.

"Qing'er."

His glistening eyes turned to the child beside her. He inherited 80% of his mother's beauty and prominent features but 20% was him. His slender nose and finely shaped eyebrows were similar to his and he was somewhat identical to his other son.

But.

This child.

This child was his.

His oldest son.

He has a son. Qing'er blessed him with a child of their own.

This time he couldn't stop his tears. Seeing the photo of mother and son and glancing at the weathered envelope, Chen Huai was uneasy and frightened by the conclusion his thoughts led him to.

He didn't want to believe it. He was forcing himself to have a positive outlook on things but the proof was in his hands. Turning over the photo, he silently cried over the loss of his only lover. At the back of his mind there was a possibility that she was gone but he refused to give in.

Chen Huai wanted to believe that she was living a good life, one filled with happiness and with someone who appreciated her possibly loved her in a way she deserves.

It looks like his prayers didn't go through.

What happened? Why didn't she tell me? Why now? What about their son?

Melancholy was mixed with confusion, this bred agitation.

He quickly placed the frame back in the box and picked up the letter. Carefully he opened it.

I can never blame you.

One sentence calmed his heart that has been uneasy for years. His eyes blurred with tears once again. He didn't know that it was her forgiveness he wanted. He wronged her and deserved her anger but she forgave him.

I can never blame you.

I don't think I ever did. I accepted our situation after I thought things through. There were some things that shouldn't of happened but they did. If we had a chance to make the decisions ourselves maybe we would have been living the life we talked about.

Right, husband?!

I haven't called you that name for years; maybe its now decades?

You're reading this letter now because I entrusted everything that is in your possession to Moxuan. He was cursing you and your entire generation when I handed him the package. He's probably still pissed that you punched him too hard. You two are so hot headed.

Is Shuri well? I disappointed her, didn't I? Please tell her that I'm sorry and my answer is – yes. She will know after you show her the photo.

My dear brother Huai, you probably figured it out before reading this letter. Your intuition has always been sharp, my husband.

Forgive me for calling you this when I know you're possibly married but…. You will always be my dear husband. Though we didn't get that certificate, please know that it has always been you.

I'm sorry for leaving so soon. I was selfish. I wanted to cherish one last memory of you. We were blessed with Little Kai the last time we celebrated your birthday. I was so happy when I found out and wanted to share the good news but that happened. Your father is a piece of work.

Sorry but I believed you took after your mother in temperament. His attitude towards me because of my background made me accept your forced decision a bit easier.

When I found out about my pregnancy, I was warned to abort and have my tubes tied because of my body's constitution. My body wasn't strong enough for childbirth and during the gestation period I may encounter problems that may harm myself and Little Kai.

I couldn't give him up. He's our son.

With Brother Ji's help, I moved to Hangzhou and went through my pregnancy under his care and private doctors.

I never regretted my decision to give birth to Kai even if my body would fail after. I made it through childbirth and stayed strong for him. I gave him your last name as he's your flesh and blood. In the future it will be your decision and his if you wish to recognize each other. My decision to stay in Zhejiang Province was to protect him as best as I can from your father's eagle eyes.

Its probably near his college graduation if you're reading this. I don't know if he will be as promising I wish him to be or he's probably not having a good time. He's probably safe if you have this letter. I left Brother Ji to watch over him so I feel at ease knowing he has someone in this world when I leave.

I had a contractual marriage with a man named Chu Yang, an average man living in a County Town. This was done to protect Kai and give him a roof over his head. Your father is very efficient in tying up loose ends. I had to make a decision no matter the circumstances. I couldn't give up on our Kai. My only fear is the unknown after I leave his side.

I hope he will make it through and I pray that he's well. Human nature is a fickle thing.

I'm sorry for taking that risk. Forgive me, my love. I don't regret giving him life. Kai is your son. He's the last piece of me that I can offer you. Protect him for me.

The address at the end of the letter is the home address. With your resources, I'm sure you will put the pieces together without Brother Ji's help. When you meet him, well if you decide to meet him, don't beat around the bush, he has a straightforward personality. At this young age of three he can sense bullshit, imagine when he grows older. He's just like you in that aspect.

Huai,

I love you. I have always loved you.

Yours,

Li Muqing

Chen Huai read the letter over twice then put the address in Zhejiang to memory. He had to go over there. He wanted to see his son. Qing'er's child. Their child.

He jumped to his feet ready to bolt out the door to give Shuri the good news but he stopped when he recalled Qing'er's words.

Little Kai is about to graduate. "I have to speed things up plus keep it from the old man. If he and that woman finds out about Kai, that'll be a headache. Sigh, I'll cross that bridge when it comes." After warring between staying for the sake of family and searching for his son, Chen Huai chose the latter.

This family of his made him miss the last days with his lover and missed years of his son's growth. He gave up his freedom for this family; the same with many other heirs and heiresses. For the sake of family and riches they had to give up what they really want.

He gave those people twenty plus years of his life. Isn't it time for others to give part of theirs also?

A calculative smile slowly rose on his face as he thought of a good plan to execute. Chen Huai looked at the letter once more then the box left on his desk. He knew what he had to do. His Qing'er left him in this life but made sure that their little blessing was known to him.

He was given another chance. He can't waste it.

~~~~~~~

Two days later in Nanjing, Chen Kai had an appointment schedule with a prominent lawyer from Shanghai.

There was initial confusion about this contact since he was still in a growing phase in Nanjing and has no relatives outside of the province.

The person mentioned that there were things entrusted to them to be given to him at this moment of his life.

Subconsciously he thought of his mother but chased it away so he won't be disappointed.

The lawyer, Ji Moxuan said it was an informal meeting and booked a private terrace at a tea garden.

It was located on the outskirts of the city center and enclosed with tall hedges that bloomed many colorful flowers. The tea garden was one of the exclusive spots in city. The little piece of nature and solace in this garden was suitable for intimate gatherings and private talks. Chen Kai liked this placed instantly.

There was no heavy pollution, no sounds of cars and no loud chatter of people.

The car stopped at the main entrance of the courtyard. The architecture of this courtyard was kept traditional with its many rooms and separate wings. The lawns were kept neatly and large red clay vases with flowers dotted the driveway and the front lawn. It was truly picturesque no matter how much times people visit.

A house keeper and two maids stepped forward when the bodyguard opened the door.

When Chen Kai came into his sight, the old housekeeper's indifferent face changed slightly. His eyes were a little red but he blinked rapidly and composed himself.

"Welcome Young Master Chen to Laohu Lily Garden."

[Congratulations on your personal achievement. You have entered one of your inherited estate….. ]

'….What?'

>Author's Note<

{Bows to reader}

Thank you for staying with me so far with my first webnovel. I'm not giving up – let's dispel those thoughts. It's a bit of a challenge for me now that I'm in 70+ chapters on a book theme that is fairly new to me.

One chapter update is a bit annoying but I'm writing and learning at the same time. I think you can figure out that I'm not a native of China and have bit of unique plot in writing a system novel.

I want to tell you all that I'm sorry for the sparse updates and the book is not going to stop. Bear with me.