The Tycoon Inheritance

"…. We are in the last department for this year's Innovative Award segment and this department is known to be the largest. As with other establishments and the world, technology is always evolving. There will be upgrades on old discoveries; new discoveries that can make other things obsolete; and discoveries that are compatible with other sectors, research contributes to this.

In the new semester, XXX University will launch a new school-affiliated website that combines Finance, Socialism and Technology. The essence of this website originated from Professor Fang's class. A simple Thesis submission gave birth to this new development of XXX University…"

As the master of ceremony introduced the website to everyone, silent praises, and comments filled the auditorium. Still on the high of celebration from the past award recipient, the audience was agitated wanting to know which bright mind created this website. The prototype shown checked most of the public demands when it comes to higher education.

- A reliable channel for books and a secure way to earn money.

"…. This year, XXX University's Technology Department Innovative Award is Senior Student Chen Kai!"

Standing Ovation!

His classmates couldn't help it. They knew their Campus Male God was superb but not to this level. The number of majors he studied made their brains freeze after thinking about it. Not to mention his talent in athletics! He is worthy to be called the campus Male God.

"Did you get it?!" The pride and excitement in the man's voice was clear as day.

Shuri laughed heartily as she took a few photos of Chen Kai receiving his award and checking on the small video camera they set up at the beginning. Chen Huai, like other proud parents, was on his feet clapping vigorously as he watched his son take the stage a third time for the afternoon.

His boy was the class valedictorian and completed his majors with honors, now he's the receiver of the Innovative Award. Chen Huai's face was stiff with his brilliant smile, his eyes were stuck on his first child's frame. He once again marveled at the child's innate nobility. When Chen Kai spoke, his words demanded attention and his temperament matched it in every way.

This wasn't taught, this was embedded in his bones.

His and Qing'er's child!

On the stage, Chen Kai had to give an acceptance speech on the spot. He truly didn't expect such a thing to happen when he tweaked the previous host's thesis but when in Rome ~

Standing at the podium, he looked in Su Lian's direction for a moment before turning back to the audience. His dark eyes landed unconsciously in the middle position, five rows before him. He became flustered for a second when he saw the person's face. Who can miss that fatherly pride on this man's face? When he gave his valedictorian speech he was shocked to see him here.

He recognized the man at first look, even though the photo of him was twenty years old. Maybe it's the so-called blood ties that made him stand taller for this father of his to see how well he has grown. Childish but it felt amusingly right.

Chen Kai composed himself and spoke smoothly. He may be calm but his thoughts were in a mess.

His father is here. His father came to see him at his graduation. Inwardly he was pleased that a living relative came to support him.

He thought he had time to meet the old man in an informal atmosphere but it looked like the other party was impatient. The man came to Nanjing to meet his illegitimate kid. Isn't he wary of his father's anger? But…. He still came, he's here supporting the son he just got knowledge of.

'That's a good sign, right?' he asked the system.

[Human psychology is a complicated subject.]

'… hmm.'

Finishing his speech, he gave the man a slight nod of recognition then returned to his seat under the shelter of boisterous applause. Chen Kai had no clue what he said in that acceptance speech; according to the effect it must be good. He felt a little smug about that hidden talent.

[Impressive.]

'Your sarcasm is getting better. Cheers!'

If Chen Kai's inner thoughts were shown outward, his 'Untouchable Male God' image may be destroyed on the spot.

The end of the ceremony came and reality crashed onto the heads of graduates. They were now officially adults. The safe haven of school with prepared meals and allocated rooms was gone. They have to work for money to pay for that stuff. Their parents will no longer pamper them and maybe finding ways to rush them to a wedding hall.

Most are already in the workforce but they now have a sense of reality after holding their diploma in their hands.

Sigh, how regretful!

With the Master of Ceremonies, calling the afternoon to a close and inviting everyone to the reception hall, the graduates solemnly bowed to their teachers in thanks and to their relatives in the audience. If it weren't for their support, a college education would have been a dream.

In the throes of students, Su Lian was a bit absentminded. A bitter smile was on her face. There was no one in the audience for her nor was there a call from her mother about the day. It was clear that any traces of familial bond were cleanly severed.

Her Aunt's absence was justified with an overseas trip; knowing her niece's college graduation was a big milestone, her aunt informed her mother, leaving it up to the woman's discretion.

'What a loving mother,' Su Lian sneered inwardly, 'Is she now considered rotten flesh that dropped from her body?' Her thoughts were leaning towards a melancholic and hateful side but before she fell deeper into that pit, a piece of warmth covered her hand.

"Kai." His name was a whisper on her lips. Not caring about those around her, she leaned on him. He's one of the few people on her side, the one who loves and cherishes her. She can't be caught up with that resentment mess.

"This, Chen Kai will stay by your side." Soft words accompanied with a kiss confused and comforted her.

Chen Kai had his own thoughts when he said those particular words to her. Seeing her melancholic eyes struck a chord in him. He questioned his decision to 'come clean' with her.

'I hope…'

[You don't have to reveal your identity.]

'…. I will feel guilty if I don't. I'm living someone else's Fate. This is not a job I'm doing,' he replied sullenly.

The system couldn't reply to its host's worries. Though human emotions and psyche have been studied and the records of this host have been recorded, it couldn't give a timely answer.

Following the crowd, the two entered the reception hall and quickly found the old couple sitting near the exit, patiently waiting for Chen Kai.

"Uncle Xie! Auntie Zheng!"

The exuberant call mixed with many others in the noisy hall. The afternoon sun was warm, the mellowness of the day was reflected in the hall. Students and parents took many photos commemorating the day; classmates signed each other portfolios tearfully and talked about their last hurrah – their farewell dinner.

The class president booked a private section for the evening at a popular clubhouse. Its accessible for everyone and a good spot to relax. Before Chen Kai and Su Lian reached the old couple, they were reminded by a committee member the time to arrive by at the clubhouse.

"It's so lively. It's good to see everyone we served over the years." Aunt Zheng's gaze moved past the numerous faces with a hint of doting in her eyes, after all, they all called her auntie and vented their grievances to her over the years.

"I'm happy that you two are here. It means a lot to me… to us."

Su Lian leaned her head slightly to the side in such a cute fashion that made Chen Kai smile dotingly. The tenderness for her was clear in his eyes and was easily recognized by those around him.

"You're my wife and also one of the many students who they cared for inadvertently. Apart from my name under the guest registry, they signed under your name as our uncle and aunt." Chen Kai explained it to her in a soft rhythmic tone to ease her turbulent mood. Aunt Zheng gently patted her hand in silent comfort.

'This man! What else would he do to show me that there's no limit to his love.' Su Lian's thoughts were finally clear when she focused on the reason why Chen Kai did this for her.

As expected of the man she loved for years.

"Thank you," she said to the two shopkeepers. Her smile blossomed slowly like a red rose, adding a clearer beauty to the image of her and Chen Kai as they sat together.

Chen Kai retrieved a few light refreshments for the table and got engaged in talking about their plans for the weekend and their current workplace situation.

Zheng Lia and Xie Huang were happy to hear that they were all doing good.

"Be careful in Hangzhou. Though you will have friends and body guards, that won't stop those with elite titles from causing trouble for you. Be mindful of them. We've seen our share of pompous young masters visiting Nanjing and throwing their weight around until the big bosses smack them down." Xie Huang lowered his voice when he spoke, knowing there were big shots around them.

"Precautions have been set and the relevant parties have been notified a week in advance." Chen Kai had to say these words to comfort the old hearts.

There wasn't much safeguarding he had to do. The top young masters of Nanjing visiting Hangzhou were equivalent to Beijing/Shanghai young masters visiting. The resources and capital, not to mention their family histories are enough for these young heirs to be treated like royalty wherever they go.

Chen Kai's existence has been circulating amongst the older heads who are constantly warning their kids. On top of being the VP of Nanhe and a Billion-dollar investor, his title of being the new Li Clan patriarch is mentioned but only a few are talking across the provinces.

"No need to worry about us, Uncle and auntie. Its just for the weekend," Su Lian added.

The old hearts nodded in content and took the initiative to leave. Knowing they were worried about their stall, Chen Kai accompanied them for the short walk to the parking lot where their friends were waiting and the scheduled transport.

Nearing the lot, his name was yelled. This calling was different from his classmates and friends. This was more of a subordinate calling to him. He frowned knowing his people would simply text or call. Turning to the owner of the voice, his eyes widen and a statement his mother said in the video came to mind.

( I don't know how the Chen family will treat you if you decide to worship your ancestors but know that you have a godfather and godmother. Your godmother is Shuri. My only female best friend and a confidant for your father. She's probably in her forties now and looks like she's in her early thirties. I call her Madam Immortal. What would I do to have such a celestial physique.)

"Madam Immortal!" Chen Kai blurted out. After a moment of stagnation, he looked to the sky in embarrassment when he realized his mistake. The woman was naturally beautiful and energetic; from her confident walk and upright posture, one can't help being attracted and admire her silently.

Shuri who was within speaking distance stumbled when she heard that nickname. "Your mother left you some important tidbits, huh?" she said with a helpless expression. First it was the mother, now it's the son.

"Sorry Auntie Ri! I just remembered her words," he said awkwardly.

The woman didn't take it to heart. She took in her fill of her instant godson. She has to make up for 23 years in gifts, and pampering from this aunt. The more she looked at him the more she planned for his future. "Your mother was a character and seeing you now, I have a feeling you have 90% of her personality and looks leaving the 10% for your old man."

When she said that, a familiar cheeky smile bloomed on his face, solidifying her guess. Shaking her head helplessly, she relayed the message from Chen Huai.

His father wants a few minutes of his time. How can he refuse? He also wants to meet the man before he leaves for the weekend.

"….Y-Yes. Okay." Sigh. The old War God is nervous in meeting his father. Chen Kai chided himself after he gave that stuttering answer.

Turning to Su Lian and the others he gave them a vague explanation of his situation and sent them to the waiting cars. With stiff steps, he walked away with Shuri.

The walk wasn't far. Getting closer, he can see the figure of his father solemnly standing under one of the lush cedar trees on the school grounds. Chen Huai was lost in thought when Chen Kai approached him. Shuri left halfway after saying a few words for his father.

There was a comfortable silence between the two with only the gentle breeze shaking the branches above them.

Chen Huai refocused on his surroundings and saw Chen Kai standing a few steps away from him enjoying the quiet. He didn't say anything imposing or put on a false bravado, he smiled sincerely at the boy feeling the bond and compatibility between them tighten without words. His eyes fell on the red Jade dragon pendant around his neck.

The design and gold embellishments were similar to the one he presently had on him, and if searched he knows he will find Qing'er's handwriting.

Meticulous and careful, his only love carried these traits beyond her lifespan for the father and son.

"You weren't surprised to see me," Chen Huai stated. Looking at this son of his, the pride of a father was surging vigorously in his heart.

Chen Kai shook his head in reply. He was trying to suppress the high emotions he was feeling when he met Chen Huai. Maybe it's the previous host's deep hope to have a living parent or his want to have a family, but he was currently excited and nervous about meeting this cheap father of his.

"… I planned to contact you after I return to Nanjing; wanted to know how you felt… about this situation." Though he spoke, Chen Kai didn't raise his head when he spoke, he kept his hands tucked in his pocket and stood in a very upright manner.

"Relieved and guilty," his father answered. Chen Huai felt that it made no sense to keep things from the child. They're both adults.

"Why?" Chen Kai finally looked at his father, only to see the man's sharp dark eyes blurred with tears, making him distressed.

"I'm relieved that you're alive and that I was told of your existence. For over twenty years, I lived in guilt because I wasn't strong enough to stand against my father. I'm relieved that Qing'er didn't resent me and gave birth to you. I've always felt that someone was occupying her spot but I lived with it.

After I received the package from your uncle Ji, I felt like the haze I was living in had been lifted."

'….. Sigh. If I didn't cross over, your son would have been lost,' Chen Kai sullenly thought.

That trace of sadness flashed across was caught by Chen Huai and was misunderstood as the child missing his mother and grieving over his childhood. He wanted to make up for his absence but knew this couldn't be forced.

"If… I mean if your father knew of mother's identity would he accepted her?"

"No." Chen Huai answered without hesitation and scoffed in disdain. He knew his father's ethics. It's his words and no one else's. What is love in aristocratic households? Folly and Fantasy. "My marriage was already agreed upon by the elders without my knowledge.

When I brought Qing'er home, they gave me the news, not only embarrassing me but your mother. I broke three family laws that day."

"You kept her identity away from him, huh?"

"Back then, the Li Clan was considered a historical family with a wealthy background in the country but no one actually knew about their prominence overseas. Me keeping it a secret was simply delaying the Chen family a decade or so in creating a stronghold abroad. Its only recently the family stabilized in Chicago and New Mexico.

I decided to leave the company's status as is and focus on my side of things."

Chen Kai laughed at his father's attitude to his hundred year old family business. He understood too well the backlash to take over the mantle of the previous generation.

The two returned to their companionable silence for a few seconds before Chen Huai broke the silence.

"With your permission, I would like to update your birth certificate. Seeing only your mother's name and signature there is a bit suffocating."

"… I would like that." The smile on Chen Kai's face was genuine which eased Chen Huai's aching heart a bit.

Standing beside each other, the father and son created a magnificent scene. Chen Kai told him about his weekend trip to Hangzhou and the companies under his name. Chen Huai gave him a bit of advice about reforming the internal structure of a family owned business and praised him on his ideas.

They exchanged numbers and continued the 'getting to know each other' talk making their way back to the parking lot. When the topic of his villa being near the water, Chen Huai offered the use of his yacht for the weekend.

"Its my private yacht. I will send the crew your details and you can have your people visit before you board." Chen Huai was eager to do something for his son. The yacht is a prized possession for him. Not even his other son can board it indiscriminately.

Chen Kai sensed the meaning behind the offer and accepted wholly. It's a good feeling in getting spoiled.

"Thanks, dad."

Chen Huai looked at him with disbelieving eyes. Chen Kai simply gave him a cheeky smile. "What?! You are my father, aren't you?" he quipped. It was comfortable talking to this old man of his.

"Yes. Yes, you are."

One doting fatherly pat on his shoulder, Chen Kai was brought under his arm without any sense of awkwardness or distance. The two reached the black Mercedes nanny van where his friends were patiently waiting.

This is where they part.

The two turned to each other with identical reluctant looks on their faces. The time of their meeting was too short but was successful. No resentment. No bad feelings. This meeting is quite novel.

"When you return to Nanjing, you can stay at my home or you can stay at mother's courtyard." The last bit of the statement became gradually softer. Chen Kai wasn't too sure of his father's emotional stability and his mother is concerned. Judging from their talk, its clear that he still has her in his heart.

Learning of her death would have dealt a huge blow to him but he's standing before their son with a genuine smile on his face. How strong is this man?!

"When I get back I'll think on it. Go. Enjoy your time with your friends." Chen Huai patted his shoulder once again letting his feelings be known through that connection.

"Okay." Taking one last look to burn this happy image of his father, Chen Kai gave him a mischievous smile and spoke again. "Dad. Keep watch. I have a surprise for you."

Chen Huai was both curious and amused by his words. Waving him off, he walked to his car after the nanny van drove off. A few minutes later, his phone sounded. Shuri was beside him, immersed in her own world of online shopping. Opening the phone, he saw that his son pulled him into a group 'Chen Longtian'

Kai: Xiaoyan!!!

Yan: What is it?

{Chen Kai has added 'Dad' to the group.}

Kai: Call Uncle!!

Yan: Confused.jpg. Uncle?!

Chen Huai watched this chat, putting two and two together. A boisterous laugh filled the confines of the car." THIS BRAT!!!! Hahaha!!! So it's him!!!" He returned to the chat.

Dad: Good Nephew!!!

Kai: LMAO~

Yan: Yoooo~ So soon! Greetings uncle! Did you send me a gift with my brother? Shy.jpg

Chen Huai looked at his nephew's response. "This behavior. He learned bad from Kai."

~Author's Message~

More in 3-4 days; doing the stockpile thing and lost track of the last update for you guys. My bad.