The Tycoon Inheritance

"To kick off your weekend in Hangzhou, we brought a few things for you. Your night will be pleasant. Young Master Chen! Please."

The young man in bold brand-name clothing stood at the forefront of the little gathering in the private room they booked. The exquisite design was covered by the numerous flashy young men and ladies, weakening the grandeur of the place. The bar was stocked with drinks from the clubhouse itself and ordered bottles from the guests.

The place was noisy and festive; the show of wealth was high and from a glance, anyone can tell these second/third generation rich kids doesn't hold much power in their family.

The young master who spoke went to the double doors and opened one side to reveal two beauties. One was braver than the other but they both performed well in front of the young masters. They stood before the star of the gathering in seductive outfits. The most confident of the two stepped forward; just one step showcased her slender legs and watery waist.

She gave a simple smile but her eyes shone when she spotted her prey – the most important one.

"We were invited by Young Master Yi to welcome you to Hangzhou. We also heard of your interest in the entertainment so we plan to have you as a guest on the drama I'm currently working on." Chi Yujiao is considered a third line star with a bit of influence in the acting circle. Her success was built on connections and gaining one more with this guest of honor will make her soar higher.

Before the main guest can reply to her little gift, someone softly called out a name. "Lu Rulan! Oh my god! I love you on Beyond the Aurora!"

This was the name of the other starlet who was requested by the young master Yi.

"Thank you. That show aired a few years ago, it looks like you're a meticulous fan." Her soft and friendly voice was like a soothing stream cutting through the noisy forest. They were immediately entranced. Paired with her delicate beauty, the moniker Modern Fairy aptly suited her.

The one who spoke blushed after hearing her words and were teased by his friends. The main guest was definitely attracted to this pure beauty who seemed out of place. He kept himself restrained and glanced at the first beauty. Sure enough, someone is jealous. He liked these kinds of scenes. A hint of amusement flashed across his eyes.

In his perspective touting these two will be a good show for him.

A third line starlet was jealous of her cohort. Will there be some suppression? Of Course there will be. The silent catfight is inevitable. Its possible a few headlines will make their way online in a few hours. It's a good scene to watch.

"Thank you both for coming. Miss Lu please forgive our taste in enjoyment. Hey get a place for Miss Lu and something to nibble on."

The welcome was different to Chi Yujiao. She was cursing Lu Rulan in her heart for stealing her man but kept the perfunctory smile on her face. She boldly sat amongst the rich kids and struck conversations with them, she was playing the card of ' come capture the brightest gem'. She had to standout to that young master, letting him take the initiative to talk to her.

Lu Rulan on the other hand placed her self near the girls and accept their pull into their frivolous merriment. She didn't mind relaxing a bit. She gave conditions when accepting this little party. These rich kids treat the people in the entertainment industry as toys, why should she allow herself to be played with.

What she didn't expect is to be targeted by the main guest. Lu Rulan gleaned some information about their so-called honored guest and picked through the lines.

Pampered. Aristocratic Family. Untalented. Arrogant. – Typical rich kid. From her perspective, that guy is cunning and calculative, from his words and actions he's a person who like to see the world burn.

Presently he was poking at Chi Yujiao's contempt for her by paying attention to her needs while treating the other passively.

Lu Rulan really wasn't in the mood to play with this young master. She decided to let Chi Yujiao be in a play by herself.

"Oh~ What is in the water over there?~" The giddy exclamation came from a girl beside her who had her head buried in her phone. Her voice cut through the conversations and music in the room.

"What! What! Show us!"

"My friend just returned and was near baggage claim where she encountered this scene. She thought it was a celebrity passing through when she saw so many dark suits but it turned out to be a group of fairy like young masters." She showed them the video captured at the airport.

From the recorder's vantage point, the camera caught the tall, god-like images of six young masters. Walking in unison with relaxed expressions, they moved easily within the tight formation of their bodyguards. Each young master held unique handsomeness making any onlooker flustered. The most prominent one was the one in the lead chatting on his phone.

He was truly a male beauty with a flawless jade-like complexion and dark abyssal eyes. His features were contradictory. Beautiful yet devilish. This man was both intoxicating and enticing. Even his fair slender fingers that wrapped around his phone were hypnotic. The man was a walking wet dream.

His friends are on the same level, probably a tier of 0.5 lower but they were all male beauties in the eyes of these girls.

"Oh! I know him! That young master Qin from Nanjing. I met him twice at gatherings when he visited with his folks," an onlooker pointed out excitedly.

When she spoke, the attention of the men zeroed in on her.

Which one out of them hasn't heard about the Qin Family from Nanjing? That branch is the main branch who carries the bloodline of an emperor. They had branch families with nearly equal wealth and in numerous industries.

If young master Qin is here then his friends are probably by his side.

Young Master Yi moved quickly to watch the video. It was coming to an end but he spotted the sons from the Liu and Ruan families. Two other powerhouses!

Why are they here together? He was thunderstruck. With these important identities amongst their generation, getting into their good graces will be the mission of Hangzhou Elite families.

"Send me that video. I have to report this to my older brother." Young Master Yi was proactive. If the heirs of Nanjing are here then one of the top three families made a move. A sense of urgency filled his chest. His family was considered first tier, they had to get the upper-hand in meeting them in a proper way.

The video was sent and on the back foot, one of their other friends received a new video. This time it was a motorcade of luxury cars cruising through the streets heading to a specific district.

Once again everyone gathered to look.

Maybach.

Rolls Royce. Bentley. Maserati.

Porsche. Audi.

Even though the colors of the cars are simple, the grandeur couldn't be missed. The car enthusiasts within the group gave them an overview of the cars. By one look they stated the model of the cars and if any customization was done. Everything they quoted tallied to millions, even the wheels of the cars.

Though they had some wealth at home, they knew their parents won't fork out a hundred million car to go on a weekend trip.

"All of the cars are from last year and this year's showcases. To have the opportunity to have them customize a new model for you means your prestige is high within that circle. This is subtly showcasing your level of wealth."

The room became silent after those words.

To be able to play around with all those millions without being cursed at – a dream for them.

"Do you think it's the Nanjing Families?" A girl asked. It was purely out of curiosity.

"There's no guessing about it. Which young master you know has that big pomp? If you can get into their good graces, you can soar to the heavens!" Reflexive response between them but Young Master Yi thinking too much interjected and took them off the topic of other families, clearly forgetting how intense his actions were earlier.

"Okay that was an intermission lets get back to our night. Why don't we do something other than the sightseeing that we planned? There's nothing to see anyway…." He began with great enthusiasm but it was someone else who ended his change of topic.

"Why don't we go on the water? That's one of the reasons why I came here!"

The honored guest has spoken. They will go sailing tomorrow.

~~~~~

"Well! Damn! What an answer!"

Qin Yi knocked back the last sip of wine and reached for the bottle to refill his glass.

Chen Kai gave his last word of explanation to the group after a nonchalant query. It was mind-boggling to think that this new friend of theirs has such a wild and novel-worthy background.

His life tale is worth sighing after – semi-orphaned, abusive childhood, the appearance of inheritance, origin revealed and lastly a clan to take over from his maternal family. When all the wealth and assests is totaled, Chen Kai doesn't need to work on a weekday. He can simply sign a few documents and sit back on a gilded throne. Isn't his experience a fleeting dream for most common people?

Qin Yi laughed softly to himself and relaxed further into his lounge chair. His tired body was slightly numb by his alcohol intake giving him a comfortable feeling. His friends were in the same state presently with mild expressions of shock and acceptance.

Probably like him, they were counting their good luck in meeting the Chen brothers.

He looked at Chen Quan. The normally composed man was staring at Chen Kai with a complicated expression. They don't know much about the Chen Family in Shanghai but know the basics of their Brother Quan being the eldest child in the second branch and one of two male heirs for their Nanjing family.

"What are you thinking, Brother Quan? You're supposed to welcome your new family member" Qin Yi asked with a teasing tone.

Chen Quan gave him a white-eyed look before shaking his head. "I had a hunch that either one of the Chen Brothers had a relation to the family. XiaoYan's eyes a similar my grandmother and Fourth Uncle, now I know that both of them are my cousins. The most ironic thing is Brother Kai is now the head of our generation. Heh~ That pampered prince is going to so pissed off when the news breaks."

"Ah – What's his name… Boyang?! The old man didn't say much about him only the fact that he's a younger brother," Chen Kai interjected lazily.

"Not bothered?" Liu Shao asked. He's one for drama and Chen Kai's life is ripe for a wonderful drama.

"Nah! I'm too old for that battle for the family throne shit. I prefer to dabble in the companies I have and play around with the money flowing in."

Everyone present in their twenties: "…."

The old fossil Chen Kai realized the irony in his statement and laughed at his foolery. "Alright. Alright. Let's head in. The day was long and a lot of information was passed. We still have that gathering tomorrow night so we'll fool around tomorrow.

There's no real plan. We'll play it by ear."

They all agreed harmoniously. It's a weekend without plans it was truly welcomed.

One by one left with teasing farewells of 'Young Patriarch' or 'Old Man Chen' and Shang Ren asking for permission to make his story into a screenplay.

The guy has dreams and lacked inspiration.

Chen Kai wasn't bothered much by his request and gave an off-handed agreement.

Everyone left except one.

He didn't say a word to this person. He kept a calm expression on his face and held her gaze. Lying back on the double lounger, he could hear and see every action she made when he relayed the latest happenings in his life. Chen Kai sensed her confusion and felt the tension in her body.

His Lian was a sharp one.

A bittersweet smile played on lips. His confession may be easier to say but he's not too sure about the acceptance part. He loved this girl. The past host and he had similar tastes in women that's why he fell hard for Su Lian the moment he officially met her. Inside he was nervous and ready for rejection by her but on the other hand had a flare of hope that she would accept him.

He wanted the latter.

The two opted for a moment of silence, letting the picturesque view from the second floor soften the tension around them. There was a subtle understanding between them and they weren't too sure how to begin this important conversation.

What they had to say was unscientific and only read in books.

Where do they start?

Chen Kai decided to bite the bullet.

Removing his gaze from her, he decided to look down at the sea of lights of the district below.

He can't bear to witness her expressions when he reveals the truth. His hand on his lap clenched tightly for a few seconds before slowly releasing.

Su Lian saw this. She wanted to reach out and hold his hand but stopped when her thoughts became jumbled again. She wanted to rationalize all the clues but how can she justify the power she was shown back in Zhenjiang?

What about his change in temperament and his slight personality change? What about his ability to be a CEO/Company President after being a college student driving Didi. Let's talk about his smooth acceptance of the role of an aristocratic young master.

Su Lian wasn't doubting the real Chen Kai's ability but if it was him then there would have been reluctance, a period of immaturity and also doubts.

She knows the man she loves but now he has changed. Maybe she accepted this 'change' and needed some answers but scared of the answer coming out into reality.

Things like 'that' do exists. Sigh~

"Presently, I am 'Chen Kai'. All of his past memories and his remaining have been inherited by myself…." He spoke softly for her to hear and not to agitate her. He made up his mind to tell her his truth this weekend anyway.

"My original name was Li Yun and I was born on a star called 'Blue Star' which was 80% similar to this Earth…."

"So Blue Star does exist?" She murmured with a look of sudden realization.

"… Well.." He answered with an amused smile. He really can't tell her that past transmigrators to this star began these fantasy novels. Going back to his confession to her, a bout of sadness can be felt from him.

"…. I died at 22 due to a rare congenital heart disease. I lived a year longer than the doctors evaluated. I thought that was the end and was worried about my parents, but then I realized that I still had consciousness. The next thing I knew, I was once again in the throes of an upcoming death. A few things caught my attention that's when I knew I transmigrated.

I lived four lives then came here."

Chen Kai let her absorb what he said. The answers she wanted were within what he said.

Su Lian got her answers but it didn't make her as relieved as it should. She got up from the lounger in a daze and found herself leaning against the balcony handrails. He saw the moment her expression sank, falling into deep contemplation.

Nervous, anxious, incomplete, he was feeling all of this. There was an impulse to rush to her side and beg her not to break this relationship but his stable thinking prevailed. He didn't have the right to request such a thing from Su Lian. Deep down, he understood the life of a Transmigrator is simply being a replacement for the past host's family and friends.

He is currently a replacement lover for her.

She probably understood that at this moment because she turned back to look at him with tears and a sense of distance in her eyes.

It hurts.

Chen Kai didn't look away. He patiently waited. He kept his expression calm and tried not to let his surging emotions be seen outwardly.

"….when?"

Her question was so soft that it was almost carried away by the wind.

"A month ago. The night before Zhang Rui ended the relationship.

"A month ago," she repeated. A lot of things happened between them a month ago, so many meaningful moments, promises were made, plans were being constructed for their future but it wasn't with the man she initially loved. This person who is now 'Chen Kai' did all of these things with her.

Su Lian was truly at a loss. If she considered Chen Kai as a casual lover then she wouldn't question his changes but it seemed right to do so. She wasn't like most characters who accept such a phenomenon blindly; she had to sort out her emotions and thoughts about this.

"Everything… was it… is it done as a last request by him?"

"Yes and no." He answered directly.

"What…. I don't understand. How can it be two answers," she asked in a mild state of confusion.

Chen Kai glanced at the Cartier LOVE bracelet on her wrist then the gold band on his. The past host didn't verbally say but his hidden thoughts and emotions towards Su Lian were discovered by him.

"He loved you and wanted to propose to you after graduation. All of his plans were silent and kept locked away because he was tired," Chen Kai smiled bitterly. He understood the past host clearly. His understanding of life didn't allow him to be truly satisfied with the current state of life. He actually gave into his death, wanting to start all over again with the chances of gaining what he wanted.

"Tired. What do you mean? How was he tired? Why? Why was he tired? I don't….

sigh."

"Would you be happy with a man who only had an inkling of joy for life?"

Su Lian was struck silent by that question and thought back to the indifferent guy she fell for. It was a handful of times she saw him smiling honestly and happily but that was only …. With her.

She … was his inkling of joy.

"Everything else was gray to him. All he wanted was to live well with his mother and possibly his father, share his achievements with them, and have their love. There was a silent pleading to have relatives, possibly a close friend. He found you but he felt his disregard for life would drag you down, that's why he kept it all hidden."

Hearing what the past Chen Kai wanted may be insignificant to most but it was an unattainable dream for him.

"But if he waited then what you now have, he could have gotten it."

Her statement sounded accusatory but it was true.

Chen Kai felt like a villain. He let out a dry laugh, refilling his wine glass unhurriedly. His emotions needed to be calmed. Alcohol is the best he can do.

When was the last time he felt so lost?

Su Lian watched on as he downed the potent red wine and embraced the little buzz it gave.

"Yes! He could have but who would have thought a vain bitch will kill her man because he didn't spoil her enough? If she didn't intervene then he would get his dream. A father who loves him, a mother who supports him even after death and family who has been waiting for him. Don't forget a woman who loves him to the heavens! From an outsider's perspective, possibly you too, I stole his life!"

Not good. He was getting agitated by this conversation.

Another glass! Wine. The wine is helping. This is why he locked away his emotions back then. A simple word can trigger even a man as proud as him. Fuck it.

It's been coming anyway.

He rose from his seat and went to the mini bar for a new bottle of wine under Su Lian's complicated gaze. Seeing this body acting this way made her ache for him but the knowledge of him not being the original Kai made her distressed.

Should she go comfort him? But what can she say? She hasn't accepted this new person fully nor sorts out her mind. If she comforts him now, wouldn't that be of false feelings?

The silence between them became uncomfortable and Chen Kai didn't want her to feel bad in his presence. It hurts to know the woman he loves feels uneasy. Confessing to her was the right thing to do, it saves for any hiccups later on in their relationship, she was already wary of his 'change.'

"Lian. Why don't you go rest? You can stay wherever you like. You have a homeowner authority at this villa." His voice was low and comforting to her but she could hear the sadness and affection for her.

"Kai.. no.. Li Yun.. I…" Su Lian didn't know what to say and didn't know what name to call him.

Chen Kai laughed at her cute flustering. Downing another glass of wine, he stared at the bottom of the glass for a few seconds. Tsk~ Still didn't help.

"Its okay. Good night, Lian."

The tears she held finally fell.

How can this person who always looked strong and gave a sense of security to her look so lonely right now?

Chen Kai had his back to her all this time. He didn't want to influence her thinking with his emotional upheaval. It will be her decision. Keeping relationships as a transmigrator has always been the hard part. Confirming a relationship with Su Lian was his decision. If he maintained the 'only friends' relationship with her then he wouldn't have felt guilty nor put her in this predicament.

"I.."

"Lian, I won't lie. I sincerely love you but I won't be a thief. I revealed to you my origins because of my guilt. I didn't want to keep up this farce. I may have become the Chen Kai you held in high regard for years but internally I know I'm not." He cut off her words bluntly but left the last half of his words silent.

He didn't need to say it. His Lian was smart, she would understand.

"…Okay. Good night… Kai."

She's crying. He can hear her trembling voice trying to sound brave. Sigh~ He expected this but he still felt bad.

Even though he felt bad, he had a little smile on his lips. She called him – Kai!

After she left, Chen Kai began patting his pocket, muttering to himself distractedly. There was hope of keeping her by his side.

"Cigarettes. Where are they?" he mumbled. He was still agitated and needed to get a bit of stability to think things through.

[Host, you haven't smoked since you arrived on this star.]

"Oh! That's right!" Things had been so peaceful that he didn't realize that there was no pack of cigs in his pocket.

Before he voiced his request to the housekeeping robot, a blue light in the form of a box silhouette appeared on the bar top. When the light disappeared, it revealed a sleek metallic black box with a violet vertical strip on the top side.

Knowing the contents, Chen Kai opened the box and revealed three columns filled with medicinal cigarettes. Each pack was neatly stacked and had the design of a metallic box. On the inside of the cover were three palm lighters made of foreign materials.

He retrieved a pack and selected a red lighter with gold and purple specks on its body. In swift practiced movements, he lit a pure white cig and inhaled sharply. His tense body relaxed when it entered his body.

"Thanks, system." He placed the box into his sub-space and slowly made his way to the third floor, also known as the Master's floor.

The box of cigarettes was his leftover stock from his last life. The Medicinal Cigarette is made of CBD and Rhodiola Rosea, both herbs help alleviate stress and are good for persons with anxiety and depression. The product came from the Interstellar Mall. Maybe he should create a version of it for this star when the rules aren't so strict.

[You're welcome.]

"Why didn't I get a warning in forming relationships?" he asked aloud.

[Any type of relationship is beneficial to human development.]

He thought of his desire and feelings for Su Lian from the moment he saw her when he received the previous host's memories and shook his head helplessly.

"You're right."