The Tycoon Inheritance

Hangzhou

"It shouldn't be a bother."

Su Lian heard the quiet sentence from beside her. Under the ambient lights in the car, a slender hand held hers and solemnly tangled their fingers together. Her chilled hands warmed instantly and her body relaxed when he gently leaned on her shoulder.

They were headed to the impromptu welcome party hosted by the bigwigs of the area who wanted to show courtesy to their visiting cohorts.

Among the guests will be the prominent families and those considered influential in whatever industry they're in. Su Lian was worried about an awkward meeting of her family; after all Su Clan is from this district.

"We are nothing but strangers now," she murmured. Chen Kai heard the sadness in her tone and opted to drop the conversation. Placing a kiss against her temple, he relayed his silent comfort to her. He didn't want her sad on their little vacation, he already did that. She must be happy.

The car returned to its comfortable silence, with the couple intimately leaning against each other and watching the night scene drive by. In the convoy headed to the venue they were in the fourth car, a black Rolls Royce Phantom Chen Kai bought for the Green Bamboo estate for evening occasions.

Their friends had their own means and the girls from Su Lian's side became dates for the other young masters. Jokingly the girls called themselves shields for tonight's event. They planned to give face for three hours before heading to one of Chen Kai's private clubhouse – Jodache to finish up their day.

It was nearing six in the evening when the hosts stated the dinner party began at five. Qin Yi led them as he was the one in contact with them. The others prepared to be green leaves for him when all he wanted to do was to head to Jodache.

Qin Yi didn't want to attend this stuffy dinner party, he was having too much fun.

"Are you pouting?"

"Ahem. Not pouting I was thinking of something unpleasant."

Da Mei was his date for the afternoon, He liked this quiet and unbothered woman who was serious about everything in life including those she had meaningful connections with. His attraction to her bloomed the moment he first met her and increased as time went by. He planned to patiently pursue her if she allowed it.

"You had a look Brother Chen always carries when he's about to partake in something that's boring," Da Mei returned softly.

Qin Yi gave a throaty laugh at the thought of his friend who looked indifferent and cold to everyone, pouting in annoyance. "Well, these things can be annoying. Everyone has the art of kung-fu tongue and one must understand the Yin-Yang language. It takes a lot of brainpower and defensive energy to make it through these events."

By simply listening Da Mei felt the oncoming tiredness for the next three hours.

"Well I hope the food is satisfying, I can place my attention there until we leave," she replied.

He didn't answer because, at these hurried events, it will be Western food that was quickly catered to appease the rich client. Thinking of that possibility, he released a tired sigh and went into their group chat.

Da Mei caught his thoughtful look and sighs in her peripheral, noting this relaxed state she witnessed from him. Quietly she has been observing his changes whenever he was around. It came naturally to do this but she couldn't answer why. She simply found his cute expressions beneath his steady CEO exterior adorable.

Her phone slightly shook; opening it she saw the message Qin Yi posted in their chat.

Qin Yi: There's a 99% chance that there will be Western food at the party. -_-

Bai Shun: I say 100%. Your 1% exclusion is because you know the hosts.

Qin Yi: …. Yeah.

Chen Kai: Eat recognizable foods and stay away from the fish and the too fancy meat dishes.

Everyone: Agreed.

Liu Shao: Don't forget to set your alarms.

Chen Kai" Twenty minutes give or take to reach Jodache. After we get a take on the food, I will tell the chef what to prepare accordingly.

Everyone: Deal.

Ye Jun: …. It won't be that bad right?

Su Lian: It depends on the host's sincerity.

Those who know about the background scenes of these families couldn't stop the sneer on their lips when they read Su Lian's words. They all silently agreed with her.

Shang Ren: Alright everyone, heads up we're here. This isn't a battlefield but good luck.

With the arrival of the convoy, a servant who was serving as a lookout beside the doorman, slipped away to inform his boss of the guests of honor.

In the hall, all invited guests were eagerly waiting to gain some sort of contact with the Nanjing Princes. Most sent their capable sons and daughters hoping to get some sort of long-lasting relationship if they were lucky while the ones old enough to be the princes' fathers stood by waiting to 'guide' the younger ones.

A little servant shuffled through the masses of expensive threads and glittering gems reaching his master, Chairman Luo. Under strict etiquette and a submissive posture, he relayed what he saw at the entrance.

Waving him away, Chairman Luo relayed a simplified message to his comrades next to him. Six luxury cars at a minimum of 80 Million Yuan arrived and leading the convoy were Young Master Qin and Young Master Ruan. The friends joining him were of equally high status, one of them from Shanghai but an unfamiliar face was within the group.

"I wonder whose kid slipped in. It is known that the steady Prince Qin is hard to befriend and the Prince Ruan is hardly in the country," the old comrade commented.

"The face is unfamiliar. To ride on the princes' coattails he probably has some kind of ability," Chairman Luo replied. He looked at a near by group of people and spotted his daughter at the center of this gathering. Signaling her to join him, he walked halfway towards the entrance of the hall with his daughter and a few comrades following.

It wasn't long for a group of young people to come walking in. The face value of each one was worthy of being shared online to be fawned over. They were a dazzling existence in the dining hall, overshadowing the majority of the guests who were currently dumbstruck.

Chairman Luo was a little flustered when the group entered. Not one of these kids had the presence of a weak chicken entering the den. They all carried an oppressive temperament which made people wary. This was surprising, Chairman Luo was now more eager to find out the identities of them all. His daughter was currently dazzled by the Male Gods in front of her. She didn't know who to focus on.

Her father welcomed the one called Qin Yi – she welcomed him with a nervous stutter at first. The man was stunning. Simply hearing his low and rhythmic voice made her lose her composure slightly. When she calmed down, Qin Yi introduced his friends to her father.

Luo's daughter felt proud of being one of the hosts tonight. Her ego soared when she felt those envious glares. It was her honor to be in the presence of such great gods. They were all 100% gorgeous, each with different handsome levels. As they were introduced, she subconsciously snubbed the ladies on their arms and focused on the guy who had more value.

"You may have heard this alot but welcome to Hangzhou, Young Master Qin. We are pleased to see you here at our little welcome party. Being a local, I'm happy to be a guide." Her words were pleasant but her eyes were filled with her prey as she offered her hand to Qin Yi.

The guys weren't paying attention to the father-daughter duo after the introductions because their presence is under Brother Qin. The girls liked the glitz and glamour atmosphere without it being too stifling.

But both sides changed when they saw the Luo daughter offering her hand to Qin Yi. It became an awkward drama show for them.

The guys were glancing in a three point tandem – from the girl – to the father – Qin Yi. What is your next move?

The girls were inwardly praising the girl for being so bold and sitting back to watch the show. Oin Yi, along with them grew up on traditional values and western etiquette was used in appropriate situation. On top of that, Qin Yi avoids physical contact with people, especially the opposite sex. He's selective in that aspect.

As for the present situation, it looks like the Luo daughter doesn't know that part of Qin Yi.

Luo's daughter was rightfully confused when Qin Yi didn't follow her lead and held her hand for a gentle handshake. She was left hanging. The girls began to feel sorry for her. The one at the forefront, Da Mei, was impressed by the girl's strong mentality. There were no signs of being embarrassed. She quietly praised the girl once more.

Someone poked Da Mei in the back and whispered, " Counter."

Da Mei thought of Meliodas from Seven Deadly Sins when she heard that word. Ah, how idle is her brain?! She caught the meaning in a few seconds and grabbed the girl's offered hand. The action was smooth and cut off the father's awkward interjection which he was preparing.

"Thank you, Miss Luo. Brother Qin's vacation time was planned beforehand with the entire group. Maybe another time if possible?" Da Mei brought all the heat on her shoulders with her mild spoken words of rejection for the other party.

Luo's daughter was a bit irritated by this girl holding her hand and became agitated when she read between the lines. Who the fuck is this girl to cut off her path? Her portrayal of delicate beauty collapsed when she sneered at Da Mei. A rival has entered the stage.

Da Mei, being the sensitive one with high EQ, released the girl's hand and sent a glare at Qin Yi. She's now caught in this newly born love-sick girl's visual.

Qin Yi caught her meaningful glare and gave her an apologetic look in response. The gentleness in his eyes couldn't be hidden and his friends caught it.

Everyone: The iron tree has blossomed! Must protect!

"Dear, why don't you take the ladies for some refreshments?" Chairman Luo voiced.

The girls: Daddy is so straight. You're throwing us to this lioness. Her prey is here.

The boys: God speed, ladies.

The arrival of the group caused a slight commotion within a few onlookers. Those who were one tracked on building their businesses were eager to speak with those who carried a big name. The Qin, Liu, Ruan and Shang families cover large areas of the country.

Others were envious of the attention they gained and the women by their sides which heightened their arrogance of being somewhat accomplished and popular in the district.

The comparisons seem to be a bit…. Unbalanced but okay.

There were those on the sidelines who came as last minute guests and friends of a friend.

When Su Lian sat with her friends after Miss Luo left, her eyes swept the hall probably subconsciously searching for someone. As the fates would have it, she found one person.

One of the persons she was nervous about meeting was standing 12 feet away from her. Their eyes met.

The look of a stranger was what she received.

Su Lian scoffed inwardly. Were we even related? There weren't any emotional fluctuations or regrettable feelings. There wasn't a show of recognition of seeing a sibling. There was nothing. A sibling relationship reduced to dust because she didn't want to be a business pawn.

She kept up her indifferent expression when she saw her dear older brother, even when she saw his friends recognize her. They wanted to call out to her but glanced at their friend before drawing back.

Isolation.

No one from her past is allowed to contact her. She's not a member of the Su Family.

It still hurts, she said in grievance inwardly and turned her attention elsewhere not wanting to see that stinky face which was similar to hers. It's in the past now.

Apart from the cold recognition between the Su siblings, another pair found each other again. Chen Kai spotted his dear little brother in the corner with some friends. The urge to tease such a hot-tempered little brother was there. It's quite novel. Xiao Yan is like him when it comes to joking around so its gets simple. Boyang is like a new toy for him.

Little Boyang saw this older brother of his and quickly diverted his attention. He didn't want to see that guy. How can there be an older brother? Who is his mother? He's so old, is he coming to take the company away from him? Do mother and grandfather know? What is father doing?

He grabbed another glass of champagne from a passing waiter and downed it in one gulp. His lackeys understood the turmoil of their boss.

What would they do if they found out that they had a big brother or sister?

Should they welcome them with open arms or guard their inheritance?

Poor Brother Yang! His inheritance is in trouble and it seems like this new brother is highly favored by the old man. Pity.

"Cousin! Over here!"

Chen Boyang flinched when he heard his cousin's voice. Wasn't this guy a freaking immortal, not caring about others? Why is he hailing him like bosom buddies? He's probably infected by that devil older brother of his.

To avoid being embarrassed by his devilish cousin, he held his head high and walked into the fire pit.

"Cousin Quan, I didn't expect this gathering to be connected to you," Boyang greeted with a stiff smile. He kept his vision on Chen Quan, ignoring his – sigh - his brother who had an evil smirk on his face.

"Ah~ Not really me. I'm just a second-branch eldest child. I'm riding on my friend's coat tail."

Chen Boyang rolled his eyes and released a tired sigh. This intense gaze is too much and it's only a minute. "… B-Big.. Brother… Hello!" Its best to accept this person than staying in denial.

Chen Kai chuckled at his little brother's tiny admittance. "Hello, little brother. You should ease up on the drinking."

"Hmph! I can hold my liquor very well, thank you," Boyang huffed with indignation.

"By your actions, it looks like you haven't told your mother or the grandfather."

Chen Boyang sighed and signaled for another glass. "I have questions but I can't ask the old man. We haven't seen eye to eye for a while. My recent move probably pissed him off. I want to digest your existence before heading back."

Chen Quan and Chen Kai found the little runt not so arrogant anymore.

"Are you wary of my position in the old man's heart?" Kai asked.

Boyang scoffed and didn't answer. How can he not be wary? He's supposed to be an only child, okay? Home is going to be noisier when word goes back.

"Don't worry about it. A little heads up, be prepared for Dad's next move." Kai didn't elaborate but gave a little reassurance.

That's the best he can do.