One was dumbfounded and the other was visibly envious.
Ling Mei scrolled through the chat hastily, pinpointing the important parts of the conversation. She moved to the attached photos and newly added links about Chen Kai – Su Lian's husband as they claimed.
She couldn't believe it; more likely she didn't want to believe it. The more she looked, the angrier she felt. Her self-made rivalry and high jealousy distorted her delicate features.
'Why is she so lucky?' She was one of the few who danced in glee when news of her being thrown out of the Su family. The favored young miss had to make it on her own, heh! Ling Mei made all sorts of comments back then but, doesn't it look like Su Lian won the jackpot?
A handsome wealthy boyfriend with an illustrious background in Shanghai. To top things off, he has his own achievements and no family in-fighting. Su Lian doesn't have to lift a finger for the rest of her life.
"How lucky," she said through gritted teeth.
Tang Yue who was silent beside her was focused on the full-length photo displayed on her phone. The tall and imposing young CEO was a stark contrast to the silent orphan he bullied back in high school. He grimaced at the thought of how different their lives were. He had to cling to a rich woman while Chen Kai was rolling in his wealth.
Why are the heavens playing favorites?
A by-blow gaining so much wealth and success in the span of four years is knocking down him who is barely a rich second generation.
Snatching the phone from Ling Mei's hand he found the link describing Chen Kai's timely investment in Nanhe Emperor Mall and the takeover of a few companies in Nanjing. They mentioned his educational background, his parents' background, and the successful changes he made at his companies. Tang Yue felt like he had swallowed a bitter pill just by reading these accolades of the guy he looked down on.
Tsk. He's just lucky.
Tang Yue didn't want to admit Chen Kai's admirable actions in the business world even with the evidence right in front of him. Heaving a heavy sigh, he handed back the phone to the confused Ling Mei.
"What was that?" Ling Mei couldn't hold back her question. If it was another person who snatched her phone she would have smacked them without any care but her actions continued because of curiosity. Why was Brother Tang so affected by that man Chen Kai?
"… He is a high school classmate of mine. We all thought he was a poor wretch." Tang Yue gave a brief and dismissive version of their unflattering connection. He was already annoyed by the minor revelation and didn't want to dwell on it.
Ling Mei's mind began hasty deductions. Su Lian's rich husband is from a small county?! Isn't his father from Shanghai? What? This tycoon was poor! Was he on some 'find your own way' schtick from his family? How did he meet Su Lian? Is he that rich to have a private dock at that yacht club?
Seeing through her confusion, Tang Yue deflected the topic of Chen Kai and persuaded her to move on with their previous plans. He didn't want another woman he liked be swayed by that prick.
He can't let the thought of that bastard ruin his mood; he too had to secure a better future.
On a private airfield tarmac, a private jet came to a stop near a convoy of discreet luxury vehicles- a mix of SUVs and Sedans, all customized with safety being its top priority for its occupants. In a blacked-out Bentley Continental, the occupant in the backseat turned his attention to the jet. The hatch was opened with the air stewardess ensuring the stairs were secure. Her movements were smooth and professional, signs of being well-trained by her employers. She stood aside, making way for the two bodyguards who were behind her.
"The young master made a few changes to their training." The person in the driver's seat answered with a hint of amusement.
"I can imagine those older heads protesting those changes." The old man in the back can visualize the bodyguard teams he left in his nephew's care rebelling when he took over. He smirked at the thought of them being knocked down a peg or two.
" Oh, there were a few. According to xiao Ming, a few threatened the young master with resignation and he calmly accepted their request."
The old man scoffed, "They got too big-headed. Along with Helios' growth, those under us forgot how to work for what they earned and who is their master. It was expected. Little Kai noticed this also."
"He fixed all the problems we couldn't solve and improved a lot of things. I must say the young master has adapted well. It's like he was born for leadership."
"I guess it's as they say, 'Genes prove everything'" The old man commented. "Here he is." Seeing his nephew made his eyes jump in surprise. Where was the sunny, carefree nephew he met months ago? He sighed, feeling a bit guilty after seeing how sharper and intimidating his only blood descendant become.
His old friend and steward probably sensed his wavering emotions and gave a few comforting words. He also saw the change in Chen Kai at one glance.
The cover of the night couldn't hide the fierceness in the kid's eyes and the fierce cold coming from his demeanor. From the reports, they both knew the kid spilled some blood to stabilize his position.
Old Man Li sighed wistfully and glanced at his gloved hands, in his mind's eye he could still see the blood he spilled over the years. To survive some morally unacceptable things must be done.
Wealth and peace go hand in hand with a few dark traits.
The car door opened letting in the cold night air. The moment Chen Kai entered a wave of oppression fell on the two old guys, putting them on guard instinctively.
It took a second for them to get back at ease. Chen Kai probably sensed their defensive momentum and took the initiative to talk while relaxing his vigilance.
"Have you been enjoying your vacation, uncle?" His voice had a bit of cheekiness lying under the concern.
"What is there for an old man like me to do?" Uncle Li huffed exaggeratedly going along with his nephew's attempt to put them at ease.
"Hahhhh~ Here I am working hard to give you a good retirement and you're not taking advantage of that?"
"I'm old where do you want me to go?" Uncle Li was genuinely puzzled. He travelled the world numerous times, and had homes in a few beautiful countries. In his young days, he dared to be bold and participated in many extreme things before they came mainstream. So what should he really do in his retirement?
"You can go square dancing in the park. Maybe you can snag a girlfriend." Chen Kai commented. He frowned a moment later in contemplation, "No, not girlfriend, a woman. I must respect my elders."
Uncle Li: ….. For origınal chapters go to NoveIＦire.net
Are we at that age for square dancing already?
The convoy left the private airstrip and made their way back to the city. Chen Kai's return to China caused no waves on the surface but it caused ripples underneath.
The families were alerted! They were all complacent thinking the Li Clan would die off with Elder Li. Over the years, they were pushing suitable kids from branch families towards Elder Li, to be in their good graces. But that failed.
Where did this blood descendant come from?
Within a country that has such a rich history, there will be dragons hidden among the fishes. The land needs power to maintain its vibrancy and now visible wealth. This is where Elite and Hidden families come in. Whether it's in the capital or a flourishing province, the country depends on them.
Amongst these dragons, many have the economy in their grasp, not just money flow but the military and education sectors. Everyone is family even if it's an uncle married to a cousin who was four times removed.
The Li Clan had roots in Nanjing and Beijing; the family has a strong foundation and catered to a large part of the country's development. Their hands can't hold up the entire homeland hence the significance of the other families with 100+ years of foundations.
It's just that the Li Clan is a quiet dragon watching the little flood dragons dance around. With a new patriarch appearing, these flood dragons are uneasy and would be surely planning something.
Chen Kai's presence was a formality and a bit of a show of respect for those elders from the other clans who can't give up the mantle.
He couldn't be bothered with their tricks, it's all bothersome.
Chen Kai sighed; he was presently going over the profiles of most of the members of the five hidden families. The more he read, the more annoyed he got. Out of the five, three loved to oppose the Li Clan in business, One had a rivalry in the Military sector and the last one loved being fence-sitters.
Those are the ones who got him extremely annoyed.
"Uncle, do you want to be a shield?'
Old Man Li and Elder Tong understood the double meaning; one turned his head away pretending to be deaf and the latter became extremely focused on driving.
Chen Kai got his answer. He had to deal with those people by himself.
Well, a few lifetimes of practice are probably useful.