The Tycoon Inheritance

Part 2

89.

"Which family is it?"

The black armored Maserati Sedan sped along the nearly empty streets with two occupants sitting calmly in the rear. The driver swerved between cars and passed through traffic lights with ease. The bodyguard in the co-pilot seat kept his eyes on the real-time car dash cam, keeping track of the three Volkswagen Passats following them closely.

"The Natlan Family. Judging by the arrogance of following us closely and not ashamed in showing their presence, this should be the subordinates of the second son."

The young man who spoke was the current steward of Helios' new master. His calm and collected speech mimicked the present expression on his face as he swiped through the information on his Tablet.

"Is he trying to get recognition by provoking me? This is one of the reasons why his father cut him off," the master commented indifferently. Being followed and the breaknecking speed of the car didn't phase him one bit.

He was too tired to think about the second child of the Natlan Family. If he gave attention to that one, he had to do so for every family who was against his Helios Clan.

His time was better used on important people.

"The old man is announcing his successor soon," the young steward muttered carelessly.

The young master pursed his lips and pinched the center of his brows. A slight red tinge formed on his pale skin from the little pressure he exerted. He sighed at the thought of being a trophy for that prodigal son. He had enough of those heirs for the past five and a half months. Why can't they just let him tie up some loose ends and return to China?

"Annoying." He grumbled under his breath in nonchalance but the cold look in his dark eyes said another story.

"Find a deserted road," he ordered softly.

A 3d Map of their current position and environs lit up on the steward's tablet. Using his finger he traced a lightly used road off the expressway and added it to the planned route on the car's GPS.

'Rerouted. Please turn left five minutes ahead.'

The driver and the bodyguard dismissed their nonchalant posture and became alert. They knew that the re-route was the work of their master. After being under his lead for months, they encountered many instances like this.

The two inwardly sighed in pity for those people behind them. Their master may look like a pampered jade prince but he was a merciless wolf underneath.

The Maserati sped up and made a sharp turn to the left.

The occupants of the three Passats didn't analyze the abrupt move of the other party and eagerly followed. Seeing the deserted stretch, they became excited at the thought of getting their job smoother and earlier than they think. Their boss gave them a simple order with no plan behind it.

In their thoughts, their boss trusted them with this matter. Wasn't it simple to get rid of the Helios Clan's young boss?

Isn't he some fresh meat to their lifestyle? The kid was just picked up from the streets by the old master of Helios. Pitiful wretch wanting to inherit so much power; getting rid of this so-called heir would allow everyone to grab pieces of that cake. They had to execute this plan flawlessly.

They were so caught up in their illusional victory, that they weren't aware of the major distance between them and the car ahead. There was only the dim light of the car's tail light before it went out. The lead driver of the first car didn't mention this, he turned on the high beam and sped up. The sparse lighting on the lengthy road created a lot of shadows. Unless you're near you won't see what is ahead of you.

The two cars behind followed the leader, excited to get rid of the Helios young master.

"Pfft!! What the fuck is this?" The hooligan in the front seat of the lead car laughed at the sight in front of them.

There were two figures standing beside each other; one had a compound bow in his hands already in a shooting posture and the other fellow had a red cloth in his hand with a single arrow menacingly lying in wait.

"Hahahaha! Someone is too much of a fan of Marvel. Does he think he's an Avenger?"

Raucous laughter filled the confines of the car. They got closer to see Helios Young Master's blue eyes gleaming under the high beams, who were unaffected by the three speeding cars towards him. Mocking smiles marred the faces of these hooligans, their arrogance blinded them greatly.

BOOM!!

Fierce and bright orange light filled the two cars, reflecting the destruction of the vehicle behind them. The violent force of the explosion pushed the second car into the first, shaking the entire bodies of the cars. The drivers were startled losing their grip on the wheels causing the cars to swerve and stop abruptly.

The explosion frightened them. They turned their heads to see the car of their comrades lying upside-down, engulfed in flames. There were cries for help only the still shadows of the now-deceased occupants of the car.

They couldn't wrap their minds around it.

Dead.

Their friends were dead.

They came out of their cars mechanically, shock turned to disbelief; disbelief turned to anger.

Under the black leather half-face mask, the lips of the Helios young master curled up mockingly when he saw the fluctuation of emotions on their faces. The fire light and the light from the cars illuminated them clearly.

"How amusing. Human optional logic never fails to amuse me."

The bodyguard standing next to him shivered at his master's cold words. The man spoke as a being above humans and all beneath his feet. His blue eyes were as chilly as his words. His slender hand was now languidly outstretched towards him, silently beckoning for the last arrow.

The guard placed it reverently in his master's open palm. The lightweight titanium arrow was designed by the master. It was a personal weapon he created after establishing his position in the clan after a month.

Like a devoted follower, the guard watched on fervently as the young master once again prepared to release another arrow. He doesn't know the specifics of these new arrows but it was common knowledge through out the clan that each arrow is fitted with a small sensor bomb and can penetrate 75% of defense material so far. A major example is the customized Passat that it now a large bonfire.

Helios Young Master grinned under his mask, amused by the little dregs rushing back to their cars for their weapons. He can see the anger on their faces because of their friends 'unjustly death'.

They wanted to kill the man who 'murdered' their friends.

Fwip!

The sharp sound cut through the still air around the young master and his bodyguard sounded more like a gunshot going off . The two held stoic expressions when the arrow pierced the side of a Passat. Those close to that car, froze in fear when they saw it.

Run! Their minds were screaming it but their bodies failed to execute the command.

They turned but those five seconds were up.

The blast threw them back, and the shrapnel pierced their skins, lodging into fatal and non-fatal points. Those who were too close to the car received a lot of burn damage. Agonizing wails filled the air, the one or two who were unharmed were now headless chickens.

Their night wasn't supposed to be like this. This was an easy job.

Running from friend to friend to check on their injuries, their hands became stained with their blood during that time. One regained clarity and made a call to their boss.

Helios Young Master made no action to stop them. He walked over unhurriedly with his steps hitting the asphalt rhythmically. The survivors looked towards the sound.

Wait. How….

How did they not notice that car ahead? This road… surely another car should have come by right? Why is it so deserted all of a sudden?

Did they….

No, it was a mere few minutes… or was it?

That's when they realized it was all a trap.

The Maserati was calmly parked a few meters ahead with its headlights on facing their direction. The one who was on the phone with his boss turned deaf to the curses on the other side and was staring blankly at the man walking over to them. The phone dropped to the ground silencing the other side.

Fear covered their anger looking at that man dressed in all black. With the mask covering half of his face and his inky black hair, his blue eyes were eerie under the night's flames. He didn't say a word but his entire being played at the strings of fear in their heart.

Weren't they too gullible to think they could easily kill this guy? Look at their states now.

"We--- We were just carrying out orders. Please! Spare Us!"

"T-That's right! Orders! We're just scum! Not worth any strength in killing!"

"We won't retaliate. Please, Sir!"

"How about we tell you where the second master is? He's the one who you should be looking for!"

They were on their knees rubbing their palms together obsequiously paired with their disheveled and bruised state, they were an eyesore.

The bodyguard next to Young Master Helios clicked his tongue in astonishment. Is this the state of subordinates these days? Is loyalty like a discount food card now? Sigh~ The master really wasted those good arrows on them.

The young master heard his guard's disdainful sigh; he too found these two pathetic. Really a waste of time. He raised his arm to check the time frowning at the lost minutes he spent on these people.

So bothersome.

"Tell your second master, I will play with him another time, and good luck."

Not giving the two kneeling cowards face, he turned on his heel and walked back to his car. Behind him two gunshots rang followed by painful curses; he turned to see his bodyguard catching up to him with an annoyed look on his face.

The guard saw the inquiry in his master's eyes.

"Well, we can't let them be different from the others, right?"

~~~~~~~

"Can you tell me why I agreed to this reunion? I thought all of these show-off events died off after everyone got busy with work life?"

The Midnight Blue Extended Rolls Royce smoothly drove along the commercial streets, intimidating other drivers along the way. Seeing the cars giving this multi-million dollar car a wide berth was considered normal in that opulent district leaving others to speculate who were the occupants in the car.

"Reunions will never die off. When those who achieve something great and can't find enough people to cater to their vanity a reunion invite pops up on your phone."

Su Lian chuckled after hearing Da Mei's bland reply. She glanced at her friend who had most of her attention on her phone. If you look closely, one can see a shy smile playing on her lips, a great contrast to her aloof expression. Ye Jun and Lin Fa gave each other knowing looks, having noticed their friend's 'distraction.'

"Mmhmm, I know. It would have been bad etiquette to decline back then. As the saying goes, one mustn't hint a smiling face."

"Even though it was an annoying clown?" Lin Fa asked curiously.

"Even though it was…" Su Lian recalled the flaunting image of that annoying classmate. The overdone makeup and bold branded clothes along with the arrogant and overly dramatic way of speaking, she could be considered a clown. That classmate considered her an enemy for some reason. Su Lian was too lazy to figure out why back in high school. Maybe tonight's 'reunion' will reveal it all.

"Haizzz~ Sorry for dragging you all into this pettiness. It was supposed to be a relaxing weekend without drama."

Ye Jun laughed at Su Lian's words. "Where there's beauty, there's drama. Madam Li, you better get back into the game of Yin-Yang speaking since your husband is at the top of the food chain."

"I know right? I can't get over the fact that Kai is the family head of the Li Clan. When he told me that he found his father, I thought that was already exceeding one's expectation – a Shanghai Tycoon is his father – that's one for the books." Su Lian's mind was still getting adjusted to the major changes in Chen Kai and their social status. It's still unbelievable.

"He's definitely a male lead in a Light Novel. What next? – Will he serendipitously find a cultivation manual and begin his journey to become an immortal? Pfft~ Hahahaha" Lin Fa's frivolous comment brought them to laughter.

Su Lian's laugh though was a bit forced. 'Imagine if y'all finds out that he's already one,' she said inwardly.

Chen Kai didn't hide that he was a cultivator from her, along with his origins. Based on the way things are going, it was easy to guess that he was more than just a simple transmigrator.

Isn't that the way things go in the novels?

The Rolls Royce came to a stop outside a boutique with the nameplate ETIENNE. Those who know and patronize this clothing boutique are mainly from wealthy and mysterious families. Most of their designs are tailor-made for their clients, leaving mainstream designs for the public.

Su Lian has heard of this boutique and visited it twice; back then she was merely the only daughter of the Su family – a plain wealthy family in the eyes of ETIENNE. Presently she's now under a new title – Madam Li. Su Lian doesn't know the extent of her hierarchy among the inherently wealthy circles, including the mysterious ones but she got a glimpse of it after she told Keren, Hangzhou Estate's butler her urgent clothing request.

The Li Clan can be slated as China's low-key royalty because of its ancestral line, wealth, and influence. The companies made public under the family name were Smokescreens. The true wealth and power are hidden and Chen Kai is now the inheritor of it all. His new identity has been circulating in the country's upper echelons for three months after the family's spoke person made the official announcement. No name or photos were shared but the most important thing was declared – The Li Clan's heir is alive and well.

'What kind of Heaven's child am I with?' Su Lian inwardly yelled this when the entire staff of the boutique came out. This pomp was too much for her. Everything was happening too fast.

Sigh~

Ranged in authority, the eight ladies of varying beauty bowed in greeting, and respectfully lowered their heads when Su Lian and her friends left the confines of the car.

"Welcome Madam Li!"

Su Lian wasn't flustered but her friends were. This was the first time they experienced the 'rich madam pomp'.

"Madam Li. Welcome. I am Lin Xue, the manager of Etienne's Hangzhou branch. Please come this way." The woman probably aged in late 30s, stepped forward with elegant strides and a pleasant smile on her face.

"Manager Lin, thank you for accommodating us on such short notice." Su Lian replied in a steady manner, neither arrogant nor timid, and maintained her upright posture. Bearing no sense of awe or excitement in her eyes nor on her face, she carried the image of high ranking madam very well.

Years of etiquette class didn't fail her.

"Not at all, Madam. Please. Let's retire to the showroom where your friends and yourself can look through the selections."

There were gazes from pedestrians around them along with some boldly taking photos and videos. The madam's identity was somewhat sensitive.

Su Lian also saw this and read through the manager's welcoming words clearly.

"Sorry for the trouble."

Leading her friends into the French inspired design boutique, she suddenly remembered a tidbit Keren shared with her before they left the estate.

"Young Master says to take what you like. The Feres family is under his protection."

Feres Family -The owner of Etienne and other boutiques and clubs across Europe.

They were her man's subordinates.

Damn. Can he be any more amazing?!

~~~~~~

Club Fusa.

A popular Japanese-owned nightclub, located in the inner wealthy district of the city with patrons from all walks of life once one can pay the admittance fee and still have enough to last them through the night.

Maybe it's her innate condescending manner or pure arrogance, Ling Mei made Club Fusa the venue for her impromptu high school reunion. Most of her past classmates came from wealthy families and only a few were from the middle class. The invites she sent out a day before and last minute counted to 25 but those who accepted were less than 15.

Ling Mei wasn't bothered with the major rejections. The one she wanted to accept already did and she did so under social pressure. Ling Mei was delighted at that moment when she saw the annoyed look on Su Lian's face. She was pleased to know that the ex-pampered Su princess could also be cowed by social pressure. Ling Mei was surprised to see Su Lian on the dock which was designated for VIPs.

Her reason for Su Lian being in that area is that her ex-classmate has probably become a sugar baby for some old rich guy. Heh. It would be so satisfying to see the faces of all her admirers when they find out. Hehehe. I wonder if her sugar daddy will splurge on her for their little get-together?

Ling Mei was inwardly impatient as she waited for Su Lian's appearance. She was already annoyed that the male classmates who accepted her invitation were questioning her about Su Lian's appearance back in Hangzhou. She was the host yet their attention was on someone else.

She paid a large amount of money for the loft room yet no one complimented her on getting such a coveted place in Club Fusa. She was dressed in the latest famed Italian designs and no one noticed. Ling Mei put a lot of work in her appearance tonight, only to garner a few bland compliments.

Shoving those thoughts at the back of her mind, she gave her guests a well-practiced demure smile that magnified her ordinary beauty. She spoke in a languid tone which was also practiced. In her view, it heightens her allure to men.

"Classmate Su should be on her way. I guess I should take some blame after inviting her at the last minute. I… just didn't expect to see her in Hangzhou, especially at that Yacht Club."

"Oh! I thought it was confirmed a while ago. This reunion was planned by Class President a month or so. How lucky that School Beauty Su was back in Hangzhou visiting over the holidays when you bumped into her!" One of the female classmate spoke up with an amiably.

Those listening heard the Yin-Yang in their words clearly. In all their years as members of the elites, the art of such language is mandatory. Also, who doesn't know that Ling Mei has an unreasonable jealousy towards Su Lian?

That invite was certainly a ticket to causing Su Lian trouble.

They sensed the underlying currents but found no reason to stop it. Maybe its in human nature to see chaos, a shit-stirrer spoke up. "Hahaha! What a grand holiday reunion. We get to bask in the glow of the beauties from our old school days. I see all of you have grown greater in your dazzling beauty. I wonder how our number one flower has grown? A celestial fairy?"

"Come on, what celestial fairy?! Su Lian was already one back in high school. She's probably on the heights of an ethereal holy maiden like those from the Xuanxia novels. Ah~ I can't wait!" Another shit stirrer jumped in.

Their classmates knew this duo would start something, they couldn't laugh out loud at the moment but their insides were bursting with that concealed laughter. Their eyes were bright with excitement, glancing back and forth between Ling Mei and the now numerous chaotic voices, it was a marvelous scene.

Under the ambiance lights of the private room, the crystal glass filled with different colored drinks glitter under the lights, creating a magical and exciting atmosphere. The now-grown high schoolmates teased and laughed with each other, reminiscing about the good old days.

It would have been joyous and nostalgic for everyone but one person was trying hard to play the role.

'Can't they talk about someone else!'

"I remember you had a whole confession routine to play out for Classmate Su after the Entrance Exam, eh Brother Liu? You keep putting off for days then BOOM! Classmate Su left for Nanjing. Bad luck on your part. Hey, maybe you can try again this time. This time don't chicken out."

"HAHAHAHA!"

Laughter broke out, making the place livelier, drinks began to flow and those who genuinely came to have fun were dancing on the designated dancefloor in the room. The DJ music from downstairs filtered through the speakers was hypnotic even those sitting lazily on the lounge seats were moving to the beat.

This is the true essence of a high school reunion but Ling Mei didn't like it one bit.

No one was entertaining her or fawning over her as they did back in high school.

'Don't they know who bought the expensive liquor they are drinking? Or who paid for them to enjoy themselves? Me! Yet they keep talking about that bitch. She isn't even part of their circle anymore, She's a commoner slut depending on old rich guys to stay alive. Let's see if their little fairy is still the same when she calls to beg me to let her in.' Ling Mei was inwardly cursing those she was currently smiling with but she failed to conceal the cold anger in her eyes.

Those that saw it were highly amused.

'As expected of the Ling family's little miss. No self-awareness and conceited.'

'Still arrogant as ever.'

'Do you think we're the same dog-licking fools from back in high school?'

'Why did we ever fawn over this spoiled princess?'

'Heh. Still can't get over her inferiority against Sister Su, huh?'

The ones who noticed the little princess throwing a slight tantrum mocked her incessantly in their heads. Being out of the childish environment of high school and tempered from college and work experiences, they can all spot the worth of people around them.

Why did they follow this little rich girl back then? Easy answer: The new discovery of girls and the influence of sticking to those who had family power behind them.

Their dog-licking days were over but it left a disgusting feeling in their memories. Growing older and understanding the dynamics amongst the families, Ling Mei was simply one of many 'white, rich and beautiful', no one important.

The shit-stirrer who began it all sneered at Ling Mei and ordered a few more things from the menu for himself.

Ling Mei seeing the additional food being added, became even more agitated. She had a damn budget for tonight that's why she pre-ordered food to keep the cost down. Why are they ordering more?

"Xie Yun. Isn't ordering more food a waste? You haven't touched that I ordered?" When she spoke, her attention fell on the small buffet the club prepared and the forgotten server. No one touched a dish.

"No worries. My taste is different. I can order a few for myself. No worries."

Translation: I can afford a simple dish of a thousand yuan or more. Don't play righteous queen here. I don't need your alms.

"I know you can but it's a bit disrespectful to do so," she continued, with an indignant tone.

Xie Yun didn't pay attention to her reply nor placed energy in a retort, he ordered what he felt for and then went over to the bar. His friends joined, amping up the party with their own flair.

The few who aim to be people pleasers or a 'good person' came to console Ling Mei but never once rebuked Xie Yun's behavior.

Ling Mei didn't realize this because she was only focused on the attention she was gaining from these past classmates.

'It's good that they know who's treating them. They should be honored that she was willing to spend on them.' Ling Mei's haughty thoughts began to spiral leaving her to bask in the new praises raining down on her.

The girls around her rolled their eyes in their hearts and continued with their little girl time. They didn't mind taking advantage of the situation. It felt good to let someone do their paying and hosting, socializing as adults is hard work.

<Ding>

The lofts in Club Fusa are private with its own security and private entrance. Anyone who enters must be on the list to enter the area two floors up. Since it was private, a video doorbell was used to alert the occupants inside of new guests or the presence of servers.

The attendant moved to the door and welcomed the new arrivals. He was unaware of the now stagnant atmosphere when he ushered in four young men dressed in somewhat flashy clothes.

Who were these people?

They are not their classmates.

Xie Yun the outspoken one was about to question their identity when Ling Mei's annoying voice stopped him.

"Brother Tang! You made it!"

Brother Tang? Who is Brother Tang?

Those who were dancing had their momentum broken by these new faces.

The one called Brother Tang seemed to be around their age and had the temperament of a normal rich kid while his companions were probably in the same wealth spectrum. If one has to judge his attractiveness, this Brother Tang is probably around 70% attractive, passing the average mark to be a star.

The fact that caught their eye, is the intimate behavior between Brother Tang and Ling Mei.

Did her family arrange a new marriage for her? Which family did this guy come from? Hmmm….

"Ling Mei? Who are these ….guests?" one young lady asked, not concealing her scrutiny of the newcomers.

The young men turned to the speaker and were a bit shocked not by her beauty but her somewhat subtle show of wealth. The million dollar gems on her wrist and ears, the expensive designer clothes and the diamond watch on her hand blinded them. It wasn't just her but everyone in that room had a subtle show of wealth. Brother Tang silently thanked his father for having such a close friendship with the Ling family.

Where else can he meet so many 2nd Gen kids?

"This is Brother Tang Yue, he's the son of a close family friend," Ming Mei said with a beaming smile. She was practically hanging off the guy.

Everyone: 0_0 So close to your family friend?! Hmmm!

No one took the initiative to greet them and only gave a nod of basic acknowledgment. The young men felt offended but couldn't voice their thoughts. They were aware of their standing.

"You didn't tell us that we can bring … friends outside of our class, Meimei?" A young lady commented.

"Miss Ling is the host of this impromptu class reunion, she has the right to invite them." A classmate offered in a somewhat sarcastic tone.

In their circle, it had quiet rules, Ling Mei bringing along these strangers to their private party touched one of those rules.

Its like her brain has been emptying gradually over the years.

Ling Mei was going to retort when raucous laughter pierced through the awkward atmosphere.

All eyes moved to the person who was too focused on his phone, giggling like a loon.

"Chang Yu!!"

"Huh. Oh. What's up?" Cheng Yu was oblivious to the newcomers he was too involved in the chat he was partaking in.

"Share the fun! What got you smiling so much?"

"Uhhh… Oh! Oh yeah," Chang Yu's eyes moved around quickly, the amusement bright in his eyes. That gaze fell on Ling Mei. "Sister Su says she's at Loft 1. Apparently, someone forgot to add her to the guest list and she doesn't have Ling Mei's contact. We are free to visit her if we are up to it."

Translation: Ling Mei, you're nothing but a clown trying to play me.