Chapter Index

    “Chairman Xu, I don’t know how you’d like me to repay you. Just say the word.”

    Zhang Mingrong was momentarily puzzled by Xu Shaochen’s sudden change in attitude but quickly caught on.

    “How about we take our time and discuss it at your place tonight?”

    Xu Shaochen sneered mischievously as he walked up to Zhang Mingrong and pinched her soft hand.

    There wasn’t a shred of deception in his actions; Zhang Mingrong couldn’t have noticed any flaw.

    Being held by Xu Shaochen made Zhang Mingrong uncomfortable. She sneered internally, thinking that Xu Shaochen was indeed a scoundrel.

    But that’s even better. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be as easy to trap him.

    “Chairman Xu, you’re quite bold. We’ve only just met, and you’re already making such demands. Do you take me for someone easy? Can’t we take things slow?”

    Zhang Mingrong smiled seductively as she gently pulled her hand back, speaking coquettishly.

    She understood the art of playing hard to get.

    Her goal wasn’t to have a fling with Xu Shaochen.

    She wanted him to fall in love with her, to gain his trust. So she had to offer a bit of sweetness, but not be too easy.

    “Chairman Zhang, how do you plan to apologize to me then?”

    Xu Shaochen asked as he walked behind Zhang Mingrong and placed his hands on her shoulders.

    Turning around, Zhang Mingrong grinned. “Does Chairman Xu have the grace to accompany me for lunch this afternoon?”

    Xu Shaochen nearly choked. ‘You’re older than me by several years. Little lady? I might believe that if you said little girl.’

    “With great pleasure.” Xu Shaochen agreed.

    Zhang Mingrong stood up and winked at him. “Then I’ll be off for now. See you at noon.”

    With a whiff of fragrance, Zhang Mingrong swayed her slender waist and left.

    As soon as she was gone, Xu Shaochen’s smile vanished. “Someone, clean my desk and chair with water.”

    Seeing Zhang Mingrong’s reaction, Xu Shaochen knew she was an old hand at this. Who knows how many people have had their way with her? He found her dirty.

    ………………

    Hong Kong.

    Lin Kai returned to Hong Kong from Jiangzhou overnight.

    Even though he wasn’t particularly smart, he at least knew how to listen to advice and understood the gravity of the situation.

    He remembered Xu Shaochen’s words: Start by changing the family’s and Zhou Yun’s perception of him.

    So he didn’t waste any time outside. As soon as he landed, he went straight home.

    “Dad, Mom, Big Brother, Second Brother, I’m back.”

    When he returned home, the family was having breakfast.

    “Hmph! You ungrateful brat, where did you run off to this time? I thought you might’ve died out there.”

    Lin Changguan, the Chairman of Lin Corporation and father of Lin Kai, spoke angrily while glaring at him.

    “Oh come on, our son is back. Can’t you cut him some slack?”

    “Ah Kai, just got off the plane? Are you hungry? Come and eat with us.”

    As expected, a kind mother raises a spoiled child. No wonder Lin Kai was such a troublemaker; he had a mother who doted on him unconditionally.

    Lin Kai’s older brothers, Lin Yao and Lin Rong, exchanged glances, shaking their heads helplessly.

    “Ah Kai, you’re not a child anymore. Can’t you be more sensible? Every time you go out, you disappear for ten days to half a month. Do you even care about this family?”

    Lin Yao frowned as he looked at Lin Kai, speaking sternly. Because of Lin Kai, the Lin family’s reputation had been tarnished.

    “Yeah, Ah Kai, can’t you stay out of trouble for just one day?” Lin Rong also admonished.

    A hint of anger flashed in Lin Kai’s eyes, but he quickly suppressed it and forced a smile. “Yes, yes, Big Brother and Second Brother, you’re right. I know I’ve been wrong. Don’t worry, I won’t act recklessly anymore.”

    Damn it! You two can talk all high and mighty now, but just wait until I become the head of the family. You’ll be working for me for the rest of your lives.

    After Lin Kai finished speaking, the people in the restaurant exchanged glances.

    They didn’t expect Lin Kai to not only hold back from arguing but also actively admit his mistakes. Was this still the same reckless Lin Kai?

    “Scoundrel! Did you get into some trouble outside again? Speak up!” Lin Changguan’s face was as dark as thunder as he glared at Lin Kai and shouted in anger.

    Hearing this, Lin Yao and Lin Rong finally reacted. They both frowned at Lin Kai.

    They figured Lin Kai must’ve caused some trouble outside and couldn’t handle it on his own, so he needed the family’s help, which explained his seemingly obedient behavior.

    “Dad, I really didn’t get into any trouble this time, and I won’t in the future either. I learned a lot during my trip to the Mainland. I realized how foolish my past actions were, so I’ve decided to turn over a new leaf and start anew.”

    Lin Kai was furious that the others didn’t believe him, but he had no choice but to grit his teeth and recite the lines he had rehearsed.

    Lin Changguan and the others thought Lin Kai had lost his mind. Could this degenerate really say such things?

    ‘Talk is cheap. We’ll see what you do in the long run,’ Lin Changguan thought, easing his anger slightly. At least Lin Kai was showing an attitude change, which was a decent start considering his past behavior.

    “Yes, Dad. This time, I’ve come back because I want to start learning the family business…”

    “You ungrateful brat! I knew there was something fishy about your change of heart. You’re just trying to scam money from the family again!”

    Before Lin Kai could finish his sentence, Lin Changguan blew up, glaring at him with fury in his eyes.

    Lin Yao and Lin Rong also coldly stared at Lin Kai. They felt deeply ashamed to have a younger brother like him.

    Clearly, Lin Kai had done something like this before, or else Lin Changguan wouldn’t be so enraged.

    “Dad, I didn’t say I wanted money. I’ve saved up some funds over the years. I just wanted to inform you all!”

    Lin Kai raised his voice.

    Of course, he hadn’t saved a penny. The money to start his company all came from Xu Shaochen.

    Little did Lin Kai know that by taking this money, the entire Lin family would eventually fall under Xu Shaochen’s control.

    Xu Shaochen’s money wasn’t easy to take, especially not such a large sum.

    After hearing this, Lin Changguan calmed down a bit, looking at Lin Kai in disbelief.

    Did this ungrateful son really know how to save money?

    Lin Yao and Lin Rong were also shocked, as if they had heard that aliens were invading Earth.

    After their initial shock, they felt a bit relieved. Thankfully, after all these years, Lin Kai was finally showing some maturity.

    But the next moment, both brothers became wary. Right now, the two of them were the only ones competing for the successor position.

    If Lin Kai truly changed for the better, wouldn’t they have another competitor?

    What’s more, their mother had always favored the youngest son, Lin Kai.

    Realizing this, a shadow loomed over their hearts.

    “If you’ve decided to start your own business, then work hard. If you need help, just let the family know. I don’t expect you to earn much. I’d be thankful enough if you don’t cause trouble for the family anymore.”

    Lin Changguan took a deep breath and spoke earnestly while looking at Lin Kai.

    “Dad, don’t worry. I’ve got it.”

    Lin Kai raised his head, showing a radiant smile.

    Chapter Summary

    Xu Shaochen subtly manipulates Zhang Mingrong, while Lin Kai returns to Hong Kong with the intention of changing his ways. Facing disbelief from his family, Lin Kai insists that he's learned from his past mistakes and is determined to start fresh. Despite his promises, his family remains skeptical. Meanwhile, Xu Shaochen’s influence over Lin Kai becomes more apparent as Lin Kai unknowingly steps deeper into his schemes.

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