Dongfang Lie hadn’t been in a particularly good mood lately.
Especially after he heard that Yin Corporation had recently acquired DYX and spent one hundred million to form an esports team.
After Yin Corporation’s new product officially launched not long ago, it had indeed impacted the new plans of the Dongfang Group.
Even though they had already partnered with another company’s product as an alternative, Yin’s product, in every respect, was overwhelmingly superior.
Dongfang Lie knew very well.
This time, Dongfang Group had failed to hitch a ride on Yin Corporation’s giant ship, and he had missed an exceptional opportunity.
And…
Dongfang Lie closed his eyes, lightly tapping the floor with his scepter.
“Master.”
A servant approached respectfully.
“Where’s Dongfang Wan?”
Yin Corporation had made such a huge move, so why hadn’t that boy taken any action yet?
And what about the matter he had previously instructed him on? Did that boy even understand his intentions?
The servant bowed his head.
“Young Master Wan left last night and hasn’t returned yet.”
“Last night?” Dongfang Lie sat upright, his gaze sharp.
“Where did he go?”
The servant quickly lowered his head even further.
“Young Master Wan didn’t say. But it seems over the past week, he’s mostly been at Tian Shang Ren Jian.”
“He went there?”
Dongfang Lie thought for a moment, then laughed angrily.
“He goes where he shouldn’t, and when he should go, he never does—every day he’s at that place?”
“Go. Bring Young Master Wan back.”
“Yes, sir.”
When Dongfang Wan returned to the Dongfang family estate, he wasn’t alone; a delicate young boy accompanied him.
As the two entered the mansion, Dongfang Lie hadn’t even seen Dongfang Wan yet, but he caught a strong whiff of fragrance.
“Ah-choo—!”
He sneezed loudly.
Dongfang Wan didn’t notice, but seeing him sneeze, he offered a concerned remark.
“Second Uncle, are you catching a cold? Take care of yourself.”
No sense of awareness at all!
Dongfang Lie cursed inwardly but still gave his nephew face.
“I need to speak with you. Take this messy thing back. And don’t just bring anyone home—it lowers your status.”
At his words, Dongfang Wan’s expression darkened.
The boy in his arms quickly spoke up in a soft, coaxing tone.
“Master Wan, I told you I shouldn’t have come. See? I’ll leave now, but you have to come see me later.”
He tried to leave but nestled closer into Dongfang Wan, one leg teasingly brushing him, testing his nerves.
Dongfang Wan felt annoyed, but his uncle’s earlier words made him even more uncomfortable.
What about his status? The future heir of the Dongfang Group—bringing someone back to the estate shouldn’t matter!
Every time his uncle reminded him to mind his status, what did he really mean?
Dongfang Wan felt stifled but spoke lightly, pushing the boy gently.
“Fine, I’ll remember. You can go with my servant. I have business to attend to.”
The boy froze for a second, then displayed a reluctant, delicate expression.
“Alright then, I’ll wait for you, Master Wan~”
His features, like hooks, left Dongfang Wan restless even after he walked away.
Seeing his nephew so helpless, Dongfang Lie couldn’t help but scold him.
“Have you been skipping work recently? Just hanging out at Tian Shang Ren Jian? Do you even want the Dongfang Group?”
Such a huge conglomerate couldn’t be managed by just any incompetent fool!
Dongfang Wan inwardly flinched but replied calmly, hiding his annoyance.
“Second Uncle, you told me to go see the world at Tian Shang Ren Jian, and didn’t you say I should stay home and reflect rather than go to the company?”
Dongfang Lie was furious.
“I told you to stay home and reflect, not to go about indulging yourself as if you’d never tasted pleasure in twenty years! Embarrassing! And look at you—one Lin Yuhan was enough, now this random nobody is also capturing your attention?”
Truly an inexperienced, worthless thing.
Being called out by his uncle made Dongfang Wan feel embarrassed.
Yes!
He hadn’t been worldly before, always fixated on Lin Yuhan, guarding his chastity for him.
Now he had gone out to gain experience, just as his uncle suggested. Wasn’t that the point?
Yet he was being called shameful?
Dongfang Wan clenched his hands behind his back, dizzy with anger.
Dongfang Lie drank a few cups of calming tea, then looked at his nephew.
“Forget the reflection thing. Regarding that little matter you mentioned, I’ve taken care of it. Seeing the world is fine, but remember—I warned you before. That little boy you were involved with is somewhat connected to Yin Chen. If you’re smart, you’ll handle it early.”
Mentioning Lin Yuhan and Yin Chen twisted Dongfang Wan’s expression.
Dongfang Lie frowned slightly.
“Are you still interested in that Lin Yuhan?”
If so, he might really consider replacing the heir.
Dongfang Wan pursed his lips and murmured.
“No. I’ve long lost interest in him.”
He even smiled slightly, as if to convince his uncle.
“You’re right, Second Uncle. I just haven’t seen enough of the world. Someone like Lin Yuhan isn’t worth my attention.”
Dongfang Lie looked pleased.
“Good. You are the future heir of the Dongfang Group. To elevate the company further, you’ll inevitably need to form alliances with other families.”
He paused slightly.
“Also, enjoy yourself, but in moderation. Don’t ruin your foundation. Men can have fun, but when it comes to alliances, keep outside affairs tidy, understand?”
Dongfang Wan nodded obediently.
“I understand, Second Uncle.”
Dongfang Lie’s mood finally lightened seeing his nephew compliant.
“Good. You’re finally clearer-headed. That way, I can trust the Dongfang Group to you.”
After a moment of thought, he continued.
“You’ve been skipping work, so you might not be aware of Yin Corporation’s recent actions.”
Dongfang Wan blinked.
“What’s new with Yin Corporation?”
Dongfang Lie tapped his scepter on the floor.
“They’ve been making high-profile moves—first spending a hundred million to form a gaming team, then acquiring a streaming platform this week.”
He frowned slightly.
“Yin Corporation has always had keen insight. I’ve asked our team to analyze whether they have some new strategy. Tomorrow, you’ll return to the company to study and understand the purpose behind their latest big moves.”
“Study Yin Corporation?”
Dongfang Wan was puzzled.
“Why analyze them? Haven’t we partnered with another company? Shouldn’t we focus on that?”
His uncle’s words made less and less sense.
Dongfang Lie’s expression darkened.
“You’re going, that’s final. Stop questioning.”
Dongfang Wan gritted his teeth, fuming inside, and replied, breathing heavily.
“Understood. I’ll go tomorrow.”
Dongfang Lie saw his displeasure, feeling slightly irritated.
He tapped his scepter repeatedly, rattling Dongfang Wan, before finally speaking.
“I know you doubt my decision. But it’s time I told you something important.”
Dongfang Wan’s eyes lit up.
Could it be that he was about to gain access to the core of the Dongfang Group?
“This time our new plan couldn’t partner with Yin Corporation. Profits fell short, but among peers, Dongfang Group still stands out. Do you know why?”
Dongfang Lie suddenly asked.
Dongfang Wan froze.
“Because our decisions are excellent, always ahead of the market?”
Dongfang Lie nodded slightly, his expression serious.
“Have you considered why our development direction over the past years has overlapped so much with Yin Corporation’s?”
What?
Dongfang Wan’s eyes widened in shock.
“Yin Corporation’s market insight is terrifying. Whenever Dongfang Group follows their lead, even if we don’t reap full profits, we get some benefits. That’s how we’ve grown steadily.”
Yin Chen—a business legend.
This man, only slightly older than his nephew, had once driven Dongfang Lie crazy with his business acumen—until Lie discovered the shortcut.
Exactly!
Yin Chen is sharp, and his corporation is formidable.
But Dongfang Group is also established, powerful.
Following Yin Chen’s direction ensures the Dongfang Group remains second to none with ease.
Dongfang Wan was speechless.
So Dongfang Group had been relying on Yin Chen all along?
The thought struck him—unbelievable!
Seeing his nephew so shaken, Dongfang Lie scolded him.
“Why that face? You think following Yin Chen means instant profit? It took me much effort to bring Dongfang Group to this level. Don’t show such foolishness!”
“I want you to understand: even if your vision isn’t perfect, don’t be stupid. Yin Chen is powerful. Dongfang Group just needs to follow. Even if we score 80 instead of 100, it keeps us ahead of most.”
“But…” Dongfang Wan still struggled to accept it.
“But what?” Dongfang Lie sneered.
“You think this fact is unacceptable? You think your uncle is useless?”
Dongfang Wan clenched his teeth, silent.
Dongfang Lie looked at him.
“Even if I’m useless, I found the best path a poor student could take. You? Could you surpass Yin Chen and develop Dongfang Group?”
Dongfang Wan’s heart skipped.
He wanted to say yes, but the words wouldn’t come.
“You know the truth.”
Dongfang Lie stood, walked over, and patted his shoulder.
“I’m telling you this so you understand in advance. Watch Yin Corporation’s every move. Analyze carefully. Whether we gain full benefits or partial, Dongfang Group must always be second, never third. Understand?”
Dongfang Wan’s throat felt parched, as if stranded in a desert.
“I understand, Second Uncle.”
Dongfang Lie nodded, then his expression darkened slightly.
“And Lin Yuhan—I looked into him. Yin Chen seems to care about him. If you handle the relationship cleverly, Dongfang Group could learn Yin’s latest developments faster. Understand?”
Dongfang Wan’s heart skipped, pounding uncontrollably.
“You mean… controlling Lin Yuhan to obtain Yin Corporation’s secrets?”
Dongfang Lie smiled slightly.
“I have no other meaning, just that you and Lin Yuhan have shared years of connection. Two men together isn’t possible, but cutting it off completely would be a shame, right?”
A chill ran through Dongfang Wan.
A feeling he had never experienced slowly rose inside him.
In that instant, he understood his uncle’s words—and knew they were correct.
Lin Yuhan was just a penniless student, and a man at that.
Once he inherits Dongfang Group, what kind of men couldn’t he have?
Thinking of all the beautiful people at Tian Shang Ren Jian, Dongfang Wan felt a tightness in his lower abdomen.
His uncle was right—he had been too inexperienced.
“Ah-choo—!”
Lin Yuhan sneezed heavily.
“Are you catching a cold?”
Tang Chen, tidying his things, handed him a tissue swiftly.
“Thanks.”
Lin Yuhan wiped his nose, gruffly.
“Not a cold, just an itchy nose. Don’t worry about me—finish packing your things first.”
“I’m almost done!”
Tang Chen looked at his things, practically ecstatic.
“Just waiting for my brother to pick me up, then I’ll leave!”
“Your brother?” Lin Yuhan was curious.
“You have a brother?”
Tang Chen grinned.
“No, not by blood, but he’s nice to me.”
He poked Lin Yuhan playfully.
“My brother is a legendary big shot! You can take a good look…”
“No, no, no…” Lin Yuhan shook his head frantically, stammering.
Tang Chen laughed.
“Why so nervous? I’m not introducing him to you. He probably has someone he likes. I just mean—you can check him out to raise your own standards!”
The stalker last time was terrifying! Who even stalks these days?
“Ah?” Lin Yuhan opened his mouth in slight embarrassment.
But he quickly caught on, feeling touched.
“Okay, I’ll raise my standards, don’t worry.”
“Good. Also, the hip mask I gave you last time—you’ve probably used it up? It’s hard to get, no online links. If you want, you can get it from our base! Or find a suitable one yourself.”
Tang Chen reminded him.
“Ah? Oh, yes, I have one left. No need to trouble you, I can get it myself.”
Lin Yuhan broke out in a cold sweat.
He hadn’t used it!
“One piece?”
Tang Chen was puzzled.
“But the hip mask I gave you is cream-based?”
Ah…
Lin Yuhan froze in place.
No! How do you apply a cream hip mask?!
“You didn’t…”
Tang Chen was about to scold him when a knock sounded at the door.
Lin Yuhan dashed out.
“I’ll get it! It must be my brother!”
“…Hmph, wait until he leaves, then we’ll settle this.”
Tang Chen muttered, slightly annoyed, but then realized:
Could it be Lin Yuhan doesn’t know how to use it properly? Or, without his usual partner, has he lost interest?
That won’t do!