"At banquets like the Chen family's, it used to be considered a great honor if Su Chenzhu even made a brief appearance," one guest remarked, eyeing the crowd surrounding Su Chenzhu with a hint of envy. "The Chens must have stumbled upon some incredible luck to have Su Chenzhu gracing their event like this."
There had never been any prior rumors of a close relationship between the Chen family and Su Chenzhu.
Another guest nudged him and pointed discreetly. "Take a look—who are the three Chen grandchildren hovering around right now?"
At that moment, whether it was Chen You, the favored grandson of Old Master Chen, or the less reputable Chen Fang, both were attentively accompanying a young man dressed in a light-colored suit.
To outsiders, however, it seemed this young man was far more familiar with Old Master Chen's granddaughter.
"Which family's heir is this?" the first guest asked in surprise. "The Chen grandchildren usually look down on everyone, yet here they are, practically fawning over someone else?"
"You missed it when Su Chenzhu arrived," the other guest explained helpfully. "That young man is currently Su Chenzhu's most trusted aide—his right-hand man."
"Su Chenzhu has plenty of confidants around him. How does someone so young earn such a position without causing resentment among the others?" The guest barely finished speaking when Secretary Liu approached the young man with a plate of fruit, the two chatting and laughing with unmistakable camaraderie.
"The boss noticed you were enjoying yourself with these youngsters and didn’t want to interrupt," Secretary Liu said, handing the fruit directly to Chao Musheng. "He also said you should drink fewer cold beverages and eat more fruit."
Chao Musheng glanced toward Su Chenzhu, who stood across the room in a dark suit. The moment their eyes met, Su Chenzhu turned his head slightly, locking gazes with him.
Caught off guard by the sudden connection, Chao Musheng blinked before breaking into a bright smile.
"The boss and I have some matters to attend to back at the office," Secretary Liu said, pretending not to notice the silent exchange between the two. Half-joking, half-serious, he added, "Stay here a while longer and represent Kunlun—give the guests a chance to remember your face."
Su Chenzhu’s prolonged presence had already granted the Chen family immense face. Any longer, and rumors of a major collaboration between Kunlun and the Chens would spread.
Leaving Chao Musheng behind was a clear message to everyone present: he had the authority to speak for Kunlun.
Secretary Liu privately suspected his boss wanted Chao Musheng to become Kunlun’s second-in-command, but he didn’t dare voice that thought aloud.
"Understood," Chao Musheng replied, recognizing Su Chenzhu’s intent to elevate his standing. "I’ll return a bit later."
"You’ve always been sensible—both the boss and I trust your judgment." Secretary Liu noticed Su Chenzhu’s lingering gaze and added, "If anyone dares to cause trouble, don’t hesitate. The boss left four bodyguards for you. He said you could take on ten men by yourself, and if anyone provokes you, just fight back—he’ll back you up."
Chao Musheng raised an eyebrow. "Those were Su Chenzhu’s exact words?"
"The sentiment’s the same," Secretary Liu coughed lightly. "Just remember, no matter what happens, the boss will always stand by you."
Chao Musheng studied Secretary Liu intently. There was something oddly familiar about his tone—it reminded him of how his father’s friends would speak on his behalf to his mother.
"What are you staring at?" Secretary Liu shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.
"Nothing." Chao Musheng turned back to Su Chenzhu, who was now conversing with a man in his fifties. His expression was cool and detached, exuding an air of unapproachable elegance.
But the moment he sensed Chao Musheng’s gaze, the frost in his eyes melted away, replaced by unmistakable warmth.
Setting down his glass, Su Chenzhu strode over without hesitation. "Did you have something to tell me, Chao Chao?"
Startled by Su Chenzhu’s bold approach, Chao Musheng fumbled, the fruit on his silver fork clattering back onto the plate.
"Not really," he admitted, flustered by Su Chenzhu’s sudden proximity.
Su Chenzhu merely smiled, unbothered by the trip. He reached out to adjust the lapel pin on Chao Musheng’s suit—a sleek, expensive piece he had gifted him. "Secretary Liu and I will head back first. Stay and enjoy yourself a little longer."
Chao Musheng nodded obediently, glancing down at the pin.
Only after ensuring Chao Musheng was settled did Su Chenzhu finally take his leave.
A nearby guest seized the opportunity to flatter. "Su Chenzhu treats his protégé like family—no wonder someone as talented as Mr. Chao is so devoted to Kunlun."
Secretary Liu shot the man a sidelong glance. His boss wasn’t even thirty yet—since when was Chao Musheng a "junior"?
"They say a rare talent is hard to find, but a discerning patron is even rarer," another guest chimed in. "With Mr. Chao’s brilliance, Kunlun is bound to reach greater heights under Su Chenzhu’s leadership."
Secretary Liu: "..."
None of them had a clue. Did they really think his boss only wanted to be Chao Musheng’s mentor?
He’d rather be the stallion in his heart!
Su Chenzhu, however, paused at the comment and nodded slightly at the second speaker. "Having someone like Chao Musheng at Kunlun is indeed a blessing."
The surrounding guests exchanged astonished glances. Just how extraordinary was Chao Musheng to warrant such high praise from Su Chenzhu?
Secretary Liu nodded inwardly.
The R&D department had struggled for months on a critical problem—Chao Musheng had cracked it in under two weeks. Who wouldn’t value talent like that?
As Su Chenzhu departed, Old Master Chen personally escorted him to the island’s edge, only turning back once his figure had faded into the distance.
"Grandfather," Chen You said, supporting the old man as they walked. "Chao Musheng was involved in developing Kunlun’s latest software release. Rumor has it he’s exceptionally well-liked among Kunlun’s executives—Su Chenzhu and Secretary Liu personally recruited him from Jinghua."
Young, brilliant, and, most importantly, trusted and favored by Su Chenzhu.
"That software has taken a significant share of our market," Chen You hinted. "If we could persuade Mr. Chao to advise us..."
"If Chao Musheng were so easily swayed, would Su Chenzhu have left him here unattended?" Old Master Chen fiddled with the prayer beads on his wrist. "With Kunlun looming over us, the Chen family will never claim the top spot in Jing City."
He narrowed his eyes, wrinkles bunching at the corners. "Kunlun’s recent decision to offer patents for free to domestic firms has won them praise from both the government and the public."
For smaller businesses, this was a boon. For the Chens? Not so much.
Who would pay for their products when free alternatives existed?
"Our family’s fortunes have been lackluster lately," Old Master Chen murmured, pausing mid-bead before forcing a genial smile.
"Grandfather Chen, my apologies for the delay—we ran into some trouble on the way." Lian Yang approached with his younger brother, Lian Hai, in tow. "You’re glowing today—has something auspicious happened?"
"President Lian, you flatter me." Old Master Chen chuckled. "Please, come in."
What an "unexpected delay"—more likely, he'd rushed over upon hearing Su Chenzhu was present.
"Is this your younger brother?" Old Master Chen glanced at the young man beside Lian Yang, whose hair was dyed a blinding shade of green—brighter than any traffic light.
"Good evening, Grandfather Chen." Lian Hai greeted politely.
"Young Master Lian." Old Master Chen’s gaze lingered on Lian Hai’s vibrant hair for a few seconds. "Quite... lively."
"Thank you for the compliment, Grandfather Chen." Lian Hai slid a hand into his pocket. "Your garden is beautiful, though the mosquitoes seem a bit too enthusiastic."
"Lian Hai!" Lian Yang shot his brother a warning glare before apologizing to Old Master Chen. "Forgive him, Grandfather Chen. He speaks without thinking."
"Young Master Lian, insects are simply part of nature." Chen You smiled courteously. "The night is lovely—please, come inside and rest."
Lian Hai fell silent. He’d always found the Chen family’s speech stiff, as if they’d crawled out of some ancient tomb. He worried prolonged exposure might infect his own way of speaking.
Lian Yang followed the Chens into the banquet hall but saw no sign of Su Chenzhu.
"Ah, you’ve just missed him." Old Master Chen smiled warmly. "Mr. Su has retired for the evening. Had your journey been smoother, you might’ve crossed paths."
"Admiring the beauty of Chen Manor at night is reward enough." Lian Yang ignored the veiled jab. "Though I wonder if you’d permit my brother and me to stay the night, so we might fully appreciate the gardens by morning?"
"Of course. You’re most welcome."
Old Master Chen beamed, immediately instructing the butler to prepare rooms for the brothers.
Bored by the exchange, Lian Hai scanned the room—then brightened. "Brother, I’m going to find a friend."
Chao Musheng was chatting with a group of young elites when Lian Hai shouldered his way in. "Brother Chao!"
"Lian Hai?" Chao Musheng stared at the neon-green mop atop his head. "New hair?"
"Lost a bet." Lian Hai shrugged, eyeing the heirs surrounding Chao Musheng. "Thought you’d have left with Mr. Su by now." He grabbed a champagne flute from a passing tray. "A toast to you."
"Thank you." Chao Musheng clinked his juice glass against Lian Hai’s, effortlessly drawing him into the conversation.
The others played along, tactfully ignoring the glaring hair, maintaining an atmosphere of cordiality.
You Jiu wove through the crowd with a wine tray just as someone complimented Chao Musheng’s lapel pin with unusual sincerity.
"Sir," You Jiu bent at the waist, eyes downcast. "More wine?"
"No, thank you." Chao Musheng noted how the waiter’s posture was excessively deferential, yet the tray remained perfectly steady. He studied him a moment longer.
"Understood." You Jiu felt the scrutiny but kept his head lowered as he retreated—until an unseen foot hooked his ankle, sending him stumbling forward.
"Careful." A hand steadied him, and the tray was set safely on a table.
Chao Musheng had caught him.
"My thanks, sir." You Jiu glanced back—the culprit was another waiter, likely a fellow player.
"Don’t mention it." Chao Musheng released his arm, checking his watch.
Thirty more minutes, then he could leave.
"Mr. Chao." Old Master Chen approached, noting the green-haired Lian Hai hovering closest. "Do you play chess?"
"A little." Chao Musheng watched the waiter who’d nearly fallen retreat behind Old Master Chen with the wine.
"We have a chess room next door. Would you humor an old man with a game?"
Chao Musheng nearly winced at the archaic phrasing, catching himself before his own speech turned similarly stilted.
"I’m hardly skilled enough to entertain you." He sensed the Chen family’s deliberate courtship—though it was aimed at Su Chenzhu’s influence, not him.
"Just a pastime, no need for modesty." Old Master Chen smiled. "Incidentally, the Song family called earlier, hoping to attend tonight. Pity I missed their call."
"What a coincidence." Chao Musheng set down his juice. "Very well, though I’ll need you to go easy on me."
What did the Song family’s call have to do with him?
You Jiu observed Chao Musheng’s sudden shift, swiftly passing his tray to another waiter before discreetly trailing Old Master Chen.
The chess room was elegantly appointed, featuring an incense burner shaped like a pulao—a mythical creature known for its loud cries. Odd choice for a space where silence was golden.
"That old man loves showing off his ‘masterful’ chess skills," Lian Hai muttered to Chao Musheng. "Acts like he’s the guardian of traditional culture."
A small crowd followed them in, including Lian Yang. Still gauging the room, he noted his brother’s proximity to the striking young man—likely the much-discussed Chao Musheng.
How had his brother gotten so close to someone like that?
The Wangyue cruise, perhaps?
"As the novice, you may take black." Old Master Chen gestured to the seat opposite him, ignoring Lian Hai’s whispers.
"Thank you." Chao Musheng took the offered box without ceremony.
Within minutes, something felt off.
Old Master Chen’s skills were... mediocre at best.
Five more moves confirmed it—the man was terrible.
How did he have the nerve to challenge people publicly?
Chao Musheng’s own skills were honed against retirees at community centers—hardly impressive.
Not wanting to humiliate the old man, he played along at a glacial pace.
After thirty painstaking minutes, he "accidentally" won by three points.
Old Master Chen sighed dramatically. "Such mastery, Mr. Chao."
Chao Musheng smiled.
Mastery? More like masterful acting.
"Enough." Old Master Chen gathered the chess pieces into their box. "Age has worn me out—this world belongs to you young ones now."
"Did you let me win on purpose, Old Master Chen?" Chao Musheng collected the black stones one by one. "At first, your attacks were so fierce I could barely hold my ground. Then suddenly, I won so easily—clearly, you were going easy on me."
Old Master Chen chuckled, closing the lid of the chess box. "My calculations were flawed. You youngsters must prefer other pastimes."
"Chen Fang, take Mr. Chao to enjoy something else." With a smile, Old Master Chen ushered all the guests out of the room. Once alone, he gazed at the empty board, his expression dimming slightly.
"Master, you were so generous to let Mr. Chao win," the steward remarked, sealing the chessboard away in its case, ensuring Old Master Chen wouldn’t dwell on it further.
"Youth is brash, riding high on talent and arrogance," Old Master Chen wiped his hands. "Pity his strategy is scattered—no depth to him."
He sipped his herbal tea. "Has the Song family sent over his birth chart yet?"
"Here it is, Master." The steward handed him a red paper inscribed with Chao Musheng’s birth details.
"Are you certain this is genuine?" Old Master Chen scrutinized the characters repeatedly, finding nothing remarkable about them.
The steward replied, "The Song family is drowning in crises—Song Cheng’s misdeeds have been exposed. They’re begging for your help now. They wouldn’t dare deceive you."
"Fine." Old Master Chen set the paper aside. "Send someone to fetch Mr. Xuan."
A man of such talent shouldn’t have such an ordinary chart. Perhaps he’d missed something?
"At once, Master." The steward stepped out of the study and addressed You Jiu, waiting by the door. "Xiao You, go to Wanxiang Tower and bring Mr. Xuan. Tell him the Master requests his presence."
"Understood."
You Jiu hurried past the banquet hall. Crossing a stone bridge, he noticed moth corpses floating near the water’s edge, clustered around the submerged lights.
Disgusting.
He quickened his pace to Wanxiang Tower, where a middle-aged man in a blue robe sat drinking tea in the courtyard. Before You Jiu could speak, the man—Mr. Xuan—set down his cup. "The old master summons me? Let’s go."
You Jiu sensed an odd aura around Mr. Xuan and bowed respectfully. "Your guidance is appreciated."
Mr. Xuan clasped his hands behind his back and nodded loftily. "Lead the way."
"Yes."
Everyone in this place loved putting on airs.
Wanxiang Tower wasn’t far. As Mr. Xuan stepped onto the bridge, his gaze fixed on the water. Suddenly, he sighed. "An ill omen."
You Jiu tensed. Before he could ask why, Chao Musheng appeared, holding a lotus blossom and flanked by bodyguards. You Jiu immediately lowered his head.
"Moths drawn to flame, corpses in water, blossoms foretelling demise—a sign of impending misfortune." Mr. Xuan’s voice was grave, his expression inscrutable. He turned to You Jiu. "Wait here. I’ll fetch Old Master Chen."
He brushed past Chao Musheng, strides urgent.
"What nonsense?" Curious, Chao Musheng peered at the spot Mr. Xuan had stood. Aside from the moth corpses, he saw nothing unusual.
Eager to please, You Jiu explained, "Mr. Xuan said the moths signify bad luck."
"Moths are phototropic—they mistake reflections for light, dive in, and drown because their wings get waterlogged. A common natural phenomenon. What’s ominous about that?" Chao Musheng pointed to ripples beneath distant lotus leaves. "For fish, this is a feast. They’ll clean it up soon."
As if on cue, several carp surfaced and devoured every last moth.
The night breeze carried the faint scent of lotus.
"You’re young—don’t fall for superstitious drivel." Chao Musheng eyed the servant with concern. "There’s no such thing as ‘masters.’ Science and technology drive progress."
He walked off. Behind him, fish swarmed the bridge’s vicinity, erasing all traces of the insects.
When Mr. Xuan returned with Old Master Chen, only undisturbed water and fading ripples remained.
"Mr. Xuan," Old Master Chen paced the bridge twice, finding no moths. "Where’s this ill omen you mentioned?"
Mr. Xuan scanned the water, baffled. He glared at You Jiu. "I told you to watch the spot. Where are the moth corpses?"
You Jiu: "The fish ate them."
"Every single one?" Old Master Chen eyed Mr. Xuan skeptically.
"They were everywhere when I arrived," Mr. Xuan protested, his composure cracking. Even he couldn’t believe the fish had cleared them so thoroughly.
"The light’s poor at night—mistakes happen." Old Master Chen smoothed things over, unwilling to offend. "Mr. Xuan, I’d like your insight on a birth chart."
Grudgingly, Mr. Xuan tore his gaze from the lake and took the red paper.
"Mediocre. Even if he enjoys fleeting success, his talent will wither soon enough." Mr. Xuan frowned. "Are you mocking me, Old Master Chen? This chart isn’t worth examining."
"Don’t misunderstand—I’d never jest with you," Old Master Chen clarified. "This belongs to a rising star among the youth."
"A rising star?" Mr. Xuan scoffed. "A flash in the pan. Not worth mentioning."
Old Master Chen filed this away, recalling how Chao Musheng had flaunted his victory over him earlier that evening.
Such impudence. Once Su Chenzhu’s protection wanes, he’ll learn his place.
The Chen estate felt eerier at night.
Red lanterns swaying along the corridors reminded Chao Musheng of horror films.
If a woman’s sobbing echoed now—
"Wuuu..."
His scalp prickled. He halted, staring at the rock garden.
Rustling. A pitch-black kitten emerged, its eyes glowing green in the dark.
"Meow." The cat froze, wary, meeting Chao Musheng’s gaze.
"Just a kitten." He crouched. "Pspsps."
The cat flicked its tail—then bolted into the bushes as footsteps approached.
Servants rushed down the path, clutching nets.
The servants were in a panic when they saw Chao Musheng and the bodyguards behind him. They quickly asked, "Honored guest, have you seen a little black cat?"
"Is that your cat?" Chao Musheng eyed the capture nets and sticks in their hands, thinking they looked less like they were searching for a cat and more like they were trying to chase it away—or even beat it.
"Black cats bring bad luck. We wouldn’t dare keep one," the servant explained. "The master dislikes black cats, and this stray must have snuck in from somewhere. The steward ordered us to deal with it."
"Sorry," Chao Musheng shook his head. "I haven’t seen it."
"Thank you, honored guest." The servants didn’t dare waste time and hurried off in another direction to continue their search.
Once their footsteps faded, a small black ball of fur emerged from the bushes, cautiously glancing at Chao Musheng. After confirming he meant no harm, it darted off into the night.
What was so unlucky about a black cat?
Chao Musheng suspected the Chen family was steeped in superstition.
He quickened his pace, heading toward the courtyard where he was staying.
Outside the courtyard gate, the streetlamp shone brightly. As Chao Musheng stepped inside, he spotted a tall figure standing on the bridge.
"Mr. Su?"
"You're back?" Su Chenzhu tossed the last of the fish food into the pond before turning to face Chao Musheng. "Why didn’t you stay longer at the party?"
"Everyone there was angling for your attention," Chao Musheng said as he walked onto the bridge, watching the fish below still scrambling for the food. "They all know I’m Kunlun’s rising star under the great CEO Su. No point in sticking around."
Su Chenzhu frowned. "They have no taste if they don’t see how exceptional you are."
"Some even offered me high salaries to jump ship," Chao Musheng said, hopping off the stone bridge and strolling leisurely toward the main house.
Su Chenzhu’s expression flickered with alarm. "If you’re willing to stay at Kunlun, I can raise your salary."
"No outside boss could compare to you, Mr. Su." Chao Musheng turned back, only to see the seriousness in Su Chenzhu’s eyes and realized his joke had been taken to heart. "I wasn’t serious about those offers. Most were just testing the waters anyway. Besides, where else would let me work on my little game projects in my free time?"
"You deserve it." Su Chenzhu stepped closer, his tone solemn. "Chaochao, Kunlun still lacks a vice president. I hope… after you graduate, you’ll consider staying."
"Huh?" Chao Musheng blinked. "Vice president?"
"Yes. The VP of the main company." Su Chenzhu met his gaze steadily. "Kunlun can provide funding and resources for anything you want to develop."
"Mr. Su." Chao Musheng reached out and pressed a hand to Su Chenzhu’s forehead—cool to the touch.
Perfectly normal. No fever.
Before joining Kunlun, he’d done his research. The company had never had a vice president position.
Su Chenzhu’s voice softened. "Chaochao, I really want you to stay."
"Mr. Su, I’m not going anywhere," Chao Musheng said, regretting his careless joke. "I promise!"
Su Chenzhu studied him for a long moment before finally looking away with a quiet chuckle. "I believe you."
"Next time, I won’t joke like that. Don’t be so serious—it’s awkward." Chao Musheng rubbed his nose, embarrassed.
"Meow."
A small black cat peeked out from the gate, darting under the bridge. It inched toward Chao Musheng but hesitated, wary of the man standing beside him.
"Meow, meow."
Hey, human. Got any food?
