Dressed in expensive white silk pajamas, Yi Chang stepped out of the bedroom and made his way to the living room. The atmosphere was charged with tension as his uncle, Yi Fan, and several others awaited him.
"Yi Chang, I hope you understand that I'm doing this for your own good. If you don't sell your shares, you could end up in prison because of your father's debts. It seems he's violated some fiduciary duties," Yi Fan said, his tone laced with a feigned concern.
"Yes, Yi Chang, listen to your uncle. Sell your shares to him, and you'll be free from the company's troubles. Don't worry; I won't let him buy all of it. You'll still have something left if the company avoids bankruptcy. Just accept the 3 million yuan," Mrs. Yi added, her voice dripping with false sympathy.
"Butler Feng, you're mistaken. We should be finding a solution for the company, not pressuring Yi Chang to sell," Butler Feng interjected, his voice steady but filled with genuine concern for Yi Chang.
The room was filled with a mix of people—some seated, some standing—most of them urging Yi Chang to sell his shares, while others looked on with pity but offered no real support. Only Butler Feng, his father's loyal assistant, seemed genuinely committed to helping Yi Chang avoid being swindled.
"Old Feng, don't overstep your bounds. Just because Yi Fan allows you to be here doesn't mean you can interfere in family matters. Remember your place—you're just a servant. If you're unhappy, you can leave," Yi Fan snapped irritably, his annoyance palpable. His wife, seated beside him, wore a disdainful expression.
Yi Chang sat comfortably, observing the people around him. Across from him were his so-called uncle and aunt, flanked by their children—his cousins—who were also urging him to sell his shares. Nearby, the Financial Accountant of the company looked at Yi Chang with a pitying expression, while Butler Feng stood behind him, quietly offering his support.
"Mr. Kang, what do you think is the right course of action? You understand the company's situation best," Yi Chang asked, turning his gaze to the Financial Accountant.
The man stuttered slightly before responding, "Young Master Yi, the company has been in decline since your father's death. His reckless fund misappropriation and mismanagement have led to failed projects and mounting debts. Mr. Yi Fan's offer of 3 million yuan for your shares is actually quite generous. You could avoid the company's troubles and still have 3 million yuan to live on. As Madam said, you'll retain some shares if we manage to turn things around. In my opinion, you should accept the offer and leave the country."
"I don't think that's what I asked, Mr. Kang. Why are we discussing the sale of my inheritance instead of addressing the company's bankruptcy?" Yi Chang's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing through the general manager, who recoiled slightly, fear evident in his demeanor.
"I... I'm sorry, Mr. Yi Chang. I was just trying to help," Mr. Kang stammered, but Yi Chang cut him off.
"Uncle Yi Fan, why don't you increase the offer to 5 million yuan? That way, I'll sell all my shares to you and leave none for myself. I don't want to feel guilty for cheating you when you eventually save the company. After all, it will be your hard work that does it, right?" Yi Chang's tone was sly, as his gaze shifting back to Yi Fan.
Yi Fan felt a cold sweat forming as Yi Chang's sharp gaze bore into him. He thought, 'Isn't this going too smoothly? And why does it feel like Yi Chang is controlling the conversation? Why do I feel like the prey in this situation?'
"Well, if that's how you feel, there's no need to argue. I'm only trying to help you, just as your father requested. Alright, I'll agree to pay you 5 million yuan for your shares. Then you can leave Shenzhen and return to ZA University. I'd advise you not to come back anytime soon," Yi Fan replied, struggling to maintain a calm facade.
"Okay, where are the necessary documents? I assume you've prepared everything, Uncle," Yi Chang asked gently, he wanted to get this over with and have nothing to hold him down.
"Young Master, this doesn't seem right. I don't think the company is in as dire a situation as they're claiming. I advise you to reconsider and find out the real situation," Butler Feng murmured, his concern evident.
"No, Old Feng, I believe you're mistaken. Uncle wouldn't try to cheat me. He's just trying to help. I know you were one of my father's trustees and spent quite a lot of time with him, but Uncle Yi Fan is family. He wouldn't destroy our relationship just for the company," Yi Chang replied, his gaze steady as he evaluated Butler Feng's true intentions. While everyone else was urging him to sell his inheritance, Butler Feng was the only one advising otherwise.
Yi Chang thought, 'Butler Feng seems sincere; he's risking offending Yi Fan to help me. If he's truly genuine, I might as well keep him with me. He could be very helpful.'
"Butler Feng, this is a family discussion. Just because my brother allowed you to be here doesn't mean I'll tolerate it. I'll remind you one last time: keep quiet or leave," Yi Fan said angrily, cutting Butler Feng off.
"Eh... what he meant to say is that Butler Feng should understand we're only trying to help our dear nephew, just like him. So don't think too much about it, right, honey?" Mrs. Yi quickly interjected, giving her husband a pointed look as she lightly pinched him, reminding him of their main purpose. Yi Chang noticed this and thought, 'Seems like Mrs. Yi is the real manipulator behind her husband's decisions. Such people are dangerous. But that's not important right now—what matters is my cultivation; the rest can always wait' His mind drifted to the cultivation technique he had discovered, and a grin spread across his face.
Seeing his grin, Mrs. Yi smiled, thinking, 'Seems I was worried for nothing. He's still just a young man after all. Look at him grinning at the thought of money. There's no trick here, especially not from this kid.'
"Mr Kang, please show Yi Chang all the necessary documents for signing and take the 5 million yuan. What do you say, Nephew?" Mrs. Yi said loudly, ensuring Yi Chang heard her.
"Oh sure, let's proceed with that," Yi Chang replied lightly, his expression unreadable.