Ma Yun looked at the two strangers standing before him, suspicion welling up in his heart. He knew that the situation was far more complex than it appeared. While his grandfather's inheritance wasn't massive, certain assets—especially the family genealogy book and the calligraphy brush—were of significant importance. Secrets buried in the family's history might very well be the true object of these outsiders' desire.
"Are you from Chenyang Group?" Ma Yun's tone was calm, but he remained inwardly vigilant. Chenyang Group, a rising power in real estate and finance across major cities in recent years, was backed by a web of unseen capital and influence. The fact that they were involved in his family's inheritance issues was no coincidence.
"Yes, Mr. Ma," said one of the men, a slight smile on his face as he handed over a business card. "I'm Cheng Hao, and this is my colleague, Lin Feng. Our company is undertaking a project involving certain assets of your family. We've come to discuss it with you."
Cheng Hao's smile seemed warm, but Ma Yun detected an elusive coldness in his eyes. It reminded him of the calculating top players in the business world, whose friendly appearances often masked deep schemes.
Ma Yun refrained from responding immediately. Instead, he silently analyzed the situation. He didn't invite the two men inside, remaining at the doorway and scrutinizing them, searching for any clue in their expressions or words.
"I believe your intentions are clear," Ma Yun said coolly. "If it's about my grandfather's inheritance, I must tell you that he left nothing of particular importance, apart from a genealogy book and a calligraphy brush."
Cheng Hao and Lin Feng exchanged a glance, seemingly unsurprised by his words. Cheng Hao smiled, his tone growing more conciliatory. "Mr. Ma, you misunderstand. We aren't here simply because of the inheritance. Our company is working on a project called the 'Revival Plan,' involving historical artifacts and heirlooms. Among these are items of unique cultural value, which we believe your family's genealogy book and brush may be closely linked to."
"What exactly is this 'Revival Plan'?" Ma Yun asked calmly.
Cheng Hao's smile widened slightly, betraying a hint of pride. "It's an advanced initiative that integrates resources to restore and elevate cultural heritage. Globally, we've acquired and restored numerous valuable artifacts, including family heirlooms with special significance. By collaborating with you, we hope to unlock the full potential of these items, both in economic value and cultural outreach."
Listening to this explanation, Ma Yun remained puzzled. "Cultural outreach? Are you saying the so-called 'special significance' is limited to market value?"
Cheng Hao's gentle smile took on a sharper edge. "Of course not. In fact, Mr. Ma, your genealogy book and brush may hold more than ordinary family history. They might contain extraordinarily valuable historical information, information of incalculable worth to us."
"Historical information?" Ma Yun frowned. "Are you saying there are secrets hidden within the genealogy book and the brush?"
"We're not entirely certain, but we have reason to believe that your ancestor, Ma Liang, was deeply involved in some significant historical events," Cheng Hao said, his tone turning serious. "Moreover, we're aware that you've recently taken an interest in the brush. You must have realized by now that it's no ordinary writing tool. There may be a deeper secret behind it. We can help you uncover the truth and ensure you gain the rewards you deserve."
At this, Ma Yun's mind raced. Cheng Hao's words sowed seeds of doubt. The last statement, "help you uncover the truth," carried an unmistakable mix of coercion and temptation.
"I have no intention of selling the genealogy book or the brush," Ma Yun said coldly, firmly rejecting Cheng Hao's proposal.
Cheng Hao, seemingly expecting this response, smiled faintly, a glint of something unfathomable in his eyes. "Mr. Ma, you misunderstand. We're not looking to buy these items. Instead, we hope to collaborate on long-term research and development. We can provide advanced technology, funding, and personnel to maximize their value. As the sole heir of your family, you have full authority to oversee this partnership."
A sense of caution grew within Ma Yun. Although Cheng Hao's words sounded enticing, he wasn't about to trust strangers, especially when they spoke of "collaboration," a term that often concealed hidden motives.
"I'll need time to consider your proposal," Ma Yun replied coolly. "But let me be clear: I'm not parting with my grandfather's inheritance lightly."
Cheng Hao nodded, seemingly unsurprised by the response. He pulled out a document and handed it to Ma Yun. "Here's our collaboration agreement. Feel free to review it, and we can discuss the details further."
Ma Yun took the document and glanced at its polished, formal appearance, but he didn't open it. Cheng Hao's gaze remained fixed on him, as though awaiting his reaction.
"I'll think about it," Ma Yun reiterated, his tone resolute.
"Very well, we'll await your response." Cheng Hao said no more and turned to leave. Lin Feng followed, casting a complex glance back at Ma Yun before departing.
Standing at the doorway, Ma Yun watched their retreating figures, an uneasy feeling settling over him. Chenyang Group's sudden involvement was no coincidence. Their interest in his family's inheritance wasn't purely about the genealogy book and the brush's historical value. There was undoubtedly a larger scheme at play.
"Qing…" Ma Yun turned to his wife inside the house, his gaze heavy with concern. "I think this is far from simple."
Su Qing walked over and held his hand tightly. "You're right. I sense they're up to no good. They may seem calm on the surface, but the plot they're hiding could be far more dangerous than you imagine."
Taking a deep breath, Ma Yun made up his mind. "No matter what their intentions are, I won't give in easily. I'll uncover their true motives, no matter the cost."
He knew this seemingly ordinary battle over a family inheritance concealed not only wealth but also immense danger and intrigue.