Chapter Sixteen: Steward of the Xiao Family (4)

Prodigal Son Without Barriers

Chapter Sixteen: The Steward of the Xiao Family (4)

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Xiao Tianci found himself surrounded by a team of lawyers. At first, he listened to them recite how many cars a certain person owned, how many villas, how much property, as well as the shares held in various companies.

The initial reports were quite entertaining, for the Xiao family once had many members, each with their own preferences and personalities. Thus, their possessions were diverse, reflecting their unique tastes. The lawyers' recitations were painstakingly detailed: for those fond of collecting art, they listed the number of paintings, their value, and how many galleries they owned; for the wine enthusiasts, they enumerated vineyards, wineries, and even the contracts with world-class winemakers—all meticulously reported.

Yachts, sports cars, wine, paintings, stocks, horse racing—these hobbies were easy enough to comprehend, typical amusements of the wealthy. However, a few interests stood out as particularly unusual.

Some invested heavily in research about the existence of deities, others established laboratories to study the resurrection of dinosaurs or investigate UFOs... At first, it seemed amusing, as if these people, rendered idle by their wealth, were simply burning money without knowing what else to do—an impression easily formed from the perspective of ordinary folk.

Yet, as the lawyers delved into certain details, Xiao Tianci suddenly felt a stirring within, as though he had entered the souls of these once-living members of the Xiao family and experienced their lives alongside them. The sensation was remarkable: just by hearing the lawyers recite these facts, he felt a faint familiarity with each person, as if he had known them before.

Those peculiar pursuits ceased to seem so ridiculous; some even moved him to sorrow, others made him smile with delight. It wasn’t until Xiao Tianci idly inquired how many of these detailed records existed, that the lawyers handed him a thick, neatly organized catalogue—and he was dumbfounded.

For, if he continued listening this way, it would take at least ten days or a fortnight to finish. He had to change course, proceeding only with signing documents; since it wasn’t a single individual’s inheritance, mere signatures would suffice, yet even that was a daunting task.

Xu Guowei pulled Lin Jian aside, stepping out as the team of lawyers waited outside. Xu Guowei gave a nod, and they formed a queue to enter Xiao Tianci’s office one by one.

He led Lin Jian to a small conference room nearby. For convenience, Xu Guowei had already spoken with Tian Hao, and the entire floor was vacated for their use. In truth, the Xiao family had better places in the city, or could easily purchase a superior location, but considering Xiao Tianci, Xu Guowei had chosen not to move.

"Heh, Lin Jian, it’s been more than ten years since we last met, hasn’t it? You’ve become quite accomplished; the old master has praised you several times," Xu Guowei said as they sat down.

Xu Guowei was considerably older, yet both belonged to the same generation. When Xu Guowei had gained international renown and began serving the Xiao family, Lin Jian was but a talented child. Many years passed, and the two had no opportunity to meet again.

Lin Jian knew that the old master Xu Guowei referred to was not Xiao Tianci, but Xiao Lin, who had faced trouble not long ago. Mentioning Xiao Lin naturally brought thoughts of his own father and others. The heart he had just managed to soothe suddenly ached once more.

With a pained expression, Lin Jian exhaled deeply and said, "Perhaps, as the old master said, the higher you climb, the smaller you feel."

Xu Guowei watched Lin Jian closely, hoping to discern something. But Lin Jian, now separated from Xiao Tianci, was able to set aside formalities, yet revealed nothing amiss. Xu Guowei’s knowledge of Lin Jian came from Xiao Lin and Lin Jian’s father, both of whom spoke highly of him and believed he had passed the necessary tests to soon officially join the Xiao family.

His family had suffered alongside the Xiao family. Xu Guowei offered comfort: "Don’t be too sorrowful. It’s all in the past. The Xiao family still has heirs; we are old retainers now, and should work together to help the new family head take charge and revive the Xiao household."

Xu Guowei’s words were both probing and a reminder. By internal and external division, he managed external affairs, while Lin Jian was responsible for internal matters—the most crucial, for the Xiao family’s internal affairs were vast and powerful. His meaning was clear: the Xiao family still had heirs; it wasn’t Lin Jian’s place to intervene.

Lin Jian drew a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and his expression returned to that stern, steady countenance. He turned to Xu Guowei, his tone solemn: "You brought me here to say this, didn’t you? Let me assure you, I am well-versed in the family rules. Yet there are things you don’t understand. Now that I am the chief steward of the Xiao family, as the old master once said, this is my honor. The new family head has just inherited the position and knows little; I have no intention of offending him, rest assured."

Hearing Lin Jian refer directly to himself as chief steward, Xu Guowei esteemed him even more. No wonder the old master and his father praised him, saying he would become the most capable right arm of the next family head.

Xu Guowei chuckled softly, "Of course, chief steward, please don’t misunderstand." Observing Lin Jian’s manner and tone, Xu Guowei dared not treat him as the little brother he once knew, but as a true chief steward.

Chief Steward Lin Jian replied calmly, "You’re acting correctly. The new family head is young. If only the old master were gone, he’d surely be bullied and suppressed within the family. But since all the Xiao family members are gone, such issues no longer exist. Still, one never knows; it’s wise to be cautious, and you’ve done well."

The sudden shift in tone left Xu Guowei momentarily embarrassed, but also made him realize more clearly that the chief steward was indeed a chief steward, regardless of age. After all, he had been nurtured in the Xiao family from childhood. The steward’s role was unique; he represented half a family head. In ancient terms of master and servant, he stood as a servant before Xiao Tianci, but to the others—even to former Xiao family members—he was half a master.

As they spoke, Chief Steward Lin Jian stood, straightened his tie, prompting Xu Guowei to rise as well. Lin Jian looked at him, nodded, and said, "You should handle the arrangements for the wedding. If you’re unsure about anything, consult the other stewards who have arrived; they will cooperate with you."

In that moment, Chief Steward Lin Jian made Xu Guowei feel again the imposing presence of his father. Remembering how he had just held Lin Jian’s hand and spoken to him, Xu Guowei felt a bit unsettled.

Xu Guowei hurriedly nodded, "Yes, chief steward."

Chief Steward Lin Jian nodded slightly, strode out of the conference room, and headed towards Xiao Tianci’s office, leaving Xu Guowei standing alone, smacking his lips in a state of confusion.