After the Reborn Young Master Embraced a Life of Wellness – Chapter 43

As the murmurs and whispers filled the hall, Old Master Yang suddenly raised his hand and called out, “Chen Mo, come here.”

Chen Mo raised his eyebrows, straightened up from where he was leaning, and walked up the steps. Standing beside the old man, he greeted, “Grandpa.”

Then, his gaze naturally fell on Xi Siyan, who stood next to the old man. There was no visible emotion in Xi Siyan’s eyes, as if he hadn’t taken the commotion Chen Mo had just caused seriously.

Old Master Yang nodded in acknowledgment, placed a firm hand on Chen Mo’s shoulder, and suddenly turned to the gathered relatives and guests. His voice was calm yet carried a weight that silenced the room.

“Tonight is a night of reunion, and it also marks the return of my grandson to the Yang family. The Yang family owes him a lot. So today, I want you all to bear witness—after I pass, all my personal assets will be inherited by Chen Mo.”

The entire hall erupted in an uproar.

Even Chen Mo himself was caught off guard and stood there for a long moment, unresponsive.

He instinctively turned back to look at the old man, who simply patted his shoulder in a reassuring manner.

Sure enough, someone in the crowd couldn’t hold back their reaction.

The old man’s personal assets were substantial—multiple properties, valuable antiques, and even a 20% stake in Yang Group. With four wives and multiple children, every heir present had their own expectations. Given both family traditions and emotions, it was unthinkable that Chen Mo, a grandson who had only returned for less than half a year, would inherit everything.

Chen Mo’s aunt was the first to speak up, her face twisted with shock and displeasure. “Dad, what nonsense are you saying?!”

“Exactly!” His uncles quickly chimed in. “Dad, Chen Mo is still a child who knows nothing. He’s not even an adult yet. Besides, you’re still in good health—why even bring this up now?”

The only visibly pleased person at the scene was Chen Mo’s biological father, Yang Qi’an.

Although he managed the company, he was often restricted by his siblings. Regardless of the old man’s reasoning, the simple fact remained—if Chen Mo inherited everything, then it would still belong to his direct bloodline.

Yang Qi’an couldn’t hide the momentary glow of satisfaction on his face.

Chen Mo’s gaze swept across the expressions of the Yang family elders before landing on Yang Zhi, who had a deep, complicated look in his eyes. Then his sight moved to Yang Shule, who was frozen in disbelief and unwillingness.

He knew exactly what each of them was thinking.

What surprised him, however, was the old man himself.

In his past life, Old Master Yang had passed away suddenly from illness three years later, leaving behind no final testament. By the time Yang Qi’an had taken full control, the group was already in irreversible decline.

When Yang Zhi later rose to power, Chen Mo had spent years competing against him. But by then, the downfall of the Yang family was inevitable. His and Old K’s technology startup was never about reviving the Yang family—it was about carving their own path forward. Though in the end, it had been too late.

So when Chen Mo now stood before Yang Zhi, speaking of someday taking over the company, he knew that in truth, he had no real interest in it.

Yet, in this moment, the weight of the old man’s words settled heavily on him.

Why did Old Master Yang suddenly make such a decision?

Was it because Chen Mo had made an effort to check on him regularly? Because he occasionally advised the old man’s caretakers on health and well-being?

Chen Mo didn’t believe it was that simple.

“Grandpa,” Chen Mo opened his mouth, intending to refuse.

The old man, however, sighed and signaled for him to stop speaking. Instead, he turned to his children and spoke with firm authority.

“Don’t worry. What I meant was my personal inheritance—it does not include company shares. This is my decision. Ask yourselves, has the Yang family ever treated any of you unfairly? But Chen Mo is different. And yet, you have the nerve to argue with a child over such a small thing.”

Some still wanted to protest.

Even without equity, the inheritance in question was still an immense fortune.

But the old man’s tone was resolute. If they continued to object, it would only turn into an ugly scene. In the end, they could only swallow their discontent.

After this spectacle, as the gathering resumed its lively atmosphere, Chen Mo suddenly found himself the center of attention.

He quickly slipped away from the crowd and found Xi Siyan standing on the arched balcony of the side hall. Xi Siyan was chatting with a few people his age—two of whom were Chen Mo’s cousins.

The balcony overlooked a small garden, and the group leaned casually against the railing, engaged in relaxed conversation.

As soon as Chen Mo stepped out, their gazes turned toward him.

His cousins, from the Zhou side of the family, had been friendly to him ever since he met Old Madam Zhou. Seeing him now, they greeted him with a smile. “Chen Mo, looking for someone?”

“I’m not looking for anyone.” Chen Mo walked over, holding a drink can in his hand. He smiled and said casually, “The main hall is too stuffy, so I came out for some fresh air.”

One of them joked exaggeratedly, “How can you feel stuffy? You should be the richest one among us now! If it were me, I’d wake up laughing in my dreams.”

Chen Mo leaned against the railing and casually clinked his drink against the one in Xi Siyan’s hand, diverting the topic away. “Forget about me, I’m just a parasite. If we’re talking wealth, it should be Brother Yan. He’s not only rich, but also capable and smart. You guys should be asking him, not me.”

As expected, the attention shifted toward Xi Siyan.

Xi Siyan, unfazed by the blatant attempt to shift the spotlight, simply smiled and gave a few perfunctory responses to the teasing and questions.

Once everyone else had left, only the two of them remained on the balcony.

The air outside was much colder compared to the warmth inside. Steam curled from their breaths in the chilly night air.

Chen Mo leaned against the railing, looking into the distance. “Why did you tell my grandfather so much about me?”

Xi Siyan took a sip of his drink before replying, “He was asking about you.” Then he turned his head and looked at Chen Mo. “Are you upset?”

“How could I be?” Chen Mo chuckled.

But deep down, he felt a twinge of guilt.

Old Master Yang had said: Your parents are confused, your elder brother is selfish, yet you still manage to get good grades. That makes me happy. The Yang family has no promising successors, so giving you these things isn’t a waste. Just think of it as my support. Being happy is the most important thing.

But Chen Mo had never been an inherently positive or ambitious person. He wasn’t sure if he could live up to the old man’s expectations.

At that moment, his phone vibrated with two new messages.

They were from Old K, the university student he had helped.

The first was a photo of a middle-aged woman in a wheelchair, busy cooking in the kitchen. The second was of a simple New Year’s Eve dinner—stir-fried bacon with garlic chives, braised fish, and bamboo shoots.

Old K’s message was simple:

“My mother has almost fully recovered. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have been able to taste her cooking again this year. Thank you.”

“By the way, the extra money you sent—I invested it in a startup project with my classmates. As per your request, consider it an investment. If it’s convenient, let’s finalize the formal contract.”

Chen Mo smiled faintly.

In his memory, Old K had always been serious and methodical. The first message, however, carried an unusual trace of sentimentality.

Back when Chen Mo had transferred the money, he had done it anonymously to avoid making Old K feel indebted. He hadn’t expected to hear from him again.

As Chen Mo typed his response, Xi Siyan politely turned his gaze away, giving him privacy.

However, before Chen Mo could finish his message, the sound of an argument drifted over from the other side of a large bonsai in the corner.

A man and a woman.

From the voices, it was none other than Yang Zhi and his girlfriend, Su Qianran.

Yang Zhi’s tone was tense. “What do you mean by that?”

Su Qianran responded coolly, “I mean exactly what you think, Yang Zhi. We agreed from the start not to interfere in each other’s business. If you insist on being unreasonable, then maybe there’s no need for us to continue this.”

They were actually breaking up.

There was a scuffle of hurried footsteps, followed by the sound of Yang Zhi catching hold of her.

“I’m not trying to control you,” Yang Zhi said, his temper barely restrained. “Right now, our families are at a crucial stage of business cooperation. Yet, you insist on investing in student startups at a time like this. Do you have any idea how difficult that makes things for me?”

Su Qianran sneered.

“Oh? You’re the one struggling? And what exactly is so difficult for you? That our relationship isn’t progressing the way you expected? That I refuse to sacrifice my ideals and ambitions to fit your mold? Wake up, Yang Zhi. If you think I’ll bow to your demands, you’re dreaming.”

Yang Zhi took two deep breaths, his frustration evident.

“I have never stopped you from chasing your dreams! Can you at least be reasonable—”

“Reasonable? Bullshit!”

“Su Qianran! I’m your boyfriend, not one of those college kids who circle around you for your money!”

“Are you insane? This is a legitimate investment!”

Hearing the heated exchange, Chen Mo instinctively glanced at Xi Siyan.

It was undeniably awkward to witness a couple’s argument.

Although Chen Mo had always known that Yang Zhi and Su Qianran’s relationship was fragile, it wasn’t entirely devoid of affection. After all, they had been married for years in his past life without ever divorcing—that alone required an extraordinary level of patience.

But right now, Su Qianran was clearly furious.

She was a woman in her mid-twenties, with sleek short hair and a sharp light-gray business suit. Her composed, professional appearance contrasted starkly with the anger coloring her face red.

She turned on her heel, clearly intending to leave.

Yang Zhi quickly stepped forward to stop her again.

At that moment, Chen Mo called out, “Sister Qianran.”

Since they weren’t married yet, he naturally wouldn’t call her sister-in-law.

Both Yang Zhi and Su Qianran stopped in their tracks and turned toward the balcony.

Yang Zhi froze slightly upon recognizing who was there.

Su Qianran, on the other hand, swiftly suppressed her frustration and smiled politely. “Chen Mo, right? Hello.” Then she turned to Xi Siyan. “Si Yan, do you two know each other?”

Given their social circles, it was clear she and Xi Siyan were acquainted.

Xi Siyan nodded and returned a polite smile. “Classmates.”

“Ah, I see. Sorry for making a scene in front of you two.” Su Qianran brushed back a few strands of hair, regaining her composure.

Chen Mo took a sip of his drink before speaking casually, “Sister Qianran, I heard you’re working on a college student investment project? Coincidentally, someone I know is starting a business. Would you be interested in taking a look?”

“Chen Mo,” Yang Zhi interrupted, frowning. “Stop messing around. What do you, a high school student, know about startups and investments?”

Before Chen Mo could respond, Su Qianran shot Yang Zhi a sharp look, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Who do you think you’re looking down on? Do you assume everyone is as clueless as your other brother? That boy may know nothing, but he’s certainly learned how to pry into my Su family’s business in roundabout ways. You favor him so much—it’s impressive how much he’s picked up over the years.”

Yang Zhi’s face darkened instantly.

It was clear that Su Qianran had disliked Yang Shule from the very beginning, and her disdain had only grown over time.

Seeing Yang Zhi’s clenched jaw, she smirked. “No need for an apology.”

With that, she pulled out her phone, added Chen Mo’s contact, and left without another word.

This time, Yang Zhi didn’t try to stop her.

Instead, his gaze shifted between Chen Mo and Xi Siyan, studying them.

Chen Mo had expected him to still be upset over the old man’s decision earlier in the evening, but instead, Yang Zhi simply glanced at Chen Mo’s legs and said something unexpected:

“It’s cold outside. Don’t stand out here too long. Ah Yan, keep an eye on him.”

What?

Xi Siyan, ever composed, nodded. “Okay.”

Once Yang Zhi left, Chen Mo lowered his head, staring at his legs in confusion.

“Did he just… sympathize with me?”

“You don’t need his sympathy,” Xi Siyan said calmly. “But your brother, sometimes, has a peculiar way of showing his possessiveness.”

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow. “Possessiveness?”

Xi Siyan’s gaze was steady. “He can be ruthless and insatiable at times. If he ever saw you as a real competitor, I doubt he’d hold back.”

Chen Mo had to admit—if he had been born as someone like Yang Zhi, perhaps he would have been even more ruthless.

But he wasn’t. And he never would be.

After a moment, Xi Siyan asked, “That investment you mentioned—was it to help Su Qianran?”

Chen Mo chuckled. “Why do you assume it’s for her sake?”

“Then why?”

“It’s for myself, of course.”

Chen Mo took another sip of his drink before glancing up at the night sky.

“Brother Yan,” he said, exhaling softly. “It’s New Year’s Eve.”

Xi Siyan tilted his head slightly. “So?”

“What’s your New Year’s resolution?”

Xi Siyan thought for a moment, then replied, “To be free.”

Not just from the constraints of family, power struggles, or expectations.

True freedom—of mind and soul.

Chen Mo smiled.

The old man’s announcement had suddenly placed new responsibilities on his shoulders.

But perhaps… that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Maybe, in this life, he could finally pursue the things he never had a chance to before.

Things like ambition.

Things like the future.