Song Keran hurried to catch up, her expression flickering with confusion as she asked, “Young Master Cao, why are we going to Cao Corporation?”
Cao Chuan gave her a sidelong glance and replied plainly, “To collect the 1 billion.”
Song Keran looked even more puzzled. “Didn’t Chairman Cao say he would contact the finance department directly to wire the money to you and Young Master Hai?”
Cao Chuan sneered, “Within Cao Corporation, Lin Wanrong has set up many layers. The finance director was personally promoted by her. Do you think she wouldn’t use this opportunity to mess with me?”
Song Keran paused slightly, then said, “But there’s no need for you to go personally. I could take care of it.”
“And I don’t quite understand—since this internal meeting of the Cao Family wasn’t actually the moment to determine the heir, why were you so sharp and aggressive?”
“You clearly have the strength. You could’ve stayed low, played weak, and waited until the real investment battle began. That way, you could catch Cao Hai off guard.”
Cao Chuan finally slowed down, the sneer on his lips deepening. “Play weak?”
“I’ve been holding back long enough.”
“Now, it’s time to take back everything that belongs to me.”
As he spoke, he looked straight at Song Keran. “As for your earlier question, all I can say is, you’ll understand in time. This is part of the plan.”
Song Keran looked even more curious and was about to ask further, but Cao Chuan said coldly, “Enough, Q&A time is over. Execute my orders.”
With no choice, Song Keran stopped asking and quickly took out her phone to make arrangements.
When Cao Chuan led her out of the villa’s main gate, a luxurious motorcade was already waiting outside.
Six Range Rovers in total, plus one custom bulletproof Maybach S680 parked at the center of the driveway, surrounded by the other vehicles.
Next to the cars stood two straight rows of elite bodyguards, imposing and well-disciplined.
“Young Master Cao!” The moment they saw him step out with Song Keran, the bodyguards greeted him with a unified bow.
Especially the man with a square face and crew cut standing by the Maybach’s rear door—he immediately stepped forward and whispered in a voice only two people could hear, “Young Master, the matter with Li Shunzhi has been settled.”
“I personally broke his right leg and expelled him from the bodyguard unit in front of everyone.”
Cao Chuan gave a slight nod to acknowledge it, then swept his gaze over the bodyguards and said directly, “I’ve just been confirmed as the Cao Family Heir. Pass it on—I’m in a good mood today, and everyone’s bonus this month will be doubled!”
The square-faced man—He Dachun—visibly lit up with joy. “Really, Young Master? You’ve become the heir of the Cao Family?”
“When have I ever lied to you?” Cao Chuan smiled. “Go ahead and pass the word.”
“And arrange for someone trustworthy to keep an eye on Hong Sangui for me.”
“Understood!” He Dachun didn’t question further. After replying, he loudly relayed the news that Cao Chuan had been named the heir and everyone’s bonuses were being doubled.
In an instant, congratulations echoed through the bodyguard ranks.
Every bodyguard’s face lit up with excitement.
Earlier, seeing Li Shunzhi getting his leg broken and thrown out just for sabotaging Cao Chuan’s plan had left some of them feeling uneasy.
But now, learning that Cao Chuan was officially the Cao Family Heir and that everyone’s bonus was doubled, those lingering concerns instantly vanished.
After all, what’s more appealing than cold, hard cash? What’s more valuable than a bright future?
Li Shunzhi’s punishment was clearly deserved.
Look at Young Master Cao—how generous and thoughtful. Even while securing such a big position, he didn’t forget to share the joy and let them benefit too.
As long as they didn’t make the same mistake as Li Shunzhi and stayed loyal to Cao Chuan, their futures would be bright.
As the bodyguards beamed with joy, the way they looked at Cao Chuan also became more respectful.
Cao Chuan just smiled faintly, then led Song Keran toward the custom bulletproof Maybach S680.
As a villain, one could be ruthless and lawless—but never without brains.
One must also know who was friend and who was foe.
According to the original novel’s description, this group of bodyguards, under He Dachun’s training, were all highly loyal. Except for Li Shunzhi, who had been planted early on by Hong Sangui, none of the others had ever slipped up. They were solidly in the ‘ally’ camp, and their morale had to be maintained.
Hence, the sweet date.
As for people like Li Shunzhi and Hong Sangui, there was no need for courtesy—just bring out the stick.
Especially someone like Hong Sangui, that old dog.
Even though he’d been punished today and was temporarily subdued, with his fence-sitting nature, there was no telling when he might rise again after catching a whiff of change in the wind. He couldn’t be left unchecked.
If not for the fact that he was an old associate of Cao Chuanzhi and shared some long-standing rapport, Cao Chuan would’ve beaten him to death by now.
After getting in, seated in the boss seat of the bulletproof Maybach S680, Cao Chuan closed his eyes to rest while his mind raced.
Though he’d removed the traitor from his side and secured the title of Cao Family Heir, this was only the first true step in a long journey.
Next would be the battle of investment using the 1 billion in startup capital—that was when the knives would truly come out between him, Cao Hai, and Lin Wanrong.
As per the original novel, the tactics of Lin Wanrong and Cao Hai would really begin to unfold at this point.
For example, right now, even something as simple as transferring the 1 billion from Cao Corporation to his account—Lin Wanrong would intentionally cause delays, making sure Cao Hai received his funds earlier.
[This so-called Dominant Female Lead, with a generous appearance, actually has a heart smaller than a sesame seed.]
Thinking of Lin Wanrong’s ripe, peach-like figure, Cao Chuan couldn’t help but smirk inwardly.
[If I were still the old Cao Chuan, I probably would’ve been played in the palm of your hand.]
[But unfortunately for you, I’m no longer the same Cao Chuan.]
[This time, I’ve come bearing a belly full of resentment. Not only will I unravel your schemes one by one, I will also seize everything I set my eyes on!]