Chapter Two: Unexpected Fortune from the Heavens

As someone as rational as Xiao Tianci, he would never believe such absurd tales. Although the world had already grown mad, surely it had not descended to the point where a mouse would serve as a cat’s bridesmaid. Yet, as he caught sight of the cars and people around him from the corner of his eye, a chill ran through his heart. “Isn’t this rather over the top? It’s not April Fool’s Day today. Are they filming a scene? Or perhaps this is some kind of prank show on television, or...”

In a flash, countless thoughts raced through Xiao Tianci’s mind. The two foreigners clearly understood what was happening as well. One of them retrieved a handheld computer from his briefcase. Had Xiao Tianci been able to see the screen at that moment, he would have been utterly shocked, for what the man was perusing was an exhaustively detailed dossier on Xiao Tianci himself—even matters he barely recalled were all recorded with perfect clarity. His photograph, various personal details, and even the reasons and uses for the recent funds he had helped Tian Hao misappropriate were all meticulously noted.

For Xiao Tianci, to suddenly hear such words in such a situation, facing such a formation, was inevitably somewhat shocking. But he quickly regained his composure and thought, “Whatever you’re up to, I have no time to play along.”

With this in mind, he drew a slight breath and said, “I’m sorry, but I believe you must be mistaken.” Glancing at his watch deliberately, he added, “I apologize, but I have an urgent meeting to attend and many matters to handle. Please excuse me.”

Turning, he addressed Gu Qiang, who was still stunned nearby, “Why don’t you discuss things with them and see what this is all about. If there’s nothing urgent, ask them to move their cars so they’re not blocking the entrance.”

With that, Xiao Tianci attempted to sidestep the trio and enter the building, but the three men moved in perfect unison to bar his way. Hearing Xiao Tianci’s words, the first man quickly explained to his two companions in English—Xiao Tianci understood perfectly well that he was telling them Xiao Tianci suspected this was a prank.

After this, the three men all smiled. The Chinese man respectfully presented his business card with both hands and said, “Greetings, here is my card. We are here as representatives of the Xiao Family’s legal team to handle the transfer procedures with Mr. Xiao.”

If this was madness, then the world was truly beyond reason. Though baffled, Xiao Tianci accepted the card out of courtesy. The gold-plated card included a miniature calculator, a perpetual calendar, and various other gadgets. Xiao Tianci had seen such cards before, but they were rare in his country—at least among those he had previously met. Each card cost at least two hundred U.S. dollars apiece.

Xu Guowei, America’s Huali Law Firm, Senior Attorney—his English name followed. Xiao Tianci didn’t need to read any further; he suddenly remembered who this man before him was. Xu Guowei was an internationally renowned lawyer, listed among prominent Chinese figures. Even Haotian Industries, with a market value in the billions, could scarcely hope to hire him.

Though Xiao Tianci was no stranger to grand occasions, to be faced so unexpectedly with a man at the pinnacle of his profession was nonetheless a stirring moment.

“Mr. Xu, my apologies for earlier—I never imagined I’d meet you here. What a wonderful surprise,” Xiao Tianci said, realizing at last the purpose behind being stopped. Yes—if this really was Xu Guowei, then what he had just said...

Before Xiao Tianci could ask, Xu Guowei handed him a document. “No need for formalities, Mr. Xiao. Please review this file first. The remaining documents are numerous and can be examined later.”

At this point, Xiao Tianci had little concern for whether the entrance was blocked. He failed to notice that, since his arrival, the bodyguards had already repositioned themselves, forming a controlled perimeter around him. Those arriving for work stopped in curiosity at the spectacle, but after meeting the bodyguards’ eyes, each hurriedly retreated—only a few braver souls watched from afar or peered out from within the building.

The document was a will, clearly stating that, in the event of an accident, the Xiao Family’s estate would be inherited by family members in strict order of blood relation. The legal team was responsible for confirming the legitimate succession.

Scenes flashed through Xiao Tianci’s mind: a mother and child abandoned by a wealthy heir, rediscovered years later, suddenly inheriting a vast fortune. The thought filled him with excitement, yet also a measure of sorrow. Excitement, because perhaps now he could finally unravel the question that had haunted him for years—who his father was, though by now it scarcely mattered. Sorrow, for his departed mother and for himself; he felt a bitter ache, and for the father he had never met, he felt only hatred.

“The Xiao Family? I’ve never heard of them.” Judging by this display, especially with Xu Guowei personally in charge, the Xiao Family was clearly extraordinary, yet Xiao Tianci had never heard of them.

Xu Guowei smiled with impeccable courtesy. “That’s hardly unusual. The Xiao Family is a clan of great wealth and power, but they rarely appear in public. It’s quite natural not to have heard of them.”

Xu Guowei was being tactful. Otherwise, he might have said outright that Xiao Tianci’s social standing was simply not high enough. For Xiao Tianci to inherit this fortune was no different from a beggar suddenly inheriting the estate of an ordinary billionaire.

At this point, Xiao Tianci could no longer deny the truth of what was happening, yet to have such a fortune fall from the sky, to receive an unexpected inheritance—who could easily accept it?

What Xu Guowei had shown him was only a legal certificate, not a thick stack of documents, so Xiao Tianci finished reading quickly. He closed the folder, still unable to believe it, and forced a smile. “Heh, there’s nothing wrong with this document, but I have many questions. If the Xiao Family is so wealthy, according to this inheritance stipulation, I doubt it would ever fall to me.”

He gave a cold laugh. “Although I share the surname Xiao, I’m afraid I have nothing to do with this so-called Xiao Family. You’d do well to check your facts.”

Xu Guowei replied, “Rest assured, Mr. Xiao, your identity has already been confirmed by the most authoritative means—DNA testing. Here is the comparative report.”

Like a magician, Xu Guowei produced another document and handed it to Xiao Tianci, adding, “As for the matter of inheritance, it is rather complicated, but to put it simply—at present, you are the only one left in the world with the blood of the Xiao Family.”

When had they managed a DNA test? Xiao Tianci felt at a loss. By now, more and more people were arriving for work. While few dared approach, many watched curiously from a distance.

Xu Guowei said, “Mr. Xiao, this is not the right place to talk. I’m sure you have many questions. Why not join us elsewhere, where we can discuss matters in detail?”

By now, Xiao Tianci was basically convinced of the reality of this matter, and deeply shaken. To have reached this point at such a young age, purely through his own efforts, was no small feat. Though still young, he had experienced much in the way of hardship and reversal. Since his mother’s death, he had been alone; ordinary friends were many, but his one true companion was far abroad and unseen for years. This event, beyond shocking, roused in him more caution than joy—a habit forged through years of struggle, always wary of those who promised fortunes falling from the sky.

Listening to Xu Guowei’s words, turning them over in his mind, Xiao Tianci followed and got into the car, leaving Gu Qiang standing there, mouth agape. Old Ma gripped the steering wheel tightly, watching as the motorcade drove off, and the onlookers far behind murmured among themselves.