Young Master Zhan’s grandfather, upon receiving reports from his subordinates, clenched his fist. He had initially believed that as long as he didn’t interfere in Zhan Yangyi’s affairs, Zhan Yangyi wouldn’t go too far.
Now, he realized he had been naive. Zhan Yangyi was intentionally targeting Zhan Mohan this time.
Grandpa Zhan sighed. This matter actually had little to do with Zhan Mohan; it was ultimately a conflict from the previous generation. Perhaps it was time for him to bring it to a close.
Zhan Yangyi hadn’t expected to ever step foot in this place again. As an illegitimate son of the Zhan family, he had long been cast out. He never thought he would be able to come here in his lifetime.
“You’re here,” Grandpa Zhan said in a calm tone, betraying no emotion.
Zhan Yangyi smiled. “Grandfather, I’m delighted you’ve invited me here personally, so I’ve brought you some gifts.”
Grandpa Zhan glanced over them casually. They were all expensive-looking tonics, but he was hardly lacking in such things.
“Sit down. I have something I need to discuss with you.”
Zhan Yangyi, however, appeared nonchalant. “Grandfather, those matters aren’t that important. Isn’t the most important thing that we, grandfather and grandson, are meeting again?”
Grandpa Zhan sighed. “I know you’ve returned this time with the Zhan family in your sights, but Mohan has no quarrel with you. There’s no need for you to do this.”
Zhan Yangyi feigned surprise. “I have indeed met Mohan. He is quite formidable. Does he resemble my father a lot? However, I never intended to oppose him.”
“You never intended to oppose him? Then what about that news? Don’t tell me it wasn’t you. I’ve already had people investigate it.”
Zhan Yangyi remained unperturbed. “Why do you assume it was me and not Zhan Mohan himself? Perhaps he has already guessed my identity and is deliberately making you believe it was me, to drive a wedge between us.”
“Nonsense, Mohan doesn’t even know your identity yet.”
After all, the only one in the family who knew the truth was Grandpa Zhan himself. If he didn’t speak, who else would?
“Do you really believe your precious grandson wouldn’t investigate on his own? Do you think he wouldn’t be able to find anything out?”
Grandpa Zhan fell silent. He had to admit that Zhan Mohan was indeed capable of this.
Zhan Mohan had always been an intelligent child. The less he said, the more Zhan Mohan would likely suspect something unusual was afoot, and the more inclined he would be to investigate.
Zhan Yangyi walked to Grandpa Zhan’s side with a hint of resignation. “I know that as a grandson who has suddenly returned, I can never be as important to you as your own flesh-and-blood grandson. But I have never intended to do anything bad to you or yours.”
Grandpa Zhan looked at him. “Alright, I don’t care what’s going on now. I just want to tell you, as long as you conduct yourself properly and focus on your own affairs, our Zhan family will never obstruct you. Isn’t it better for us to develop separately?”
Zhan Yangyi, however, shook his head. “Grandfather, it’s easy to say, but difficult to do. In the business world, conflict is inevitable. I can’t guarantee anything.”
“Compared to that, Grandfather, why don’t you tell Zhan Mohan to leave me a way out? After all, Zhan Corporation is a vast enterprise, incomparable to a new company like mine.”
“Mohan has never intended to compete with you.”
Grandpa Zhan grew somewhat exasperated. Although their conversation was calm, Zhan Yangyi had clearly stated his intentions – he would not give up competing with Zhan Mohan.
He could no longer hold back. “Tell me, what do you want, so that Mohan is not affected?”
Hearing this, Zhan Yangyi’s formerly relaxed expression crumbled.
“Heh, you know what I want. The reason I’ve returned here is to take revenge on the Zhan family. I remember everything that happened in the past clearly. You can only blame yourself for Zhan Mohan becoming the president of Zhan Corporation. I can only take my revenge on him.”
“You…” Grandpa Zhan continued, “The past was all my fault. If you truly want revenge, then target me.”
“In truth, it was all my responsibility. If possible, I can compensate you for anything you desire.”
Zhan Yangyi scoffed. “Do you want me to die a quick death? I’m not that kind of person. I want you to watch with your own eyes as the Zhan family you cherish so dearly is destroyed by me. And now you want to compensate? Isn’t it a bit late?”
Zhan Yangyi looked at Grandpa Zhan and sneered. “Furthermore, what do you think you can compensate me with? My deceased mother, and my entire life!”
Grandpa Zhan couldn’t help but regret his past actions. If he had known things would turn out this way, he would never have made those choices.
But it was too late now. Zhan Yangyi would not listen to him, and the Zhan family was likely in for a period of turmoil.
As Zhan Yangyi left the Zhan residence, he still felt a sense of indignation. He had actually anticipated Grandpa Zhan's reason for summoning him, but he had still tried to give Grandpa Zhan a chance.
If Grandpa Zhan hadn't been constantly defending Zhan Mohan, he might have softened. After all, Grandpa Zhan was, in a way, his grandfather.
But as expected, no matter what, he couldn't compare to Zhan Mohan, just as it was in the past, and just as it was now.
His heart grew more resentful. Why was he born a mistake, while others were born the darlings of this family?
In fact, Zhan Yangyi and Zhan Mohan shared the same birthday, but no one had ever celebrated Zhan Yangyi’s.
At that time, everyone thought the family raising him had taken him abroad. But who would have known that the couple later had their own child and eventually sent him to an orphanage?
He detested that place, filled with abandoned children like himself. So, he escaped on his own and became one of the city’s beggar children.
It wasn’t until he met a benefactor who helped him that he was able to return here in his current capacity. Therefore, his goal was clear: he only wanted to take revenge on those who had brought him to such a plight.
He would spare no means to witness the complete downfall of the Zhan Corporation with his own eyes.
He wanted to see if Zhan Mohan would always be so lucky to escape danger.
With this thought, a cold smile curved his lips. His battle had just begun.