Chapter 53

Late night.
Dijing International Airport.
Bai Xu stepped off the plane—cold air hit his face. He breathed in. "Domestic weather really is colder."
Yanxiao seemed to have expected it. From his carry-on he pulled a jacket. "Change fast."
Bai Xu took it—slipped it on. "Queyan send someone to pick us up?"
Yanxiao nodded—expression still tight.
That afternoon they'd gotten Queyan's overseas call out of nowhere—Old Master Shang sudden heart attack, rushed to hospital for emergency care.
When a loved one's life hung in the balance, every disguise stopped mattering.
Queyan had contacted Yanxiao first. Yanxiao and Bai Xu decided on the spot to fly back.
They bought tickets for the next flight. Until boarding, Old Master Shang was still being resuscitated.
Yanxiao had been on edge six or seven hours. Landing, the first thing he got was Queyan's message—
Old Master Shang was temporarily stabilized—but not out of danger yet.
Yanxiao read the new text, put mask and cap back on. "Let's go. Level B2, D121."
"Okay."
They'd come in a hurry—no checked bags.
Elevator straight to B2 parking. Before they could even search for the spot, a voice they'd missed for months rang beside the lift—
"Bro!"
Yanxiao whipped toward the sound. The tension in his eyes eased in an instant—
Queyan stood by the elevator doors. Still in his suit from work. Hair that used to fall loose was parted and combed neat.
Four or five months apart—and the pessimism on his face was gone. The boyish pride in his brow had turned into steadiness. Like a different person.
Most important—
He stood straight and solid in front of them.
Yanxiao's gaze flickered. "Queyan."
Queyan walked over step by step. He knew what his brother cared about most. Casually he lifted both feet—then openly showed the prosthetic hidden under his dress pants.
"Bro, look. I'm fine."
A few simple words—and half a year of heartache flipped shut.
"..."
Yanxiao silent two seconds—stepped forward into a firm hug. "Good. Fine is good."
Queyan looked at Bai Xu beside them—none of the old awkward pride. "Bai Xu. Long time."
Bai Xu had read in the book that "male lead" Shang Queyan would rehab and come back stronger—but seeing it still made him genuinely happy.
"Long time."
He smiled back—eyes moving between the brothers. "Used to think you two didn't look alike. Now you're getting more and more similar."
Queyan said, "Blood brothers—how wouldn't we? I've always looked like my bro."
That one line still held a trace of the old proud brother-worship.
Bai Xu laughed softly—didn't argue.
Queyan asked, "Where's Xie Qi and the others? Not back with you?"
Bai Xu explained, "Sudden emergency. New Country still has project handover— they'll follow in a few days."
Chu Yate taking the group chairman seat was more or less settled. Hatchling Studios' next phase would launch per contract—jointly by both sides.
Chu Group had more local advantage in New Country—better to leave prep to them.
Yanxiao only nodded at Bai Xu's words.
His mind was on Old Master Shang. Straight to business. "How's Grandfather? Why sudden heart attack?"
Queyan turned serious. "Car first—I'll explain."
"Okay."
Doors shut.
Queyan in front passenger signaled the assistant to drive—turned to the back row. "Grandfather collapsed in the study yesterday afternoon..."
Yanxiao glanced sharp at the unfamiliar assistant up front—didn't take off his mask yet.
Queyan read his look. "A Quan's one of ours. Trustworthy."
"..."
A Quan?
Bai Xu matched him at once to Guo Wanquan from the book.
The guy was Queyan's executive assistant—talent on par with Xie Qi—loyal to the original male lead through and through.
Bai Xu cut in. "Who found him first? Who did Grandfather see before it happened?"
Queyan answered straight. "Grandmother found him."
Yanxiao thought of something at once. "Butler Sun?"
The estate's head butler—and Old Master Shang's personal aide. In recent years the old man barely left his side during the day.
How did this not get caught immediately?
Queyan had pressed the question at the hospital. "Butler said Grandfather asked him to brew a pot of wellness tea in the next pantry—so he stepped out briefly."
"He came back when he heard Grandmother's panicked call."
The old couple were both elderly—the estate had a private doctor on standby for emergencies.
Ambulance came—Old Master Shang went to hospital.
"Butler said before the incident Grandfather saw Second Uncle—and Uncle Wu. One after the other, separate visits. He doesn't know what they discussed."
"Shang Yun and Wu Wei?"
Bai Xu matched the names fast—looked at Yanxiao. "Convenient. Second House and First House."
A thread of suspicion tightened in Yanxiao's chest. He kept asking. "Grandfather—what's the actual status now?"
Queyan's face wasn't light. "Acute myocardial infarction—and cerebral hemorrhage."
Bai Xu startled. "Cerebral hemorrhage?"
The original book only said Old Master Shang hospitalized for heart attack—never mentioned brain bleed!
Queyan nodded worried. "Doctors said when he fell he had no guard—the back of his head hit the study chair."
"Surgery succeeded—but danger period's not over. Next few days decide everything."
"..."
Yanxiao heard it—breath hitched one beat heavier.
Bai Xu felt his suppression and worry—patted his hand in comfort. "Grandfather's blessed—he'll... be fine."
By the last words he wasn't sure himself.
Reality had shifted in small ways—but Old Master Shang still collapsed like the book. If it kept going—
Bai Xu didn't dare think further. The hand on Yanxiao's hand tightened without control.
Yanxiao seemed to feel his sudden unease—turned and took his hand. "Mm. He'll be fine."
Bai Xu forgot to pull away. The force and warmth in his palm became mutual anchor.
"..."
Queyan caught the scene—eyes widened slightly—then back to normal.
Yanxiao didn't notice his brother's flicker. "Driving to hospital now? I want to see Grandfather."
The moment he finished, Queyan shut it down. "Bro—you can't go now."
Yanxiao silent.
Queyan blunt. "Forget ICU—family visiting hours aren't open. First and Second House are taking turns guarding. You show up—you blow six months of cover wide open."
Yanxiao sighed helpless. "You think First and Second House noticed nothing while I was overseas?"
Queyan again. "Even if they noticed—the senior shareholders still don't know."
Bai Xu caught the wrong note. "Other two houses moving?"
Queyan looked at Yanxiao—emphasis. "Grandfather's condition is sealed—for now the outside doesn't know."
Old Master Shang was Shang Group's power holder—chairman. His life-or-death news would shake stock price.
"But First and Second House joined up—moved the month-end shareholders' meeting to tomorrow afternoon."
Queyan glanced at his phone—already past midnight—corrected. "Actually today. Two PM."
Bai Xu scoffed. "That desperate for the chairman seat?"
Hidden this long—the fox tail was out. The snake's tongue too.
Queyan equally disdainful. "Sounds nice—acting chairman. Harsher truth—even if Grandfather really..."
He hesitated. "Really doesn't make it—whoever grabs the seat gets a huge chip."
Guo Wanquan driving spoke up sudden. "They're rushing the meeting because they're betting Third Young Master can't get back in time."
The emergency reschedule came from both houses at seven PM last night. By direct flight schedule from New Country to Dijing—
Perfect timing to "block" Yanxiao's return.
If Queyan hadn't called the instant it happened—if Yanxiao and Bai Xu hadn't decided to fly back—they'd have missed the whole show.
No Yanxiao—no voice at the table.
However fast Queyan had grown—profit-first senior shareholders wouldn't easily trust him. Alone he'd lose.
"Bro—hear my plan once—"
"Don't go back to the estate tonight—play safe. You're dropping the act sooner or later anyway—hit them blind at the critical moment tomorrow!"
Yanxiao's track record in the group spoke for itself. Plenty privately called him Shang Group's heir.
If he showed at tomorrow's shareholders' meeting—Third House might still have a shot.
Yanxiao silent a long while—followed his brother. "Fine."
...
To avoid tipping them off, Queyan had already booked a private apartment. Assistant Guo handed Yanxiao the unit number and password slip.
"Third Young Master, Mr. Bai—everything's stocked. Left elevator goes straight up."
Yanxiao nodded—looked at his brother. "Almost one. You get rest too."
Queyan knew the long flight had been rough. "Okay. You two rest well. I'll contact you anytime."
"Oh—and one more thing."
Before getting out Bai Xu added, "Queyan—hospital side still needs our people watching. Can't hurt to be safe."
Yanxiao matched without pause. "Find your second brother."
Old Master Shang's hospital was the same one Zhang Changxu worked at.
Queyan agreed. "Okay."
...
Apartment door shut.
Bai Xu looked around. "Not bad. Your brother picks good spots."
No familiar answer behind him. He turned—Yanxiao still at the entry shoe cabinet, unexpectedly spaced out.
Bai Xu called low. "Yanxiao?"
"Hm?"
Yanxiao came back—handed disposable cotton slippers from the cabinet. "Almost winter—floor's cold. Put these on."
"Okay."
Bai Xu obeyed.
He watched Yanxiao's brow—the weight there wouldn't lift. "Since a while ago you've felt off. What are you thinking?"
Yanxiao blanked two seconds—then smiled. "I can't hide a single mood from you now?"
He put slippers on himself too.
Bai Xu brow ticked up. "Live together long enough—you learn Third Young Master's tells."
Yanxiao gestured him inside. "Then guess what I'm thinking."
Bai Xu fake annoyed click. "I asked you—how'd you turn it into a quiz?"
Yanxiao set carry-on by the coffee table—chose honesty. "I just feel—Grandfather not out of danger yet—and First and Second House already rushed the shareholders' meeting forward. Tomorrow's schemes are obvious."
"If Grandfather were awake—how cold would that make him?"
How many in Shang Group truly cared about his life? How many secretly hoped he'd never wake?
"Axu—I don't want First or Second House in that seat. But I also don't want to 'take' the seat this way."
First—fear both houses would use chairman to crush Third House. Second—he wanted Old Master Shang awake and well.
"For me the chairman seat isn't what matters most right now."
Yanxiao had ambition and skill to hold it—but he wanted Old Master Shang to wake and name the heir himself.
As the elder he respected most—Yanxiao truly hoped Old Master Shang would survive this.
Yanxiao drew a deep breath. "Reality's right in front of me. I still have to fight for Third House. No retreat."
Arrow on the string—must fly.
Bai Xu understood the filial piety under the ambition—suddenly remembered something. "Yanxiao—we're not actually out of options."
Yanxiao looked at him. "What?"
In seconds Bai Xu had a full shape. "I've got an idea—might balance the board after Grandfather collapsed. Want to hear it?"
Yanxiao's eyes shifted. "Say it."
Bai Xu pulled him to the sofa—word by word laid out the plan he'd just formed.
...
Shang Group headquarters.
Fifteen minutes before afternoon work start—several employees clustered at a corridor end, idle chat.
"You saw the intranet post? Shareholders' meeting suddenly moved up half a month?"
"Yeah—I ran into shareholders in the elevator. Bosses all stone-faced—nearly scared me dead. I shrank in the corner."
"Why do I feel something big's happening today?"
"Hey—small rumor. Don't spread it."
"What?"
"Old Chairman had an incident yesterday afternoon. Probably near the end—that's why they're rushing the meeting."
"No way—real?"
"All these years Old Chairman guarded the group himself—when did he ever skip a shareholders' meeting? Nobody's seen him today—doesn't that seem weird?"
"God—then who gets chairman? I..."
The stairwell door swiped open—chat cut dead.
Someone recognized the figure. "Assistant—Assistant Xiao."
Shang Qishun's executive assistant. Why coming out of the stairwell?
Assistant Xiao scanned the circle—cold. "Do your jobs. Don't chase gossip and stand here chewing rumors."
The ringleader stammered. "G-got it."
Assistant Xiao ignored them—straight to the elevators.
Ding.
Private elevator opened—Shang Qishun stepping up in sync.
Assistant Xiao polite. "First Young Master."
Shang Qishun shed his usual gentle polish—eyes poison-sharp. "Status?"
Even alone in the elevator Assistant Xiao kept voice low. "Spoke with Director Qi, Director Song—they're all briefed."
Shang Qishun slight nod.
Assistant Xiao added, "Director Qi and Director Song fought alongside Old Chairman from the start—real weight. If they stand with us, smaller shareholders will follow."
Once the meeting pushed to a vote—by combined share totals—First House "acting chairman" was locked!
Shang Qishun calm. "Don't get careless. Second House will jump for sure. First one shot gets shot—let them talk. We watch."
Assistant Xiao asked, "Third House side..."
Before he finished—the elevator hit the nineteenth floor.
Shang Qishun switched back to warm gentleman smile. "Let's go. I know what I'm doing."
"Okay."
Conference doors opened—nearly full inside.
Shang Keyi saw her son—signaled. "Qishun, here."
Shang Qishun not rushed—smiled and greeted shareholders one by one—courtesy to the last inch.
Across the table Shang Songming saw the act—muttered disgust. "Fucking good at pretending."
Someone asked, "Everyone's here? Almost two."
Shang Qishun spoke. "Director Chen—wait. My fourth brother isn't here yet."
Shang Songming another soft scoff. "Legs are wrecked—late is normal."
Shang Yun saw his mouth running—warned. "Enough—watch yourself! Sit straight!"
"..."
Shang Songming knew today's weight—rarely straightened up.
Conference doors pushed open again.
Queyan walked in with his assistant. "Sorry—I'm late."
A shareholder said, "Fourth Young Master—not late. Right on time."
Shang Yun like deliberately poking. "Queyan—legs aren't easy. Sit quick—don't tire yourself."
"I'm still young. Not tired."
Queyan smiled easy—walked steady to his seat.
Shang Yun looked away—opened his mic first. "Shareholders—thank you for making time. As you know—"
"My father suffered cerebral hemorrhage yesterday afternoon. Condition's not optimistic."
Old Master Shang's status was sealed outside—but not secret to invited shareholders.
"The group enters its last-quarter projects. As a conglomerate crossing industries—major decisions need leadership. My elder sister and I discussed—"
"Until Father recovers and retakes the helm—let shareholders vote an 'acting chairman' to run the group temporarily. Thoughts?"
"..."
Talk prettier than song? This was it.
Queyan heard the grand speech—lowered eyes—hid cold light.
Shareholders murmured agreement. Shang Keyi cut clean. "Any nominations?"
Scripted courtesy—but everyone knew—
This "acting chairman" vote was Shang family fighting Shang family.
Soon "aligned" shareholders fake-nominated—First House pushed Shang Qishun, Second House pushed Shang Yun.
Third House's only candidate Queyan—had shown nothing beforehand.
Pro-Third House shareholders looked at each other—couldn't hold back. "Then I nominate Fourth Young Master."
"Yeah—his AI medical project got Old Chairman's praise recently."
Shang Songming always prickly. "Fourth Brother's been on group business less than half a year—lacks experience. Better pick my big bro."
First half denied Queyan—second half tried to paint Shang Qishun as target.
Shang Qishun smiled mild. "Queyan has ability. I nominate him too."
"..."
Shang Songming froze fake smile. "Big bro—real generous."
Shang Keyi answered for her son. "Qishun—I think you've got strength to compete with your father. The group's future is you young people's."
Shang Songming choked—shut up.
Queyan waited for quiet—pressed his mic. "Shareholders—I know my limits. I won't run in this election."
The room turned.
Pro-Third shareholders disappointed. "Fourth Young Master—think clear?"
Not running? Young people need spine! Third Young Master would never back down!
"..."
Second House father and son exchanged glances—secret shock.
Gave up that easy? They'd thought he'd fight for Third House for sure. Coward after all.
Across the table Shang Qishun heard the decision—gentle eyes flashed dark. "Bad."
Shang Keyi and others heard the whisper—turned. "What's bad?"
Queyan spoke again. "Since everyone here can nominate—I want to recommend someone else."
Someone pressed. "Who?"
"My brother."
"What?"
Stone in still water—waves everywhere.
Queyan's gaze swept the room—word by word. "Former Shang Group venture division general manager—Shang Yanxiao."
Like timing calculated—the sealed conference doors burst open.
The restless crowd saw the long-absent figure outside—every face changed. Shock spread silent to every corner.
"..."
Shang Group—now it would really burn.