After Snagging a Stuffy Giant-Wealthy Daddy - Chapter 4

The first day at Daddy’s house.

As they stepped outside, the sunlight was blinding. A polished, pitch-black Rolls-Royce sat quietly at the entrance of the alley, forming a sharp contrast with the filthy and dilapidated tenement building. The gold Spirit of Ecstasy emblem on the hood looked incredibly prestigious.

Li Chu caught his breath, and his heart pounded wildly. He thought to himself that they were so rich.

Liang Wei walked quickly to open the rear door for him, his posture respectful. “Young Master, please.”

Li Chu swallowed hard and bent down to slide inside. The interior smelled faintly of leather and wood. The leather seats were wide and soft, accented by deep walnut wood panels that glowed with a rich luster in the sunlight.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Liang Wei glanced at him through the rearview mirror. The young master was handsome, and between his brows, there was a sense of untainted and boyish innocence. Whether the boy was a pearl or a common pebble was not for someone of Liang Wei’s rank to judge.

Li Chu knew Liang Wei was observing him, so he pretended not to notice and turned his face toward the window. The car started smoothly and merged into the bustling main road. Striking red double-decker buses brushed past, quickly disappearing into the crowded sea of people and traffic.

Neon signs on both sides of the street receded rapidly. The blue Victoria Harbour unfolded slowly, with sunlight dancing on the water like scattered gold. Ferries, cargo ships, and sailboats looked like delicate brushstrokes in an oil painting. The car traveled along the coastline for a while before turning onto a winding mountain road and beginning its ascent.

Li Chu leaned against the window. His wrists still bore marks from being tied. No matter how hard he tried to remain calm, his brow betrayed his unease. It was getting more and more secluded. He worried that they might be taking him up the mountain to kill him and bury the body.

The mountain path snaked upward. The higher they went, the fewer the estates became, and the more imposing they appeared. When the car reached the peak, carved bronze gates opened silently to reveal a wide and level private driveway. After circling a massive European-style fountain, the car finally stopped in front of a towering white building.

Shao Mansion

The doorman respectfully opened the car door. Liang Wei stepped out and stood by the door, bowing slightly. “Young Master, we have arrived. The Old Madam is waiting for you.”

Li Chu was actually starting to get cold feet. Who exactly were the Shaos? Earlier, this man in the suit had only said two sentences, and the ferocious Brother Sheng had instantly turned into a sycophant. What would happen when they discovered this was all a mistake? How would he explain that he was not the so-called young master?

“Um,” Li Chu stopped in his tracks and gave a naive smile. “I forgot some things at home. How about I go back to get them and come to see the Old Madam another day?”

Liang Wei’s tone was polite, but it left no room for negotiation. “The Old Madam is already waiting. Whatever you need, Young Master, I can send someone to retrieve it later.”

Li Chu had no choice but to give up. Resigned to his fate, he followed Liang Wei through the high and vaulted foyer. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling. Behind a screen, fresh pink peonies were in full bloom. These flowers were flown in from Europe and replaced daily because the Old Madam loved them.

“How can Tingyue still be in Europe during such a major event? All he thinks about is making money! Besides, since he found the person, why did he not bring him back to see me immediately?”

Old Madam Shao wore a dark green traditional Chinese outfit. Her well-maintained face did not look over seventy. As she spoke, her anger grew, and she slapped the armrest of her huanghuali wood chair. The old butler and the personal maid quickly stepped forward to comfort her.

“Old Madam, please calm down. The Second Young Master surely has his reasons. Perhaps he wanted to wait until everything was properly confirmed before,” the butler said cautiously.

“Reasons? What reasons!” The Old Madam interrupted him, and her chest began heaving. “I have been eating vegetarian meals every day lately. The first thing I do every morning is go to the small temple to pray to the Goddess of the Sea! Do you know how many times I have thrown the divination blocks? Every time was a positive sign! The Goddess told me clearly that he could be found this time; he would definitely be found!”

The Shao family had built their fortune on port shipping. For generations, their lifeblood had been tied to the unpredictable sea. Therefore, they worshipped Mazu, also known as the Goddess of the Sea, who protects sailors. It was an unwritten rule in the Shao family to consult the divination blocks before major decisions and to have a deity’s statue on board for long voyages.

The servants quickly rubbed her back to soothe her. “Old Madam, you just had heart surgery. You must avoid emotional outbursts. The Young Master’s return is a joyous occasion. Please take it slowly; you cannot get too excited.”

“I have hoped every day and waited every night until my heart was nearly exhausted. I only want to see Tingzhao’s flesh and blood with my own eyes while I am still alive.”

Scenes from TVB family dramas flashed through Li Chu’s mind. It seemed the Shao family had spent a great deal of time and resources searching for this young master over the years. Why was it him in the end? He began to doubt his own memory. Could it be a soul transmigration? However, his appearance and body had not changed at all. The Shao family was powerful enough to cover the sky with one hand in Hong Kong; would they really find the wrong person so easily?

Li Chu stood still, debating whether to confess. At this stage, he wondered if there was still a way back.

“Old Madam, the Young Master has arrived,” Liang Wei signaled respectfully and stood to the side.

Li Chu immediately felt the Old Madam’s intense gaze and instinctively took a step back. The Old Madam’s angry demeanor vanished instantly. The jade prayer beads in her hand dropped to the floor with a clatter. Helped by the servants, she stood up and stared at Li Chu’s face, murmuring, “The Goddess of the Sea has truly shown her mercy to this old woman. My grandson, my dear grandson, one look and I can tell you belong to the Shao family.”

Li Chu remained silent.

Perhaps because he looked hesitant, the Old Madam’s eyes grew moist as she looked him over from head to toe. His clothes were washed thin and faded, and his shoes were poorly made. She could only imagine what a hard life he had lived all these years. In her heart, she could not help but resent Li Manni. That woman had run away as soon as Tingzhao met with his accident, taking the Shao family’s precious grandson with her and leaving him to wander for years.

“My grandson has suffered so much out there. Why are you so thin? Come here and let Grandma hug you.”

Li Chu pursed his lips and looked back at Liang Wei. “Are you truly sure you have not found the wrong person?”

Liang Wei nodded slightly and replied, “I only follow the boss’s orders. You are indeed the person we were looking for.”

Li Chu was held by the Old Madam as she cried for half an hour. Then, she pulled him to the small temple to kneel and pray in gratitude. Eventually, her strength failed her, and the servants convinced her to go back to her room to rest. Even as she grew dizzy from crying, she did not forget to tell the butler to arrange Li Chu’s room, instructing that he should feel at home and that from now on, the Shao family would be his greatest support.

The old butler in charge of the Shao Mansion was named Ming. The servants all respectfully called him “Uncle Ming.” He was a veteran of the household who had witnessed the ups and downs of three generations. He spoke and acted with steady composure.

“Young Master Chu,” Uncle Ming said in a gentle voice with a kind smile. “The Old Madam has instructed me to show you around the mansion and see if the room arrangements are to your liking.”

Li Chu nodded and followed behind him.

As they walked, Uncle Ming provided an introduction. “The east side of the main building leads to the banquet hall and the tea room. The southeast side houses the formal reception hall and the study. The basement level contains a temperature-controlled wine cellar, a cigar room, and a fully equipped private cinema and gym.”

They passed through an arcade, and the view suddenly opened up. In the center of a terrace overlooking the sea was a large rectangular swimming pool shimmering in the sunlight, surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas.

“This is the outdoor pool, which connects to the indoor heated pool and the fitness center,” Uncle Ming indicated. “If you are interested, you may use them at any time.”

The Shao Mansion covered a vast area. In addition to the main building, there were independent servant quarters and other facilities. Having been poor for two lifetimes, this was the first time Li Chu realized that even the air could smell like money. This was especially true after he had spent a month washing dishes in a cramped, dark, damp, and greasy kitchen, surrounded by mountains of plates and food scraps while being scolded mercilessly.

Rounding the main building, he saw the glass doors of a side garage housing several luxury cars with elegant lines. Next to the garage was a pet area where several exceptionally sturdy and glossy-furred giant dogs were moving about.

Uncle Ming followed his gaze and explained, “Those are the guard dogs raised by the Second Young Master. They are Caucasian Shepherds and Kangals. If you see them while walking, please try not to get close or attempt to touch them. They are quite wary of strangers and only obey the orders of the Second Young Master and a few trainers.”

Li Chu felt a chill and nodded. Such massive dogs were usually fed raw meat. If they stood up, they were likely taller than an adult man. He wondered why a normal person would keep such dogs at home and if they could be used to dispose of things.

“Young Master Chu?”

“Ah?” Li Chu snapped back to reality and found Uncle Ming looking at him with a smile. He whispered, “I am sorry. This place is so big; it is a bit overwhelming.”

“I should apologize to you, Young Master. I was speaking too quickly. Please do not take offense.” Uncle Ming found the young master quite interesting. He thought that perhaps the boy would bring some life to the dull Shao Mansion.

They walked slowly back to the main building, passing many servants who looked at Li Chu with curiosity. “This area is mainly for the private living quarters of the family members. There are three dining rooms on the first floor. The Old Madam and the Second Young Master usually eat in the small dining room by the garden.”

After climbing the spiral staircase to the third floor, Uncle Ming pushed open a door and signaled for Li Chu to enter. The room was large, with vintage-style furniture that felt high-quality. Large floor-to-ceiling windows led to a spacious balcony with an excellent view.

“This room faces south, so it has good light and a wide view. The Old Madam chose it for you personally.”

Li Chu thanked him sincerely. “The room is great. Thank you, Uncle Ming, and thank the Old Madam.”

Technically, he should have called her Grandma, but Li Chu had not yet adapted. The Old Madam did not force him, saying with teary eyes that having him by her side was enough.

Uncle Ming bowed slightly. “I am glad you are satisfied, Young Master. If you need anything, please let us know. Your clothes and some other items will be delivered shortly.”

“Okay.”

As soon as Uncle Ming left, Li Chu flopped onto the comfortable and soft bed and rubbed his cheek against the silk pillow. Compared to the narrow and cramped cage home, this was paradise.

He wondered if he was really living here now without a paternity test. He remembered that DNA testing technology did not exist yet in this era. Li Chu hugged the pillow, smelling the pleasant scent of the laundry detergent as his eyelashes fluttered. He wondered what would happen if he really was the young master of the Shao family.

Li Chu shook his head vigorously. He thought the Shao family might be foolish, but he knew the truth. For now, he lacked both money and a legal identity. If he could obtain a legal identity through the Shao family and save some money, he would leave.