"I am not interested," Liang Yufeng's refusal was direct. "You will be interested later," Xu Zhengxi stated with conviction. "You are still young and do not understand the importance of power. In a couple of years, you will realize that with power in hand, a man can do anything."
Liang Yufeng remained silent. His values were entirely different from Xu Zhengxi's, and he had no desire to be involved with the Xu family. While he couldn't control Jiang Wan, he could manage himself. "You have three sons."
Xu Zhengxi had three sons and two daughters, so there was no need to groom him as an heir.
"None of them have your capabilities; only you carry my shadow from back then," Xu Zhengxi told him. "You are the most suitable heir. There's no rush; you have time to consider. I won't be stepping down anytime soon."
Liang Yufeng suddenly understood. Xu Zhengxi wanted to groom him as his successor, not out of any familial affection, but simply because his legitimate children were all "unpromising." Thus, his attention turned to him, the illegitimate son, who at least shared his "bloodline."
After dedicating a lifetime, Jiang Wan was met with such calculation. Liang Yufeng's tone grew colder, "Not everyone is interested in the power you speak of. I will not be your heir; find someone else."
"Heh, is that so?" Xu Zhengxi was dismissive. "Those who claim no interest in power do so only because they are not the ones holding it. There is no man in this world who does not pursue power. With power in hand, nothing is unattainable."
"Do you think power can buy affection?" Liang Yufeng retorted.
Xu Zhengxi suddenly burst into laughter, as if he had heard a joke. "In a few years, you will realize how ridiculous your question is. How can power not buy affection? Once you have power, countless women will adore you! Those who once scorned you will flock to you, no matter the cost."
At that moment, Lan Lan's image flashed in Liang Yufeng's mind. For a fleeting second, he was tempted, but quickly regained his composure. "Even so, it doesn't matter. I have no interest in your Xu family's affairs."
"You are also a member of the Xu family," Xu Zhengxi emphasized.
Liang Yufeng did not refute him. Looking outside again, the snow was falling heavier.
Xu Zhengxi did not abandon his plan for Liang Yufeng to take over. Even though Liang Yufeng had not agreed, Xu Zhengxi began making arrangements for him at the company. The transition of power was never instantaneous. Xu Zhengxi persisted for two years, and finally, someone couldn't stand it anymore.
During his final semester of senior year, Liang Yufeng started looking for internships. One day, after returning home from an interview, he found Xu Zhengxi's legal wife causing trouble for Jiang Wan, who, already mentally unstable, had been frightened to tears by the people she brought.
Liang Yufeng stepped forward, shielding Jiang Wan behind him. The bejeweled woman opposite them looked at them like trash. "You, trying to compete with my son? You bastard."
Liang Yufeng frowned. He hadn't yet understood why this woman was causing trouble when her next words answered his confusion. "Just an illegitimate child who can't see the light of day, daring to dream of becoming the Xu family's heir!"
So, it was because of this. Xu Zhengxi still hadn't given up on him, and it had become common knowledge.
This farce finally ended with Xu Zhengxi's arrival. Jiang Wan, traumatized, grew more unstable day by day. After that day, she remained in a state of delirium. Liang Yufeng took her to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor recommended hospitalization and stated that she would likely not recover her sanity in the short term.
Jiang Wan's illness was not new; she had been hospitalized before. However, she had been well-controlled in recent years, appearing normal most of the time. If the Xu family hadn't come looking for trouble, she wouldn't have had this relapse.
Liang Yufeng's hatred for the Xu family intensified. Looking at Jiang Wan, who was sleeping after being sedated, he felt the first stirrings of a desire to seize power, and suddenly understood Xu Zhengxi's words from that year.
Power was indeed a good thing. If he held power, he could protect the people he loved from harm.
While Jiang Wan was hospitalized, Xu Zhengxi visited once. However, Jiang Wan, in her delirious state, no longer recognized Xu Zhengxi. Xu Zhengxi, busy with work, stayed for half an hour before needing to leave.
As Liang Yufeng escorted him out, he said, "I promise you."
Xu Zhengxi asked, "Have you made up your mind?"
"What do I need to do?" Liang Yufeng countered, not answering directly.
Xu Zhengxi told him, "First, go to Columbia University for a master's degree, then intern at the New York branch for two years. When you return, I'll hand over the entire company to you."
Liang Yufeng simply said "Oh." He followed Xu Zhengxi's arrangements, not looking for other jobs. Instead, he spent the following time studying for the IELTS, and all the arrangements for his university applications were handled by Xu Zhengxi. By the time he returned for his graduation ceremony, Liang Yufeng had already received an offer from Columbia University's Business School.
He had no idea what kind of temperament Xu Zhengxi saw in him. Besides good grades, he didn't see any business talent in himself.
At the graduation ceremony, Liang Yufeng saw Lan Lan, whom he hadn't seen in half a year. By then, she had already been admitted to the graduate program in the same major at the same university.
The baptism of four years of university had made her even more captivating, possessing a sexiness and charm beyond her years. She stood out in any crowd, a scenery in herself.
During the graduation ceremony, Liang Yufeng's gaze never left her. He would be leaving soon, and this might very well be the last time they saw each other in their lives.
Xie Feng noticed Liang Yufeng looking at Lan Lan. "Are you still thinking about her?"
Liang Yufeng remained silent. Xie Feng felt regret for him and changed the subject, "How's your job search going?"
Xie Feng was arguably Liang Yufeng's closest classmate from university. He told Xie Feng about his plan to study in New York. Xie Feng was naturally happy for him. "Such big news, you kept it very well. Congratulations, you're truly amazing!"
The graduation ceremony concluded. After spending half a month with Jiang Wan at the hospital, Liang Yufeng embarked on his journey of study in a foreign land.
His life in New York was not meager. Xu Zhengxi was very generous to him, his "heir apparent." He lived in an apartment with the best location, studying while managing the branch company. Xu Zhengxi was not a good father, but he was a good leader and mentor. Through his tutelage, Liang Yufeng was transformed. He even began to understand why Xu Zhengxi had become so profit-driven. In the world of business, only profit was loyal.
Liang Yufeng’s energy was focused on his studies; his life lacked any romantic entanglements, which was also something Xu Zhengxi was pleased with.
After graduating with his master's degree, Liang Yufeng spent a year as a leader in an overseas branch company before officially returning to Huaixi City to become the heir of the Xu family. The once illegitimate child, who couldn't see the light of day, ascended to become the head of the family.