Inside an office tower overlooking the rings of Imperial City, Song Renli, the eldest daughter of Song Taibo, summarized a report to her father. The report consisted of businesses, charities and politics managed by the Song family. At the end of the meeting, there was once piece of news that Song Renli decided was business rather than personal.
“Grandpa is making an appearance at Song Meilin’s graduation.”
Song Taibo responded with disinterest. Song Meilin was not a threat.
Song Renli disagreed and pushed a report to her father on businesses Song Meilin was operating under the name Chu Rouxi. Although her father was the Song family heir to the public, within the clan, everyone knew that Song Taiji held real power. It was troublesome that no one in the family considered Song Meilin, who had fulfilled the testing requirements to take over the clan without knowing about it.
“Focus on your brother." Song Taibo’s youngest and only son, Song Ahi, was in the country of Hanbo under another name. "How is he doing?”
Song Renli sighed. “He’s still in the negative.”
Song Ahi had been brash and rebellious ever since they were little. He never listened to anyone, not even to grandfather Taiji whom everyone feared. After four years, there was not much progress in his personal assets.
“I don’t know what that kid is thinking.” Song Taibo shook his head. “Being an idol? What a waste!”
Song Renli shrugged. It made sense as to why Song Ahi wanted to join an idol group. Hanbo was known for their dramas and idol culture. Idol culture was as intense in Hanbo as China, but with a more international audience.
“I heard his group might be selected to debut.” Song Renli didn’t think Song Ahi cared about the test. It seemed like he was more interested in being in front of a camera as an act of rebellion against the Song Family.
“Even if he succeeds, he won't make enough to win the test. If Ahi doesn’t turn his fate around in two years, I’m afraid the future of my line will end. How is Mugen?”
“He’s doing slightly better,” Song Renli replied. Mugen was her uncle Song Tairen's only son. “He’s trying to raise money online to start a gaming company.”
“Your generation is really something.” Song Taibo didn’t know why the current generation was so obsessed with all forms of entertainment.
Although Song Taibo didn’t understand, Song Renli thought that Mugen’s chances to succeed were a lot higher than her brother's. She set aside the reports on the two and looked through the other reports.
“Father, if Mugen takes over the family, what will happen to us?”
“I will be named as the first elder, so you don’t have to worry,” Song Taibo replied curtly. Being the elder wasn’t as influential as the clan head and they would still retain a small portion of the family wealth. “Renli, watch over Mugen carefully. If you see any movement, I want you to stop him from making over 4 million.”
When Song Taibo was sent to Italy, he was able to make 5 million by creating a manufacturing company and reselling it.
“Father, what if grandfather finds out?” Song Renli was concerned about her grandfather. She didn’t believe in the family prophecy, but as long as the elders and her grandfather were adamant about the test being fair, they would do everything in their power to prevent outside interference.
“Have that boyfriend of yours use his influence. As long as we don’t directly interfere, I don’t think there will be an issue.”
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“How about instead of sabotaging Mugen, I’ll have Gan send sponsors to Ahi’s new group?”
“You think Ahi can make money as an idol?” asked Song Taibo.
Idol group could be successful, but a personal wealth of the idol wasn’t dependent on how well their music or performance was. It was dependent on the branding and how much advertisers were willing to pay.
“I don’t think his personal wealth will be high, but it is possible to increase his overall value,” said Song Renli. “I don’t know how the elder would put a price on influence and economic impact.”
In modern society, celebrities and influencers may not have personal wealth, but they could generate them for others and in turn, receive monetary gains. They had an immense influence that could sell out merchandise and any items they endorsed.
Song Taibo was still weary, but it may be signs of the time. He could no longer trust his own judgment in regards to where the market was heading to.
****
"So you're telling me you spent your money on gambling stones?" Lu Suyin was aghast and amazed.
She looked at her husband who was equally amazed as he watched a viral clip of a rough stone being cut. They couldn't believe their son's luck. The stone was worth 2 million yuan.
Li Yun never intended his parents to learn about the gambling stone, but it ended up circulating around social media. He should have known that the rough stone companies would spread the clip as a form of advertisement.
“You never liked to gamble money before,” said Lu Suyin.
“Well, after this lucky break, I might get addicted,” Li Yun joked. Technically it wasn’t gambling. Li Yun was pretty sure there would be something in the rough stone. "How about buying a house with the money? It’s a good investment.”
“Nah, I like this apartment,” Lu Suyin liked that all her relatives were close by, so it didn't make sense to buy somewhere else. “You know we hate driving.”
“How about a vacation home somewhere far away?” asked Li Yun. “How about a place in Imperial City to be close to dad’s relatives?”
“You’re kidding, right?” Lu Suyin didn’t like her husband's family.
“Nevermind… If you don’t want to move, just keep 1 million yuan,” said Lu Yun. He made a lot more than that, but with 1 million yuan, his parents would have enough to live comfortably for the rest of their life.
“But for the engagement, we already have plans to buy you two a house,” said Lu Suyin. “It’s nowhere near the amount you are giving us.”
“Rouxi and I already have a place, how about I let you guys pay for the next renovation?” Li Yun asked. He could renovate the 2nd floor of the herbal shop and sell rarer medicinal and calligraphy on the second floor.
“Fine,” Lu Suyin agreed.
“Speaking about Imperial City, we’ll need to set up gifts for our in-laws,” Li Fan reminded her wife.
“Oh dear, how could I forget about that!?” Lu Suyin stood up from her seat. “Honey, you’re going to talk with your brother about coordinating that in Imperial City.”
“But I thought you didn’t want them involved?”
“Well, I don’t, but it looks like we have to. That wife of his loves this sort of work, and she’s going to ask for our budget!”
“Then that works out,” said Li Yun. “Just let her spend however she thinks is reasonable.”
“Hee, hee, I can’t wait for her to see our in-laws place,” Lu Suyin knew just how vain her in-laws were. She admittedly was vain herself, but in ways where she was aware of it herself. Her relatives, on the other hand, were completely oblivious to it.
Li Yun had prepared his parents for a week, but they still couldn't adjust to the revelation. Li Fan and Lu Suyin were not too familiar with the political world, but even they were aware of Song Taiji's status. They asked him all sorts of questions about whether Rouxi's family would be all right with her marrying someone who was considered a commoner.
"Mom, this isn't one of the palace dramas," Li Yun resist the urge to roll his eyes. "Her step-parents are very understanding. They are both researchers like me. As for Song Taiji, you don't have to worry much about his involvement."
"Why shouldn't we worry about the elder Mr. Song," asked Lu Suyin. "And why are you calling him by his name? If you're going to marry Meilin, you should be calling him grandpa."
"I'll address him that when the times come.” Li Yun tried his best to act cordial.
"What sorts of gifts should we prepare for Rouxi’s parents?" Lu Suyin's head was spinning with all sorts of possibility. "I just can't get her a regular gift."
"Mom, don't worry about the bridal gifts. Auntie knows what should be appropriate," said Li Yun. His aunt liked gossips, so as a Capital City resident, she should know what was appropriate for Song Gaode and An Ki.
“That’s the bridal gift, I want to get them something more personal. Also, how many people are you inviting? Where is it going to be? Did you pick a date? Traditional ceremony should be in Imperial City?”
“Mom! You take care of this,” Li Yun was ready to run off. A wedding was tougher to plan than a company.