19.

Morning came sooner than he expected. His mind leaving the throes of sleep and his body following its lead was a testament to that. Regaining his bearings, he stretched his stiff limbs, swearing he heard the faint sounds of old age when his joints straightened with shuddering cracks.

"This is the reason comfortable beds are made," he muttered to himself but he didn't make a move to leave the carpet.

"My AI home system was upgraded. I wonder how advanced they made it," he mused aloud.

Forcing himself to sit up, he glanced at the antique clock hanging on the wall before him.

Four minutes after six. He had a lot to do today. Quietly he placed together his itinerary for the day - it was a mix of household preparations and fine-tuning for his graduation projects. During his time planning against those two doorknobs, he was adjusting the projects. His knowledge from his original home helped a lot.

"Good morning, Argon!"

Argon was the name of the house system the architect coined upon completion. When Chen Kai was signed as the new owner, his personal information was fed to the system, and his arrival started the second ownership recognition process - Biological Matching. A blood sample was given and his medical records were found and then sealed under personal information.

The house also had full body scanners to watch over its master and the staff.

The waist-high robots in the villa were also fed this information as secondary guards when the security team wasn't around. The combination of biology, technology, and security with traditionalism was the dream of the architect. He wanted the owner to feel safe from the outside world even if it's just a few hours.

Unsurprisingly, this was Chen Kai's ideal way of living for his retirement.

{Good Morning, young master Kai!}

"Personalized..." Chen Kai muttered and got to his feet. "Are there any permissions you wish me to decide on, Argon?" This time he voiced his words in a clear tone while tidying the living room.

{Yes, young master Kai. Do you wish to do so now?}

"Yes, please. Before we proceed, contact Commander Liu for the details on the live-in chef for the house and for the upcoming staff interview. Have the robots do a light cleaning. Alert me when you're ready for the configurations."

{As you wish, young master.}

In less than a minute, Argon's voice was heard throughout the outside speakers when Chen Kai entered the stone-paved courtyard to access his private quarters. The cool stones beneath his feet made him smile and the cold morning wind made his body shiver in delight. The darkness was clearing up beckoning a new day.

He was excited to live freely. The carefree feeling was shown clearly on his face. It was a huge contrast from the cautious and cold young master image was shown to everyone when he first transmigrated to this world.

Chen Kai was showing his true countenance.

{Please select the permissions for the following - Security for main doors.}

"Automatic closure - open at 6am and close at 8pm. Sole manual override for both."

{Accepted. Security and daily movements for secondary doors, shades and windows.}

"Shades and windows will be opened and closed depending on the weather. Please set a daily weather notification upon rising. Secondary doors of the main house and guest courtyard will be left on manual setting. My private quarters will be left as is - private - only my entry is allowed."

He halted his steps when Argon spoke at the start and decided to start a few light exercises to begin the training of his body. Gracefully he executed a few moves resulting in his stiff muscles burning with slight discomfort.

{Accepted. Entry list of staff. Will the young master complete this after the interview or in real-time?}

"Real-time. During the upcoming interview, you are to verify their qualifications and references, also background checks. Only Commander Liu, Manager Bo, and I are to have the results. A secured folder will be created for the staff."

{Noted. Preliminary preparations have begun. Will the young master create an entry list for his family?}

Chen Kai didn't speak. He wasn't caught off guard by the question. He was left in thought that one day he will be editing that list. For now, it will stay blank.

"No, Argon," he answered with a hapless smile tugging on his lips.

{Will the young master create an entry list for guests?}

The people that came to mind can be counted on both hands. He created that list with anticipation of them visiting in the future and the thought of visiting them soon. These people left major impressions on the past and present Chen Kai.

{Basic Configurations complete. The young master can issue any commands to Argon or input manually for future use. Does young master Kai have any commands for Argon?}

"Not at the moment. Thank you, Argon. Please go into sleep mode until I wake you."

{Yes, young master.}

By the time he finished chatting with Argon and his exercises, the sun was up.

"Well let's start the day. I wonder what those idiots plan to do. It will be entertaining. Well, to me."

~~~~~~

Excusing our dear Chen Kai while he settle into his billion-dollar shy villa, two, no make that three persons were making their way to the disciplinary committee department.

The seniors and juniors who were up early to get a start on their day found it weird that three seniors had time to go complain during such a pressing time. There were three days left for the deadline for graduating projects and most coffee-filled students were finalizing their documents.

What were these three doing?

Two turned into three when Lin Shen and Zhang Rui wanted to 'test their theory' of Chen Kai sabotaging them as revenge for their personal affairs.

This was clearly a mistake. Even the people following this story knew this.

When Lin Shen heard Zhang Rui's reasoning, he immediately apologized to his lady and invited her back to his apartment. The former called Li Feng to get their projects using his laptop. It didn't cross the new couple's minds that the flash drive was the issue and not 'Chen Kai's revenge on them'.

Li Feng heard their theories and quickly agreed on their assumptions.

This was a clear example of the saying - Birds of a feather flock together.

After dear Mr. Worm shut down Li Feng's laptop, fury and anger came forth as expected. They were all resolute in getting Chen Kai punished in some shape or form. They wanted him to fall rock bottom.

Lin Shen proudly stated, "Once we get them to take away his graduating credits, we will get an extension on our projects. Blaming Chen Kai and sticking to the plan will get us our just rewards."

The three were confident of their plans from that moment to the present as they entered the Disciplinary Department.

Upon entering they quickly requested to speak to the head of the department, Teacher Dai Wen. The juniors in the department were curious about their seniors' appearance but complied with their requests. The seniors in their department have already resigned from the committee to transition better into society before their official graduation. If any one of them was present, they wouldn't be so compliant with these three.

A hierarchy was everywhere.

After a few minutes of waiting the junior returned and led them to the Teacher Dai's office. The head of the department spent a number of years in the army and the education system respectively. During his time in his career, he recognized what was needed in most universities before the young adults go into society - discipline. It was best to teach them the unspoken rules by having such a department in the schools. No matter which workplace they end up in, there will be rules and rules in that place.

Why not sensitize them alongside their studies? A few may carry it through their careers while others won't and abuse the loopholes they spot.

That's why Teacher Dai was known as an unbiased teacher. Most students from upper society believe the teachers were their overseers that made sure their college life go smoothly and try to bribe most with benefits.

It worked for sixty percent of the faculty. They're teachers and want to live comfortably, becoming greedier as the benefits came in.

The remaining forty percent consisted of teachers like Teacher Dai.

One can expect the mentality Lin Shen, a silver spoon child had as he sat before the amicable-looking man.

"Good morning to you three. This is a surprise. It's not easy to see seniors around this time. I hope all is well," the older man said with a warm smile.

Inwardly, Lin Shen was already gloating about his success, deeming the man before him a softie that can easily bend.

"No, teacher. This is why we came here so early. Its nearing the deadline for our projects and it was such a welcoming feeling to see the finish line but..." Lin Shen was the mouthpiece while the other two were the emotional support.

Zhang Rui lowered her head and began playing with her fingers anxiously while Li Feng sat upright in his seat with a stern look on his face. The little actor added the familiar look of anxiety when he kept his right leg shaking.

"But?" Teacher Dai pressed for the young man to continue. He kept his eyes on his companions as he listened.

"We were sabotaged!" Lin Shen spoke with clear indignation.

(If this rich young master wasn't so scheming, he would have made a decent actor.)

"Sabotaged? And so close to the deadline? Since you're here, my guess is that you have an idea who it is??" The old teacher's voice was no longer welcoming but plain and indifferent. His eyes focused on Lin Shen, waiting for the boy to explain.

This change didn't stop him. He recited his speech they all agreed upon with Li Feng and Zhang Rui interjecting conveniently.

Teacher Dai stayed silent.

The trio waited for the man to finish his dictation.

Yes, Teacher Dai Wen, Head of the Disciplinary Department was writing their report along with their names and current majors.

He took his job seriously.

"Let's go over your - statement. Due to your personal affairs, Student Chen Kai sort revenge on his ex-lover Student Zhang Rui and yourself Student Lin Shen in which he included Student Li Feng because of his blatant dislike of the latter. Student Chen Kai found a way to enter the girls' dormitory on the night of his and Student Zhang's separation and stole her laptop. He tampered with it along with Students Lin Shen's and Li Feng's which was easy because you are all dormmates. The result of his sabotage is making your laptops inaccessible. In your words, he did something on the level of terrorism to your devices."

Teacher Dai was cursing inwardly at how the education system have failed these three. He was familiar with Student Chen Kai. Which teacher wasn't? This student enrolled in three majors, a past college entrance top scorer, and a top student in his academics - his scores are always in the top 3 of any class, he's athletic, respectful, and diligent. He's one of their model students. The slightest deviation that may happen or clash with his studies he will report to his counselor who will send information to his department and relevant academic departments.

Truancy was taken seriously in their university.

According to this time frame they gave, he can account for Chen Kai's whereabouts thanks to the security recordings the department takes care of.

"Yes, sir. We came to you for help. Chen Kai's sabotage will affect our graduating points. We still have to turn in our projects but whatever he did destroy everything we worked on. How can we deliver our work?" Lin Shen protested heavily against the 'injustice' done to them.

Zhang Rui sighed. "I-I can ask my dorm manager for help. She saw him that night."

"If Student Chen was at the girls' dormitory after hours as you stated and your dorm manager saw him, why wasn't there a report?" Teacher Dai asked with a harsh frown.

"Umm... I'M SORRY!!! He used to sneak into my room whenever my roommates stayed off campus. I know it's wrong but he persisted that we spend some alone time in my room. He said he couldn't stand being in that dorm with his roommates. He - he was very forceful," Zhang Rui confessed tearily, throwing more dirt on Chen Kai's image.

"Teacher Dai. You have to help us. It wasn't nice living with Student Chen. I was already being oppressed by him, now he did this. I can't take it anymore," Li Feng added.

"I've written down your complaints but these are against a fellow student so things must be done by the rules....."

"Teacher! It's already so late in the semester and near graduation. To start an investigation requires manpower. We can help gather evidence to speed things up. I'm sure with your record of keeping things secure for us behind the scenes you will always do what is right. Here are our laptops as evidence."

The trio pushed their devices forward and opened them to the teacher to see the faulty screen. Teacher Dai saw the animated worm on the screen, confused by it already but something caught his eye. It was a sealed envelope on Lin Shen's laptop.

"I think something of yours has been misplaced," he voiced and returned it to Lin Shen.

The young man gently pushed back the envelope. "This is our thank you gift to you teacher and a little incentive to speed up the investigation. After all, it's graduating time and things like this need to be nipped in the bud. The school's honor is at risk. We'll get working on that evidence for you." Lin Shen got to his feet, motioning for the others to follow, and made his way to the door.

"I hope you three make some effort to finish your projects. Don't worry about the investigation on Student Chen. I hate to see students being trampled on," Teacher Dai commented throwing the envelope onto his desk. He kept a steely gaze on Lin Shen's face which was filled with anticipation but returned to normal when he noticed the gaze.

"Thank you, Teacher Dai," Zhang Rui said softly and quickly grabbed Lin Shen's hand.

The old man kept up a plain smile until the three left with the shutting of the door being proof. His smile withered. He took a letter opener and revealed the contents of the envelope.

"So the claims are true. Stinking brat."

~~~~~~~

"Do you think he will take the bait?"

Li Feng waited until they were crossing the wide expanse of lawn to ask Lin Shen that question. He never felt so nervous in his life as to put on a play while lying. It was too much.

"It's money. Who has morals these times to reject it? This is like a charitable service I'm doing for a soon-to-be-retired teacher." Lin Shen spoke his words in a lofty tone, showing off his wealth and upbringing in that little speech.

Zhang Rui's eyes were filled with stars. It was an accomplishment for her to have him interested in her. She was worried about her daily life after graduation but by staying by Lin Shen's side, she will have a smooth path to walk on.

Li Feng nodded in solemn agreement but he couldn't help but worry. His project would have earned him a few more credits on his average scores, but now he had no way to send them in on time. He was roped in by Lin Shen to use Chen Kai's work to gain more points, that's why they waited till the last second to deal with the model student. Another damning thought came to his head, 'What of Sister Zhang's poisoning?' Will that be reported? Why wasn't Chen Kai sick or on his deathbed? Shouldn't they worry about that?

He let out a heavy sigh and stopped his footsteps.

"I'll head to the library and see if I can polish up the drafts I saved," he said aloud.

Lin Shen looked at him weirdly then shrugged his shoulders. "Whatever. When we get extra time, I will make sure you get it also."

Li Feng nodded. He wanted to give the two a quick word but when he saw them flirting boldly in public, he stopped and left without a word. At that moment, he felt uncomfortable being around those two.

~~~~~~~~~~

Tucked under her new lover's arm, Zhang Rui held her head high as they strode towards the parking lot. Other rich young masters stopped them along the way, most brought Lin Shen into frivolous conversation and others invited him to places she can only see from afar. A few compliments on her pretty face were given, making her feel even more accomplished. This is what she wanted.

When they were in the confines of the car, she asked about the job cancellation of Chen Kai.

"It was done yesterday, so all that he has now is that taxi driver job. It's so pitiful that such a bright student ends up in the gutters. He should learn that his place is below the most capable ones. So what if he has the looks and smarts - it's the ones who have the riches stand at the peak."

Zhang Rui laughed in delight when she heard this.

"That will make him see reality. Let's go back to your place. Oh, when are you starting your job at your family's company? Are you going back to Jiangxi? Or are they opening a branch here for you in Nanjing?"

Lin Shen froze at Zhang Rui's questions. It was only then he remembered his father's plan for him. He had to speed things up. There was no way he will go take a job as a minimum-wage worker. He sent Chen Kai on that route. He will never go the same way. Fishing his phone from his pocket, he sent a few WeChats and then answered his girlfriend.

"I have a few months of leisure time before the Nanjing Branch opens. A manager position is a start. Don't worry about me, darling," he said in a lofty tone.

Once again, Zhang Rui's eyes were filled with stars as she thought of her coming life as the wife of a rich young master.

~~~~~~~

In his office at the Sleeping Dragon, Chen Kai was putting his last touches on his projects while Argon carried out a few commands from him.

".... And sent. I will hand in the hard copies tomorrow," he muttered under his breath.

{Young master Kai. Upon Manager Bo's agreement, the staff interview will begin in one hour. Also, confirmation of your previous emails being received by the relevant parties. All online orders have been confirmed. All social sites and bank accounts of the young master have been protected. The Argon App has been installed on your devices and has been synced to the main server. All devices in this present room have been checked and extra security measures have been taken. All commands have been completed. Is there anything else, young master Kai?}

"Thank you, Argon. Sleep for one hour."

{Commencing Sleep Mode for one hour. Goodbye young master Kai!}

"How convenient. Hmmm, I haven't signed in for the day. I wonder what I will inherit today."

'System! Sign In!' he said inwardly.

[Congratulations, host! You have received.....