Chapter 5 Family Reunion

After leaving the luxurious Serenity, Xiao Feng drove his stunning McLaren Elva back to his modest rental apartment, where he planned to finalize his move into the newly acquired manor. The car's roaring engine echoed through the narrow streets as he reflected on the monumental shift his life had just taken.

Arriving at his rental, Xiao Feng wasted no time. He met the landlord to complete the handover process, exchanging pleasantries briefly while ensuring all formalities were handled. With that settled, he began packing up his belongings, a task that felt both nostalgic and surreal. The simplicity of his life in this tiny apartment stood in stark contrast to the grandeur awaiting him at the manor.

Loading his neatly packed luggage into the McLaren limited cargo space, he prepared to drive straight to his new home. However, as he was about to set off, his path was unexpectedly blocked by a slowly approaching black Audi A8 that came to a deliberate stop right in front of him, cutting off his exit.

Xiao Feng frowned, his sharp eyes narrowing at the sudden obstruction. Moments later, the car doors opened, and two men in crisp black suits stepped out with an air of authority. One of them approached his car with measured steps.

"What was supposed to come has finally arrived," Xiao Feng thought to himself with a heavy heart.

His gaze shifted to the middle-aged man who emerged from the Audi. Though they had not crossed paths in this lifetime, Xiao Feng's memories from his previous life made it impossible to forget this man. He was Wang Borui, one of the chief aides to Xiao Feng's father. In the future, this man would act as a vital bridge between Xiao Feng and the influential Xiao family, traveling frequently between their hometown and the capital to ensure smooth communication.

"Youth Master Xiao," Wang Borui said with a respectful yet firm tone, "the boss wishes to see you."

In his previous life, Xiao Feng had rejected this invitation without hesitation, driven by the unresolved bitterness he felt toward his parents for abandoning him. However, in this life, after enduring countless struggles and gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of family, he simply nodded without resistance.

Wang Borui continued, "Sir, it would be more convenient if you took our car. One of my men will drive your McLaren to follow us."

Without protest, Xiao Feng retrieved the keys to the McLaren from his pocket and handed them to one of the bodyguards standing nearby. With a calm yet unreadable expression, he walked toward the Audi A8, where Wang Borui held the door open for him.

Once seated in the back of the Audi, Xiao Feng gazed out of the tinted windows, his thoughts swirling. The McLaren Elva followed closely behind as they drove away from the bustling city streets into quieter, more secure areas.

The journey was mostly silent, and neither Xiao Feng nor Wang Borui made any effort to initiate a conversation. This suited Xiao Feng, as it gave him time to reflect. His father, Xiao Yunyang, was a formidable figure in every sense. Once a decorated military officer, Xiao Yunyang had a commanding presence and was highly respected in the political and business circles of the capital. Despite being only 50 years old, he was already a key figure with immense influence and power.

Xiao Feng's mother, Qin Zhen, was equally impressive. As the founder of the Qin Consortium, she had built an empire through sheer determination and intelligence. Though she had stepped back from the limelight in recent years, living a semi-retired life, her reputation as a strong, capable leader was still well-known.

In his previous life, Xiao Feng's resentment toward his parents had been intense. He had never forgiven them for sending him to an orphanage due to undisclosed "special reasons." By the time he realized their actions were far more complex than he had understood, it was too late. Now, fate had given him a second chance, and he was determined not to let old grudges cloud his judgment.

"Why fight against such a strong background?" he mused. "Even if I don't achieve anything spectacular in this life, living a carefree existence with their support is more than enough. And with the system in my hands, I know I'll surpass even the most privileged heirs."

As the journey continued, the roads became increasingly deserted, and security in the area visibly tightened. Soon, the Audi arrived at a heavily guarded compound. Armed police officers stationed at the gates approached the car, their rifles slung over their shoulders.

"Please show me your identification," one officer requested, his tone professional but firm.

Wang Borui handed over a green identification booklet. After a thorough examination, the officer returned it with a salute, signaling the guards to open the large steel gates. The Audi drove into the compound, navigating through several sharp turns before stopping in front of an antique Chinese-style villa.

Stepping out of the car, Xiao Feng took a moment to admire the villa's architectural beauty. Its intricate design, with red pillars and carved eaves, reflected a blend of tradition and prestige.

Wang Borui approached the villa's grand entrance and rang the doorbell. Xiao Feng hesitated briefly before following him. The door swung open, revealing a beautiful woman who looked remarkably young for her age. Her elegant demeanor was undercut by the emotional turmoil evident in her reddened eyes and trembling hands.

"Xiao Feng… my son," Qin Zhen whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.

Overwhelmed, she stepped forward and embraced Xiao Feng tightly, her tears soaking into his shirt.

For a moment, Xiao Feng stood frozen. Though he had prepared himself for this reunion, the raw emotion of the moment hit him harder than he had expected. Blood truly was thicker than water, and despite his previous life's grievances, he couldn't deny the deep bond he felt.

"Come in, come in," Qin Zhen said, pulling him gently by the hand. "Your father is waiting inside."

Inside, Xiao Yunyang stood tall in a dark gray suit, his piercing gaze softening as he saw his son. His broad shoulders and sharp features exuded authority, but at this moment, his composure faltered slightly.

"Dad," Xiao Feng said quietly, breaking the tension with a single word. Turning to his mother, he added, "Mom."

Both parents froze, their eyes widening in disbelief. Qin Zhen's reaction was immediate; her body shook with emotion, and tears flowed freely as she clutched her chest.

"My son… he called me 'Mom!'" she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of joy and disbelief.

Xiao Yunyang stepped forward to steady his wife, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yes, I heard it," he said softly. "Let's not overwhelm him. Sit down, dear."

Once Qin Zhen composed herself, she guided Xiao Feng to sit beside her. The family began catching up, their conversation a mix of emotions and shared memories.

When lunch was served, Xiao Feng noticed the subdued atmosphere as everyone ate in silence. It wasn't tension, but rather a quiet acknowledgment of the many things left unsaid.

Finally, Qin Zhen broke the silence. "Xiao Feng, what happened back then… it was my fault. We couldn't keep you with us due to certain circumstances, but—"

"Mom," Xiao Feng interrupted gently, "you don't need to explain."

This was a new beginning, and he intended to embrace it fully.