Don't Cheat On Me From Today

While Shen Yingnian had decided to embrace the life of a laid-back rich second generation, he understood the importance of appearances.

He needed to relax in style, exuding an air of effortless power and commanding respect.

In the novel, Shen Yingnian's family didn't have absolute control over the Shen conglomerate.

His father, while a key figure, had to contend with various factions within the conglomerate. The true power rested with Shen Yingnian's grandfather, the family patriarch.

The old patriarch, though retired, still wielded considerable influence.

He had a single principle when it came to personnel: meritocracy.

When family interests were at stake, he prioritized competence over familial ties.

Currently, Shen Yingnian's father, as the eldest son and most capable, managed the conglomerate.

But if he faltered, other family members could seize control!

And Shen Yingnian's consistent failures had become a family embarrassment, undermining his father's authority.

His playboy lifestyle was one thing, but losing 500 million yuan annually was unacceptable. No one would entrust such a vast enterprise to such an irresponsible heir.

The author's decision to portray Shen Yingnian in this way served a narrative purpose.

According to the original plot, after Xiao Chen defeated Shen Yingnian, he would then face the true power brokers like the old patriarch.

The current Shen Yingnian, of course, wouldn't allow himself to be a mere stepping stone.

His sudden stroke of good fortune also conveniently resolved his precarious situation within the family.

While the company celebrated its biggest profit yet, Shen Yingnian received a call from his father, Shen Yuntao.

"Dad…" Shen Yingnian answered.

He felt no particular attachment to this father he had never met. As long as the money kept flowing, he was content.

However, having read the novel, Shen Yingnian knew his father was a formidable figure, shrewd and ruthless. He was also very strict with his son's profligate ways.

Fortunately, Shen Yuntao was in a good mood. He chuckled lightly and said with rare praise, "You did well this time. You essentially stopped the loss-making ventures and even turned a profit."

Shen Yingnian's first thought was to blame Shen Yan for being a "mole."

It hadn't been long since the meeting, yet Shen Yuntao already knew.

But then he realized it could be any of the direct descendants his father had placed in the company.

"It's all thanks to your excellent guidance," Shen Yingnian replied modestly.

"Stop flattering me. I can smell your smugness through the phone," Shen Yuntao chuckled, his tone clearly warmer.

What father didn't want his son to succeed?

It was just that constant disappointment could lead to discouragement.

He didn't expect much from his son. As long as he stopped causing trouble and, ideally, didn't bankrupt him, that was enough.

"How are you and Mom doing in the provincial capital?" Shen Yingnian asked.

"We're fine," Shen Yuntao replied vaguely. "It's just that the provincial capital is a place of hidden talent. Our Shen family's foundation isn't very strong, so we have to take things slowly." He was likely facing his own challenges. But he didn't expect his son to be of any help. Just staying out of trouble was enough.

"You don't need to worry about things here," Shen Yuntao continued. "Just focus on what you're doing. This time, your real estate project turned around because of the subway and school news. You should be able to make a substantial profit. Are you planning to continue development?"

The question seemed rhetorical.

Now that the project had a chance to be profitable, it made sense to capitalize on the opportunity.

However, Shen Yingnian paused for a moment before replying, "I'm planning to sell it off as soon as possible."

Shen Yuntao was silent for a moment. "What makes you think that?" he finally asked.

"Dad," Shen Yingnian explained. "The real estate boom is over. With the government's strict control over housing prices and mortgages, the industry is headed for a downturn. Selling now, while the project is hot, and exiting the market seems like the safest option."

This was based on his knowledge from his previous life and the novel's background.

The novel was set against the backdrop of the real world.

The author, likely a victim of high housing prices himself, frequently criticized developers like the Shen family and hinted that the real estate market was a bubble waiting to burst.

Later in the novel, the Shen family's capital chain broke due to the real estate slump, leading to their downfall at the hands of Xiao Chen.

Shen Yuntao was silent again, this time for longer.

Finally, he smiled. "That's a wise decision," he said. "Your thinking aligns with my own. The real estate market is indeed volatile. The government's macro-control policies are expected to tighten further. This is one of the reasons your mother and I decided to move to the provincial capital."

Hearing his father's approval, Shen Yingnian knew he had passed the test!

If he had said he wanted to continue developing the project, Shen Yuntao would have seen him as nothing more than a lucky fool.

But now, he was genuinely impressed by his son's improvement. His tone was warmer and he spoke more freely.

After a few more words of encouragement, Shen Yuntao asked, "What are your plans after you sell the project?"

Shen Yingnian replied, "Dad, I haven't been feeling well lately. I'm going to take some time to exercise and recover."

Shen Yuntao was surprised.

Then, thinking of his son's decadent lifestyle, he assumed he had run himself ragged. "Is it serious?" he asked.

Shen Yingnian chuckled. "Nothing serious," he said. "Just… a little… under the weather, you know?"

Shen Yuntao understood. "You do need to be more restrained," he sighed.

Shen Yingnian seized the opportunity. "Dad," he said. "I've recently become interested in martial arts. I want to find a teacher to help me get in shape. Do you know of anyone suitable?"

"As a matter of fact…" Shen Yuntao pondered. "There is someone. He's a skilled individual I met in the provincial capital. He happens to be an expert in martial arts. He would be more than qualified to teach you. But whether he's willing… I can't say for sure."

Shen Yingnian smiled. "Dad," he said. "If he's not willing, I have a solution."

"What solution?"

"I'll offer him more money!"

"…"