I am not just a tycoon

"Yong, I see you've switched to a BMW X7, business at the factory's been good lately?"

Shen Yaode moved closer to Shen Yong and asked, offering him one stick, for camaraderie's sake.

Shen Yong took the cigarette, smiling as he said, "Just making a bit of money. You need a good car for business, to bolster the scene. Otherwise, I really wouldn't want to let go of that Volvo I had before."

"You gotta take good care of the new car. When it's time, come to my place for a membership, car wash, crystal plating, polishing, waxing, and tinting, I'll give you a 30% discount on everything."

Shen Yaode said cheerfully.

Shen Yong's mouth twitched, knowing Shen Yaode was up to no good — he was always pushing for memberships and card sales at every family gathering.

If it had been closer to home, it wouldn't have mattered, but it was over ten kilometers away; who would bother driving so far for a car wash?

"We'll see. I still haven't used the free car washes and platings from the dealership."

Shen Yong replied noncommittally.

Shen Yaode's car wash business had been slow lately, and he was eager to keep selling.

But Shen Yong didn't want to listen to him anymore and turned to Shen Jianwei, "Big bro, why don't you call Second Brother to see when he'll arrive? The kids are getting hungry."

"Let them have some fruit for now."

Shen Jianwei replied, then pulled out his cellphone from his jacket pocket, squinted his eyes, opened the contacts, and dialed Shen Heping.

Half a minute later, he put down his phone and said, "He'll be here in about ten minutes."

"What was his family up to this morning that made us wait so long."

Shen Yaode, having failed to sell a membership, complained with dissatisfaction.

Shen Jianwei shook his head without responding; he didn't have much affection for his cousin Shen Yaode either.

If it weren't for the thirty thousand Second Brother had lent him back then to open his car wash, he'd still be working in the factory, not having his current airs.

As a result, he went to the door to ask for debts several times when Second Brother went bankrupt.

Though it's fair to repay debts, everyone acclaimed Second Brother Shen Heping; how could he not repay you?

His family might not be as wealthy as Shen Yong's or Shen Yaode's, but they still managed to send over fifty thousand. He wasn't worried about Heping not repaying the debt.

And within less than a year, they completely repaid it last month, with interest.

He didn't want the interest, but Heping insisted on paying it.

"Just wait a bit longer; after all, it's Second Brother's birthday today, he should be the priority."

Shen Yong replied indifferently.

Actually, he was somewhat dissatisfied too but refrained from saying much in front of so many relatives, as it would seem ungraceful.

His family's relationship with Second Brother's family was so-so, mainly because his wife and Li Hongjuan had fallen out over some old issues, and on top of that, Second Brother's daughter, Shen Xuan, always outperformed their daughter academically.

Back when Second Brother was wealthy and his daughter was excelling, they had to keep their feelings bottled up.

But now, things are different. Now that his family is bankrupt, it's a bit much to still put on airs.

On the other sofa, He Juying saw Shen Yaode thwarted, then turned to Shen Yong's wife, Zheng Feng, to stir up trouble, "How did your Tina do on her college entrance exams? She must have done well, right?"

Zheng Feng's expression darkened, thinking this person always brought up uncomfortable topics. She replied casually, "It's alright, just usual."

He Juying smiled and said, "I heard Xuanxuan did pretty well, might even get into Nanzhong University. I've been thinking of having her tutor my Dongdong."

Zheng Feng pursed her lips and did not respond.

He Juying was always one to enjoy a spectacle and didn't mind stirring things up. Since Shen Yaode had failed to recruit new members, she didn't feel the need to show any politeness.

"Xuanxuan is amiable and charming. She thrives anywhere she goes and she's a top student. She's definitely bound for success."

People are naturally afraid of comparison, especially since Zheng Feng's Tian Tian had always been overshadowed by Xuanxuan, Zheng Feng disdainfully scoffed.

"There are plenty of good students who are just bookworms, nothing more than study machines, taking extra classes too. She's overthinking it."

"Besides, their family has a black sheep. What good is a daughter's achievements anyway?"

Shen Jianwei just listened silently to the conversation on the other side, smiling without saying a word.

He was a retired government official. Although he wasn't a high-ranking officer, he was good at understanding people, and that girl Shen Xuan was certainly no bookworm.

And their own Shen Yuan had a personality that could really charm people, although his grades were a bit lacking. Yet, in speaking and acting, he demonstrated a seasoned and open-minded approach. His future achievements were unlikely to be too modest.

Just then, Shen Heping led his family in, arriving fashionably late, and cheerfully said as they entered the private dining room.

"Sorry everyone for making you wait, had some urgent matters this morning and it took longer than expected. I'll start with three penalty drinks as an apology."

"Besides, I've already arranged for the dishes to be served, so let's all take a seat."

Shen Heping's words were very soothing, and Shen Jianwei stood up, waving his hand, "No worries, we haven't been waiting long, and besides, it's not even lunchtime yet."

Already in a bad mood, Zheng Feng sarcastically remarked, "It's fine, a little hunger won't kill anyone."

"What kind of thing is that to say?"

Shen Yong stood up to rebut, then looked at Shen Heping, "Second brother, you know, if you're too busy to make it, you could have let us pick you up."

While Shen Yong's words seemed kind, they subtly hinted to everyone that the second brother's family no longer had a car, setting the stage for him to show off his own car later.

After being overshadowed by his second brother's family for so many years, he could finally hold his head high.

Shen Heping certainly caught the subtle insinuation but chose not to make an issue of it, simply waving everyone to their seats, "Come, come, let's all sit down."

While Old Shen could withhold his feelings, Shen Yuan was not one to hold his tongue. With a smile, he said, "Uncle Third, that would be a bother, but I hope you can be 'at our beck and call.'"

Shen Yong's eyelid twitched, but he didn't respond. He was just putting on an act, not expecting his nephew to so blatantly disregard his feelings.

Shen Heping relinquished the main seat to his elder brother, Shen Jianwei. After the dishes were served, he decisively drank three penalty drinks, and Shen Jianwei even advised him to eat something first before continuing to drink.

"Yeah, second brother, slow down with the drinks. No one here is blaming you."

Shen Yong also pretended to advise kindly and then placed his Benz G-Class car keys on the table.

But after waiting a while, he realized no one reacted. Wasn't this the moment for Shen Yaode to play up to him and give him a chance to show off?

Shen Yaode, have you gone mute?

So talkative before, now not letting out a single fart. Don't you want me to sign up for membership at your place anymore?

Shen Yaode knew exactly what Shen Yong was thinking. You just refused to approve my membership card, and now you want me to set you up to show off?

Dream on!

Witnessing this scene, Shen Yuan couldn't help but want to laugh. He decided to play along, "Oh, Uncle Third, did you get a new car?"

Shen Yong was stunned for a moment, not expecting his nephew to play along. Had he picked up the wrong script?

But since he had been handed an opening, he couldn't miss the opportunity to flaunt, smiling, "That old Volvo was too outdated, I've been planning to replace it."

"Which model of BMW is it?"

Shen Yuan continued, pretending to be curious.

Shen Yong discovered that his grandnephew was truly a godsend, quickly responding, "An X7, it's actually not that expensive."

"Oh, it costs at least a million on the road, and that's not expensive? Uncle Three, you're really low-key."

Shen Yuan simply let him play this pretentious role to his heart's content.

Li Hongjuan covered her mouth, almost laughing out loud, knowing from her son's tone what he was planning to do next.

Putting on airs right in front of Shen Yuan, though, he'd have to endure the proverbial slap later.

Shen Yong's family has always been at odds with them, especially Zheng Feng, who always has something to say.

Originally, when their family went bankrupt, Li Hongjuan and Shen Heping never asked them for help because they knew they wouldn't lend a hand even if asked.

Ten years ago, when their factory had just started and was struggling, Shen Heping had even lent them money.

It would have been fine if they hadn't remembered the favor, but after the travel agency went bankrupt, they even made snide remarks, saying things like "I've been advising the second brother to get into the real industry, the tourism business is definitely inappropriate."

If it weren't for Shen Heping remembering the brotherly ties and considering their deceased parents watching from above, he would have cut ties long ago, let alone invited them to a birthday meal.

"Bought the mid-range one, cost about 1.1 million on the road."

Shen Yong said with an air of compulsion.

Shen Yuan smiled and said, "That's great, Uncle Three, seems like the factory is doing well recently."

Shen Yong, feeling guilty, thought this grandnephew was acting odd. Could it be that he was going to ask for a loan later? That would be really embarrassing, so he toned it down:

"Didn't make much money, mainly bought it to maintain appearances, it's needed for business."

"Uncle Three, impressive!"

Shen Yuan gave a thumbs-up: "I wish I could be as successful as you one day."

The more Shen Yong heard, the more it sounded like a request for money. He hastily waved his hands, "Not at all, just making a living."

Shen Jianwei felt something was off too. This wasn't his eldest grandnephew's usual style. Why was he letting Old Third show off so easily?

Usually, at times like this, Shen Yuan would either not engage or he would tear him down. Why did he seem like a different person today?

Zheng Feng was also surprised, not expecting Shen Yuan to be so accommodating today.

What's this, after the family went bankrupt, did he just decide to give up?

However, Zheng Feng felt it was not satisfying because although her husband had put on a sufficient act, where was the face-slapping?

The Shen Heping family was happily enjoying themselves, and Shen Yuan, the silly big grandnephew, was playing along. Where was the face-slapping?

Lacking the face-slapping, the pretense was purely tasteless.

Shen Yong shared the same thoughts as Zheng Feng, but worried that Shen Yuan might ask to borrow money, he dared not continue the pretense.

But as the enemy's act ended, it was their turn to perform. Shen Yuan looked at Old Shen, "Old Shen, your third brother has bought a BMW X7, how long are you planning to hold onto that Maybach?"

Old Shen, the stage is set for you, you can start showing off now.

Shen Heping's face flushed red, enjoying his drink with Shen Jianwei, waved his hand, "It's just a car, nothing worth mentioning."

Shen Yuan couldn't help but laugh, finding Old Shen's act quite endearing.

However, this statement surprised everyone present.

A Maybach?

The second eldest's family bought a Maybach?

The lowest model of a Maybach costs about 1.7 million on the road. Wasn't his family bankrupt? What did they have to buy it with?

After a long silence, Shen Jianwei was the first to recover: "Heping, did you buy a Maybach?"

Though not commonly seen, the Maybach is extremely well-known, a top-tier luxury car imprinted in people's minds as a solid brand.

Shen Heping could only nod, "Benefitting from my son, I bought a good car."

Bought by his son?

Shen Yong found it even harder to believe, "Brother Two, are you joking? Shen Yuan bought you a Maybach?"

Buying a Maybach was preposterous enough, but saying that Shen Yuan bought it? Was that even possible?

Who didn't know Shen Yuan was a prodigal, especially since he was still in university?

Zheng Feng and He Juying were also skeptical; this was even less believable than winning a 5 million lottery.

Shen Heping had always been steady. Was he drunk today, or what?

Shen Yuan watched and began to feel anxious. Could Old Shen really endure this? Wasn't it time to lash out?

Uncle Three had just been showing off so joyously, weren't you going to hit him hard?

In the end, Shen Heping couldn't hold back any longer, taking out the Maybach car key from his pocket and placing it on the table:

"Ah, actually, I advised Shen Yuan not to buy me such an expensive car, but he insisted on wasting the money."

"Three million could be used for so much better, why buy such an expensive car."

"Nice!"

Shen Yuan couldn't help but give Old Shen a thumbs-up internally.

Didn't expect that Old Shen, usually not one to show off, could actually put on quite a convincing show now.

Shen Yong stared at the Maybach key, unable to help but swallow, was it really a Maybach?

And it was a 3 million Maybach?

Zheng Feng and He Juying also couldn't help but lean in and take a closer look, though being women, they didn't understand.

The crucial question was, was this car really worth 3 million?

Was it really that expensive?

Shen Yaode gasped, he was in the car washing business, and although he didn't often deal with luxury cars, he had tinted and crystallized Maybachs before, so he recognized the key at a glance.

But where had he gotten the money?

No, where had Shen Yuan gotten the money?

A 3 million car, just bought like that, must be worth at least ten million, right?

An ordinary millionaire might hesitate to buy it, but you'd need at least thirty or forty million as a base, right?

But before they could recover from their shock, a waiter suddenly came in, knocked on the door, and politely inquired:

"Excuse me, is a silver Benz G-Class yours? Sorry to bother you, but it's blocking someone else's car. Could you please move it?"

Shen Yuan gently "hmm"ed, then stood up from his seat, "I'll go move it then."

"???"