Stolen Freedom

The Yi Mansion, a grand palace in its own right, towered over the surrounding landscape, a testament to the wealth and power of the Yi family. Its marble façade gleamed in the early morning light, while intricately designed gates opened to a vast driveway lined with carefully manicured gardens. Inside, the spacious, opulent rooms boasted crystal chandeliers and antique furniture, each piece whispering tales of a long lineage of affluence. Servants moved gracefully through the halls, their soft footsteps barely disturbing the stillness, always prepared to meet the whims of their masters.

At the breakfast table, which could easily seat a small army, an extravagant spread of gourmet dishes awaited the family. Freshly baked pastries, succulent fruits, and aromatic dim sum filled the air with mouthwatering scents. Yi Dao Ming, the venerable chairman of Yi Industries, sat at the head of the table, his imposing presence commanding respect. With silver hair slicked back and a face lined with wisdom and authority, he scrutinized his family from behind a pair of expensive spectacles. Beside him sat his son, Yi Yong Zheng, a man in his forties, whose sharply tailored suit did little to hide the tension rippling beneath his composed exterior.

"Zhao Lin," Yi Dao Ming addressed his daughter-in-law, who was delicately arranging her children's plates. "How are the preparations for the charity gala coming along?"

Zhao Lin, an elegant woman with a calm demeanor, replied, "Everything is on schedule, father-in-law. The guest list is impressive, and we have confirmed several high-profile attendees."

"Good," Yi Dao Ming nodded, his gaze shifting towards his three grandchildren—Yi Tai Sun, Yi Zi Hao, and Yi Ru Xuan—who were busy discussing their plans for the day.

Despite the luxurious surroundings, a thick tension hung in the air like a storm cloud ready to burst. It was evident that the Yi family's unity was only a façade, and beneath it lay simmering animosities and unresolved conflicts.

Suddenly, Yi Dao Ming looked around the table, his voice cutting through the tension. "Where is Chen?"A servant bowed slightly and replied, "Young Master Chen prefers to have his breakfast in his room. He doesn't often join the family."

Upon hearing this, Yi Yong Zheng's face twisted in anger, his jaw tightening. "Not today," he snapped, his voice taut with frustration. "My father is here, and he still doesn't have the decency to come down and greet him? Go and get him."

The servant nodded hurriedly, scurrying off as the rest of the family exchanged wary glances. Yi Dao Ming observed the disapproval in their eyes, the unspoken judgments regarding Chen's absence. He remained silent, taking in the unease that permeated the room.

As the servant reached Chen's room, he knocked softly on the door, hesitating when no response came. Finally, he pushed the door open, revealing a luxurious space adorned with high-end decor and a stunning view of the estate's gardens through a grand window. The sound of running water echoed from the bathroom, suggesting that Chen was in the shower.

After a brief moment, the bathroom door swung open, revealing Chen—a tall, strikingly handsome young man, standing confidently in a bathrobe that clung to his well-defined physique. His dark, tousled hair dripped water onto his shoulders, accentuating his chiseled features. Morning light bathed him in a soft glow, but his expression hinted at the turmoil beneath. A flash of irritation crossed his sharp jawline, and his deep-set eyes, framed by thick lashes, held a cold, hard glint, suggesting he was accustomed to disdain.

Noticing the servant's presence, Chen raised an eyebrow, a hint of annoyance flashing across his face. "What do you want?"

The servant, slightly flustered by Chen's intimidating aura, cleared his throat and replied, "Your grandfather has asked for you. He wants you to come downstairs for breakfast."

With a small, almost mocking laugh, Chen replied, "So, the family drama has begun again." He walked over to his massive wardrobe, meticulously filled with designer suits and stylish accessories.

A few moments later, Chen emerged from the wardrobe, dressed in an impeccably tailored suit that hugged his frame perfectly. He was the epitome of sophistication, his calm demeanor unruffled despite the chaos brewing downstairs. As he turned to leave his room, he noticed the servant's nervousness and smirked. "Relax. I'm not going to bite."

Descending the grand staircase, each step resonated with an unspoken tension. When he reached the bottom, he could feel the weight of his family's gazes on him, scrutinizing his every move. Ignoring their stares, he walked straight to the breakfast table and sat down, his presence commanding attention despite the chilly silence that followed.

As soon as Chen settled into his chair, Yi Yong Zheng couldn't hold back any longer. He shot to his feet, his voice loud and harsh. "What's the meaning of this? Can't you at least greet your grandfather? You don't even have the basic manners to ask how he is?"

With a nonchalant flick of his wrist, Chen picked up his chopsticks, seemingly uninterested in his father's outburst. "What's for breakfast today?" he asked a nearby servant, completely dismissing Yi Yong Zheng's frustration. His gaze flicked towards an egg roll, but before he could take a bite, his father's voice pierced the air again.

"I'm talking to you, Chen!"

Chen paused, slowly putting the chopsticks down. He looked up at his father, his face calm but his eyes cold. "I have no interest in playing along with your little family dramas," he said quietly, his tone full of disdain. "You all sit here pretending like everything is perfect, but we both know it's not."

Before Yi Yong Zheng could respond, Yi Tai Sun, Chen's older brother, leaned back in his chair with a mocking smirk. "Look at you, Chen. Can't even follow a simple instruction. What a surprise. Honestly, you're so useless that even the servants are starting to feel sorry for you." He chuckled, glancing at the rest of the family, his eyes glinting with a mixture of superiority and disdain. "How does it feel to be the black sheep, brother?"

Chen's expression darkened, a storm brewing in his eyes as he clenched his jaw. "I'm not here to entertain you, Tai Sun," he replied, irritation seeping into his voice.

Yi Tai Sun shrugged, the smirk on his face growing wider as he leaned forward, reveling in the tension. "Well, someone has to uphold the family name. At least I'm out there working with Dad, making a difference. What are you doing? You should be grateful for a brother like me, keeping everything together while you sulk."

"Enough, Tai Sun," Yi Yong Zheng warned, his gaze darting between his sons. "This isn't the time for your petty rivalry."

"Petty rivalry?" Yi Tai Sun scoffed, leaning in closer, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's not petty when it's true. I work hard every day to ensure our family stays on top, and what do you do, Chen? You sit there, wallowing in your own self-pity, pretending you're above it all. You should be ashamed."

"I'm ashamed of how you pretend to be perfect," Chen shot back, his voice rising with each word. "You think wearing a suit and playing the role of the good son makes you better than me? You're just as lost."

Tension crackled in the air, thick and suffocating, as Yi Yong Zheng interjected, "We all make sacrifices for the family, Chen. You think it's easy for Tai Sun? He's shouldering the responsibilities that you refuse to accept."

"Responsibilities?" Chen scoffed, incredulity lacing his tone. "You mean the responsibilities of upholding a facade while you bury your heads in the sand?"

Yi Tai Sun's face hardened, his expression now tinged with disdain. "At least I'm doing something worthwhile, Chen. Unlike you, who's just a disappointment. Maybe if you paid attention and put in some effort, you wouldn't have to rely on us to save face."

Yi Dao Ming, who had been watching the exchange with a grave expression, finally spoke up. "You're both sons of this family. I expect you to support each other, not tear each other down. We need unity now more than ever."

Chen met his grandfather's gaze, a flicker of softness crossing his features, but defiance still danced in his eyes. "You want unity? Then stop pretending everything is fine. I won't join your charade."

With that, Chen stood up abruptly, his sharp features etched with resolve. "I'd rather starve than sit through this."

Yi Yong Zheng, visibly fuming, took a step forward, his voice shaking with anger. "I'm not finished talking to you!" he shouted, his face flushed and tense.

Chen met his father's glare with unwavering composure. "But I'm done listening," he replied coolly."

Because of your actions, our family's name is constantly dragged through the mud in the media. And you have the nerve to blame me?"Yi Yong Zheng's expression twisted in rage. "Because of you! Your actions, your recklessness—everyone is talking about us!"

Chen smirked, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "It's not because of me. It's because of the party your wife threw. She invited all those actors, and I don't know how that girl ended up in my room, but someone in this family had something to do with it."

His voice turned darker as he added, "And if I ever find out who it was, I'll make sure they regret it."

The atmosphere in the room crackled with tension, each family member holding their breath, unsure of how to react. Chen's gaze swept around the table, lingering on his father. "I won't apologize to anyone in the media. I don't owe them anything."

"Enough!" Yi Dao Ming's voice thundered, cutting through the rising tension. "We are family. I won't have you tearing each other apart over foolish arguments."

The silence that followed was thick and heavy, making the room feel uncomfortable as everyone's strong feelings calmed down for a moment. Chen, filled with strong determination, turned quickly and walked toward the door, leaving behind the broken pieces of family bonds.