Chapter 2: The Youngest Son of the Chaebol Family

At 5:30 in the afternoon, Lin Zhibai heard a knock on his bedroom door, accompanied by a familiar, cheerful voice.

"Xiao Hei, open the door!"

Standing outside was a woman in a pure white, tight-fitting high-necked short-sleeve top and a matching high-waisted skirt. Her slightly curly hair cascaded over her shoulders, complementing her curvaceous figure. She was Lin Zhibai's sister.

Lin Xi had called Lin Zhibai "Xiao Hei" since they were kids. Eventually, even their brother and parents adopted the nickname. Despite Lin Zhibai's fair complexion, the name stuck.

Hearing his sister's voice, Lin Zhibai rose and opened the door.

"Wow!"

As the door swung open, Lin Xi covered her mouth with a slender hand adorned with sparkling crystal-colored nail polish. Her eyes widened in shock as she took in her brother's appearance.

"Who's this handsome guy?"

"Are you coming in or not?" Lin Zhibai asked, feigning to close the door.

Lin Xi quickly stepped inside on her high heels, her gaze never leaving Lin Zhibai's face.

"Where are your glasses?"

Lin Zhibai realized he had taken off his glasses since his vision had been restored by the system.

"I don't need them anymore," he replied.

"How can you appreciate your sister's beauty without glasses?" Lin Xi teased, her eyes filled with astonishment.

Strangely, she had never realized how attractive her brother was without his glasses. Even though Lin Zhibai had always been handsome, his recent health decline had obscured his looks.

Three years ago, a head injury left Lin Zhibai with various ailments, including poor vision. Over the years, he had become thin, melancholic, and sickly. But today, something was different.

Lin Zhibai, now free from his glasses, still pale and thin, seemed to have an aura reminiscent of his former self.

"It's true," Lin Zhibai said calmly, "I'm in good health."

He knew he couldn't disclose the system's existence, but there was no need to hide his recovery.

"Ah!"

Lin Xi screamed in excitement and rushed downstairs, calling for their mother.

"Mom!"

Lin Zhibai chuckled and shook his head.

By six o'clock, the nanny had prepared dinner. Lin Zhibai found himself under the scrutinizing gaze of his sister and mother, too embarrassed to eat.

"Is it really true?"

This was the thirteenth time his mother had asked that day. Although she saw her son without his glasses and apparently healthy, it felt unreal.

"I don't know exactly why, but I've been feeling lighter recently. When my eyesight returned today, I realized I had fully recovered," Lin Zhibai explained, maintaining the necessary facade.

"Okay, okay, okay!"

His mother finally relented and stood up, heading to the yard with her phone to share the good news with his father and brother.

Lin Zhibai nodded, watching her leave.

Lin Xi looked at him seriously. "Even if you're better, you should have a thorough check-up. We should let the old man know. If he feels guilty for you, we might get some leverage."

Lin Zhibai smirked. "For someone like the old man, guilt is a luxury. It shouldn't be wasted. It must be saved for a critical moment to strike effectively."

"Poof!"

Lin Xi burst into laughter.

"What's so funny?" Lin Zhibai asked, puzzled.

"Do you know why I call you Xiao Hei?" Lin Xi asked.

Lin Zhibai pondered. "Because of the meaning of my name?"

The Tao Te Ching says, "Knowing the white and guarding the black is the way of the world." His father named him Zhibai, hoping he would be wise yet humble, extraordinary yet grounded.

Lin Xi shook her head. "That's dad's official explanation. At least you weren't named something like 'the unkindness of heaven and earth' or 'cud dog.' I called you Xiao Hei because you've been a schemer since you were little, and I love your calculating nature."

Lin Zhibai sighed, realizing his sister's playful mischief.

Lin Xi resumed eating with her usual elegance. Despite her high standards for appearance, she was unabashedly candid around her brother.

Halfway through dinner, their mother returned.

Wen Yu, their mother, had a beautifully oval face with minimal signs of aging. However, today, a strange emotion flickered in her eyes.

"Listen, both of you," Wen Yu said. "There's news from Xicheng Manor. Your grandpa's eightieth birthday is next year, and our family is invited."

"Tsk."

Lin Xi's smile vanished. "It's rare for them to invite us."

Lin Zhibai remained silent, but his eyes flashed coldly at the mention of Xicheng Manor.

The Lin family was a typical chaebol family, a powerful conglomerate in Blue Star. Founded by Lin Zhibai's great-grandfather, the Shinhwa Group started with film and television and expanded into various entertainment sectors.

After his great-grandfather's death, Lin Zhibai's grandfather, Lin Zhaomu, inherited the empire. A business prodigy, he transformed Shinhwa Group into an entertainment powerhouse akin to Disney, though not as expansive.

Lin Zhaomu had four sons and one daughter. Lin Zhibai's father, Lin Dong, was the fourth son. Despite his potential, Lin Dong had deep conflicts with his father, relegating him to a director role without real influence in the family business.

"It's still the old man's eightieth birthday," Wen Yu insisted. "He cares for his grandchildren, even if he doesn't show it."

"Care?" Lin Xi scoffed. "He has so many grandchildren. How much affection can he divide? Besides, he dislikes our family the most, and I'm not even his biological granddaughter…"

"Lin Xi!" Wen Yu's face darkened. "I've warned you not to speak of such things. Especially at the manor, keep your mouth shut, or else!"

"I'm not stupid," Lin Xi retorted, wiping her mouth. "I can act the part when needed."

Lin Zhibai continued eating, detached from the conversation. Going to the manor he hadn't visited in years seemed like a mere formality.

Suddenly, a system prompt sounded in his mind: "Ding dong, the host has triggered a task."

Lines of text appeared before his eyes.

[Task Name: Controversy of Inheritance]

[Task Content: As a direct descendant of the Lin family, it's natural to be involved in inheritance battles. Fighting for the fruits of your family's labor is a form of warfare.]

[Task Note: This is a long-term task, and skill points will be awarded based on progress.]

Lin Zhibai was stunned.

Contending for Shinhwa Group's inheritance?

Had the system read his thoughts?

"Do you accept the task?"

"Accept!" Lin Zhibai replied without hesitation.

Eagles soar to high nests, and dragons dwell in deep waters. Life offers two choices: solitude or mediocrity.