Heir to a Hundred-Billion-Dollar Conglomerate

"Kong Xiaohe has been frail since childhood. His father took him everywhere seeking medical treatment, but there was no improvement over the years. My brother once introduced a doctor to him too."

"It seems his father cares deeply for him."

"Of course."

Zhou Yi and Su Ning leaned against the corridor railing, drawing glances from passing classmates.

Su Ning tentatively suggested, "Should we talk somewhere else? Seems like a lot of people are staring."

Zhou Yi thought for a moment. Since he still needed to inquire about the Kong family, he invited Su Ning to a café near the school.

This time, they didn’t go far—just somewhere nearby. Zhou Yi couldn’t be bothered to put in more effort.

"I was busy with company matters that day and didn’t have time for you. Sorry about that."

"It’s fine, I understand. My brother acts the same when he’s busy."

Su Ning liked Zhou Yi now, so she was highly tolerant of his actions. Besides, she owed him far more—how could she possibly hold any grievances against him?

"Why the sudden curiosity about him?"

Zhou Yi didn’t hide the truth from Su Ning’s question.

"When I went to Province A for a competition, Kong Xiaohe was on my team. I noticed his poor health and treated him. To thank me, he wanted to introduce me to his father—probably to help me network."

Su Ning froze, her face betraying shock.

"You cured Kong Xiaohe’s illness?"

No wonder she was stunned. Countless people had tried and failed to improve Kong Xiaohe’s condition.

Whether it was the Kong family or those trying to curry favor with them, everyone had exhausted their efforts. Yet Zhou Yi, a college student—and not even a medical student—had succeeded.

"Yeah, I studied a bit of traditional Chinese medicine before."

Zhou Yi lowered his head and took a sip of coffee, as if downplaying it.

Su Ning was utterly awed.

Her eyes sparkled as she gazed at him in admiration.

"How does your brain even work? I’ve never met anyone smarter than you. I have a relative who’s an expert in this field, and he says traditional Chinese medicine is incredibly difficult to master."

"It is. I just tried my luck and didn’t expect it to actually work."

"I suppose you didn’t know Kong Xiaohe’s background back then?"

"Not at first. I only realized later that his family was influential, which is why I asked you."

Su Ning’s expression softened, touched by Zhou Yi’s kindness. Such opportunities didn’t come to just anyone.

Zhou Yi was clearly destined for greatness.

She didn’t ask how he’d learned traditional Chinese medicine—it likely tied into his mysterious past, something she’d always sensed about him.

"Is he the Kong family’s only son?"

"No, he has an older sister. My brother once pursued her, but she wasn’t interested."

"Even someone like your brother couldn’t win her over? She must have high standards."

Zhou Yi had never met Su Ning’s brother, but judging by her looks, he couldn’t be unattractive.

Plus, the Su family was a prominent name in Huaihai. Was the Kong family even more elite?

Zhou Yi’s mind wandered into gossipy speculation.

Unaware of his thoughts, Su Ning chuckled.

"She does have high standards—but rightly so. She’s the future heir of the Kong family."

The successor of a billion-dollar empire—of course her standards were sky-high.

Her suitors probably lined up from Huaihai all the way to Province A.

Zhou Yi paused stirring his coffee and looked up sharply. "Not Kong Xiaohe?"

Su Ning shook her head. "With his poor health, his father never considered him. All these years of trying to cure him were probably out of lingering hope. Now that he’s better… who knows what’ll happen?"

Her tone turned serious as she warned him:

"His sister will definitely attend the dinner. It’s hard to say how she’ll treat you. Just don’t offend her. The Kong family’s affairs have nothing to do with you—it’s best not to get involved."

Having grown up witnessing wealthy family conflicts, Su Ning knew how ugly inheritance battles could get—people had even died mysteriously. She didn’t want Zhou Yi caught in the crossfire.

By curing Kong Xiaohe, Zhou Yi had inadvertently become the sister’s rival. What was once a certainty now had competition. Would she retaliate? Hard to say.

Sure, rumors claimed she doted on her brother—but only when he posed no threat.

Wealthy families were complicated, and their women were far from delicate flowers.

"Is the Kong heiress that formidable?"

"My brother says she’s extraordinary."

Su Ning summarized everything she knew about the Kong family.

By the time they left the café, it was nearly 5 PM.

A flower shop next door caught Zhou Yi’s eye.

"What’s your favorite flower? I’ll get you some."

Su Ning bit her lip, cheeks flushing. Many had given her flowers before, but none stirred her heart.

Yet Zhou Yi’s offer sent her pulse racing.

She crouched before a display of sunflowers, cupping her face in her hands. "I love sunflowers."

Unlike roses, she adored their vibrant energy and uplifting symbolism.

She wanted to be more positive and brave, to shed her old self—proud yet lonely, closed-off from the world.

Zhou Yi bought every remaining sunflower in the shop for her.

Making a girl happy was simple—flowers never failed.

Su Ning hugged the massive bouquet, her joy unmistakable.

She really was becoming brighter, like sunshine personified.

They parted ways at the flower shop.

Watching Su Ning walk away, Zhou Yi lowered his gaze. He’d only ever intended to use her—was that right?

With a sigh, he turned back to the shop. He’d get some flowers for You Man too.

He chose a bouquet of frosted blue roses.

[Can’t draw it—just imagine, folks.]

First, he drove his Rolls-Royce from the company, then headed to You Man’s place.

Though she now owned a shop, she still lived above the old fast-food restaurant.

The Rolls-Royce idled downstairs, drawing stares from neighbors.

The area around You Man’s shop was humble—small businesses and aging apartments. A luxury car here was bound to stir gossip.

Opposite her shop was a barbecue joint, its outdoor tables packed with drinkers already spinning malicious theories.

"That woman from the fast-food place—did she land a sugar daddy? A Rolls-Royce just pulled up."

"No wonder she rejected me. Too good for us ‘nice guys,’ huh?"

"Claims she doesn’t care about money, yet here comes some rich kid."

"Kid? Might be old enough to be her dad."

"Maybe they’re just here to eat."

"Have you ever seen someone driving a Rolls-Royce eat at a small fast-food joint? And haven’t you heard? They’ve opened a restaurant in the commercial district now—far from being ordinary folks like us."

As the chatter continued, Zhou Yi stepped out of the car holding a bouquet of flowers and considerately opened the door for You Man.

"Manjie, these are for you. Let’s grab a meal first."

"Sure, thank you! These flowers are gorgeous."

Ignoring the envious glares from the onlookers, You Man climbed into Zhou Yi’s Rolls-Royce with the bouquet in her arms.

In the past, her striking looks had always made her the target of malicious gossip. Both men and women would hurl vulgar remarks her way.

Some even blamed her for their husbands’ wandering eyes, calling her a "homewrecker" and causing scenes at her workplace.

She’d endured plenty of hardship here, but now, Zhou Yi had finally given her a chance to hold her head high.

The breeze brushed against her face through the window, and You Man smiled—a smile of quiet relief.

She’d never imagined she’d have a day like this.

All of it was because of Zhou Yi.