The smell of fresh paint still lingered in the air when Liang Chen woke up that morning. The early sun cast soft light on the newly polished courtyard tiles, bouncing off the jade-green pots filled with carefully arranged bonsai, orchids, and bright chrysanthemums. For three days, the once modest Liang residence had been a construction zone, filled with hammering, drilling, and workers shouting over each other. Now, the transformation was complete.
From the outside, it looked like an entirely different house—elegant, refined, with a small courtyard villa aura. From the inside, it still smelled like home.
His younger brother Ming stood in the courtyard, spinning in circles with his arms wide. "Gege, it feels like I'm living in a city villa! Should I start wearing sunglasses and sipping juice with a straw?"
"Try studying instead," Liang said dryly, sipping his morning tea.
Their mother, who had been fussing over the new potted roses, immediately scolded him. "Don't tease your brother! Look at how happy he is." She then turned to Ming and added, "But remember, don't touch those flowers too much. They cost more than your monthly allowance."
Ming groaned. "So basically, the flowers are richer than me now."
Even their father, the stern Old Liang, who had complained for three days straight about "wasting money on showy things," was caught sneaking admiring glances at the house when he thought no one was looking. One evening, Liang found him in the courtyard, pipe in his mouth, nodding approvingly at the freshly paved tiles.
When Liang coughed to announce his presence, his father quickly harrumphed. "Too slippery. Hmph. Waste of money. I'll slip one day, then what?"
But Liang saw the faint smile tugging at the old man's lips.
The renovations weren't the only talk of the household. At dinner, Liang raised the real subject.
"Dad, Mom… I've been thinking. Life here is comfortable, but it's limited. The city has better schools, hospitals, opportunities. Why don't you consider moving to Zhonghai with me?"
His father put down his chopsticks and gave him a look as if he had just suggested they move to the moon. "Leave this house? Nonsense. I was born here, I'll die here. I can't live surrounded by skyscrapers and noisy cars. The neighbors here greet me by name. In the city, I'd just be another old man in the crowd."
Liang tried again. "At least let Ming come with me. He'll get a better education in Zhonghai."
Ming immediately lit up. "Really?! I can go? Gege, can I also get one of those fancy city bikes? And maybe an e-scooter? And a—"
"Shut up," his father barked.
But his mother, ever the diplomat, intervened. "Husband, Chen'er is right. Ming should see the world beyond this small town. He can come back anytime to visit us. Let him go."
The old man grumbled, chewing his rice. After a long pause, he muttered, "Fine. But don't even think about dragging me away from here."
Liang smiled. "Deal."
Ming raised his fists in triumph. "City life, here I come!"
The timing couldn't have been more perfect. The renovation were complete just before the start of Harvest Festival The entire town transformed overnight—lanterns strung across rooftops, red banners pasted on doors, stalls lining the streets selling candied hawthorn skewers, sesame cakes, and roasted chestnuts. Drums beat in the distance as lion dance troupes practiced for the evening parade.
The Liang residence, freshly renovated and gleaming, immediately became the star attraction. Neighbors and relatives poured in, their eyes widening at the elegant paint, the neat courtyard, and the lush plants.
And then there was the BMW X7 parked at the gate, polished so brightly that children were using its reflection to fix their hair.
"Look at that car!""Imported, for sure. Costs millions!""Didn't Chen'er just go to university last year? How did he manage this?""My son's been in university for three years and only managed to gain a belly!"
Some praised with genuine warmth, others whispered with envy, but everyone had their eyes glued to Liang Chen.
Among the crowd strutted his second uncle, a man whose belly protruded like he was six months pregnant with arrogance. His son, Liang's cousin, trailed behind him with a smug grin.
The uncle slapped Liang's father on the back, nearly spilling his tea. "Elder brother! Ah, fortune has blessed our family indeed. Since Chen'er is doing so well, shouldn't he share the blessings? Our boy is about to start college. A car, a laptop, maybe a new phone—these small things would really help him. After all, family must look after family."
His cousin smirked as if he had already picked the color of his future sports car.
Old Liang's face darkened. "Second brother, what nonsense are you spouting? Chen'er's money is his own hard work. He owes you nothing."
The uncle's smile stiffened, then grew sharper. "Oh come now. As the eldest brother, isn't it your duty to set an example of generosity? Or do you plan to let your nephew suffer while you swim in wealth?"
Gasps rippled through the relatives. Liang, who had been leaning casually against the car, finally spoke. His tone was calm, but his words cut clean.
"Uncle, you're mistaken. Family helps each other through love, not through extortion. If my cousin wants a car, he should earn it himself. I don't run a charity for spoiled brats."
The cousin's smugness cracked. His face flushed red. "You—! Who knows how you even got this money? Maybe it's not even clean!"
The courtyard went silent. Relatives shifted uncomfortably. His uncle seized on the moment, his voice rising. "Yes! How does a boy who's barely twenty suddenly afford luxury cars and villas? Unless… unless it's stolen money!"
Whispers exploded like firecrackers.
The very next day, police cars rolled up to the Liang residence. Sirens wailed, drawing half the town to their doorstep.
Two officers stepped out, grim-faced. "We received a report that Liang Chen may be involved in the recent Linhai bank robbery. We need to take him in for questioning."
Neighbors gasped, clutching their mouths. Yesterday's envy turned into suspicion.
"Could it be true?""He got rich too fast…""What if his whole family is involved?"
Liang's mother trembled. Ming looked ready to punch someone. Old Liang puffed up his chest. "Nonsense! My son isn't a criminal!"
Liang, however, stayed perfectly calm. He handed over his ID, business license, and a stack of documents. "Investigate as much as you like. I have nothing to hide."
Hours later, the truth came out.
Not only was Liang innocent, he was revealed to be the legal owner of Zhonghai's Twin Towers and the CEO of Food-i-Way, OdooCabs, and ExpressCart. Businesses worth hundreds of millions, all under his name.
The officers saluted him. "Apologies for the disturbance, President Liang."
The crowd gaped. Relatives froze like statues. The gossiping neighbors nearly dislocated their jaws.
The cousin turned as white as steamed buns. The police warned him that filing a false report against a public figure was a serious crime. He collapsed on his knees in front of Liang.
"Brother Chen! I—I was wrong! Please forgive me! Don't let them take me away!"
His father, red-faced with shame, joined him. "Elder brother, please! He's young and foolish. Have mercy!"
All eyes turned to Liang. His gaze was cool, unreadable. The cousin sobbed, clutching his legs like a child begging for candy.
Finally, Old Liang sighed and put a hand on his son's shoulder. "Chen'er, he's still family. Don't drag this into the courts. Let's settle this privately."
Liang exhaled slowly. "Fine. I won't press charges. But let this be the last time. Don't mistake my patience for weakness."
Relief flooded the courtyard. The cousin nearly fainted from gratitude.
That night, the town's festival roared with fireworks, drums, and laughter. But inside the Liang courtyard, peace reigned.
Old Liang and his son sat under the lantern light, sipping tea as sparks lit the sky.
"You handled it well today," the old man said, pride hidden beneath his gruff tone. "A man's strength isn't in how hard he strikes, but in how wisely he chooses when not to."
Liang smiled faintly. "I understand, Dad."
In the distance, firecrackers popped, children cheered, and music filled the night air. But within their home, warmth and pride burned brighter than any lantern.
The prodigal son had not only returned in glory—he had proved he was ready to protect his family, no matter the storm.