260 - Your generation

"Father, I heard that grandfather is heading to Song Meilin's graduation," said Song Renli, the eldest daughter and granddaughter of the Song family.

On the highest floor of the Song family office complex, Song Taibo managed the Song empire in place of Song Taiji. Everyone assumed he was the heir, but before it was acknowledged by Song Taiji and the other elders, Song Taibo knew he was simply a puppet.

"It doesn't matter," Song Taibo responded to his daughter. "Focus on your brother." His youngest and only son, Song Ahi, was in the country of Hanbo under another name. "How is he doing?"

Song Renli sighed. "He's still in the negative."

Song Ahi had been brash and rebellious ever since they were little. He never listened to anyone, not even grandfather whom everyone feared. After four years, there was not much progress in his personal assets.

"I don't know what that kid is thinking," Song Taibo shook his head. "Being an idol? What a waste."

Song Renli thought it made sense why Song Ahi wanted to join an idol group. Hanbo was known for their dramas and idol culture. Idol culture was as intense in Hanbo as China, but with a more international audience.

"I heard his group might be selected to debut," Song Renli replied. She didn't think Song Ahi cared about the test. It seemed like he was more interested in attending.

"Even if he succeeds, he won't make enough to win the test. If Ahi doesn't turn his fate around in two years, I'm afraid the future of my line will end. How is Mugen?"

"He's doing slightly better," Song Renli replied. Mugen was her uncle Song Tairen's only son. "He's trying to raise money online to start a gaming company."

"Your generation is really something," Song Taibo didn't know why the second generation was so obsessed with all forms of entertainment.

Although Song Taibo didn't understand, Song Renli thought that Mugen's chances to succeed were a lot higher than her brother's. She set aside the reports on the two and looked through the other reports.

"Father, if Mugen takes over the family, what will happen to us?" Song Renli asked.

"I will be named as the first elder, so you don't have to worry," Song Taibo replied curtly. Being the elder wasn't as influential as the clan head and they would still retain a small portion of the family wealth. "Renli, watch over Mugen carefully. If you see any movement, I want you to stop him from making over 4 million."

When Song Taibo was sent to Italy, he was able to make 5 million by creating a manufacturing company and reselling it.

"Father, what if grandfather finds out?" asked Song Renli. She was concerned about her grandfather. She didn't believe in the family prophecy, but as long as the elders and her grandfather were adamant about the test being fair, they would do everything in their power to prevent outside interference.

"Have that boyfriend of yours use his influence. As long as we don't directly interfere, I don't think there will be an issue."

"How about instead of sabotaging Mugen, I'll have Gan have one of his investigators support Ahi's new group?"

"You think Ahi can make money as an idol?" asked Song Taibo.

Idol group could be successful, but a personal wealth of the idol wasn't dependent on how well their music or performance was. It was dependent on the branding and how much advertisers were willing to pay.

"I don't think his personal wealth will be high, but it is possible to increase his overall value," said Song Renli. "I don't know how the elder would put a price on influence and economic impact."

In modern society, celebrities and influencers may not have personal wealth, but they could generate them for others and in turn, receive monetary gains. They had an immense influence that could sell out merchandise and any items they endorsed.

****

"So you're telling me you spent your money gambling and got a rough stone worth two million yuan?" asked Lu Suyin.

His parents were both amazed, but they couldn't believe their son's luck. Li Yun never told his parents about the company, but letting them know about the gambling stone wasn't a big deal. He could easily chalk it up for luck.

"That's fine, but how safekeeping the money so I don't gamble it away?" Asked Li Yun.

"You never liked to gamble money before," said Lu Suyin.

"Well, after this lucky break, I might get addicted," Li Yun joked. Technically it wasn't gambling. Li Yun was pretty sure there would be something in the rough stone. "How about buying a house with the money? It's a good investment."

"Nah, I like this apartment," Lu Suyin liked that all her relatives were close by, so it didn't make sense to buy somewhere else. "You know we hate driving."

"How about a vacation home somewhere far away?" asked Li Yun. "How about a place in Imperial City to be close to dad's relatives?"

"You're kidding, right?" Lu Suyin didn't like her husband's family.

"Nevermind… If you don't want to move, just keep 1 million yuan," said Lu Yun. He made a lot more than that, but with 1 million yuan, his parents would have enough to live comfortably for the rest of their life.

"But for the engagement, we already have plans to buy you two a house," said Lu Suyin. "It's nowhere near the amount you are giving us."

"Rouxi and I already have a place, how about I let you guys pay for the next renovation?" Li Yun asked. He could renovation the 2nd floor of the herbal shop and sell rarer medicinal and calligraphy on the second floor.

"Fine," Lu Suyin agreed.

"Speaking about Imperial City, we'll need to set up gifts for your in-laws," said Li Fan.

"Oh dear, how could I forget about that!?" Lu Suyin stood up from her seat. "Honey, you're going to talk with your brother about coordinating that in Imperial City."

"But I thought you didn't want them involved?"

"Well, I don't, but it looks like we have to. That wife of his loves this sort of work, and she's going to ask for our budget!"

"Then that works out," said Li Yun. "Just let her spend however she thinks is reasonable."

"Hee, hee, I can't wait for her to see our in-laws place," Lu Suyin knew just how vain her in-laws were. She admittedly was vain herself, but in ways where she was aware of it herself. Her relatives, on the other hand, were completely oblivious to it.

Li Yun had prepared his parents for a week, but they still couldn't adjust to the revelation. Li Fan and Lu Suyin were not too familiar with the political world, but even they were aware of Song Taiji's status. They asked him all sorts of questions about whether Rouxi's family would be all right with her marrying someone who was considered a commoner.

"Mom, this isn't one of the palace dramas," Li Yun explained. "Her step-parents are very understanding. They are both researchers like me. As for Song Taiji, you don't have to worry much about his involvement."

"Why shouldn't we worry about elder Mr. Song," asked Lu Suyin. "And why are you calling him by his name? If you're going to marry Meilin, you should be calling him grandpa."

"Uh, I'll address him that when the times come," said Li Yun, maybe after he and Rouxi have children.

"What sorts of gifts should we prepare for Rouxi?" Lu Suyin's head was going crazy with the news and how it had affected her plans. "I just can't get her a regular gift."

"Mom, don't worry about the bridal gifts. Auntie knows what should be appropriate," said Li Yun. Although Rouxi spent most of her time in Magic City, it would be more appropriate to send her gifts to Song Gaode and An Ki.

"That's the bridal gift, I want to get her something more personal."