1.12 The truth about the adoption

A-Xuan looked lost, not knowing why a meeting had taken place without his knowledge. He said hello to everyone and went to sit next to Papa Cao and asked curiously:

"Why was I informed just 5 minutes ago that a meeting was taking place?"

The shareholders started to look around guiltily. Papa Cao cleared his throat and said:

"Son, something happened that I haven't told you yet. Someone leaked confidential documents related to you."

A-Xuan looked at him and asked tensely:

"What do you mean?"

"Your adoption papers were leaked."

A-Xuan laughed and asked:

"Father, do you really think it's time to make a joke?"

He kept laughing but when he saw Papa Cao wasn't, he immediately stopped and looked at him in shock.

Papa Cao said:

"I'm sorry, son. We adopted you a few days after you were born."

At those words, A-Xuan got up looking incredulously and staggered backward. His assistant held his arm a second before he could fall.

Yunchen watched on feeling the happiest he ever felt. Now you know you're not part of the family. Wanting to lay the devastating blow, he said smugly:

"Since you're not a real Cao, you obviously can't be the heir of the Cao Empire. This meeting was set up to change that and put me as the new heir."

Papa Cao stared daggers at Yunchen and felt like slapping him. He hissed through clenched teeth:

"Shut up!"

Yunchen immediately took off the smile he was wearing. Seriously? Even now he's still worried about his precious A-Xuan when he's not even his real son.

Papa Cao came close to A-Xuan, who was crying silent tears, and said warmly:

"To me, it doesn't matter if you're my biological son or not. You're my son, period. Nothing can change that, or I wouldn't have named you the heir. But after a vote, it was decided that Yunchen should take your place. But don't worry, it won't change anything. We'll still be a family and you'll still work here. The only thing different will be your title, but our relationship will never change."

Papa Cao used the warmest tone throughout his whole speech. He knows he can't afford to lose him. Ever since he was 7 years old, he's been the one who's been creating their products.

Papa Cao hasn't created a saleable item in 15 years. Ever since the original started working, he's the one who's been bringing money to the company. If they lose him, they're sure to go bankrupt. 

A-Xuan has always been dependent on the family, and now that he knows he's adopted and that we didn't have to take care of him all these years, he'll feel even more grateful, Papa Cao thought.

He advanced and took him in his arms. When he felt his son hugging him back, he knew that it was settled and that he wouldn't leave the company. He's always been able to manipulate his son ever since he was a kid. Feeling pleased with himself, Papa Cao let go and patted his head.

A-Xuan wiped his tears and said timidly:

"Do you mind if I take the day off? I feel a little tired."

"Of course, son, go home and take some rest. You can even take two or three days, it's fine. The company will still be here."

A-Xuan smiled timidly, said goodbye, and left the conference room. When he left, all the shareholders let out a sigh of relief. They all know that if A-Xuan stops working for the company, they'll be screwed.

They know that he's the real money maker, but now that they've seen his reaction, they all felt satisfied.

Yunchen, on the other hand, felt bitter. His father said that nothing is going to change except the title. So what? I'm just a placeholder for the son you wish could be the heir? No, as soon as I'll start running the company, I'll suppress him in every way.

A-Xuan left Cao Empire and went directly to his company. He had his assistant withdraw him from the university and left the papers renouncing his shares of Cao Empire on the desk of dear Father's office.

Now that everything is settled, he published the news that Xuan Tech and Wu Corporation are partners. Now that Xuan Tech controls most of the shares of the market, he doesn't have to keep it a secret.

He knows the only reason Papa Cao made that speech is because he knows the only person who can save the company now is him. He's scared and so are the shareholders. He could feel their fear when Papa Cao dropped the bomb.

Those fools probably thought the worst has passed. Please. After putting his general manager in charge, A-Xuan left for Wu Jing's house.

He won't attend the company for the next three days, so he can't dot the i's and cross the t's. By tomorrow morning, the whole world will know that he's behind Xuan Tech and that he was adopted.

Papa Cao will look for him for sure, and so will Jinyan. Once he deals with them, he'll be able to enjoy the rest of his life with his lover in peace. A-Xuan reached Wu's mansion and opened the door with the key Wu Jing gave him.

After the staff explained to him everything he needed to know about the house, he was led to Wu Jing's master room. He dismissed the staff and started to look around. He went to the closet and saw that it was divided in two, one side had Wu Jing's clothes and the other his.

He smiled happily and started walking around. The day he decided to move in with Wu Jing, he ordered everything new. He didn't want to move in with things paid for by that terrible family.

So when he left the company, he didn't need to go back home to pick up anything. Wu Jing explained to the staff that they had to treat him the same way they treated him and that anything he needed or asked for should be provided.

A-Xuan walked to the bed and sat, he caressed the soft blanket beneath him. He felt a little disappointed that Wu Jing wasn't here for his first night in their home. Wu Jing had to leave town early in the morning and would be back tomorrow.