The private jet touched down, a gentle thrum vibrating through Leonard Zhang's tailored suit. He exhaled slowly, adjusting his cuffs, the familiar city skyline rising before him. Years abroad, a world of difference. Home, he thought, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. Home, whether I like it or not. The air here felt thick, heavy with unspoken expectations.
A sleek black car waited, its polished surface reflecting the setting sun. Typical, he thought, sliding into the backseat. Subtlety was never their strong suit. He closed his eyes, mentally bracing himself for the inevitable onslaught of family drama.
The moment he stepped through the grand entrance of the Zhang estate, a force slammed into him—Ryan's hug, nearly knocking the wind out of his lungs.
"Leo! You're back! Finally!" Ryan Zhang, his younger brother, grinned, practically vibrating with excitement. "I thought you'd never leave that foreign land. Did they brainwash you into eating bland food and wearing ugly suits?"
Leonard smirked, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You sound jealous."
Ryan placed a dramatic hand on his chest. "Me? Jealous? No, I just pity you. Welcome back to the world of flavor and good fashion. You're welcome."
Before Leonard could retort, a soft voice interrupted. "Leonard."
He turned to see his sister, Emily Zhang, standing by the staircase, her usual warm smile in place. "You've been gone too long," she said simply, walking up to hug him.
"I know," he murmured, squeezing her lightly. "Missed you, Em."
"Hmph." A scoff echoed from the side. "So the prodigal son returns. Must be nice having the luxury to disappear for years."
Leonard glanced over at his cousin, Nathan Zhang, who leaned lazily against the doorway, arms crossed, a smirk on his face. His voice carried the usual sharpness, a familiar edge beneath it. Always with the barbs, Leonard thought. Like a cat testing its claws.
"Nathan," Leonard greeted, ignoring the jab. "Still brooding? Or did you finally find a hobby?"
"Oh, I did." Nathan's smirk widened. "Making rich idiots uncomfortable. It's very fulfilling."
Ryan snorted. "So, basically, just being yourself."
Before Nathan could reply, a commanding voice cut through the chatter.
"Leonard."
Silence fell instantly.
Their mother, Madam Zhang, stood at the top of the stairs, elegant and poised, her sharp gaze assessing him. Her lips were a thin line, but the slight narrowing of her eyes betrayed a hidden tension.
"Welcome home," she said coolly. "Your father is waiting for you in his study."
Leonard exhaled. Straight to business. Of course.
His father, Richard Zhang, sat behind an enormous mahogany desk, his presence as commanding as ever. He gestured for Leonard to sit.
"You've had enough time to enjoy yourself overseas," Richard said, sipping his whiskey. "Now, it's time to take your place."
Leonard nodded, his gaze steady. "I'm ready." Ready for what? To be a pawn in their game?
His father studied him for a moment, then smirked. "Good. But let's make sure you remember what being a Zhang means. Your mother will have her own ideas about your future. You'd best handle that."
Leonard sighed, the weight of expectation settling on his shoulders. "I figured."
"Your mother has already arranged several 'suitable' candidates for marriage," his father continued, amusement flickering in his eyes. "I trust you'll deal with that nonsense on your own."
Leonard groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Fantastic." Just what I needed.
Richard chuckled. "Welcome back, son."