The convoy sliced through Beijing's traffic like a fleet of silent predators.
Even among the capital's countless luxury cars, a line of black Rolls-Royces moving together turned heads everywhere they went.
People stared. Phones were raised.
By the time they passed the third intersection, Ethan was already trending on social media again.
Inside the car, however, peace reigned.
The air smelled faintly of leather and sandalwood. Soft classical music played from the built-in surround system. The seats were so comfortable that Ethan half-expected them to swallow him whole.
Uncle Lucas drove with his usual precision, not a single unnecessary movement.
Ethan rested his elbow on the window and stared at the passing skyline.
Tall glass buildings, busy streets, and endless advertisements flashed by—the world he had once known, yet somehow felt entirely new.
Ten years abroad, and Beijing had transformed.
It was taller, faster, louder… and richer.
Dad really built an empire, Ethan thought. And somehow, I'm supposed to inherit it.
He couldn't help but chuckle.
Reborn into wealth, and I still feel like I'm playing catch-up.
Lucas's voice broke the silence.
"Master Ethan, are you feeling unwell?"
Ethan blinked. "Huh? Oh—no, just thinking."
Lucas nodded knowingly. "It's natural. You've been away for a long time. The capital changes quickly. But don't worry, everything at home is still as you remember."
"Home…" Ethan repeated softly. The word felt heavy.
To others, "home" was warmth. To him, it had always been a gilded cage.
Still, something stirred in his chest—nostalgia, maybe. Or the faint hope that things could be different this time.
An hour later, the convoy left the main city and entered a private estate district—a secluded area surrounded by high walls and ancient pine trees. Security cameras were everywhere, and guards in tailored suits saluted as the cars passed.
The road wound upward through manicured gardens and stone fountains until finally, the view opened into something straight out of a dream.
A sprawling mansion stood at the heart of the hill.
European architecture fused with traditional Chinese elegance—white walls, black roofs, marble pillars, and koi ponds reflecting golden light. The Quinn family estate wasn't just a house; it was practically a private palace.
The cars slowed and stopped at the grand staircase.
A line of servants stood in two rows, men in black suits, women in uniforms, all bowing in unison the moment Ethan stepped out.
"Welcome home, Young Master Ethan!"
The synchronized greeting echoed across the courtyard.
Ethan scratched his neck awkwardly. "Uh… hi?"
Lucas smiled faintly beside him. "They've been waiting since morning. The staff insisted on a proper welcome."
"Feels like I'm joining a royal family," Ethan muttered.
"Technically, you are," Lucas said without missing a beat.
Ethan sighed. "Remind me to thank whoever invented humility."
Lucas chuckled. "I believe your father tried that once. It didn't suit him."
As they walked toward the main hall, Ethan's shoes clicked against marble floors polished so bright they mirrored the ceiling chandeliers.
The air inside smelled faintly of lilies and fresh tea. Paintings lined the walls—each one likely worth more than his old apartment combined.
He passed by the grand piano his mother used to play when he was little.
The memory flashed unbidden: small hands pressing keys, her gentle laughter echoing like music itself.
He paused.
Mom…
His mother had passed away when he was eight, shortly before he'd been sent abroad. The last time he saw her, she'd smiled and told him, "Grow strong enough to protect what you love."
Ten years later, he was still figuring out what that meant.
Lucas's voice came again, soft this time. "The master will be proud when he sees you, young one. You've grown into a fine man."
Ethan smiled faintly. "You sound like a teacher complimenting a lazy student."
"You were never lazy," Lucas replied. "Just… too curious."
Ethan laughed. "I'll take that as a compliment."
They reached the end of the hallway, where two towering doors stood. Lucas pushed them open.
Inside was the Quinn family's living room—if "living room" could describe a space larger than most restaurants.
Crystal chandeliers hung above, a grand staircase spiraled upward, and the floor was made of imported Italian marble.
And in the center of it all was a familiar old man sitting on the couch, reading a newspaper.
Ethan froze. "Wait—Dad?"
The man looked up slowly, eyes sharp even behind gold-rimmed glasses.
It was Alexander Quinn, patriarch of the Quinn Empire, a man whose word could shift stock markets.
"Ethan," he said calmly, folding the paper. "You're early."
Lucas blinked. "Sir, I thought you were overseas—"
"I finished the meeting early," Alexander said. His gaze moved from Ethan's face to his posture, to the faint tiredness in his eyes. Then, after a long pause, he smiled.
"It's good to have you back, son."
Ethan opened his mouth to respond—but before he could, Alexander's tone turned serious again.
"Rest for today. Tomorrow morning, we start your orientation."
"Orientation?"
"You'll be joining the Quinn Group as an executive trainee. It's time you learned what it means to carry this family's name."
Ethan blinked.
I just got home, and he's already assigning me homework?
Lucas gave him a sympathetic glance. "The master was never one for slow pacing."
Ethan groaned softly. "Figures. Ten years abroad, and my first welcome gift is a full-time job."
Alexander didn't seem to hear—or pretended not to. "Dinner at eight. Don't be late."
And with that, the family patriarch stood, adjusted his cufflinks, and left the room with quiet authority.
Ethan watched him go, speechless.
Yup. Still the same old Dad.
Lucas placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "He missed you, you know. He just doesn't know how to show it."
"I know," Ethan said softly. "It's just… this house feels too big sometimes."
Lucas smiled. "Then fill it with something smaller. Friends, laughter, maybe even love."
Ethan laughed. "That's rich coming from a lifelong butler."
Lucas straightened. "A butler who has lived long enough to know what really matters."
Ethan looked out the wide window at the sunset over Beijing. The city sparkled in gold, the skyline glowing like embers.
Somewhere out there were millions of lives—ordinary, free, and unpredictable.
He didn't know what his second life would bring.
But for the first time in a long while, he felt a flicker of excitement.
Alright then, world. Let's see what you've got.