DOWNSTAIRS – PRIVATE STUDY
After dismissing her from his presence, Li Feng walked quietly to his study room, where Secretary Yu awaited with prepared files.
"Sir," Secretary Yu bowed respectfully, handing him a slim folder, "These are the property transfer documents to offset the boys' debt and the preliminary disciplinary plan for them, as per your instructions."
Li Feng flipped open the folder, reading swiftly before setting it aside with a cold sigh.
"Bring them here."
Minutes later, Li Bo Yen and Li Ren shuffled into the study, their faces swollen and bruised, their gazes lowered in guilt and fear. They didn't dare face their father.
"Sit," Li Feng coldly ordered them.
They obeyed without protest and sat down on the couch.
He studied them in silence for a long moment before speaking, his deep voice low but resolute.
"You embarrassed yourselves last night. You embarrassed this family and you embarrassed me." His words cut through them with ruthless precision, "You are Li sons. That means something and I will not tolerate you forgetting it again."
Their shoulders trembled as they listened, tears burning in their eyes.
"From tomorrow onwards, you will begin full-day tutoring. Business, finance, ethics, and family management, it will be seven days a week. No more parties... No clubs..... And no alcohol until you can conduct yourselves like heirs to this family."
"What are you even thinking of causing such a ruckus? You used to be well-mannered. What happened? Why are you spiraling in the wrong direction?"
"I know, I have failed as a father, but, what? Some of your age mates are working and earning already, while you haven't even done the first semester of the first year, do you think I have money to continue burning?"
"Why can't you do the right thing at the right time? I'm really tired of handling your scandals and debts. If you incur any debts again, you will be locked up; I won't care about the image..." He was truly exhausted.....
"Father…" Li Bo Yen choked out, tears falling freely now, "I… I'm sorry… we are sorry… please… don't hate us… We will change..."
Li Feng's gaze softened just faintly, though his voice remained firm, "I do not hate you but I will not let you grow up to be worthless men in this society. If you want my approval, you would have to earn it."
Li Ren sobbed quietly beside his brother, nodding through his tears. "We will… we will try… we promise…"
Li Feng closed the folder in front of him, signalling their dismissal.
"Go upstairs. Rest while you still can. Tomorrow will be a long day."
They stood shakily, bowing deeply before leaving the study room, as the door clicked shut behind them, Li Feng leaned back in his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling with an exhaustion that no amount of sleep could ever ease.
He had lost too much in this life.
He would not lose them, either.
No matter what it took.
"They were still his kids!
Li Feng exhaled slowly, closing his eyes for a brief moment before reopening them, steeled with quiet determination.
He quietly watched as his sons bowed once more and turned to leave, their steps weary as they walked back towards their bedrooms in silence.
The heavy door clicked shut behind them, leaving the study cloaked in stillness. Outside, the early afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the intricate wood grains of his desk, a reminder that the world kept moving forward, regardless of his broken pieces.
He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples tiredly as a faint ache bloomed behind his eyes, "I need to prepare for the board meeting…"
BOYS' BEDROOM