From The Shadow

Being a couple with abundant wealth should be fun and easy to establish a family. Especially when their names are already well known and listed in the ranks of twenty richest people in the world. Of course, those rich people already have future plan to choose their heirs and preparing them to be able to maintain and develop the family business. Just pick the smartest child, give them high education, introduce them to the elites, teach them business principles, then they will be on their own. Sounds easy, right? But that was only in the minds of Heinrich Clifford and Lilian Zhao. They are a couple from different continents who met when they studied at University of Oxford. They built their own business empire both in Europe and Asia. After being married for twenty five years, they realized that preparing the heir is not as easy as turning the palm of a hand. In 2011, their son, Rex Clifford, adamantly against them to become the heir and business successor. Secretly, he left England at a young age and lived with his grandfather in Japan. "I already retired and I really enjoy this country. I'm happy to be with my grandson, away from the hustle and bustle of business. Enjoy your day, Lilian!" that was what Stephen Zhao said before he hung up the phone call from his daughter. Stephen Zhao is the father of Lilian Zhao who came from Shanghai. After his wife passed away, he began to travel the world and handed over the family business to his only daughter. He lives in Japan, the country which famous for its natural sights like cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji. The grandfather and grandson were sitting together enjoying tea in the afternoon and watching the sunset. "Grandpa, the reason I refused to be their successor is because they are always busy and have no freedom," said Rex. He sighed and remembered how busy his parents were. They never have time to be with him and his sister, Rory. "Do you think Rory feels disappointed as you are?" the old man smiled at him. "I believe so. But, Rory is closer with her nanny. I just want to enjoy my freedom and become stronger," he muttered. Stephen patted Rex's shoulder. He felt glad to hear the honesty of his grandson. In his eyes, Rex is just a lonely child and needs recognition. "Don't let the expectations and opinions of other people affect your decisions. It's your life, not theirs. Do what makes you happy," he said. "Grandpa, aren't you angry with my decision? Father said I'm too young and reckless," Rex looked into his grandpa's eyes, as if he didn't want to see the lies in his smile. "Ha ha! But I'm not your father. There is much more to life than following others' prescribed path. You need to decide who you are for yourself." After he made that decision, Rex was enjoying his teenage years as a student in Japan and had many friends. To be precise, he won many friends. For Rex, making friends just by talking was troublesome. As a foreign student, the male students at his school always underestimate him. While the female students always admiring him, following his activities, even sending love letters. At first, he was disturbed by the attitude of the girls. But it turns out that even though he didn't respond them, the male students were jealous of him. Rex thought if he could date many girls, they would admire him and being friendly. However, in reality they hated Rex even more so they often bullied him. Several times they tried to beat Rex, but always failed. He has spent his spare time to become a strong boy. After school, apart from playing games, he also practiced martial arts. His grandfather enrolled him in a Dojo for practicing karate. He had heard of Rex's situation at school and was worried. But, he realized that his grandson is a tough and persistent child. After all, he is determined to guide Rex to become a great man. When he first drove Rex to Dojo, Stephen cheered him on and watched his practice. He learned each technique quickly. He leveled up his belt from white to brown within two years. After three years of relentless training, he finally kneeled before his master sensei and earned the black belt as the youngest student. His achievements was because of his persistence. Even when it was raining, he continued to do that in his yard. He also practicing in Dojo five times a week. He became stronger and able to defend himself when his schoolmates bullied him. His actions made more girls admiring him and male students respected him. Wherever he goes, there is always a girl who seduces him with various wits. And he began to enjoy his prestige as a cool boy and idol at school. Rex dated different girls every week, selected as a student council member with ease, even the teachers praised him as a model student. But his glory in junior high school has ended. He had to start from scratch when he entered senior high school. It was still easy for him to get a girlfriend, but there were more male students who hated him and bullied him in various ways. They didn't make it easy for Rex to survive at Seikai High School. A well known school for elites where many of its students are good at fighting. What's more, they have a term that small fishes will be eaten by the big fish. Weak students must obey the student council orders. Whether they like it or not. They abuse their positions for their own gain. The term does not apply to Rex. Simply because he thought it's all bullshit, so he always ignored their orders. He never challenged anyone to a fight. All his landslide victories were coming from the form of self-defense. However, he always gives one condition before fighting, the loser becomes the winner's loyal follower. Rex memorizing the message from his master-sensei that the black belt is nothing but as a mark of the beginning. Not only that, his master-sensei also gave him messages that directed him to use his skills for good and justice. However, the wise messages he once received had evaporated in half. The thrill of overcoming challenges and to dethrone the arrogant foreman of Seikai excited him. Since then, his madness has grown wilder.