Reborn Aristocrat: Return of the Vicious Heiress
chapter-979

Her beautiful voice and jovial tone made Duke Moville look up at her.

Si Yiyan rested his chin in his hand while playing chess with his other hand, his eyes full of joy.

Duke Moville stopped moving his hands and scanned the chessboard, after which he burst into laughter and placed the white chess piece back inside the bowl. “Hahahaha! I admit defeat for this round.”

Since he had already lost, there was no point in making any last moves.

He was not just admitting defeat in the game of chess, but also in the battle of wits, strategy, scheme, and wisdom. The battle of willpower was crucial in a negotiation—it had the ability to affect the entire situation. Sophistication came first during any discussion.

By admitting defeat, it would mean that Duke Moville was the weaker party in this discussion and he would have no choice but to follow Si Yiyan’s lead.

It was not a good thing for Duke Moville.

Wen Xinya smiled and said, “Very straightforward of you, Duke Moville.”

Although it was a negotiation, Si Yiyan had the upper hand because the document was in his possession. However, if Duke Moville was not sincere enough, the discussion would very likely fall through. Hence, she had trumped Duke Moville in sophistication and he had also expressed his sincerity by admitting defeat.

They were in complete control of the situation.

After the end of the game, no one suggested having a go at another round. After all, they still had to discuss some important matters.

The girl beside Duke Moville was kneeling on the ground and brewing some tea for them, executing every movement with beautiful grace and finesse. Her skills would have been enough to amaze and impress Duke Moville had he not witnessed Wen Xinya’s impeccable performance in tea-brewing that day.

People often paled in comparison to others who were much more competent.

Duke Moville said, “Lucifer has a rich history in both China and Russia, and is the organization in control of the triads of both nations. Rex, you’re also the devil in control of darkness. You’re known as the godfather.”

Wen Xinya cocked her head sideways and glanced at Si Yiyan before winking at him. It turns out that was what Si Yiyan looked like when he was being attentive.

Si Yiyan’s lips curled into a smile and he did not answer Duke Moville directly.

Just like he had expected, Duke Moville continued, “I remember Lucifer being involved during World War II where the Americans made use of firearms to start a war. Back then, the leader of Lucifer brought his henchmen along to clinch a firearms deal between Russia and China. During those tumultuous wartimes, Lucifer became the heroes of the era. I even heard that the leader of Lucifer had taken part in the war against the anti-fascist war. They had also established a strong foundation in China.”

Wen Xinya was listening attentively, for Si Yiyan had never told her about Lucifer’s origin before.

She was having a whale of a time while listening. Unable to contain her joy and excitement, she glanced at Si Yiyan, seemingly trying to say, “Ah… turns out you’re not just bragging about being a purebred Chinese. You’re a true-blue patriot.”

They shared the same bed every night and Si Yiyan obviously understood what she was thinking. He pinched her hand and said calmly, “I didn’t expect you to be so familiar with Lucifer’s history, Duke Moville.”

Duke Moville had no idea of the physical exchange between her and Si Yiyan. He then delved into the main topic. “There’s an old Chinese saying about sons taking over the family business. Since Lucifer started off in the firearms business which helped you prosper and get to where you are today, shouldn’t you also succeed your ancestors’ business and bring glory to your family again?”

Duke Moville was rather tactful with his words and he had even brought up Lucifer’s history, just so he could make it seem like it was Si Yiyan’s duty to succeed his family’s firearms business.

He managed to convey his message and put his point across clearly yet reasonably. The second part of his plan was to help Si Yiyan recover the firearms business that Lucifer originally owned, so as to help him take Lucifer to greater heights.

According to Wen Xinya’s knowledge, the Ivanov Family had encroached on Lucifer’s firearms business and, ever since they were attacked by Lucifer, about 30 to 40% of their firearms businesses had been distributed to other aristocratic families.

Duke Moville had offered a wonderful condition.

She glanced at Si Yiyan, feeling a little uncertain about whether or not he would continue dealing in the firearms industry. Although he owned 60% of the firearms raw material, he would become the true-blue god of war if he were to go back into the business.

He would be the god of war who possessed weapons and controlled the economy.

Si Yiyan picked up the teacup in front of him and placed it below his nose, while the girl who was brewing some tea looked up at him with glistening eyes.

Si Yiyan took a whiff of the tea and pursed his lips before placing it back to its original position. A look of disappointment immediately formed on the girl’s face.

Si Yiyan’s behavior seemed to show his disinterest in Duke Moville’s words. Not only did he not make a response, but he also did not even show any consideration. Having understood him well, Wen Xinya knew exactly what he was thinking. She knew that Si Yiyan was not interested in Duke Moville’s suggestion at all.

On second thought, Si Yiyan had initiated the transferral of the firearms business to the Ivanov Family and come to a truce with them, simply because he wanted to clear Lucifer’s name and give Xiasi Group a better reputation.

In this world, it was either black or white. It would be impossible to completely clear their name. Hence, Lucifer and Xiasi Group formed the gray elements of Russia by roaming around the edge of the law.

Si Yiyan definitely had to stay out of the firearms industry if he wanted to develop Lucifer and Xiasi Group.

Hence, she smiled and said, “I really don’t see the good in the firearms industry. All you do is kill and shoot each other all day. That’s really dangerous.”

Si Yiyan’s eyes glistened like the shiny stars in the sky.

As he had expected, she truly understood him.

Wen Xinya smiled tenderly.

With a sullen expression, Duke Moville thought to himself, Those terms that I’ve offered are to die for. Yet, Lucifer is not tempted at all. “It seems Miss Bella is a softhearted and benevolent person. You wouldn’t understand a man’s world where bloodbaths are used to exchange for greater benefits and to mark one’s territory. Power, dominance, and authority are things that men dream of. Women ought to support the ambitions of men and help them fulfill their dreams.”

The firearms business was the best condition that he could offer now. Yet, Si Yiyan did not seem to be interested, and Wen Xinya’s resistance put him in a difficult position.

He was filled with dejection thinking to himself, Rex and Bella are both tough nuts to crack. Provoking them is the worst decision that I have ever made. How unlucky. If I could turn back time, I’d rather regard them highly with respect.