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Chapter 978: A Battle of Psychology and Willpower

The atmosphere in the room was just right and the singer on the stage was singing a famous opera tune called “Peony Pavilion”. The main instruments used to play the song were flutes, bagpipes, Chinese oboes, and Chinese lutes.

Upon hearing the ancient verse, Wen Xinya instinctively gripped the chess piece tightly and placed close attention to the melody.

Si Yiyan seemed to be trying to prove that he truly knew how to appreciate theatrics and opera. “This singer is trying to mimic the singing style of the famous Kunqu Opera singer, Wang Jin. He has a lively voice that encapsulates the refined elements of the arts.”

Wen Xinya winked at him and said, “Actually, I don’t understand it.”

The only line of the entire song that she could understand was also the most beautiful one—”Your classic beauty that transcends time.”

Noticing that she was smiling, Si Yiyan was reminded of the words that he had said to her previously. He subconsciously neglected the fact that she actually did not know how to appreciate opera at all. At this moment, her behavior did seem a little fake.

Wen Xinya paid attention to the game while Si Yiyan began talking to her about Kunqu Opera, from its origin to its peak...

Wen Xinya would occasionally get distracted and ask him some questions.

He would usually answer her attentively.

Mr. Wei was focusing all his attention on the chessboard like an avid fan of chess, while Si Yiyan gave most of his attention to Wen Xinya. However, she could sense that Si Yiyan would occasionally glance at Mr. Wei coldly.

Duke Moville was rather slow and patient with making his moves, though he had impeccable chess ethics.

However, Wen Xinya managed to find out how shrewd he was. Chess was a test of patience and willpower, and those who were slightly impatient would definitely grow anxious after seeing how slow their opponent was. Those who lacked willpower would also lose their rationality and allow their shrewd opponent to gain the upper hand.

Wen Xinya was extremely patient, though.

After a few rounds, Duke Moville said smilingly, “Miss Bella, your chess skills are indeed extraordinary.”

He initially thought that Wen Xinya would be mediocre at chess because of her young age. However, it turns out he was wrong. While he was shrewd and scheming, she was conscientious and meticulous.

He had once more belittled her.

Wen Xinya said smilingly, “Duke Moville, look who’s talking.”

Having been trained by Old Mr. Mo and Si Yiyan, she was naturally good at chess.

Duke Moville laughed out loud.

Wen Xinya continued, “I’m really not that good at chess. Rex is the real expert. To date, I’ve never won a single game of chess against him before.”

There was only one exception where Si Yiyan initially agreed to let her win, but the outcome of the game remained as a mystery because he had messed up the chessboard.

Duke Moville glanced at Si Yiyan who was seated beside Wen Xinya. Upon hearing her mention his name, Si Yiyan smiled warmly. “Previously, I wanted Rex to teach me some tips, but it seems I won’t get the chance to.”

Wen Xinya smiled as well.

Duke Moville was obviously just trying to say that he was too ashamed to get Si Yiyan to teach him since he could not even win a game against Wen Xinya.

He managed to compliment both Wen Xinya and Si Yiyan with his casual remark while appearing natural and not pretentious. Wen Xinya could not help but think to herself, What an old and sly fox.

At this moment, there was a different act going on on the stage. It was a performance of a famous Kun Opera tune by Tang Xianzu, “The Purple Hairpin”. Wen Xinya particularly enjoyed the gentle and romantic melody.

Si Yiyan smiled, unable to contain his joy.

He then began explaining to her about “The Purple Hairpin” which depicted a love story between Huo Xiaoyu and Li Yi. Being an eloquent person, Si Yiyan managed to add a touch of vibrancy to the romantic story.

Even Duke Moville and Mr. Wei could not help but listen to him attentively.

Wen Xinya exclaimed, “What an apt representative of legendary opera tunes. The love between them is strong enough to overpower the temptation of money, power, and prestige. Love is used to show the ugly side of being prestigious and influential.”

There seemed to be something inexplicable even though she was just expressing her opinion.

Duke Moville paused in his actions while keeping a straight face.

Previously, he had wanted to use his power and rights as a duke to make Avrora marry Si Yiyan and break him and Wen Xinya up. It was a clear exhibit of his viciousness. Wen Xinya indirectly castigated him by making that statement.

Wen Xinya continued with the game of chess.

Si Yiyan touched her arm, only to find that it was icy cold.

He frowned slightly and instructed the waitress to increase the temperature of the air conditioner before ordering a bowl of fungus and Hasma soup.

Duke Moville smiled and said, “I heard that Rex owns nearly 60% of the firearms raw materials market.”

It seems that it was the main topic of discussion.

Wen Xinya focused on the game of chess as if she had nothing to do with their discussion.

Si Yiyan said smilingly, “Duke Moville, you’re very well informed.”

Duke Moville smiled and said, “I have a way to let you own another 10% of the raw materials market within a short period of time.”

Si Yiyan answered nonchalantly, “The monarch of the Wales Family has looked me up previously and suggested long-term cooperation with Lucifer. I’m still giving it some consideration.”

The Wales Family was one of the Russian aristocratic families and was much more powerful than the Ivanov Family. Si Yiyan was obviously trying to say that he merely needed the Wales Family’s help in order to have control of the firearms raw material market and that he did not need the Moville Family at all.

Duke Moville’s expression changed and he said smilingly, “Hahahaha, I actually didn’t hear about that. Seems like I’m really old.”

He changed the subject with a casual remark.

Wen Xinya knew that he was just testing Si Yiyan.

Wen Xinya pushed Si Yiyan and said, “What’s so good about that? You’ll just be eliminating the competition and affecting the economy’s dynamics. We Chinese place emphasis on personal relationships and ethics. Earning money is secondary. Be careful not to provoke the public.”

Now that Si Yiyan owned 60% of the raw materials market, there was still a healthy competition. However, if he were to own 70%, he would practically be monopolizing the market.

Si Yiyan held her in his arms and said smilingly, “Sure, I’ll heed your advice!”

Duke Moville paused in his actions, thinking to himself, He probably does want to monopolize the market but isn’t interested in this 10%!

Wen Xinya smiled and said, “Duke Moville, why do you seem to be stuck in a dilemma?”

She was merely trying to mock Duke Moville for being indecisive and was also trying to say that he would definitely lose because the battle of psychology and willpower was the key deciding factor.